Do toy dog breeds have health issues?

When reviewing the data by dog size, researchers found that extra-small breeds (<6.5 kg/14.3 lbs) were up to five times more likely to be diagnosed with periodontal disease than giant breeds (>25 kg/55 lbs). This isn’t the first time research has shown an association between dog breed size and periodontal disease onset; two other Waltham studies, published in the BMC Veterinary Journal, found that periodontal disease progression is accelerated in smaller dog breeds like miniature schnauzers and Yorkshire terriers. An underdiagnosed health issue, when left untreated, periodontal disease (gum disease) in dogs can lead to pain, tooth loss, and other serious health complications. Despite it being one of the more commonly diagnosed issues by veterinarians, many dogs go undiagnosed. The retrospective study used advanced statistical methods to determine that the overall prevalence of periodontal disease in dogs was 18.2%. Although the true prevalence of periodontal disease (44-100% of cases) is only realised through in-depth clinical investigation, the figure reported in this study was consistent with other research based on predominantly conscious visual oral examinations. Dental disease in pets develops gradually and may be reversed if caught and treated early on. Preventing it, however, is better than any treatment. Other risk factors for periodontal disease included a dog’s age, being overweight and time since last scale and polish.

Cavaliers are generally wonderful little dogs with sweet temperaments — they easily capture the hearts of their owners — but it’s their own hearts that I worry about. Cavaliers can be prone to early onset of mitral valve disease, which is a common problem in dogs, and their life spans can be as short as six to 10 years. Yorkshire Terrier Yorkies are typically independent and personable, but their health and behavioral problems can get them into trouble. Among their health concerns are portosystemic shunts, luxating patellae and collapsing tracheas. They’re also easily injured because of their tiny size. Micro dogs weighing 3 pounds or less at adulthood can be more prone to serious health problems and may live shorter lives. Puggles can have some issues that may become problematic, including breathing problems associated with Pugs, as well as the high energy level associated with Beagles. These are problems that can land them in shelters or with rescue groups.

Not all teacup dogs are unhealthy, but most are prone to several specific conditions. Between poor breeding practices and inadequate development, many teacup dogs face health challenges throughout their lives. Their size makes storing energy difficult, so they must be fed more often to manage their blood sugar. The following are some of the more common health problems seen in teacup dogs: Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Heart disease or respiratory problems, sometimes caused by birth defects Collapsing trachea Seizures Liver shunt (a birth defect that keeps the liver from flushing out toxins) Luxating patella Frail bones that are easily broken. Breeding Practices Some breeders will mate the runts of litters to produce the smallest dogs possible. The problem with this is that runts are typically the least healthy members of the litter. They are often born with hereditary health conditions that can be passed on to their offspring. Poor development can lead to numerous health issues. Also, because teacups are so small, they can easily be stepped on or tripped over, causing potentially serious injuries or even death.