Small dog breeds are companion dogs who love to be with their owners at all times. They come in different breeds and their behavior, temperament, obedience and other aspects are also varied.
Small dog breeds are simply adorable, their small size and those watery, puppy eyes are enough to melt hearts. But you should know, despite their size, some of these small canines can also provide security due to their alertness and watchful demeanor.
Also known as toy dogs, small dogs love to be pampered, and are usually given first-class treatment by their owners. They are also very protective and loyal towards their master and family. There are many dogs that are classified under small breeds and each breed has its own negative and positive traits.
Some of the Most Popular Small Dog Breeds
French Bulldog
French Bulldog is a short and muscular breed, closely related to the English Bulldog and American Bulldog. They are easily distinguished by their small, muscular body and their large erect ears. French bulldogs are perfect for apartments, they require very little space and do not need a lot of outdoor activity. A short walk daily, or even indoor playtime, serves as good exercise for this small breed. Coat is moderately fine, short and smooth, and requires very little grooming.
As far as temperament goes, French bulldogs are loved by all. The breed is very affectionate, and is a wonderful companion. They typically get along with other animals, and simply love being around people. Due to the unique shape of their head, French bulldogs have difficulty breathing in extreme temperatures. One negative aspect to this otherwise lovely small breed is that they are very stubborn, and are not the easiest to train.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are recognized by two coat variations: the long coat, and the smooth or short-haired. The long fur coat tends to shed less hair. Often carried by celebrities, their small size makes Chihuahuas the perfect portable “purse dog”. But despite their small size, they are known to have a bad temper. This breed is quite territorial as well as protective, they can be aggressive and quick to attack when they feel threatened. Thus, they may not be an ideal choice for families with young kids.
Chihuahuas can be loud and demanding at times, and are also known for barking incessantly at strange dogs. These small dogs need a lot of attention and need firm and consistent training. On the plus side, Chihuahuas are very affectionate and will shower their masters with lots of love.
Boston Terrier
This is a small and compactly built dog with erect ears, short tails, and a short wrinkle-free muzzle, with short-haired coat that requires less grooming. Boston terriers are affectionate, loving and make a great family dog. They are gentle, alert, expressive, and well-mannered. Boston terriers are very intelligent and relatively easy to train. This breed has breathing difficulty in extreme conditions. They love to munch on household items, so lots of chew toys should be kept in the house.
Pug
Pugs are distinguished by their wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. These sturdy little dogs are rarely aggressive, and are suitable for families with children. They truly enjoy human companionship and get along well with other household pets. The dog’s unique muzzle makes them prone to snoring and wheezing. The wrinkles around the nose should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
Pugs have short fur, and are very easy to groom. This breed is prone to eye prolapse, thus it is recommended to use harness leash, instead of neck leash. One of the biggest health issues for pugs is becoming obese. Pugs tend to eat whatever is put in front of them, and are always looking for more food, care must be taken to prevent them from becoming overweight. Their charismatic personality and friendly behavior make pugs very popular as house pets.
Pomeranian
Classified as a toy dog breed, because of its looks and small size, Pomeranians can be found in many colors such as cream, white, brown, black, tan etc. Pomeranians are relatively intelligent and loyal to their masters, they are very alert, and tend to be very noisy. Like other small breeds, Pomeranians are also suitable for apartments and get along well with other animals.
Miniature Schnauzer
