Well known Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and are considered best small-medium sized dogs for kids, … Sure, small dogs are cute, and some of them look cuddly, but not all small dog breeds have meek personalities. The West Highland Terrier is a great entertainer and is very confident in itself. The important features to consider are the specific characteristics of your future pet, its energy levels and requirements, its temperament and how it will get along with the other members of the family, pets, children and with your house guests. In fact, many of these dogs are much smaller than the 22 pounds / 16 inches limit. Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world. For instance, Chihuahuas, a common small dog breed, can live between 12 and 18 years. It originated from crosses between popular terriers and bull breeds and is the first non-sporting dog breed originating in the US and was, in fact, the first internationally recognized US breed. While it is never a guarantee that your dog won’t get sick, some small and mid-sized breeds have less of a chance of developing serious health issues. They love snoozing on pillows and on laps, and can jump up on high surfaces just like cats. The breed grow to a height ranging from 23-33 cm (9-13 inches) and can weigh from 2.5-5 kg (5-12 pounds). Bolognese. American Eskimo dogs have black lips and noses, and their coats can sometimes be biscuit colored as well. These fun-loving and energetic dogs may be compact in size, but they are determined, very quick and have an inborn instinct for hunting. With a height at the shoulder of just 5 to 7 inches and a weight of up to 11 lbs. This cute toy dog with ears like butterfly wings is very easily recognizable. Matching the size of your medium dog puppy or adult to the smallest member of your family could mean fewer instances of children or pups being hurt or knocked over durin… Barkingis one way that dogs communicate. You will be enchanted with your Maltese as soon as you set your eyes on its cute black gumdrop nose and shiny black eyes. To determine the best size medium dog for you, consider whether you’d be able to lift and carry your pet if need be. The Cocker Spaniels are very intelligent, loyal and easy to train. This makes the Shiba even more adorable. Actually, these small dogs are quite merry and happy tempered dogs which require minimal grooming and will get along with all family members and other pets at home, if you take the time to socialize them well at a young age. Bred as hunters, Jagdterriers require a lot of exercising, so be ready to go on long walks, cycling or jogging with them, or to spend hours playing catch and entertaining your small and energetic terrier. The fact is, some small dogs are too delicate to compete with a boisterous family of young children and need to live in quieter environments. There are similarities among breeds but the differences may make your decision a little easier. The standard Manchester Terrier can reach 22 lbs. Aka “the little American gentleman”, the Boston terrier is a small sized dog breed which was originally bred for pit fighting. Small Dog Breeds . Small Dog Breeds. Small dogs are part of many AKC groups, so there is a perfect breed for every lover of little dogs when it comes to personality, activity level and coat type. These tiny dogs are easy to train and are definitely indoor animals, but they do require regular walks and some exercise as well. Overall, these cute dogs are friendly and happy animals, but if left without proper attention and exercise, they can develop problematic behavior. The different small dog breeds have different typical characteristics, so make sure you get to know as much as the breed you are interested in before committing to adopting one as a family dog and companion. The difference between these barks and thosethat are just plain annoying is in degree and purpose. They don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. For example, the smallest purebred dog breed is the Chihuahua. These dogs weigh 6 to 8 pounds and stand at a height of 6 to 9 inches. The Toy Poodle is a very intelligent, eager and athletic little dog, and will expect you to treat it with respect just like a human family member. The Sheltie is a highly intelligent, agile and obedient small dog which is why members of this small breed are often the winners of various agility, obedience and herding competitions. Looking for a small sized dog? Its stride as well as its expression are foxlike. The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hotdog, and more. Just make sure you socialize them well while they are still young so that you don’t have problems with other dogs later on. Even though people dress them up and carry them in purses, Yorkshire Terriers are true terriers. Their shiny black eyes and nose will bring a smile to your face even when you are feeling down. Mostdogs will alert you to someone at your door or wandering on your property. It has black eyes and a nose like buttons, and paired with its smallish and square like body and its wagging carrot shaped tail, the Westie is most definitely one of the cutest small dog breeds there is. If you live in an apartment or you just don't have a ton of space for a large pet, then these … Height: 19-20 inches Weight: 40-50 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-14 years Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, iy_2021; im_01; id_08; ih_17; imh_19; i_epoch:1610155143258, py_2020; pm_08; pd_28; ph_06; pmh_41; p_epoch:1598622100528, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Fri Aug 28 06:41:40 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1598622100528. Some can have personalities that