Extra small dogs
These extra small dogs (up to 10 pounds), or Toy dogs may be small, but they all have huge personalities! They are perfect for people with not a lot of space, like people living in a flat. You can also very easily take them with you wherever you want to go. Just remember that these dogs still need enough exercise otherwise they will get overweight and in some cases can develop behaviour problems.
Here is just some of these extra small dogs, discussed a little bit more in detail. These dogs were classified according to information on the American Kennel Club web site where more information about these adorable dogs can be found.
Affenpincher
The Affenpincher is a robust little dog with a rounded skull, flat nose and lustrous eyes which give it a monkey-like appearance.
This is a lively, cheerful, friendly, alert, undaunting, dependent and sharp-witted dog, with an impish personality which makes it a great dog for families with older children. The Affenpincher can also be fine with others of their own sort as well as other household pets. If you get visitors who are unknown to it, the Affenpincher will refuse them entry.
This breed is happy if you take it for a quick trot to the corner three times a day. If you also play with it regularly, then its happiness is complete.
Bolognese
The Bolognese resembles a silky poodle or a long-legged Maltese. Because the hair tangles easily, the coat should be combed every day, especially on the belly, behind the ears and between the legs. They also need to be bathed regularly in order to keep the coat white.
The Bolognese is a cheerful, intelligent and obedient dog that is very affectionate, calm yet vigilant. The dog can be easily trained. The Bolognese gets on well with other dogs, pets and children. They prize your company highly and can therefore be difficult to leave on their own. They are cautious towards strangers.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is another terrier-type toy, but at eight to twelve pounds this little gamin is a bit sturdier than the Affenpincher, one of its possible forebears.
The Brussels Griffon is a curious, mischievous dog that is playful, straightforward, calm and eager to learn. They are always amusing and make a good family pet, although they can be wary of young children.
Although the Brussels Griffon can be perfectly happy to be kept in a flat, they do like to be taken to woods and other country places. Do this regularly even though they adapt so well to town life.
Chihuahua
Named for its home state in Mexico where it was discovered in 1850, this is the oldest North American dog. The Chihuahua is also the smallest breed in the world. In spite of that, it is extraordinarily full of itself!
The Chihuahua is an intelligent, brave little dog who sometimes can be too brave for their own good. The can be very stubborn and usually bond with only one person.
Chihuahuas are sociable animals who live together well with cats and other dogs. They are not suitable for families with small children who will tend to regards them as a toy, as they are so small. The Chihuahua feels safest and happiest with adults and may be nippy when it feels threatened.
Chinese Crested
Due to the unusual appearance of the Chinese Crested, these dogs are an acquired taste, but they make wonderful pets.
The skin of the Chinese Crested requires careful attention. The important point is for the skin to be supple and smooth and protected against becoming dry. The unpigmented areas of the skin are especially sensitive to the sun and it is advisable not to expose the dog to the sun for too long, or to use a good quality sun lotion.
The Chinese Crested are high-spirited, cunning, playful dogs that are sensitive, vigilant, lively and active. Provided children do not disturb the dog in its own territory, they will have no problems with this dog. They also rarely cause problems in the company of other dogs and pets.
Japanese Chin
Originating in Asia, The Japanese Chin was bred as a lapdog for the imperial aristocracy where it was a favourite at the court of Japanese emperors for over a thousand years.
These dainty dogs are affectionate and playful, but also calm, straightforward and cheerful. They can have minds of their own and they like to be the centre of attention. They do not bark often, and provided you make allowances for their obstinate streak, there should be few problems in their training.
The Japanese Chin will be perfectly happy in a flat and can even be trained to use a cat litter tray. In such cases make sure that they do get sufficient exercise and fresh air.
Maltese
The Maltese has been a popular pet among the nobility for centuries. It has changed little over the years and is still largely the same breed that it was in ancient times.
Grooming required for this breed are substantial, including daily brushing and combing and regular washing. To make life easier, many owners keep the coat trimmed.
The Maltese is a friendly, lovable, playful dog which are also sociable, sensitive and eager to learn. They like to avoid causing any problems and therefore usually get on very well with children, other dogs and household animals.
