Small breeds
Small dog breeds usually weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, and can definitely be considered to be big dogs in a little package. These small dogs can be every bit as protective as their bigger counterparts. In most cases they make excellent family pets, provided that they have been properly socialized and trained when young.
One of the reasons why they are so popular, is that they are considered “portable” – it is much easier to travel with them then their bigger counterparts! They also make excellent flatmates, but do need to get the proper exercise to stay healthy. Here are some of these dogs (classified according to the American Kennel Club‘s guidelines), discussed in a bit more detail.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is America’s version of the spitz, bearing all the typical characteristics of a typical Nordic dog: prick ears, a thick double coat and a bush tail carried proudly over its back. The American Kennel Club standard describe it as “intelligent, alert, and friendly, although slightly conservative”.
The American Eskimo dog is a natural watchdog; protective with its family and often shy with strangers. They will learn tricks easily and excels in obedience training. They are very social animals who insists on being part of the family. They can develop problems if not socialized and trained correctly.
Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a rather low-set, active little dog with a keen expression in its dark eyes. This is a vigilant, alert, brave, intelligent, playful, independent dog which is very adaptable. They are a bit stubborn, excellent vermin destroyers and like to bark.
The training of the Australian Terrier needs to be strict because this self-confident freebooter will sometimes only follow its own ideas. They learn quite quickly. Provided that children do not tease it, they get on well with them. Strangers, on the other hand, will not be readily accepted. Teach the dogs when young to live with cats so that they can live together in harmony.
Beagle
The Beagle is compactly built and sturdy, giving the impression of great stamina and energy. This is a lively, cheerful, sociable, brave and intelligent dog with a mind of its own. They are also resolute and vigilant, but do have a tendency to follow their own nose.
The Beagle is not the most obedient of dog breeds. It is an independent hunting dog but will also make a highly suitable pet to your home. It is best to take a Beagle to an obedience class.
Beagles get on well with other dogs and children, and even strangers will get a friendly greeting! They need to get used to cats and other household animals when they are young. The Beagle needs to get quite a bit of exercise. They are less suitable to keep in a flat.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise’s silken coat consists of locks spirally formed. The coat should be thoroughly combed every day, and will occasionally need clipping. People who do not have time for the extensive grooming, must not take on this dog.
The Bichon Frise bonds very closely with their owner. They are pliable, cheerful, active, playful, intelligent, sociable and sensitive dogs. They are very bright dogs who quickly catch on to what is required of them. Bichons are naturally sociable dogs which are happiest as a member of the family who goes everywhere with the family. This also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs, pets and children.
Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a tenacious, brave, equable, stubborn, lively dog which is sportive and untiring. They can take a blow and is not sensitive to pain. It is loyal to its owner, patient with children and adaptable.
Training the Border Terrier is relatively easy because they learn so quickly. The Border Terrier gets on well with children. It is essential to introduce them to other dogs, cats and other household animals when they are young.
Border Terriers needs lots of exercise and are suitable for sports like fly-ball and agility skills.
Boston Terrier
The gay little Boston Terrier is one of the breeds one would cheerfully recommend as a pet for anyone. Although this is one of the smaller breeds, its compact body and stylish deportment demonstrates that is is determined, strong and active.
The Boston Terrier is not difficult to train because they like to learn and their intelligence ensures that they pick up things very quickly. Generally these dogs get along very well with other dogs and pets, and also with children.
This Terrier has no desire for long walks, but does like to go everywhere with you. They are not heavy and when it is hot or too far, they can easily be carried.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is an intelligent, brave, cheerful, lively, playful, extrovert dog which is uncomplicated, affectionate and eager to learn. Teach this dog early on to get on with cats and other household pets, so that it will not chase them when older. The Cairn Terrier needs loving but also strict and consistent training.
The Cairn Terrier makes a first-class friend for children. It can tolerate rough play and has a well-developed sense of humour. They can also get on reasonably well with other dogs, although some of these dogs will stand their ground. They will go into action when they detect danger.
