The vet’s view
BY PETE WEDDERBURN
“To achieve the overarching aim of having the smallest dog possible, cynical breeders may choose to breed from the smallest possible dogs, and this can mean choosing the runts of the litters who are small because of underlying health issues, rather than breeding from the larger, healthier individuals. There are many possible health issues that can affect these little dogs, but the most common include heart defects, hydrocephalus (a domed skull, with resulting internal brain issues), blindness (sometimes connected to hydrocephalus), respiratory issues (including collapsing trachea), digestive problems of a wide range, orthopaedic problems (including slipping patellae), and dental issues, caused by these little dogs having the normal number of teeth crammed into the tiny space of their little skulls. These dogs are also prone to hypoglycaemia because of their diminutive size.
“If you are determined to get a small dog, work with a professional breeder with a good track record of producing healthy dogs. Check about the recommended pre-breeding health checks that need to be done for the breed of your choice (see the Kennel Club website), and do consider a larger rather than a smaller version of the breed. It is not natural for a dog to be so small that he fits into a teacup, and there is a price to pay for the little animal being forced to attain this goal.
Don’t do it to them, and don’t do it to yourself — choose a healthier, more natural size.”