Hill’s Pet Nutrition has released its “World of the Small Dog Report 2026,” detailing the specific biological and preventive care requirements for small and mini breeds.
According to Hill’s, small dogs now make up more than 52% of the global canine population. The research emphasizes that these patients possess unique anatomical and metabolic profiles and should not be treated clinically as “scaled-down” versions of larger breeds. The report highlights several distinct vulnerabilities:
- Small dogs require approximately twice the calories per kilogram as large breeds due to higher mass-specific metabolic rates.
- Jaw miniaturization and tooth crowding make small dogs up to five times more likely to develop periodontal disease.
- Small breeds are 12 times more likely to experience medial patellar luxation.
- Small and mini dogs account for 71% of all urinary stones, with a particular vulnerability to calcium oxalate uroliths.
- Extended lifespan increases a small dog’s risk for cognitive dysfunction and myxomatous mitral valve disease.
Hill’s also held the inaugural meeting of its Small & Mini Advocacy Advisory Panel, a global advisory panel of veterinary specialists.
“Small dogs are not simply smaller versions of larger dogs — they possess unique metabolic rates, faster gut transit times, and distinct health vulnerabilities,” said Dr. Francisco Poblanno, lead report author and clinical nutrition manager at Hill’s. “By understanding their specific biology, we can help find new ways to fundamentally transform their health span and quality of life.”