Toy Breeds And Small Dog Syndrome

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Toy breeds capture our hearts with their size and personalities. They include the Chihuahua, the Toy Poodle, the Pomeranian, the Pug, the Maltese, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Italian Greyhound, the Pekingese, the miniature Pinscher and the Shih Tzu, among many others. But don't let their size fool you; toy breeds need daily exercise and training just like any other breeds. In fact, proper training and leadership create a healthy balance in their lives that helps curb hyperactivity, anxiety and frustration.

It's essential to their physical as well as psychological well-being by helping to avert behavioral problems, stress and phobias and to avoid Small Dog Syndrome. This syndrome occurs as many caregivers of small dogs tend to overlook inappropriate behaviors for quite a long period of time due to their dog's tiny size but this only masks and even tends to exacerbate the problems. Remember all dogs need the same type of leadership and exercise as well as praise and rewards. The only difference with toy breeds is to be aware of their delicate physiology as you work with them.

Reported By Nan Talleno, KYW Newsradio