Small Dog
Rescue Organizations
Is a small dog a good fit for you?
The number of small dog rescue organizations and the number of small dogs available for adoption has increased with the recent economic downturn. One of the most
common reasons that dogs are surrendered
is because the owner is moving. Even though it is easier to find a landlord that allows small dogs, sometimes finding housing that allows the dog is just not possible.
Small Dog Adoption Today
In 2008, the housing market crashed and the number of foreclosures increased significantly. This led to a dramatic increase in the homeless dog population. As a result of the foreclosures, many of the homeless dogs today are small dogs. Families are being forced to move in with relatives or they may find themselves homeless. Families may have lost their income and are no longer able to afford to care for the dog. The difficult economic times have taken their toll on the american public.
The economy has also affected man's best friend. There are more small dogs available for adoption than ever before. Because of the dramatic increase in the homeless dog population as a result of the housing market crash, these new dogs are being called, “foreclosure dogs”.
Small dog rescue organizations are popping up across the country as these “foreclosure dogs” flood the system.. Go to your weekend adoption at your local pet store and you will see a dramatic increase in the number of small dogs in need of new homes.
If you are currently renting and want to adopt a small dog, please make sure that you are willing to commit to finding appropriate housing for the life of the dog. You need to be sure that the dog you adopt won't be sent right back to the shelter when you decide to move. Even though it can be easier to find rental housing for small dogs, not all landlords will accept dogs.
Pros and Cons of Small Dogs
On the surface a small dog (under 25 lbs) can seem like the perfect fit for just about anyone. However, many small dog rescue organizations will not allow these dogs to be adopted by families with young children (under 12 ). The reason is that the small dogs are much more fragile than the larger breeds and can easily be injured by a curious toddler. Some of the smaller dogs may not need a fenced yard to romp around each day, but can have very high indoor activity levels. While the large dogs will typically spend their indoor time snoozing on the couch, some of the smaller dogs prefer to race from room to room. This high indoor activity can excite young children. Children want to romp and play with the dog but do not realize how fragile the dog is. Small dogs can be injured when jumping out of a laundry basket or off of a bed. They can also be injured when accidentally dropped from someones arms or even stepped on.
Small dog rescue organizations are also aware of the small dog syndrome. Well meaning owners pamper and spoil a small dog. Small dogs are much more likely to be treated like an infant or a child than the larger dogs. The small dogs that are treated more like children than dogs eventually exhibit behavior similiar to that of a spoiled child. These small dogs can become very possessive of their “master” and will snap at others when they feel threatened.
In general many of the smaller dogs are best suited for families with older children or empty nesters. Small dogs do not require a large fenced yard, but they will need daily walks or regular access to the outdoors. Small dogs are less expensive than large dogs. The vet and medication bills will be slightly less for the smaller dogs. They also consume less, so the food bill will be smaller. Small dogs fit better in smaller spaces and can be easier to travel with. Small dogs can be an excellent option if you are renting, but be sure to think about where you may be in 5 or 10 years, your dog does not just belong to you for the duration of your current lease.
Look in our
Directory
to find a small dog rescue organization near you.
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