There are many small dog breeds, almost 200, in fact. While you may have heard of a few less common breeds it is the following popular breeds that melt our hearts and want to take them everywhere we go! Small dog breeds have special needs and before you decide to purchase one to take home make sure you know as much as possible about the small dog breed you’ve chosen. Always make sure you have the space, and time needed to raise one of these precious creatures!

Bichon Frise: Infallible little temperaments, these smart dogs make excellent family pets, and are very playful with a strong desire to please. They also have a non-shedding coat.

Boston Terrier: These dogs are excellent entertainers and companion animals, suitable for anybody or any lifestyle.

Chihuahua (Short Coat): This pocket-sized companion was discovered in Mexico. However, there is much controversy surrounding the real origins of this the smallest breed of dog in the world. Some speculate that they came from Egypt, others say it was Spain, and some place its origins in China.

The Chihuahua is known to be a bit nippy and is more suited to life with a single owner than a family. They should not be left around small children because they are very small and can easily be injured. This tiny dog is affectionate and very protective of its owner.

Dachshund (Miniature): The words ‘dachs’ and ‘hund’ mean ‘badger’ and ‘dog’ in German, hence the name “dachshund” suggests that this is a badger hunting-dog. Although placed in the hound group, this is actually a breed of terriers, as they go to the ground in search of vermin. The standard smooth variety is the oldest Dachshund on record and has been in existence since the early 16th century. All the other coat varieties were developed by cross breeding with wired-coated terriers or field spaniels. The miniatures were developed by selecting and breeding in smaller sized dogs. Miniature Dachshunds were used to hunt rabbits. Their diminutive size enabled them to enter the rabbit’s warren easily.

Dachshunds are known for their terrier tenacity but make a very loyal and loving family pet. They can be reserved and defensive if strangers enter their domain. They are very alert and have a powerful and frequent bark when guarding. Miniature Dachshunds make excellent lap dogs.

Jack Russell Terrier: Bold and friendly, loyal and affectionate, the terrier has been bred to work alongside his master. Because the terrier is small, it tends to fit nicely into most homes, but you must remember that the terriers do require exercise, they tend to be curious, and their keen intelligence demands proper training. Terriers are tough little dogs but because of the fact they love to please you, training should not be difficult. Although the Jack Russell is a very adaptable dog, they do thrive on attention. If you are away a lot of the time and do not wish to have a companion in an animal, the Jack Russell is not the dog for you. Home to a Jack is where their owner is. A terrier that is well socialized and properly trained becomes not only a family pet but part of the family.

Maltese: The Maltese has been a companion animal to humans far back in time. This dog can be a feisty character like its terrier ancestors, and are quite protective of their masters. They love to be petted and preened. The coat of a Maltese skirts the ground when they move and gives them an appearance of floating on air. The hair is straight, silky and should lay flat and although long, it should not impede the dog's movement. This breed requires regular brushing to keep it mat free. Maltese come in one color—white.

Pekingese: The Pekingese is a feisty, bold, and courageous guard dog, said to have the disposition of a lion. Since they are somewhat combative, Pekingese are not recommended for homes with small children. They do however make excellent companions for the elderly. Pekingese have a double coat. Their guard coat is rather long and sweeps the floor as they walk. Their ears, legs, and tail have an equally long coat. Their undercoat is thick and gives the appearance of having volumes of hair and a coat with a mane. Considerable brushing is required to keep the coat in clean, mat-free condition. All colors of Pekingese are allowed, but most are red with black mask and ear tips.

Pug: Pugs are playful, fun loving, happy-go-lucky, toy dogs and make excellent companion animals. Very intelligent and easily trained, they are recommended for all types of homes. The word Pug means “closed fisted”—presumably in reference to its facial features that do resemble a closed fist. Pug also means “someone tenderly loved,” and they are an easy to love animal once you get used to them. Pugs are good with children and with other animals.

Shih Tzu: This good natured, non-aggressive dog is an excellent choice for a family pet. They are playful and always asking of your attention. Their Chinese name translated means “Lion Dog.” They are also very cuddly and are non-shedding. The Shih Tzu is great with children and with other pets.

Yorkshire Terrier: This tenacious little breed is said to be a handful to own. Alert, assertive and fearless they are infallible as a guard dog too! Yorkshire are known to be a bit nippy and must be supervised around strangers and other dogs.

Click here to see our huge selection of Small Dog Breeds

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