are tough as nails. The life expectancy of this adorable toy dog breed is about 12 to 15 years, so you can expect to have a long-living faithful companion by your side if you decide to adopt a Brussels Griffon. The Miniature Bull Terrier does need daily exercise and will appreciate being kept mentally and physically active and entertained. Last but not least are the Yorkies, which are among the most popular toy dog breeds. The breed originated in Australia, and is known for its curiosity, high spirits and feistiness. You can teach your Pomeranian various fun tricks and it will enjoy pleasing you by performing them too. The dogs from this breed are excellent performers at agility contests, so you will surely have a lot of fun training your pet Papillon some fabulous tricks to impress your guests and friends. So, remember to be consistent as well as patient if you want to have a happy life together with your small white fluffy friend in the future. A List of Small Dog Breeds from A - Z. These dogs have so much energy that they can overwhelm your young kids and you. One of the most well-known and well-liked small dog breeds, French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” are playful, fun-loving, and absolutely adorable. They love long walks and need to be kept active both physically and mentally, so you better be ready to spend quite a bit of time outdoors if you decide to adopt one of these amazing little pups. Small dog breeds are likely to outlive large dog breeds. This popular small dog breed could be a terribly lovesome toy-sized dog that is extremely all-mains and respond well to reward-based coaching. Another consideration for size is if there are younger children in the household. They cannot thrive well in cooler weather which is why you should ensure that they are appropriately adorned or that they stay indoors when the temperatures go down outdoors. Getting a Chihuahua is a perfect option for those of you looking for a miniature dog which you can dress in adorable miniature clothes. It has a lion-like mane, and long straight silky hair. The Mini Pinscher may look like a tiny trotting horse, but this dog is a truly fearless one. Being a hunting dog, the Parson Russell Terrier can be a tough nut to crack, so make sure you have some experience with dogs and with dog training if you are planning on adopting one yourself. It is such a unique dog breed that you will definitely be making a lot of conversations every time you take your pup out for a walk. The toy American Eskimo dogs reach a shoulder height of just up to 9 inches. Because they can be quite crafty manipulators, it is essential that you don’t fall for their charm while you are house training them, if you want to have positive results in the end. The Miniature Pinscher, also known as Min Pin, is a small breed of dog of the pinscher type from Germany. First and foremost, it is essential to understand that a small dog does not necessarily mean a “lapdog”. The adult Mini Pinscher will reach a height of just about 12.5 inches at the shoulders and a weight of up to 11 lbs. The Miniature Pinscher has a predominant and strong character. The small dog with a long and complicated name is yet another beautiful companion to have. Your email address will not be published. They come in King, standard, miniature and toy sizes. When it comes to choosing the best dog breed for seniors and retirees, you have to take many factors into consideration. The Havanese is the only native Cuban breed. So, check out the American Kennel Club Rescue Network, the ASPCA or other rescue organizations for the small dogs available for adoption. Of course, they mostly relate to the breed's distinct appearance. Here are 32 small dogs who make great companions for those who live in apartments or condos. Pugs are one of those breeds which will always bring a smile to your face. It will get along perfectly with children and with other pets and animals. This can save a dog’s life and can ensure that you get a new best friend for life too. Find buying advice, popularity rankings, average prices and other useful information and facts on 244 Dog Breeds using our Pets4Homes advanced dog breed selector. Overall, they look like sweet little foxes with a cheeky attitude. This is not that typical for terriers. They are available in over 20 different colors and are one of the most popular toy dog breeds around the world. These short-legged beauties are one of the most agreeable dog breeds out there. Our purpose is to inform and collect the best information, profiles, & pictures of every small dog that barks and runs. They are tiny but highly intelligent and get along perfectly with small children and with elderly people alike. They are charming little fellows and excellent watchdogs, but they will not tolerate any rough games or treatment from small children, so if you have young kids who enjoy roughhousing, this breed may not be the most suitable one to choose. They don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. They get along with children and adults very well. Certain breeds like Dachshunds or small terriers also love country life and the opportunity to run around. They love the outdoors and will love you even more if you provide them with long daily walks and quite a bit of playtime outside. With a distinct Asian exotic look and an elegant stature, these small dogs are a pure joy to have as companions. It can be with smooth, wiry or long hair which can be black, tan, red, yellow, chocolate, gray or a combination of several colors. This breed is a beautiful mixture between the energy of the spaniels and regal and gentleness of a toy breed. Their coats can be silver, apricot or black. Since small dogs take up