Tiny but Troubled
Miniature dogs are so tiny that their body is no longer in proportion. Their skull, for example, is too small or bulging to properly accommodate their brain. As a result, these dogs suffer from severe headaches!
In addition, their small size makes them extremely fragile. They can easily break a leg and often cannot romp around with other dogs. Their delicate bone structure means that even normal play can easily lead to serious injury.
Small dogs often suffer from:
- headaches and neck pain
- eye issues
- dental disease
- windpipe problems (tracheal collapse)
- knee conditions
- bone fractures
Substantial veterinary expenses
Such extreme physical traits and subsequent health problems are accompanied by high costs for procedures such as an MRI scan of the brain, knee surgery, and specialised dental and eye treatments.
Illegal breeding and import
In the Netherlands, it is prohibited to breed dogs that suffer from their appearance. Nevertheless, miniature dogs are still bred at a large scale, because there are no clear regulations regarding size yet. Furthermore, many animals are imported from abroad.
The trade of these sick animals continues, because there is a demand for these tiny dogs. Therefore, it is important to no longer buy these animals. If there is no demand, the breeding and trade of these dogs and cats will stop.
Considering a miniature dog? Or do you own one?
This project has been realised with the support of:
Stichting DierenLot, Stichting Femme van der Schaaf
Recommended by vets and animal welfare organisations