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
The Manchester Terrier is a high-spirited, very intelligent and cunning dog which is very eager to learn. They are lively, sportive, alert, vigilant and barks normally only when there is danger.
Some of the dogs can be rather dominant towards their own kind but they get on well with children. It is advisable to get them used to cats and other household animals quite early on. Manchester Terriers make exceptional watchdogs because, in spite of their size, they do not hesitate to go into action when necessary. They are also first-rate rat- and mole-catchers.
Miniature Pincher
The Miniature Pincher had been one of he most popular toy breeds in the world for a long time; it is small, elegant and very lively.
This lively, alert and vigilant dog likes to bark, is intelligent, sober, somewhat over courageous, dependent, loyal and learns quickly. One can be dumbfounded by the speed with which the little Pincher understands and obeys!
The Miniature Pincher can get along well with other household pets and children, provided they do not pester it. They can be rather suspicious towards strangers, but their behaviour will depend entirely upon how they were brought up as young dogs.
Papillon
Papillon is the French word for butterfly, and the breed could not have been more appropriately named. The ears are large with rounded tips and are set far apart and carried obliquely like the wings of a butterfly.
The Papillon is a self-assured, intelligent dog who is playful, affectionate and a good companion dog. This is a active dog who needs lots of stimulation and exercise.
The Papillon gets on well with other dogs, cats and also children. Children needs to be taught that this is a dog and not a toy!
Pomeranian
The ideal Pomeranian is so heavily coated the it becomes almost ball-shaped. The breed’s coat does best with daily brushing and its exercise needs are minimal.
The Pomeranian is a lively, boisterous dog which can be too brave. They are intelligent, eager to learn and very loyal to its family. The Pomeranian is also vigilant, energetic, has a delightful nature and does not cling to its owner.
Too much attention from children can make these dogs rather nervous. They usually get along with other dogs and household animals without a problem.
Poodle (Toy)
This is the smallest of the three Poodle varieties and was bred down from its larger and older cousins in France during the eighteenth century.
The Toy Poodle is affectionate, smart, very clean and loves to play and be with its people. Miniature and Toy Poodles are very intelligent dogs, which, when handled properly, quickly learn what is required of them.
The Toy Poodle is a wonderful pet for older children who treat it with respect. It also makes a great therapy dog.
Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is often confused with the Yorkshire Terrier. The Silky Terrier was developed in Australia by crossing the Yorkie with the Australian terrier. It has a longer muzzle and larger ears than the Yorkshire Terrier.
In order to keep the coat in top condition, it is necessary to groom it daily with brush and comb for at least a quarter of an hour. The training of the Silky Terrier is happily very straight forward as they learn very quickly.
This is a very lively, cheerful dog which is eager to learn, full of energy, intelligent, affectionate, loyal and docile. In spite of its small size, they are vigilant and protective. Normally they are very loving with children.
Toy Fox Terrier
The website of the American Toy Fox Terrier Club states: “The TFT is a big dog in a little package. He considers himself ‘Superdog’, making it clear that he has a huge ego, and will dominate almost every situation.”
The Fox Terrier is a very intelligent ad cunning, hardy, lively and cheerful dog which is watchful, alert, brave, resolute and self-confident. Fox Terriers learn very quickly. They can be rather stubborn, but just be consistent in your training.
Fox Terriers normally get on well with children. Some Fox terriers can be rather dominant towards their own kind. Teach the dog when young how to get on with cats and your other household animals so that it will not chase them later. Fox Terriers are ever alert and will go to the attack if there is danger, but they are not unfriendly towards strangers.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier requires intensive daily grooming with brush and comb. If you do not have time or the inclination to do this, rather have the coat trimmed by a salon. The hair is normally kept out of the eyes with a rubber band or a ribbon tied in a bow.
This is a lively, intelligent, sometimes too brave dog. The Yorkshire Terrier is loving, vigilant and becomes very attached to its family. Provided children do not treat it as a toy and do not invade their territory, these dogs will not cause any problems with them. Some of the breed can be rather foolhardy in their courage towards other dogs but they can get along fine with cats and other household animals. Strangers will always be announced.