What is it with Mini-every breeds these days?

Question

More and more I'm seeing ads in the newspaper, online, Yahoo, etc. on mini breeds.

e.g. a mini-Yorkie? Isn't it already mini enough?

I worry that this trend is going to lead to more and more BYB and Puppy Mills than ever.

Thoughts anyone?

Answer 1

Yeah this trend scares me. People are constantly trying to "one-up" everyone else by having either the "bigger better" version of something or the "smallest and cutest". Nothing wrong with wanting a big huge fancy tv or whatever if that's what makes you happy, but when you're messing with living breathing creatures a line has been crossed that shouldn't. People need to realize that dogs are not just arm candy or an accessory. They deserve a better life than that.

Answer 2

Miniature was before toy. someone created the "toy" because the miniature was still too large. not the other way around. I think people do this to make it more convenient for themselves..small dog fits better with a small apartment. and some "designer dogs" are bred to fix complications with purebreds. Example" puggles are pug beagle. Longer nose from beagle fixes respiratory problems you would see in a pug, but still have some similarities. Believe it or not, "designers" usually have better health. When you mix the breed, it takes the best genes from both breeds and compiles it into one..fixing some health problems found in the two. I found this out because I rescued a puggle from the pound and looked up information on them. As for smaller breeds, i believe its for the convenience and possibly the "cuteness" factor.

Answer 3

In my life, I've seen Miniature Australian Shepherds, Miniature Huskies, Miniature Chow Chows, etc.



Labradors used to be 100+ lbs, now most barely exceed 50. Similar situation with Rottweilers.



Everything is ''shrinking'' to be more convenient for owners. What they don't realize, is with this 'miniaturizing' comes extra health complications.



In the end, I don't feel it is worth the health risk, just to have a 'smaller' version of a breed I like the look of.



''Miniature'' small breeds drive me up the wall. They're already Toy Breeds.



I should not be able to truthfully say that my pet rat is larger than some full grown Chihuahuas I've met....

Answer 4

Wow! thats really bad! for the people to do and for the poor things health



I have a chihuahua but she is naturally tiny lol (cause shes a chihuahua) But dont worry she isnt a tea cup chihuahua

now there making little yorkies like that too those things must be like 2 inches tall because they are already so tiny

Wow..



Whats next a tiny little st. brenard

Answer 5

oh it will last so long untill their bad lines show, and their bad training and socialisation



then hopefully they will become the next maneater for biting people, and we can get a stop to this nonsence of breeding poor lines



i dislike it when breeds get targeted by media, but in this case i think it migth be a nesicary evil the dogs overall could benefit from...it would set a stop to bad breeding practise...as its not a "breed" there to target, then they would have to target the group type of dogs ie "designer" and then they need a reason for why they are vicious, in this case i cant see how they could find any other logical reason then -poorly breed-

Answer 6

Oh, no doubt there are going to be a lot of bimbo-type people wanting these dogs - thus creating a demand SOMEONE will want to supply.



Who wouldn't want a cutesy little doggy to put in their purse?



Blergh. Chi's and the like are small enough for me thank you very much. The fad will fade just like everything else once people stop bringing it up and start doing something productive. Like NOT banning certain breeds and instead doing something about irresponsible owners and breeders.



<_< *did i say that out loud?* >_>

Answer 7

Totally agree. This is just another money-grubbing tactic. Read this: http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/red-072308-hybrid-main,0,5133333.story. The article is about mixing breeds to create "designer dogs" but the motivation is the same as making "mini" versions of purebreeds.

Answer 8

Who do you think is selling these animals in the first place? no reputable breeder breeds mutts or anything outside of the standard on purpose.



There are already more BYBs and Puppymills than ever.

Answer 9

Ugh, try the newspapers. "Mini-pugs, tiny-shihtzus, teacup yorkies"? It just bothers me that they breed "minis, tiny, and teacup" without thinking about the breed standard. They also have a weaker immune sysyem and more health problems.

Answer 10

I saw a "Mini Pug" the other day.



As Pug owner I was discusted. My little baby is small enough for me at a whopping 17 pounds.



If a 4 pound dog isn't already small enough for you, get a rat.

Answer 11

i think its stupid lots of people get them because awwww small cute dog then they get it for fashion so they can dress it up but they forget the huge liability! and btw i like HUGE dogs!!!!!!! and lots of people want a dog so they get a little one and think it can be eseyer to take care of and most of the time there not!!!!!!!!!!! hope i helped

Answer 12

Not only that, look at the doggie accessories, back packs and dog strollers!!!!! aren't they supposed to walk?

Answer 13

Oh, yes.



Those AND designer breeds, it's ridiculous!



Ridiculous I say!