less space, many apartment dwellers prefer the smaller dog breeds. The Shiba Inu may be a small sized dog but it is pretty muscular and strong as well. They get along with other dogs and pets well and will fit perfectly in any family – young or old. A number of small dog breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih-Tzu or Lhasa, tend to be snappy and moody compared to bigger dogs like Golden Retriever or Dalmatian who are patient and charming by nature. It is a great family dog which will adapt to any type of house and family and will protect you from strangers by barking and staying alert to watch over you and its other humans at home. Bolognese dogs are part of the Bichon family and they too are extremely adorable fluffy white pups which just love spending time with their human family. The potential problem to keep in mind with this breed is that these dogs do not like to be left alone and to be away from their humans, which can pose a problem if you are at work all day long or if you tend to travel a lot. Be warned that the Scottish Terrier has an instinct to chase smaller animals, so if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of cats, you will need to make sure that your pet stays safely within your premises and that the cats stay out. They are pretty energetic, so if you are expecting to have a lapdog which will spend all day snoozing by your side you may be quite surprised. Check out our list of the healthiest small and mid-sized breeds to see if your pup made the list: English Springer Spaniel. If left without entertainment they can opt for destructive behavior such as chewing things up at home. The Pugs were originally bred as companions for the Ancient Chinese Emperors but today are preferred companions for all kinds of people around the world. These dogs have incredibly expressive faces, and almost human-like eyes which makes them hugely popular not only for participating in movies and TV shows but as family pets as well. As such they are feisty, confident and sturdy, even though their height will reach only up to 10 inches when fully grown. All of the standard measurement such as health, safety, and dogs welfare, are all inspected by The AKC. Otherwise, you may have some serious problems at home. The dogs from this small breed actually come in three sizes – miniature, toy, and standard. Medium dogs range in size from a standard Dachshund to a Dalmatian. They make excellent companions for people who prefer spending time relaxing at home. While they are compact dogs, Cocker Spaniels are also quite sporty and energetic. If you give your Toy Poodle the love and attention it needs, you will end up with a very loyal, loving and devoted little companion for years to come. If you choose to add a Bolognese dog to your household, you can be sure that you will have a loyal and fun companion which will happily join you while you go anywhere or run any errand inside or outside of the house. Norfolk Terriers are the smallest of all working terriers. Every dog has a different energy level, size, and overall personality, so before you adopt to make sure to do your research. Their faces are almost human-like which is probably one of the main reasons why Pugs are so irresistible and so popular as pets as well as movie stars. It can take some time to train, but it is a good dog which will do its best to please you and your family. This could be a problematic trait if it is not curbed from an early age. They are tenacious, feisty and brave, and sometimes can even be bossy with you and with other pets. A Pug is a great pet for people who live in the city or in the country. Its white double coat sheds very little, so it is a suitable pet for people with allergies. These charming small sized dogs have beautiful silky coats and plush soft long ears which combined with their sweet dark eyes make them absolutely impossible not to love. They are perfect pets for homes with backyards where they can enjoy some frolicking and fun with or without you. Our small dog adoptions service helps small dogs find owners – and small dog lovers find the perfect pooch. The fact is, Miniature Dachshunds are quite demanding when it comes to daily walks, exercise, and attention. The Pekingese used to be a highly respected and esteemed breed in the Chinese Imperial Court, and this seems to have affected the personalities of these majestic little dogs. Norfolk Terriers are known as loving companions and will create a very strong bond with their people. Including the world’s littlest dogs, small dog breeds weigh less than 22 pounds and stand no taller than 16” at the shoulder. These terriers are very faithful companions and are alert and sporty pets. But not all small dogs are lap warmers! They are also often referred to as “mustached little devils” in France. Their solid and sturdy bodies and their easy and smooth gait make them easily recognizable and loved by all. They will reach a shoulder height of just 10-14 inches, but still, have the posture and the muscular structure as their big cousins. These small sized dogs are rat hunters so they are agile and fast. You can take them traveling with you as the Norfolks travel pretty well. As a reliable source to look into about small dog breed, there is the American Kennel Club. Overall, they are easy to train and will be eager to please you at all times, if you show them the love and attention they expect. Poms have fluffy double coats with added frills on the chest and shoulders and have adorable small foxlike faces. All rights reserved. The Silky Terrier looks very much like its cousin – the Yorkie, but it is larger and its hair doesn’t fall straight to the floor. 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