Though not all toy dogs will need such accommodation, it may be wise to provide your toy with helpful aids that will prevent him from feeling unnecessarily distressed. Strollers, slings, and other little dog carriers offer a surprising amount of security (and sometimes even a sense of invisibility) for many toy dogs in busy environments such as festivals or bustling city streets. Teaching your dog to relax in one of these pieces of equipment can be quite valuable.

Many toy dogs are extremely disturbed by contact with strangers, especially children. They often feel more vulnerable and easily threatened than a larger dog might. While socialization to a wide range of people is a good idea, these experiences should be carefully managed to ensure a calm and positive experience for your dog. Don’t let anyone reach suddenly, grab at him, scoop him up, poke at him, or otherwise invade his space. Being handled by strangers such as vets and groomers who will have to perform certain necessary evils may not always be positive, but there are steps you can take to make these experiences more comfortable. Work with your little buddy at home on everything from wearing a muzzle to handling exercises; being familiar with (and even enjoying) these kinds of violations of personal space can make the difference between pleasant and nightmare visits for all parties involved. Many of these dogs have greater grooming needs and a higher incidence of health problems than other genetic groups, so they will probably visit these facilities more often than other dogs and therefore could use a little extra help from you.

Lifestyle

Your toy dog’s idea of a perfect world is one of comfort, safety, familiarity, and fun with you. He is a quintessential homebody, and he will relish the little things in your daily routines. His cup is better filled with a trip to the post office than with a four-mile run. He isn’t going to be dying to go out into the big world on his own, and will probably be satisfied with the level of independence that he enjoys when he’s exploring a trail within a few feet of you. Lifestyle, for him, is all about the love story of being with you as your constant companion.

Phalene Papillon

HOME LIFE—They say home is where the heart is, and for your toy dog this is absolutely the case. He was designed to be happy spending most of his time indoors with his loved ones, and is by far the best suited for small living quarters and a life of luxury. By the same token, he will be miserable if he is made to spend long periods of time outdoors in the elements. Heat, cold, rain, and snow can take a greater toll on him than on many other dogs. Being alone outdoors is probably not his idea of a good time. He is way more vulnerable to predators and even larger pets (which in some cases might include the neighbor’s cat). He was made to keep you warm and comfy—indoors. For many of us, this adds up to the perfect “pet” and meets the expectations we had in mind when we decided to get a dog.