Many people call me and say they want the tinniest possible dog. A good breeder knows the very special care required and is willing to put out extra effort to care for the smallest of the litter. Most people have no idea what is involved in taking care of such a tiny dog. I continue to interview these people and try to ascertain if such a small dog is really what they want or only what they think they want. The problem begins when a prospective owner insists he or. The breeds are Yorkies, Maltese, Poodles, or Chihuahuas. The puppies we are referring to are usually the smallest of a normal litter. Sometimes the mother dog, busy with her stronger puppies, will ignore the weakest.

There are supplemental feedings, concern about keeping the baby warm enough and making sure it eliminates properly and is kept clean. Most tiny puppies even need special attention while they are with their mother. The adult size of these dogs is usually under 4 lbs.

I have to chuckle at some of the answers I get. The first question I ask is why.

In nature or in the hands of an inexperienced breeder these puppies would never survive.