Types of small dogs

There are many types of small dogs and although they may all be physically tiny, these little guys usually have BIG personalities!

Although they share their diminutive size, small dogs can be totally different in terms of personality, temperament and behavior because they come from a wide variety of breed groups.

Some were bred to hunt vermin like rats, rabbits or badgers (suchas the popular Jack Russell Terrier, Manchester Terrier or Dachshund).

Others were bred to be companions and lap-dogs (such as thePekingese or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).

Some were bred as gun/field dogs (such asmany Spaniels) or to herd livestock (such as the Swedish Vallhund, orthe Corgi).

Another thing that these little `uns have in common is that their popularity, and many homes have at least one.

What Size Is A `Small` Dog?

Although individual breeds have recognized (and recommended) height and weight guidelines in their individual breed standards, the term `small dog` is more subjective.

A Chihuahua is a small dog... and the tiniest of them may only weigh a couple of pounds. Then there are the breeds at the upper end of the `small` scale. The French Bulldog for example isn`t very tall but can weigh 25 lbs, or even a few more.

There`s no formal size restrictions for the different types of small dogs, but a rough guide would be a dog that matures to be under 25 lbs and no more than 16" tall.

`Teacup` breeds are also not a formally recognized group, but are the tiniest of the little guys. Guidelines (again not set-in-stone) for a teacup-sized dog would be one that matures to weight less than 4 lbs and be no taller than 8".

List Of Small Breed Dogs

Depending on exactly where you put the cut-off weight/height restrictions there are estimated to be anywhere between 90 and 100 types of small dog breeds.

When you take into account the number of mixed breeds (including the popular `designer breeds`) that count probably falls on the low side! 

Here`s a list of some of today`s most popular little dogs:

Okay, so there are LOTS of different types of small dogs... but is one of them right for you? 

Let`s take a look at the pro`s and con`s of adding one of these little guys (or girls) to your family....

The Benefits Of Owning Small Dogs

The benefits of owning these `little guys` are as varied as the dogs themselves.

Small, miniature or toy dog breeds often don`t need a whole lot of space or exercise, they eat less.. and make less mess.

They`re also less expensive to care for because they need the`small` or `x-small` size/dosage of everything, and can be easier tocontrol/manage.. plus they`re fully portable!

All of these `pros` are what make all types of small dogs very popular with people and families of all ages and sizes.

The undeniable `cuteness` of these little ones also makes themirresistibly lovable, surrogate `babies` for many younger and olderwomen (and there`s nothing wrong with that!)

More Pages, Articles & Resources.....

Chihuahua Puppy Care
Learn all about this enormously popular little dog, and find tonsof tips and advice on caring for your Chihuahua puppy. Feeding,behavior, health - even chihuahua rescue resources.

Chihuahua Puppy Care Store
All the products you need to keep your little guy, or gal, happyand healthy - all in one place! Find books, toys, training and groomingaids and much more right here.

Entirely Pomeranian
Visit one of the internet`s newest and fastest growinginteractive websites that`s dedicated entirely to Poms. You`ll findeverything you`ve ever wanted to know about taking care of a Pomeranianand much, much more!

Entirely Shih Tzu
An informative and interactive website dedicated entirely to ShihTzu dogs. Comprehensive information about the Shih Tzu breed includingpages about puppies, rescue and adoption, grooming, mixes, health, diet,training and much more.

More information on these breeds:

Dachshund

Beagle

Yorkshire Terrier

Miniature & Toy Poodles

A good reference book is worth it`s weight in gold! Here are two of my absolute favorites, either one of them is perfect for if you own (or are considering) a small breed......

Little Dogs

Little dogs have their own special needs in all sorts of areas, and training is no exception.

Thewealth of information, tips and training techniques in this lovelybook, have been specifically designed with your tiny, `pint-sized` poochin mind.

Tiny dogs can be wriggly, defiant and sometimes seem tohave the attention span of a gnat!

They`re also fragile, sensitivelittle creatures for whom the average training methods (that fit mediumto large breeds so well) can be difficult and ineffective.

All the`small dog issues` are addressed with love and ingenuity here, andyou`ll find this book will help you understand, communicate with, carefor, and train, your tiny puppy more easily and effectively.

If your puppy is definitely of the `pint-sized` variety you don`t want to miss this one!

Small Dogs, Big Hearts

This expanded (and updated) edition of the classic `The Irrepressible Toy Dog`, has everything you need to know in order to raise that tiny, furry, bundle of personality you`ve added to your family!

A great choice for first-time owners of small, tiny and toybreeds.

Covers housebreaking, nutrition, behavior and much more,including lots of information on the health issues that are specific tothese types of small dogs.

Contains adorable photos too, and is awonderful addition to any small-dog owner`s bookshelf.

It`s not a dog training book as such though, so if you`relooking for help training your little guy or gal, go with `Little Dogs`above.

If you`re new to little dogs, get both books and you`ll be ableto handle anything your tiny pooch throws your way.

Reviews & Comments