Temperament & behavior
Confident, curious, bossy. True terrier tenacity in a teacup. Barks at every delivery, plans small wars with bigger dogs, and adores their human. House-training and bark-control need consistent effort.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Lap privileges
- Chasing squeaky toys
- Supervising everyone
- Burrowing in laundry
🚫 What they hate
- Cold
- Being stepped on (a real hazard)
- Being ignored
- Rough play
Small-bite tug, indoor fetch, puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek. Ratter instincts love toys that squeak and flee — supervised so they don't destroy and swallow them.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Very low. Hair-like coat sheds minimally — another good pick for allergy-sensitive homes. But the coat needs daily brushing or a short 'puppy cut' every 6–8 weeks.
Daily brushing if kept long, or regular trims. Topknot bow or clip. Teeth daily — tiny jaws, big dental problems. Watch for low blood sugar in puppies.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Wary; yappy alarm |
| Other dogs | Overconfident toward big dogs — manage introductions |
Terrier snap risk when startled or mishandled. Socialize gently; never punish-bomb a tiny dog into fear-biting.
Exercise needs
30–45 per day per day. Short walks + indoor games. Use ramps for furniture; their knees and tracheas are delicate.
Good with…?
- Kids: Older gentle kids only
- Other pets: OK with calm small dogs
- First-time owners: Yes, with grooming + dental commitment
Health risks to know upfront
- Dental disease
- Tracheal collapse (use harness, never collar)
- Patellar luxation
- Hypoglycemia (puppies)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes
Is this breed right for you?
Attentive owners who treat them like real dogs, not accessories — and can brush tiny teeth.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
