What is a "Underfoot" Dog?
Simply put, an “Underfoot” dog is a small breed of dog that can sustain serious injuries if stepped on.
Some of the most popular small breeds are the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and the ever-popular Yorkshire Terrier, known as a Yorkie.
There is a high demand for not only small breeds, but also small dogs that are on the lower 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 own a dog that is at the bottom of that accepted size or even below it.
What these owners or prospective owners don’t realize is that having a very small dog equals a great responsibility. Unfortunately, many owners have gotten a small breed dog only to seriously injure it by accident.
People need to realize that having a dog, especially a small one, is a lot like having a baby. The dog will be an “Underfoot” dog. You must constantly be aware of where the dog is. If you trip or step on one of these dog breeds, you won’t just say “ouch,” you’ll most likely be taking your Pom, Chi, Yorkie, or other dog to the animal hospital.
These breeds can receive broken limbs, even if you don’t drop your full weight. One thing that makes these small dog breeds so prone to getting under your feet is that they are known to be very loyal, very personable, and follow their owner around the house like a shadow.
People tend to be busy, they may be walking around the house while talking on the phone, cleaning a room, carrying clothes, or others. The dog will be right underfoot, and this is when it only takes a fraction of a second for the dog to be accidentally stepped on.
Recovery from broken limbs takes a long time. The dog will be quite immobilized. Sometimes the bones don’t heal well and the dog can limp for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, some dogs die when they are stepped on.
In addition to having to be aware of where your dog is at all times, so that they don’t step on it, you also have to know that sitting on top of a small breed dog can be fatal for the dog. If you’re not looking and your 4-pound Yorkie is sprawled on the corner of your couch and you sit down, this can be devastating.
These small dogs can be injured by jumping off furniture, pulling on a leash, and more.
Take the time to learn about a dog breed before bringing one into your home. Miniature breed dogs make wonderful companions. However, to ensure that your new furry friend lives a long, happy and secure life, take some time to learn how to care for him and how to keep him out of harm’s way.
