Love Small Dogs? Here’s What Nobody Tells You About Them
Tanisha Kumari | Sep 10, 2025, 21:04 IST
Tiny Dogs
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Highlight of the story: Small dogs look sweet, easy to handle and perfect for small homes. But their world is full of surprises. From loud barking and health issues to emotional needs and stubborn behavior, living with them is not always simple. Here it reveals what no one tells you about small dogs and why they need as much care as big breeds.
Many people fall in love the moment they see a tiny dog. They look cute in photos, they fit into small spaces and they seem easy to handle. Small dogs have become very popular with young people, city families and even older couples but there are many hidden truths about small dogs that do not come out at first.
We often imagine life with a small dog as stress free. Carrying them feels easy, feeding them seems less costly, and their size looks perfect for small homes. Yet when the days turn to months, owners discover that caring for them has its own set of surprises. What nobody says is that tiny size brings its own big challenges.
When you live with a small dog, you quickly learn that their world feels very different. They have small stomachs but often a very fast energy. Many bark louder than you expect. Some small breeds act like they are the biggest dogs in town. This mismatch between size and spirit can shock new owners.
New dog owners may think only big dogs make noise. That idea is far from true. Many small dogs bark at strangers, at other dogs, and even at harmless sounds outside the door. This habit can strain relations with neighbors. It can also become stressful for the owner. Since small dogs are often kept in apartments, their barking feels even louder inside close walls. Training takes time and patience.
Their alert nature is part of their history. Many small breeds were first used as guard or ratting dogs. Even if they weigh only a few kilos today, they keep the strong instinct to alert the family. Owners need to accept this trait and work on ways to train them kindly. Otherwise, noise issues may drive families crazy.
Small Size Brings Big Health Needs
Another hidden truth is that tiny dogs often face unique health issues. Some breeds have fragile bones. A careless jump from a chair or a fall from the couch can break a leg and their mouths are also small which makes them prone to dental problems. Many owners are shocked when the vet asks for regular teeth cleaning because without it the small dogs suffer from tooth pain and infection.
Feeding also needs care. Small dogs burn energy quickly, so skipping meals can make them weak. Yet giving too much food makes them gain weight faster than bigger dogs. Owners must strike a balance with smaller, frequent meals. Puppies especially need more attention since even short fasting can hurt their health.
They Need as Much Training as Big Dogs
Most people think small dogs are easy to train because they are tiny. This is not true. Many small breeds are stubborn, and some refuse to follow commands if not guided early. House training is one of the biggest struggles. Small dogs have small bladders, so they need to relieve themselves more often than larger breeds. Accidents indoors frustrate many families.
Owners should start early with training. Just because a dog can fit inside a bag does not mean it should go without rules so teaching commands, walking on a leash and socializing with other pets are very important. Without training small dogs may grow bossy and act like little rulers of the house.
Behind their playful look, small dogs carry big emotions. They bond very closely with their humans. Some develop separation anxiety when left alone. They may cry, bark, or chew items in the house while waiting. Owners must learn that size does not reduce their emotional depth. They still need as much love, play, and attention as any large dog.
They also tire faster in public walks or parks. Strain and heat affect them more quickly. Carrying them inside a bag is not always the answer. They need safe but steady exercise for strong bones and a happy mind. Their humans must take time each day to provide this without forcing them beyond their limit.
The Truth About Life with Small Dogs
Living with a small dog is not cheaper or easier than living with a big one as vet visits, training costs, grooming and unexpected health issues can add up fast. Some small breeds require regular trimming or special shampoos. Owners who thought small dogs were low effort are often shocked at how much time and money is needed.
Yet small dogs give back more than they take. Their playful nature lights up homes. Their loyalty is deep and touching. They remind us daily that size does not measure love. Still, before adopting one, families must know the full truth. Small dogs are tiny in shape but they come with giant needs and feelings.
If you love small dogs, know that their world is much bigger than it looks. They bark loudly, they demand training, they may face fragile health, and they need strong emotional care. Owning one brings joy but also real effort. When understood and cared for well, small dogs turn into the most devoted friends. Their little hearts hold endless love, but every owner must be ready for the whole truth behind the cuteness.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is considered the best small dog?
Shih tzu can be considered the best dog because of its calm and friendly nature.Which breed is considered the most intelligent in the small dog breeds?
Toy poodle is famously known for its clever nature and their trainable behaviour.Do dogs enjoy being kissed on their face?
It depends on which breed of a dog you have, some dogs like but some might get uncomfortable by it.
We often imagine life with a small dog as stress free. Carrying them feels easy, feeding them seems less costly, and their size looks perfect for small homes. Yet when the days turn to months, owners discover that caring for them has its own set of surprises. What nobody says is that tiny size brings its own big challenges.
When you live with a small dog, you quickly learn that their world feels very different. They have small stomachs but often a very fast energy. Many bark louder than you expect. Some small breeds act like they are the biggest dogs in town. This mismatch between size and spirit can shock new owners.
Small Dogs Are Not Always Quiet
dog
( Image credit : Pixabay )
Their alert nature is part of their history. Many small breeds were first used as guard or ratting dogs. Even if they weigh only a few kilos today, they keep the strong instinct to alert the family. Owners need to accept this trait and work on ways to train them kindly. Otherwise, noise issues may drive families crazy.
Small Size Brings Big Health Needs
Health
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Feeding also needs care. Small dogs burn energy quickly, so skipping meals can make them weak. Yet giving too much food makes them gain weight faster than bigger dogs. Owners must strike a balance with smaller, frequent meals. Puppies especially need more attention since even short fasting can hurt their health.
They Need as Much Training as Big Dogs
Training
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Owners should start early with training. Just because a dog can fit inside a bag does not mean it should go without rules so teaching commands, walking on a leash and socializing with other pets are very important. Without training small dogs may grow bossy and act like little rulers of the house.
Emotional Needs Are Often Overlooked
They also tire faster in public walks or parks. Strain and heat affect them more quickly. Carrying them inside a bag is not always the answer. They need safe but steady exercise for strong bones and a happy mind. Their humans must take time each day to provide this without forcing them beyond their limit.
The Truth About Life with Small Dogs
Maintenance
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Yet small dogs give back more than they take. Their playful nature lights up homes. Their loyalty is deep and touching. They remind us daily that size does not measure love. Still, before adopting one, families must know the full truth. Small dogs are tiny in shape but they come with giant needs and feelings.
If you love small dogs, know that their world is much bigger than it looks. They bark loudly, they demand training, they may face fragile health, and they need strong emotional care. Owning one brings joy but also real effort. When understood and cared for well, small dogs turn into the most devoted friends. Their little hearts hold endless love, but every owner must be ready for the whole truth behind the cuteness.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is considered the best small dog?
Shih tzu can be considered the best dog because of its calm and friendly nature.Which breed is considered the most intelligent in the small dog breeds?
Toy poodle is famously known for its clever nature and their trainable behaviour.Do dogs enjoy being kissed on their face?
It depends on which breed of a dog you have, some dogs like but some might get uncomfortable by it.