Small Dogs - Check the Most Popular Small Dog Breeds
Small dogs are a perfect choice if you are looking for a companion for your children. They can spend time with them at home. Small dog breeds are usually social butterflies - in most cases they love being in the center of atention and they expect petting and hugging. Small dogs are also a good option for those living in apartments. Are you wondering which one makes the best companion? Check the most popular small dog breeds and pick the one that charms you.
Miniature Spitz - small dogs with a lush coating
The Miniature Spitz might also be referred to as the Pomeranian or the Toy Spitz. The breed is kind towards people, although it is very energetic. Typically, those small dogs are black, brown or white. Their coating can also be orange.
Small dogs like the Pomeranian is a long-known breed, although it has gained its popularity across the world just recently.
Miniature Spitz - what is the temperament of those small dogs?
You will not get bored with the Miniature Spitz. It has a lot of energy, hence it is believed that those dogs are perfect for small children. The fact that those dogs are very loyal is also a big advantage. It is, therefore, a perfect companion for kindergarten-age children.
Small dogs aren’t too trusting, so be careful if someone new appears at home. They are not aggressive, but they won’t be very playful in such a case.
Are Pomeranian type small dogs suitable for anyone?
The Miniature Spitz needs attention. It’s not a good choice if you work a lot and are often away. The animal feels very alone in this case, which is not the happiest scenario. For this reason, make sure you have enough time to take care of the animal.
Because of the size, small dog breeds like miniature Spitz are perfect for apartment living. The small dog can also live in a house, of course.
How to take care of the Miniature Spitz?
Because the dog has a thick and relatively long coat, it has to be brushed regularly to avoid the risk of tangling.
As for baths, if it advised to leave it to a professional who knows how to do it. Such a visit once per two months is just enough.
The dog’s hair can be trimmed and formed, but don’t shave it using a razor. It’s a serious mistake that leaves the small dogs without protection against weather conditions. In such a case, they are definitely more prone to health issues.
Energetic small dogs - Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a small dog, classified as a decorative breed. It’s also a perfect companion dog. There are two types of those small dogs - long haired and short haired.
Chihuahuas - what is the temperament of those small dogs?
Although small dogs like Chihuahuas are considered very lively, brave and aggressive, in fact they are very sociable and loyal to their owners.
The small dogs are perfect companions for early school children - provided that they pay attention to them. The Chihuahua is a dog that love being in the centre of attention.
Chihuahuas - take care of a proper diet of the small dogs
Small dogs don’t need a lot of food, due to their size. The diet, however, should be well balanced. A Chihuahua needs a lot of nutrients for proper growth.
Instead of choosing the food for the small dogs yourself, it’s better to consult a specialist - a veterinarian or a dog dietician who will choose the right food.
Miniature Pinscher - a small dog also known as Min Pin
The Miniature Pinscher is a dog sometimes called a small guardian. The dog originates in Germany and is considered the one of the smallest of small dogs. Sometimes they are referred to as “Min Pins.”
The characteristic looks of the small dogs
Small dogs like Miniature Pinschers have a very characteristic looks. Their hair is very short and if taken care of - very shiny. Thanks to this, the small dogs look very elegant.
Their coloration is typically black, black and brown or brown. Some of the small dogs have white marks in certain parts. Usually they appear on:
- paws
- neck
- tail.
Miniature Pinscher - what is the temperament of the small dogs?
Miniature Pinschers are very happy, energetic and sociable small dogs. They like when a lot is happening around them. It’s worth noting that they are very smart and sometimes they do what the owner expects from them without any special training. Those small dogs are considered one of the most obedient.
Miniature Poodle - small dogs that steal people’s hearts
The Miniature Poodle is a breed included in the poodles section. Those small dogs are classified not only as companion dogs, but also a decorative breed. They are very loyal and get quickly attached to the owner. Their sociable character makes them perfect companions for small children.
Miniature Poodles - small dogs of various colors
Small dogs like Miniature Poodle are characteristic for their appearance. It’s not only their thick and curly hair, but also the colors. The small dogs have various colorations. Although they are usually white and black, some Miniature Poodles are:
- brown
- cinnamon
- siilver
- grey.
Miniature Poodles - the health of the small dogs
Many people are concerned before buying small dogs like Miniature Poodles. It mostly refers to their health. As it turns out, those small dogs rarely fall ill. The biggest problem is their teeth. It can be, however, resolved in several ways. The right feed, special chewing toys and regular visits at the veterinarian to remove the scale are just enough.
Taking care of Miniature Poodles is yet another issue. It might be quite demanding and time-consuming. Keep that in mind if you decide to get a small dog of this type.
