Doggone Etiquette—

Dogs Are Not Toys

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

If you are a very small dog, and have led your VIPeople to believe that you are their very own precious “toy” you may not like everything I’m going to tell them. On the other hand (or paw) most of the information should make you very proud of what you are. Of course, if you are a medium- or large-sized dog, say a cocker spaniel or a Great Dane, it won’t hurt to learn something about your tiny friends. Mutual understanding makes for good friendships.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Before we begin a discussion of small dogs, let’s straighten out one misconception. Breeds known as Toy breeds are not playthings for people! Unlike the larger breeds of dogs that have been bred to work with and for mankind, the majority of those we refer to as Toy breeds were developed (with a few exceptions) to be companionable pets. These Toys may be small in size, but they are still dogs.

In some cases their origins go back as far as recorded history. We know, for example, that they were considered valuable gifts and given by certain powerful leaders to other highly esteemed nobility. The small dogs’ future often rose or fell along with the fate of those recipients.

Others were thought to have been taken by sailors across oceans to new lands where new versions of the breeds were developed.

For centuries in China, imperial dynasties actually considered the Pekingese to be sacred, and the theft of one of these dogs was punishable by death. Today, Pekes are known to be personable, loyal companions, although in need of lots of grooming and often stubborn to a fault! Pugs were similarly maintained by Buddhist monasteries in Tibet because of their capability as watchdogs. To this day, the pug is  considered to be a lot of dog in a small package. The Shih-Tzu is another Toy breed of ancient Chinese origin and known to be a happy, outgoing, friendly companion.

Among the more recently developed breeds are the Brussels Griffons and Affenpinschers, originating in Europe as ratters in the farmers’ barns. The Yorkshire terrier is another manmade breed purposely bred down in size from various terrier breeds found in the British Isles. It is known today for its flowing coat, which requires dedicated brushing and combing and as a result, many pet owners keep these gorgeous coats clipped short. Silky terriers are another Toy breed recently developed in Australia by crossing the Australian terrier with the Yorkshire. The silky has retained much of the inquisitive, alert terrier characteristics of both its ancestors.

All this background information is merely to point out that these small, often adorable, breeds are dogs!  Behavioral problems surface when their owners forget they are dogs and think of them, and treat them, as something resembling a live teddy bear. These small breeds require the same socializing and training as should be provided to all dogs. Sadly, the Toy dog problems are apt to be the fault of the owner, not the dog, for one specific reason. The owner makes the wrong correction to undesirable behavior such as barking, growling, or snapping. Because it is so easy to do, the owner is apt to pick up their small dog, cradle it in their arms while saying soothing, but totally incorrect, things such as, “It’s okay” which only reinforces the undesirable behavior!  Cuddling is fine, but only when the little dog is being good.

These little dogs are not the right choice for a family with very young children. The Toy pup can nip and bite in play just like a puppy of any large breed, only quicker. Kids eight or ten years of age, however, can understand there is a dog in that cute tiny package. There is also a brain and properly taught, these small dogs do very well in obedience and agility events which are great fun for the kids, too. Since Toy breeds have very long lives, they’ll be the kids’ friends right through college.

Until next time — BE GOOD!

—Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained, and showed Welsh terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.