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They can live happily in families, but they are usually best suited to calm households with older, respectful children. Because of their tiny size and tendency to bond closely with one person, rough handling or chaotic environments can easily stress them and lead to nipping or nervous behavior.

Trembling is very common in this breed and often relates to excitement, anxiety, or feeling cold because of their small body and low fat reserves. However, persistent shaking, weakness, or collapse can signal low blood sugar, pain, or a neurological issue, so any change from your dog’s normal pattern should be checked by a vet.

Most do well with two or three short walks a day plus some indoor play, adding up to around 30 to 45 minutes of gentle activity. They are small but often energetic, so regular mental stimulation with training or games is just as important as physical exercise.

Common issues include dental disease, luxating patella (loose kneecaps), heart problems such as mitral valve disease, and eye conditions. They may also be at risk for tracheal collapse and low blood sugar in very small individuals, so routine vet care and careful monitoring of breathing, mobility, and eating habits are important.

They have a reputation for being slower to house train, partly because their tiny size makes accidents easy to overlook and they can be sensitive to bad weather. Consistent routines, frequent outdoor trips, and positive reinforcement from the first day home usually make training much more successful.

Many are naturally vocal watchdogs that alert to small noises and movement. Early training to teach a quiet cue, combined with good socialization and enough mental stimulation, can significantly reduce nuisance barking, although some level of alertness is typical for the breed.

They are vulnerable to injury from falls, being stepped on, or jumping off furniture, so they need a carefully managed environment and supervision around larger pets and children. Owners should also watch for rapid drops in blood sugar in very small or young dogs and protect them from cold with appropriate clothing and warm bedding.

Smooth coats need minimal grooming, usually a weekly brush and occasional bath. Long-haired dogs require more frequent brushing to prevent tangles and may need extra attention around the ears, tail, and trousers, but both coat types shed moderately rather than heavily.

Their small size and relatively low exercise needs make them very compatible with apartment life. The main challenges in cities are noise sensitivity and barking, so good socialization to sounds, people, and elevators or stairwells is important from an early age.

They can live peacefully with larger dogs and other animals if all pets have steady temperaments and interactions are closely supervised. The main risk is accidental injury to the smaller dog, so jumping, rough play, and unsupervised time together should be carefully managed.