Health
Know the patterns. Ask better questions.
Breed risks help you prepare; they cannot tell you what is causing a symptom in your dog.
In this guide / 6 chapters
Kneecaps, movement and pain
Luxating patella means the kneecap slips from its usual position. A skipping gait, holding up a leg or reluctance to jump deserves assessment. Other painful joint conditions can also affect small dogs. Record a brief video if safe and tell the vet when the change began. Do not manipulate the joint yourself, force exercise or give a human painkiller. Sudden inability to use a limb or severe pain is urgent.
Breathing and the heart
Tracheal collapse and heart disease are among concerns described for the breed. A cough does not identify either condition: several problems can look similar. Report persistent coughing, reduced stamina or changes in comfortable resting breathing. A harness can reduce pressure on the neck but does not treat an airway disorder. Breathing difficulty, collapse or blue or very pale gums requires immediate veterinary contact.
Eyes and neurological changes
A painful or closed eye needs prompt veterinary attention, as eye disease can worsen quickly. Do not apply leftover eye medicines without instruction. Seizures, loss of balance, marked weakness or other sudden neurological changes need urgent advice. Hydrocephalus is one possible breed-associated concern, but a head shape or online image is not a diagnosis. Ask a vet about any persistent unusual movement or pain.
Teeth and puppy vulnerabilities
Crowding and retained puppy teeth can complicate dental care. Ask the vet to examine tooth eruption and discuss persistent puppy teeth. Very small puppies that become weak, shaky, unusually sleepy or stop eating need urgent advice; do not simply wait for the next scheduled meal. Ask the breeder and vet for a feeding and emergency plan at handover.
Turn awareness into a sensible plan
Take previous veterinary records to your first appointment and ask which findings are present, which are only possible risks and what monitoring is useful. Health screening of breeding dogs can reduce some risks; it cannot guarantee a disease-free puppy. Review insurance exclusions before problems develop. For a new symptom, describe what you see rather than naming a condition you found online.