Quite simply, an “Underfoot” dog is a small dog breed which can receive serious injuries if stepped on.
Some of the most popular small breeds are the Pomeranian, the Chihuahua, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu and the ever so popular Yorkshire Terrier, known as the Yorkie.
There is a huge demand for not only small breeds, but for small dogs who are at the very low end of the accepted weight scale. The AKC, the largest and most respected dog club organization in the United States lists an accepted weight range.
Even so, thousands of people want to have a dog who is either at the very bottom of that accepted size or even under it.
What these owners or potential owners do not realize is that having a very tiny dog equals a great amount of responsibility. Sadly, many owners have obtained a small breed dog only to severely injure that dog by accident.
People must realize that having a dog, especailly a small one, is very much akin to having a baby. The dog will be an “Underfoot” dog. You must be constantly aware of where the dog is. If you trip over or step on one of these dog breeds, you will not just say “opps!”, you will most likely be rushing your Pom, Chi, Yorkie or other dog to the animal hospital.
These breeds can receive broken limbs, even if you do not put all of your weight down. One element that makes these small dog breeds so prone to being under your feet is that they are known for being very loyal, very personable and following their owner around the home, like a shadow.
People tend to get busy, they may be walking around the house while talking on the phone, cleaning a room, carrying laundry or other. The dog will be right underfoot, and this is when it only takes a split second for the dog to be accidentally stepped on.
Recovery from broken limbs takes a long time. The dog will be fairly immobilized. Sometimes, the bones will not heal just right and the dog may have a limp for the rest of its life. Sadly, some dogs are killed when stepped on.
Beside having to be aware of where you dog is at all times, so that he or she is not stepped on, one must also be aware that sitting on a small breed dog can be fatal to the dog. If you are not looking and your 4 pound Yorkie in lying in the corner of your sofa and you sit down, this can be devastating.
These small dogs can be injured when jumping down from furniture, when being yanked by a leash and more.
Please take the time to learn about a dog breed before you bring one into your home. Toy breed dogs are wonderful companions. However, to make sure that your new fluffy friend lives a long, happy and safe life, take a bit of time to learn about how to care for them and how to keep them out of danger.