These dogs are bursting with energy en must get ample opportunity to play. It is an ideal dog for a sportive family.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi will be satisfied with as little grooming as possible. You need only to brush it occasionally to remove dead hairs.
This intelligent dog is eager to learn, hardy and brave. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is fairly calm by nature and has an especially good sense of humour. Generally this will be a problem-free breed to bring up. They will gladly learn from you and is quick to understand. The Cardigan can be reckless with other dogs. It is important to socialize them early with cats and other animals to prevents some problems in the future.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are lovable, engaging dogs that are high-spirited and active, obedient, gentle-natured, sociable and very adaptable.
These Spaniels are uncomplicated household companions that happily get along with children, other dogs and any other animals that you may have.
Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier is a good-humoured dog which is affectionate, very adaptable, stalwart and hardy, sportive but also calm. They are also intelligent and sociable.
The training of this breed is not very demanding. It is important to let the puppy meet with various people and different animals in positive circumstances. The Cesky Terrier gets on well with its own kind and with other household animals. In addition, it is always loving with children. They can be somewhat cautious with strangers.
The Cesky Terrier has an average demand for exercise. They like to frolic and play but it also enjoys enjoys walks through a wood or across an open countryside.
Cocker Spaniel
Its melting expression, long ears, incessant wagging tail and its merry and affectionate temperament, have made the Cocker Spaniel one of the most popular breeds in the world.
The Cocker Spaniel is a naturally pliable dog which grasps what you want to do. Train them with understanding and consistency. Given half the chance, the Cocker Spaniel will lead you a merry dance!
These dogs usually get on well with pets, other dogs and children. Make sure the children are not too rough with the dog because they allow themselves to be used as toys.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is brave, dominant, has a mind of its own, is cunning, vigilant, resourceful and lively. It is tenacious, curious and has a sense of humour.
The family comes first with a Dachshund and they have little time for strangers. This is shown by a rather reserved manner to people that the dog does not know. If they are introduced to children early so that they have positive experiences with them, the Dachshund will not cause any problems with children.
The Dachshund gets on reasonably well with other dogs, although some can be rather over-courageous in their approach to larger dogs. Because of their passion for hunting, this breed is not a suitable playmate for other small household animals.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is an intelligent, very affectionate, lovable dog. They are tolerant of children, playful, cheerful, sensitive, sometimes boisterous with a strongly developed sense of humour. They can be jealous if their owner’s attention is directed elsewhere. They like to be part of the family and should not be left alone too often.
It is often said that these dogs are mad about children but that is not true. It is more the case of the children being crazy about the dog. Some of them can be rather dominant towards other dogs, although there are never problems with other household pets. Most of them are fond of people and visitors are mostly enthusiastically welcomed.
Havanese
Happy and lovable, the Havanese are growing in popularity as family pets. They are highly intelligent and will generally do fine in homes with other dogs. They aren’t noisy dogs and they are easy to train. Clean and non-shedding, they do well in small spaces, but do crave daily exercise.
The Havanese learns quickly and enjoys doing things for you. Some of them tend to bark more than necessary, so teach them to not do so before it becomes a habit. These dogs gets along well with all-comers – dogs, cats and other pets. They can be fine too with children but they do not like to be pestered by them.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is an affectionate, gentle and cheerful dog that are quick and active, intelligent and compliant. Generally these are not difficult dogs to train. They are often naughty and are aware that they are!
The Italian Greyhound gets on well with other dogs and cats. They normally also get on well with children, but do not let children treat them as a toy. It is recommended that you have more than one of them. This active breed likes to run. If possible, let them run freely on an enclosed patch of land.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhaso Apso are calm, loyal, lovable dogs which are equable, cheerful, independent and distrustful of strangers. They like company, but will not cling to you.
They will make good dogs for owners who won’t let them dominate the household and are usually not compatible with children. The do, however, get on well with dogs and other household pets. The Lhaso Apso have normal exercise needs. The dogs are quite happy by nature indoors and there is no need to go for long walks with them.
Miniature Schnauser
The Miniature Schnauser is sixth in popularity for small dogs in the United States. Its appeal is based upon its handsome looks, fun-loving personality, high intelligence and solid devotion to its family.