Shih tzu - small dogs of calm demeanor
Shih tzu are considered very graceful small dogs. It’s a Dachsund-like type, although it doesn’t resemble a Dachsund at all. The animal is not only very intelligent but also very friendly. Additionally, it is perfect both for small and older children - because of its calm behaviour.
Small dogs - what do Shih tzu look like?
The Shih tzu has thick and long hair, which is beautiful but also very demanding to take care of. As for the color - white and black dogs are the most popular. There are also striped and speckled small dogs of this type.
Shih tzu - who are the small dogs recommended to?
The small dogs like Shih tzu like companionship and they poorly cope with loneliness. Shih tzu is not a good breed if you are away for a long time. Proper care and tenderness are the two things this breed needs.
If you suddenly change your life-style and won’t be home e.g. because of your job - make sure to get the dog used to the new situation. A sudden disappearance might even cause separation anxiety, which requires treatment.
French Bulldog - small dogs that gained popularity all over the world
French bulldogs are small dogs classified as Mollosian dogs. Although they are very wary at first, they become sociable quickly provided that they receive affection and attention. They are very cautious but also patient.
Small dogs that don’t like physical activity
Small dogs such as French bulldogs are not the sports type. Marathons or long walks are out of their league. It is mostly a result of their body type. Because of their stoutness, they are quickly become short of breath.
It doesn’t mean that they don’t like to play. Nonetheless, one has to keep it in moderation, so that they don’t get too tired.
French buldogs - easy-to-train small dogs
Although their looks might suggest something else, French bulldogs are very obedient and easy to train. One should’t have any problems with them. They are perfect for a house with small children, as well as other animals like cats. Of course, everything depends on the individual training.
French bulldogs - health issues of the small dogs
French bulldogs don’t fall sick too often, although they might have particular problems. Because of the characteristic skull shape, they might suffer from respiratory issues, shortness of breath and snoring.
Small dogs don’t like high temperatures, so make sure to provide a shadowy spot to them in summer.
Pug - charming small dogs, perfect for hugging
Pugs, similar to French bulldogs, are classified as Mollosian dogs. Their country of origin is China.
Although they are seemingly very calm and cheerful, pugs also have their own character they like to show in various situations - especially if one makes them angry. But typically, they are calm and gentle by nature.
Small dogs - tendency to gain weight
Pugs should be trained to get used to mild physical activity from the beginning. They gain weight very easily - even more so that they love sleeping.
If the small dogs suddenly gained weight, despite constant physical activity, you should contact a veterinarian. Usually, changing their food is needed. Sometimes, though, it might be a sign of an illness.
Pugs hate high temperatures. Make sure to provide them with proper conditions and fresh air to breathe freely.
Pugs - small dogs that get quickly attached to their owner
Small dogs get attached to their owners, and they want to spend a lot of time with them. Therefore, it’s not a good choice for people who work a lot and spend a lot of their time away from home.
Loneliness makes the small dogs very sad, they have no energy and suffer from separation anxiety.
Maltese - small dogs that quickly fall in love with their owners
Maltese are also known as Maltanase mana or Bichon Maltese. Those small dogs have thick coating. They are calm and intelligent, but they need a lot of care and affection. It is recommended that the small dogs train with expert trainers from the beginning.
Small white dogs
Apart from thick, long hair, Maltese are also characteristic for their color. In most cases, they are snow-white. Those small dogs might also have different shades - slightly cream.
Happy to play small dogs
Maltese love playing. That’s why one should spend a lot of time with them. They love children - they are very loyal to them and let them pamper them.
The small dogs are quite wary of new people. If a stranger visits your home, they will bark at them. But they won’t get aggressive.
📍 Who are small dogs best for?
Small dog breeds are perfect companions for children. Most of them have gentle personality and love playing. What's more, such pets love being in the center of attention and staying close to their owners.
📍 Small dog breeds - are they good only for apartments?
Although small dogs are usually picked by people who have small apartments, such pets can live in large houses as well. Taking care of the dog is the most important aspect.
📍 What to keep in mind when adopting a small dog?
If you decided on a small dog, make sure to learn all about the particular breed. Although most such dogs are calm, it doesn't mea all of them are like that. Some small dog breeds are noisy and stubborn. They aren't suitable for children or apartments.
📍 How much do small dog breed dogs cost?
The small size of a dog doesn't mean it's cheaper than other breeds. On the contrary - small breeds are often treated as family "toys," which makes them even more expensive. Depending on the breed, a small dog might cost a few thousand dollars.
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