Small dog breeds are loved for many reasons. First, they are easy to travel with. Unlike a large dog, you can take a small dog with you by putting him or her in a small carrier or even a dog purse. Second, small dog breeds usually save you more money than larger dogs. They require less food, their collars and leashes cost less, and the veterinary bills are sometimes cheaper. Lastly, small dogs are simply adorable. They are cuddly, cute, and fun to play with. If you have been considering getting a small dog, you have come to the right place. In this article, I will go over the top ten most popular small dog breeds that you will most likely fall in love with.
Chihuahua
While short in stature, the Chihuahua is a brave little dog that will try to defend himself and his family. They are known for being very loyal and protective, despite their small size. Although the Chihuahua is wary around strangers, this dog gets along well with other pets and family members. Chihuahuas come in two varieties, which are short hair and long hair. For the smooth Chihuahua variety, you will not have to do much with their coat. For the long-coated Chihuahua, you will need to brush his hair at least twice a week.
The Chihuahua’s exercise needs can be met simply by running around the house, although it enjoys exploring yards or going for short walks. Keep in mind that Chihuahuas will get cold if it is winter, so you may want to put a coat on him when he goes out. Chihuahuas will live for 14 to 18 years. For anyone who is looking for a small dog with a big personality, the Chihuahua may be the perfect breed to get.
Jack Russell Terrier
This next breed is one that is not for everybody. Jack Russell Terriers have high energy and are very driven. They would not make a good apartment dog, as they will become destructive if they are left with nothing to do. They are also very intelligent, athletic, fearless, and vocal dogs. It is recommended to have them do obedience training, as Jack Russel Terriers are known for becoming stubborn and aggressive. Although they are small, Jack Russell Terriers are great guard dogs due to their loud barking.
Caring for a Jack Russel Terrier is easy. The most important thing is that you give your Jack Russell Terrier plenty of exercises. Regular combing and brushing are recommended with a firm bristle brush. This small dog breed is known for living for a long time, sometimes up to 15 years old or more. Overall, the Jack Russell Terrier is a great dog breed to get as long as you have plenty of yard space and activities for him.
Maltese
This friendly, playful, and intelligent dog is known for its long, white hair. Their hair can either be kept long or it can be clipped. If you leave their hair long, you may need to brush it every day. If you clip the hair, you will probably still need to brush your dog twice a week. You may need to get your dog a bow or clip to help keep the hair out of your dog’s eyes. Unlike some of the other dogs in this article, this dog breed doesn’t need much exercise. Short walks or activities in your yard is enough to keep your little Maltese healthy.
Maltese dogs weigh 4 to 7 pounds and are 8 to 10 inches in height. They will live up to 12 to 15 years. This breed does not do well by himself, as he may get separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Maltese can also become very destructive, so it is important that you are around the house often. As long as you have plenty of time on your hands to be with your dog, Maltese is a great small dog breed to try out.
Yorkshire Terrier
Of all the small dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is considered the most popular. Also called a Yorkie, Yorkshire Terriers make up for their small size with their energetic and playful personality. Although you may often see Yorkshire Terriers riding in dog purses, they still need plenty of exercises. Without it, they may become bored very quickly. Keep in mind that they do not do well in very cold weather, so if you take your Yorkie for walks, make sure he wears a coat.
Some people decide to trim their Yorkshire Terrier’s hair, but this isn’t necessary. If you keep the hair long, you will need to brush it regularly. A Yorkshire Terrier may have long hair on its face that it needs a hairband to keep it out of the way while eating. Trimming the hair around your dog’s face is also an option. If you are looking for a popular small dog breed, look no further than the Yorkshire Terrier.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are another popular small dog breed. This breed is fairly easy to care for. Grooming needs of the dachshund depend upon hair coat. The longhaired variety requires daily brushing but doesn’t usually need professional grooming. Smooth dachshunds have a higher shedding rate than other varieties.
Dachshunds are naturally prone to develop obesity. Because of this, it is important that you exercise your dachshund regularly. Daily walks are recommended, but giving your dog activities such as playing fetch will also prevent weight gain. Also, be careful that you don’t overfeed your dachshund. Miniature dachshunds weigh under 11 pounds and are 5 to 6 inches tall. Standard dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds and are 8 to 9 inches tall. They will live 12 to 16 years. Overall, this is a great small dog breed to get.