The Miniature Schnauser needs a confident handler despite its size. Schnausers are quick and bright pupils, although they frequently have their own ideas about your commands.
In general the Miniature Schnauser gets on well with other household pets and children. They are very uncertain about strangers and will announce visitors with full-throated barking.
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russel Terrier is a very active, intelligent and cunning dog that is vigilant, bold and enterprising. They have plenty of self-confidence (verging on dominance) and is quite independent.
These dogs can learn very quickly but have the tendency to try and have their own way in everything. The Parson Russel Terrier is an uncomplicated and socially acceptable dog. They get on well with other household pets and love to play with children. When their social training has been good, they can also get on with the household cat but they frequently cannot resist the urge to chase a cat!
The Parson Russel Terrier needs to run about and frolic every day and they love to dig. They will feel absolutely at home on a farm where they can also be useful in dealing with vermin.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is an affectionate, noble dog that possess a winning way. They can be both self-centered and stubborn. They are intelligent, brave and not particularly fond of strangers. They choose who will be their “boss”.
The Pekingese do not generally have problems in mixing with other animals, although this has a lot to do with the extend to which they have been socially trained. Since they do not like to be disturbed when they are resting, they are less suitable for a household with young children. Since they have relatively small demands for exercise, they make and ideal dog for those living in towns, and for people who themselves are less active.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is full of energy, alert, hardy, self-assured, intelligent, eager to learn and sometimes too brave. These dogs are not difficult to train and to bring up because of their high intelligence and quick learning ability.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis get on well with children provided they do not tease them. These dogs are alert but not overly suspicious of strangers. They can be rather dominant towards their own kind.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi must be given the chance to burn off their energy; three times a day quickly around the block is not sufficient exercise for them.
Poodle (Miniature)
The Miniature Poodle is a playful, lively dog that are intelligent, keen to learn, but sensitive and they bond closely with their owner and family.
The Miniature 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.
They are generally trouble-free dogs in terms of getting along with other dogs and pets. They will announce visitors, but that is all.
Pug
The Pug is a straightforward, pliable dog which are calm indoors, sociable and sensitive. They have a well-developed sense of humour, are very affectionate and intelligent.
Pugs get on well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors. They do require lots of attention and become jealous if their owner’s attention goes elsewhere.
In fine weather they love to romp and play out of doors. If it is very hot, do not leave them out too longs and make sure they have a cool shady place where they spend the rest of the day.
Rat Terrier
President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have given the Rat Terrier its name. This is the ideal farm dog and hunting companion. The Rat Terrier is one of the true American dog breeds.
The Rat Terrier is an intelligent, inquisitive, energetic, vermin-chasing, fearless little dog. They are very easy to train, but can sometimes be very stubborn.
They get on well with other dogs and children. The Rat Terrier is an active dog and needs lots of exercise.
Schipperke
The Schipperke is an attentive, self-confident, cunning and high spirited dog. They are lively, determined, constant, tireless, alert and loyal to the family.
This breed is easily alerted and barks at the first sign of trouble. Generally they are easy to train, they are intelligent and eager to learn.
The Schipperke will defend its territory, against both two-legged and four-legged intruders. If someone new visits, they will adopt a watchful position. The pet cat will be happily accepted. Generally they are quite good with children.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier was originally bred in the Aberdeen area. The Scottie is a strong-willed and energetic terrier that once employed its hunting skills against rats, foxes, and weasels, pursuing them down into their burrows.
The Scottish Terrier is straight forward and sober, and becomes very attached to its family. It is vigilant, noble, sportive, sometimes has a mind of its own and loves to dig.
The natural inclination of a Scottie is to get on well with other household animals and its own kind. Provided children do not treat this dog as a toy and leave it alone in its domain, they will get along well together. Much depends on the puppy’s training.
Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier is generally an intelligent dog which learns easily. It can try to undermine your authority from time to time.
The Sealyham Terrier gets on reasonably well with other dogs. For such behaviour with cats and other animals, its needs to be introduced to them when young. Provided it had positive contact with children when a puppy, it will get on well with them when grown up. With visitors it can be friendly or cautious – much depends on the early social training.
