A List Of Small Dog Breeds
Are you looking for a list of small dog breeds? Want to add one of the small, toy or tiny dogs to your family? Think that a 'pocket-sized pooch' is the one for you? If you answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, then you're in the right place!
Everyone Loves Small Dogs!
Throughout history, little dogs have always been a popular choice, and it's the same way today.For dog lovers who live in apartments, or houses that are short on living space and have small backyards, choosing one of the small dog breeds makes a lot of sense. The American Kennel Clubs' annual list of popular breeds has seen many of the small, tiny and toy breeds climb steadily towards the top. Although not a list of small dog breeds, the AKCs' 2009 list of the Top Ten breeds in the US, includes the Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier. In other densely populated, urban areas, the 'localized' Top 10 Breeds may include the Pug, Pomeranian, Maltese, French Bulldog and others.
List of Small Dog Breeds - Most Popular
This list of small dog breeds contains the little dogs that are consistently popular with dog lovers everywhere. | Breed | Adult Weight (approx) | Activity Level | Grooming Requirements | | Bichon Frise | 10 - 14 lbs | Moderate | High | | Chihuahua | 2 - 6 lbs | Low | Varies (2 coat types - long & short) | | Miniature Dachshund | under 11 lbs | Moderate | Varies (3 coat types - long, short, wire) | | Italian Greyhound | 7 - 15lbs | Low - Moderate | Low | | Jack Russell Terrier | 13 - 17 lbs | High | Varies (3 coat types - smooth, rough, broken) | | Maltese | 4 - 7 lbs | Low | Medium - High | | Miniature Pinscher | 8 - 10 lbs | Moderate - High | Low | | Miniature Schnauzer | 14 - 18 lbs | Moderate - High | Medium | | Papillon | 3 - 9 lbs | Low | Medium | | Pekingese | 8 - 14 lbs | Low | High | | Miniature Poodle | 14 - 16 lbs | Moderate | Medium - High | | Toy Poodle | 5 - 7 lbs | Moderate | Medium - High | | Pomeranian | 3 - 7 lbs | Low - Moderate | Medium | | Pug | 14 - 18 lbs | Low - Medium | Low | | Shih Tzu | 9 - 16 lbs | High | Low | | Miniature Schnauzer | 14 - 18lbs | Moderate - High | Medium | | Yorkshire Terrier | 3 - 7 lbs | Low - Medium | High |
Using the list of small dog breeds above will help you to figure out which small dog would fit best with your lifestyle. For example, if you're active and want a dog that will keep up with you, and is low-maintenance in terms of grooming, the Jack Russell Terrier or Miniature Pinscher would probably be a good fit. Or, if you spend a lot of time at home, want a relatively calm but friendly little dog, and don't mind daily grooming at home and regular trips to the 'Doggie Salon', then the Maltese or Pekingese could be just perfect!
List of Small Dog Breeds - 'Designer' Dog Breeds
Today, no list of small dog breeds would be complete without the so-called 'Designer' dog breeds (or hybrids). These newer breeds are a result of breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds together, to produce 'hybrid' puppies. A list of small dog breeds that are considered 'designer' breeds include: - Cavachon - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel X Bichon Frise
- Chi-Poo - Chihuahua X Poodle
- Cock-A-Poo - Cocker Spaniel X Poodle
- Mal-Shi - Maltese X Shih Tzu
- Morkie - Maltese X Yorkshire Terrier
- Peek-A-Pom - Pekingese X Pomeranian
- Puggle - Pug X Beagle
- Yorkie-Poo - Yorkshire Terrier X Poodle
Small, toy and tiny dogs make wonderful companions and are a good 'fit' in many homes. But if you have very young children, other (bigger) dogs, or a very busy, bustling family life, you may want to consider a bigger, sturdier breed. Many of the breeds in this list of small dogs are quite fragile and can be easily injured. Too rough handling by a toddler, or being stepped on or tripped over, can cause serious injury. Also, some of these smaller breeds can be a bit 'nervous' or 'hyper', and do better in less active households. To find out what breeds are best suited to family life check out my Best Dog Breeds For Families page (this list does include some smaller breeds). For the breeds that have proven themselves to be great companions for children, my Best Dog Breeds For Children page is the place to visit.
Choosing the Right Breed of Dog
Types of Small Dogs
Best Dog Breeds For Families
Best Dog Breeds for Children
Extra Large Breed Dogs
Chihuahua Puppy Care
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