Shih Tzu
Of all the small dog breeds, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular, coming close to the Yorkshire Terrier’s popularity. This small dog is confident in himself and is a very friendly dog. Unlike some of the other small dog breeds I’ve mentioned in this article, the Shih Tzu does not require much exercise. Short walks and games will help keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy. Regular grooming is necessary in order for this dog’s coat to stay healthy. If the coat becomes too much of a problem to brush, you may want to consider trimming it. However, even after you trim the hair, you must continue brushing your dog once to twice a week. If you keep the hair long, you should brush him once a day.
The Shih Tzu will live 10 to 16 years. This dog breed weighs 9 to 16 pounds and its height is 8 to 11 inches. Proper training and socialization are important in order to keep your Shih Tzu happy and well-adjusted. This dog will do well in an apartment as long as you give him plenty of activities. This breed does not do well in the heat due to its long coat. Be careful when taking your dog for walks in the heat. All in all, the Shih Tzu is a great dog breed to try.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are the miniature breed of the Standard Schnauzer. They weigh 11 to 19 pounds and are 12 to 14 inches in height. This breed will live 12 to 15 years. This breed requires frequent grooming, including trips to a professional groomer every two to four weeks. It is also recommended to brush your Miniature Schnauzer daily.
The Miniature Schnauzer is happy, intelligent, energetic, and obedient. Proper training and socialization are both essential in order to keep your Miniature Schnauzer happy and healthy. Regular exercise is important for your Miniature Schnauzer. Because this dog is friendly around kids and other pets, this breed is perfect for families who have pets and young children. If you are looking for a great family dog, look no further than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is one of the cutest dogs you’ll ever see. With their fluffy coat and happy face, this dog breed looks like a living teddy bear. Due to their long hair, this breed requires frequent grooming. Plan on grooming your Pomeranian multiple times per week. If brushing your Pomeranian becomes too difficult, you may want to consider trimming your dog’s hair. This doesn’t mean you can stop brushing your dog altogether, but it will reduce the amount of time you need brushing his hair.
Pomeranians also have a medium-high energy level, so routine exercise is highly recommended. Keep in mind that this dog breed can easily become hurt, so watch him when he is playing with young children and other dogs. Pomeranians will do well in cold weather, but they may overheat in hot weather. Overall, this dog breed is a great breed to try as long as you have plenty of time for grooming.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles have unique hair coats. Because their curly hair is constantly growing, much attention must be placed on proper grooming, including regular haircuts and brushing. If you have a mild allergic reaction to dogs, this breed may work well for you. While they still have allergens in their dander and saliva, they shed them less into the air.
Miniature poodles require regular exercises, such as walks and activities. Without exercise, this dog breed can become destructive. When raised properly, poodles can do well in families with children. Make sure your child knows how to gently play with dogs, as this breed may become aggressive if handled roughly. This breed of dog can also become injured by rough handling. Miniature poodles can be good in multi-pet families, especially if raised with the other pets. If you are looking for a good family dog, the miniature poodle is a good choice.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier weighs 10 to 25 pounds. Boston Terriers are known for being very intelligent. Although Boston Terriers are lively, they do not need much exercise. Taking a walk with your Boston Terrier or giving him activities is enough exercise for your Boston Terrier. Boston Terriers do not do well in extreme temperatures.
When training your Boston Terrier, be careful with how you use your voice. Boston Terriers are sensitive to your tone of voice, and punishment can make them shut down. Use positive techniques such as food rewards, praise, and play. Overall, the Boston Terriers are a great small dog breed to try if you want an intelligent, gentle dog.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you understand more about small dog breeds. In this article, I went over ten of the most popular small dog breeds. Small dog breeds are nice because they are easy to travel with and they don’t need much room. Many of the dogs I went over today will work great as apartment dogs. I hope this article has answered all your questions about the top ten most popular small dog breeds.
Upvote Downvote
Total votes: 1
Upvotes: 0
Upvotes percentage: 0.000000%
Downvotes: 1
Downvotes percentage: 100.000000%