Simply put, an “Underfoot” dog is a small breed of dog that can be seriously injured if stepped on.

Some of the more popular small breeds include the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and the ever-popular Yorkshire Terrier, known as the 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.

Still, thousands of people want to have a dog that is at the bottom of that accepted size or even below it.

What these owners or potential owners do not realize is that having a very small dog amounts to a great responsibility. Sadly, many owners have obtained a small breed dog only to seriously injure that dog by accident.

People must 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 be constantly aware of where the dog is. If you trip over or step on one of these dog breeds, you won’t just say “opps!”, You will most likely take your Pom, Chi, Yorkie, or other dog to the animal hospital.

These breeds can suffer limb fractures, even if they don’t put their full weight on the ground. One element that makes these small dog breeds so prone to being 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 can walk around the house while talking on the phone, cleaning a room, carrying laundry or something else. The dog will be just below the feet, 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 do not heal well and the dog may limp for the rest of its life. Sadly, some dogs die from being stepped on.

In addition to having to be aware of where your dog is at all times, so that he does not step on it, you also have to bear in mind that sitting on a small breed dog can be fatal for the dog. If you’re not looking and your 4-pound Yorkie is laying 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 breed of dog before bringing one into your home. Toy dogs are wonderful companions. However, to make sure your new fluffy friend has a long, happy, and safe life, take a little time to learn how to care for him and how to keep him out of harm’s way.

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