Shetland Sheepdog
The graceful little Shetland Sheepdog with its neat looks, moderate size and usually affectionate and friendly temperament is one of the most popular breeds among people seeking a pet.
This extremely intelligent, cunning dog is loyal to its family. The Shetland Sheepdog is affectionate, obedient, responsive, happy, have considerable stamina and is fairly robust. This is not a difficult dog to train. The Shetland Sheepdog learns happily and enjoys being busy.
These are extremely sociable dogs who usually gets on extremely well with their own kind, cats and small animals. Provided children leave the dog in peace, there will be no problems. They are cautious and watchful with strangers.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a lively, equable dog which barks very little and bonds closely with its handler, yet is independent. This is a curious, cheerful and vigilant dog.
The training of this dog is not difficult, provided you allow for its having a mind of its own and being naturally independent.
The Shiba Inu normally gets on well with dogs and other animals. It is a bit reserved with strangers, but children do no usually cause any problems.
Smooth Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier is a very intelligent, cunning, hardy, lively and cheerful dog who loves to bark. They are watchful, alert, brave, resolute and self-confident. Fox Terriers learn very quickly, but they can be rather stubborn.
The Fox Terrier usually gets 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 alert and will go on the attack if there are danger, but they are not unfriendly towards strangers.
These dogs are bursting with energy and like to be constantly active. If you are sportive, one of the two types of Fox Terriers is the dog for you!
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an American hunting terrier. This is a very versatile, laid-back and adaptable dog.
They make good family companions. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has a desire to please its owner, which make them quite easy to learn. They do crave human interaction and will follow its master around. This terrier is bold, alert, protective and makes a good watchdog. They are initially suspicious of strangers and take time to accept unknown people into the house.
Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a self-assured dog which are brave, vigilant and cautious with strangers but not yappy. They also have a strong constitution and intelligence.
These dogs are very easy to train as they quickly grasp what you require of them. The Tibetan Spaniel are lovable with children and can also get on well with other dogs and cats, provided they have met them when they were young. They will always warn of danger.
Tibetan Terrier
Beneath it cuddly appearance, the Tibetan Terrier is a tough, brave dog. They are lively, vigilant, equable, intelligent, noble and cheerful. The Tibetan Terrier is dedicated to its owner and is somewhat cautious with strangers. They can be dominant towards other dogs. They do not cope well with being left alone.
They need to be socially trained when they are young to get on well with cats and other household animals. Provided that children do not pester them, they will get on well with children.
Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is a vigilant, active, cheerful and uncomplicated dog. They are affectionate, intelligent, brave and obedient, but can be dominant towards other dogs.
Welsh Terriers bond very closely with its family, although they are reserved with strangers. The Welsh Terrier is bright enough to understand quickly what you want, but is also cunning enough to try and divert you from your intention.
The Welsh Terrier can be rather reserved with people it does not know. Generally it is patient with children – it can withstand a bit of rough play! Make sure it becomes confident with cats and other household animals when young. This will prevent the dog from chasing them when it grows up.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a lively, playful, intrepid, vigilant and alert dog. They are cheerful, loyal to its owner, an extrovert, cunning and ingenious but also stubborn, resolute and independent. The West Highland White Terrier brims with self-confidence and are not easily impressed.
These dogs normally get on well with their own kind and make excellent playmates for children – they can withstand rough play. Teach them when they are young to tolerate cats or they will chase them when older. Some of these dogs can be rather dominant towards other dogs, but this also depends greatly upon their early social training.
Wire Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier is a very intelligent, cunning, hardy, lively and cheerful dog who loves to bark. They are watchful, alert, brave, resolute and self-confident. Fox Terriers learn very quickly, but they can be rather stubborn.
The Fox Terrier usually gets 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 alert and will go on the attack if there are danger, but they are not unfriendly towards strangers.
These dogs are bursting with energy and like to be constantly active. If you are sportive, one of the two types of Fox Terriers is the dog for you!
