A life in miniature
Want to know what’s in store when you own a small or toy breed of dog? Here’s a guide to the key milestones in their lives.
2 weeks
At 2 weeks, puppies first open their eyes – albeit with poor vision at first. They’re very susceptible to infection by worms at this age, and should receive their first worming treatment – followed by more every month until they’re 6 months old.
2-3 weeks
Puppies start to show the beginnings of social signals – like growling and wagging their tails.
3-12 weeks
This ’socialisation period‘ is probably the most influential of the puppy‘s life. The puppy develops its social skills and learns about its environment. So it‘s essential during the later weeks of this period that the puppy encounters all the things it may encounter in adult life – people, objects, other animals, etc. (once vaccinated – as outlined below)
6 weeks
At this age, puppies may have their first vaccinations. This should be followed by a second between 2-4 weeks later. Consult your vet prior to this age to discuss exactly when your puppies should receive their vaccinations.
8-10 weeks
The second vaccination. Check with your vet that your puppy is now fully covered by its vaccinations. If yes, the puppy can go outside in public areas and meet other dogs!
12-18 weeks
Milk teeth start to be replaced by adult teeth.
6 months
Some small and toy breeds may have reached their adult size at this age. However, it‘s important to keep feeding them puppy food. They still need its correct proportion of minerals for healthy bone development.
9 months
Toy, small and medium breeds are now considered adult. Feeding frequency can be reduced to once daily, and their diet can be changed from puppy to adult food.
8-10 years
At this age small and toy breeds are considered senior. They start to become less active. Senior dogs should be taken for shorter walks and allowed to have more quiet time. At this stage dogs should be fed a senior diet.
15 years
This is the average lifespan of small and toy breeds.
Note: all dates are approximate and may vary between individuals and breeds. In particular, the ages at which dogs reach their adult weight and average lifespan vary according to size. The age at which certain milestones occur may vary for reasons such as vet preferences (e.g., neutering age) or regional/national practices. Please consult your vet.