Types Of Small DogsThere are lots of different types of small dogs to choose from, and although these little guys may be small physically, they usually have BIG personalities and they're enormously popular.
These small breeds of dogs can be totally different in terms of personality, temperament and behavior and include sighthounds, terriers, lap dogs and more. Depending on their original purpose (some were bred to hunt vermin for example, while others were bred purely for companionship) they're also seen in AKC groups such as the 'Non-Sporting' and 'Toy' categories. The benefits of small dog breedsThe benefits of owning these types of small dogs are as varied as the dogs themselves!Small breeds of dogs and miniature or toy dog breeds often don't need a whole lot of space or exercise, they eat less, make less mess, are less expensive to care for and maintain as they need the 'small' or 'x-small' size/dosage of everything, and easier to control/manage and are fully portable. All of these 'pros' make just about all types of small dogs very popular with people and families of all ages and sizes. The undeniable 'cuteness' of tiny dog breeds also makes them irresistibly lovable, surrogate 'babies' for many younger and older women (and there's nothing wrong with that!) For the elderly, or less active/robust dog lovers, these little dogs can make excellent pets. Many of them are content to sit and snooze on a lap, are very light and easily carried, and don't need long walks. The Chihuahua, Maltese and Papillon are among the small dog breeds who fit into this category. They can be housebroken to use a litter box or other indoor options (or have their litter tray on a balcony and so on), and any messes they may make during the training stages are tiny, and easy to clean up.
The drawbacks to owning small dog breedsJust in case you think all small dog breeds are quiet, affectionate, peaceful little guys who only want to curl up on your lap.... think again!Many types of small dogs are extremely active, and although they may not be able to walk for miles (although some of them can), they can most definitely give you a run for your money. The small breeds of dogs that tend to be more active and 'high maintenance' include the Jack Russell (or Parson Russell) Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. Others such as the Miniature Dachshund and the Miniature Poodle fall somewhere in the middle range in this respect. They can also be very vocal, stubborn and difficult to housebreak or train. Small breeds of dogs aren't immune to health issues either, in fact there are quite a few congenital or degenerative diseases that tiny dogs are especially susceptible to. Some of these conditions include back, vertebrae and disc problems, joint problems such as luxating patellas, collapsed treachea, heart conditions such as pulmonic stenosis, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and several others. If you choose a pup from the small dog breeds which is expected to mature at less than 3lbs, he or she could very well be at risk for additional health problems related to their diminutive size. When it comes to all types of small dogs, bigger is often better - and healthier. Another problem that really tiny, miniature or toy dog breeds experience is that they can be very fragile and easily injured. This means that they're often not the best choice for families with very young children, or other large breed dogs. Being dropped accidentally, or played with too roughly, can quite easily be fatal to a tiny chihuahua puppy. Very small breeds that also have thin coats are vulnerable to temperature changes, and don't do well in extreme cold, or extreme heat. Little sweaters or jackets (and even tiny boots) can really help a tiny breed dog stay warm during the wet, cold winter months. Some types of small dog breeds need a lot of grooming, these include the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise and Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier. A good groomer can often give a tiny dog a 'puppy cut' or short style to minimize this problem though.
Small dog breeds - the 'latest additions'All the types of small dogs mentioned above are purebred dogs, but there are other small breed options.Many small mixed breed dogs are available through private sales or local pounds, rescue centers or shelters. There are also the newer small dog breeds called 'designer dogs' or 'hybrid dogs'. These are developed by breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds, the resulting puppies are 'hybrids' rather than the more generic 'mixed breeds' who may have many different dog breeds in their family tree! Probably one of the best known designer dog breeds is the Labradoodle - a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. But this is obviously not a small or tiny dog breed. Types of small dogs that are considered hybrids, or designer dogs, include Cock-a-poo (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle), the Puggle (Pug x Beagle) and the Peke-a-pom (Pekingnese x Pomeranian). The Poodle is often seen in hybrid or designer dog breeds due to it's low shedding properties and resulting 'hypoallergenic' qualities. Although there is no such thing as 'hypoallergenic dogs', there are definitely some breeds who are less likely to cause symptoms in allergy sufferers. You can find out more about this, and see a list of the best breeds for people with allergies on my Hypoallergenic Dogs page. More information and interesting articles...... Chihuahua Puppy Care Learn all about this enormously popular little dog, and find tons of tips and advice on caring for your Chihuahua puppy. Feeding, behavior, health - even chihuahua rescue resources. All the products you need to keep your little guy, or gal, happy and healthy - all in one place! Find books, toys, training and grooming aids and much more right here. Everything you've ever wanted to know about taking care of a Pomeranian. Breed standard, feeding, grooming, training and lots more. Lots of books, toys, training tools, grooming and health products for your little Pom. One-stop shopping for your little one. Learn more about these types of small dogs.... Miniature & Toy Poodle Little dogs have their own special needs in all sorts of areas, and training is no exception. The wealth of information, tips and training techniques in this lovely book, have been specifically designed with your tiny, 'pint-sized' pooch in mind. Tiny dogs can be wriggly, defiant and sometimes seem to have the attention span of a gnat! They're also fragile, sensitive little creatures for whom the average training methods (that fit medium to large breeds so well) can be difficult and ineffective. All the 'small dog issues' are addressed with love and ingenuity here, and you'll find this book will help you understand, communicate with, care for, 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!
Dog Breeds
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