These tiny dogs are easy to train and are definitely indoor animals, but they do require regular walks and some exercise as well. Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies. The Toy Fox Terrier will reach a height of only about 8.5 – 11/5 inches, and it has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Shetland Sheepdogs are gentle and loving with children but are not too keen on strangers. The Manchester Terrier is a beautiful dog which comes in two sizes – standard and toy. Although they tend to be hardy when it comes to their health, their small bodies are more delicate and prone to injury, especially if they're dropped, played with too roughly, or if they fall or jump from furniture that's too high. Well, this is the extremely charming Brussels Griffon. Every breed has some unique characteristics and challenges. It is an exceptionally loyal companion which simply loves to be with its favorite human, so if you are prepared to have a small cotton-ball like pup follow you around wherever you go – the Coton de Tulear is the perfect small dog for you! Dog Breeds List This is an ancient Japanese breed and is the smallest of all the Spitz Japanese breeds. Complete list of AKC recognized dog breeds. These terriers are very faithful companions and are alert and sporty pets. And on and on it goes… So, check out the American Kennel Club Rescue Network, the ASPCA or other rescue organizations for the small dogs available for adoption. They are known to be very resilient and reliable watchdogs as well. These small sized dogs are rat hunters so they are agile and fast. ... Because of their breed characteristics, Norwegian Lundehunds are designed to be the optimal outdoor dogs, allowing them to move, climb and jump with ease and a sure-footed confidence. Personality characteristics of dogs in the sporting group also include eager to please, high trainability, friendly, intelligent, and energetic with a joyous love of life. At the same time, they are very devoted to their families, so they will cuddle with you and enjoy your company at home as well. Also, they shed very little hair, so if you are wary about getting a dog due to a dog allergy or because you hate cleaning up hairs stuck everywhere, this small dog breed could be one of the best solutions for you. They get along with kids very well and will quickly bond with all family members. Small Dog Breeds A List of Small Dog Breeds from A - Z. With a height at the shoulder of just 5 to 7 inches and a weight of up to 11 lbs. Overall, these cute dogs are friendly and happy animals, but if left without proper attention and exercise, they can develop problematic behavior. Remember the show-stealing dog Verdell from the movie “As good as it gets”? That depends. This breed is definitely suitable for people who love leading a more active lifestyle, who will find the perfect running and play buddy in one of these fine small dogs. Many celebrities do not miss the opportunity to show off their Chihuahuas at the red carpet at all kind of events. Note that this is a dog that was bred for its guarding and watch-dog skills. Poodles do not shed, so they are one of the top preferred pets for people with dog allergies as well. It has a very specific cotton-like coat, and shed very little hair and very little pet dander. Small dogs often have big personalities. Small Dog Breeds - Big Personalities | Hill's Pet, How Pets Help Ease the Transition to an Empty Nest, The Aging Differences Between Humans and Pets, Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Small Paws™ Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe dog food, Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe dog food, Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Dog Food. Their coats can be silver, apricot or black. hypoallergenic dog for homes where there are people with dog allergies, Jack Russel Terrier is an incredible small dog breed, 10 Best Electric Razors for Sensitive Skin You’ll Love Using. Otherwise, you may have some serious problems at home. And according to PetMD, small dogs also generally tend to be hardier and live longer than their larger counterparts. With a distinct Asian exotic look and an elegant stature, these small dogs are a pure joy to have as companions. scientifically backed characteristics about dogs: 1. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development. They are also often referred to as “mustached little devils” in France. It is an elegant and graceful dog with a beautiful silky coat with rich colors, and with large and expressive eyes. You can take them traveling with you as the Norfolks travel pretty well. Small dogs come with a lot of benefits. Last but not least are the Yorkies, which are among the most popular toy dog breeds. It is a small sized but very robust and active dog so it is suitable for people who prefer outdoor activities and sports. These robust little dogs have been and are still being used for hunting. The dogs from this breed are typically very graceful, quiet and amusing, and have charm in abundance. You should be careful about taking in a Chihuahua if you have small children which love roughhousing because these dogs are very gentle and can easily be injured. The Papillon is an elegant dwarf spaniel and has been a faithful companion to a number of kings and queens for centuries. As such they are feisty, confident and sturdy, even though their height will reach only up to 10 inches when fully grown. Basenji. The cute little Japanese Shiba Inu is one of the most common breeds you will see on Instagram and other pet celebrity social media profiles. Small breeds are often a bundle of energy. The silhouette of the miniature dachshund cannot be mistaken for any other breed (except for the normal and the toy versions of the breed). Tailored nutrition with our special Small & Mini antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support, Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat, Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Small dogs often have big personalities. Also known as Japanese Spaniels, these dogs act more like felines than like canines. These small dogs will grow at a height at the shoulder of just about 10 inches and a weight of just 8 to 10 lbs. For this reason, toy dogs especially are generally not a good match for households with very young children, and older children should be supervised and taught how to handle small dogs properly. Biewer Terrier. They often have pent up energy and a nice dog park or walking trail is perfect to help them get their exercise if you don't have a backyard to let them play in. They jump from your arms or fall off the bed. It may be tiny and look quite fragile, but the Papillon is a robust little dog. The powerful, muscular body and strong, scissors-like jaws are the main physical Akita dog characteristics because of which this breed was used for dog fights in the past. We list the dogs behavioural characteristics, which is very important to know when choosing a dog. the miniature dachshund is one of the tiniest dog breeds out there. Its stride as well as its expression are foxlike. Now that you know what to expect from a small dog, you'll be able to confidently choose the right small dog breed for your household. They can be quite independent, but with proper training and when socialized well, they make perfect companions and pets. They shed less (in total amount of fur that is) and tend to make fewer (or at least smaller) messes than large dogs, and are also easier to control on a leash or by carrying. Others are convinced that smaller sizes are the way to go. So, if you are an active person or an active family who enjoy sports, cycling, running or other outdoor activities, this small sized terrier is the perfect family dog for you. Some breeds tend to boast outgoing and bold personalities whereas others are laidback and enjoy independence. The toy American Eskimo dogs reach a shoulder height of just up to 9 inches. The fluffy white Bichon Frise is known for its generally good disposition and perkiness. They are very good natured dogs, which are eager to please their humans and are easy and a lot of fun to train. The Parson Russel Terrier is yet another bold and clever member of the terrier family. The Affenpinscher is a breed of German origin. The dogs from this small breed have pink spotted skin, furry socks, and a feathery tale end and of course the unique crested hairdos which make them look like no other breed. Here are some of the most popular small dog breeds, and the essentials you need to know about them before adding a new four-legged friend to your family. These charming small sized dogs have beautiful silky coats and plush soft long ears which combined with their sweet dark eyes make them absolutely impossible not to love. According to Dogtime, it's generally thought that aggression isn't inherent to these breeds, but is a fear response based largely on their tiny size, exacerbated by poor socialization and overindulgence from pet parents who don't take the aggression seriously and instead treat it as cute. Jack Russells may seem small and cute, but keep in mind that this breed needs extensive training as well as extensive daily exercise. They are cute, fluffy, white, hypoallergenic, low-shedding, and can accommodate apartment living well. The long body on short legs makes it look exceptionally cute. 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