The size of a dog breed is an important factor in choosing the best dog for your family. Small dog breeds are generally considered to be 30 pounds or less when fully grown, but they may vary in size depending on their nationality. The most important thing to consider when choosing a dog is not the dog’s size, but whether or not your family will be able to give the dog enough attention and exercise.
What Small Dogs Are Good Pets?
1. The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog that originated in Mexico. They are popular pets and are known to be affectionate little dogs that love their human families. They are active and bold, which makes them great little watchdogs. Unfortunately, they can also be aggressive with other dogs in the house or those passing by. In addition to being aggressive with other dogs, they have a strong prey drive and will chase anything that runs away from them, including cats, squirrels, birds, and other small animals.
2. The Maltese
Originating in Malta, the Maltese is a tiny dog with a long hair coat. It is known for its great temperament and affectionate behavior, and it has been used in films and on televisions shows as a popular pet. They are quiet and gentle and are great around children, but they do not tolerate cold weather well. Because of their small size, they can overheat very quickly in the summer months, so air conditioning is important to provide comfort to this breed of dog.
3. The Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is a popular breed of a small dog that originated in Yorkshire, England. This dog is very intelligent and active, and is known for its cute but somewhat mischievous and stubborn personality. The Yorkie has an affectionate nature, but they are not recommended for inexperienced pet owners. They can be aggressive towards other dogs and cats, so they must be properly socialized as puppies.
4. The Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean, and is a “toy” dog that has been popular in Europe for many years. They are known to be intelligent, playful, and affectionate, and they quickly and easily forge bonds with their human families. They love to be around people and are not good as watchdogs or guard dogs because they do not bark, but rather use their nature to seek out attention from humans or other dogs. They are very active dogs, so their owners need to provide them with constant exercise.
5. The Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a tiny dog that originated from Tibet. These dogs are very sweet and very playful, and they can be quite mischievous. They are known for their great nature, but they should not be left alone with children because they can be aggressive towards them and even towards other small animals in the house.
6. The Chihuahua Mix
The Chihuahua mix is a mixed breed of a Chihuahua and another small dog, such as an F1 (first generation) mixed breed. They are generally sweet and playful dogs that love to be around their human families. They are the perfect choice for first-time dog owners because they do not require much care and training. These dogs often come with their own set of problems, such as health issues or aggressiveness towards other animals. A good example of a Chihuahua mix would be a Chi-Poo, a Chihuahua mixed with a Toy Poodle.
7. The Yorkie Mix
The tiny Bichon Yorkie is a mixed breed of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Bichon Frise. Yorkshire Terriers are mixed with a range of other small breeds, but the Bichon Yorkie can easily become a family favorite with its energy, curiosity, and independence. It will also become an absolutely loyal companion.
See Also: Spotlight on Small Short-Haired Dogs
And: Small Guard Dog Breeds to Protect You and Your Property
What Is the Calmest Tiny Dog?
The calmest dog breed is the Teacup Poodle. This breed of dog was introduced to our world by the aristocracy in France. They are little dogs that have a strong will and extreme intelligence. They are easy to train and have a long life span. Most dogs weigh between 6 and 14 pounds, with the average being 7 to 10 pounds. Despite their small size, they make great watchdogs because they bark when they sense danger. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners because of their extreme size.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a very playful dog, which makes it perfect for families with children and other small pets, such as cats. They are also very smart dogs that do not bark very often, so they serve as excellent watchdogs. Schnauzers are also known for their strong appetites, which makes them great companions for families with larger dogs. These dogs weigh between 7 and 20 pounds when fully grown.
What Breed of Dog Stays Small Forever?
The Toy Poodle is a small dog that is not recommended for first-time dog owners. They are very active though, so they require exercise and constant grooming to keep them healthy. They do not shed, so can be accepted by allergic people. The average weight of this breed of dog is around 6 to 10 pounds.
The Chihuahua is another great small dog, though it does tend to shed, but it does not require constant grooming and exercise. Instead, it can be bathed whenever necessary, so it’s perfect for first-time and young pet owners. These dogs are very light, and tend to weigh between 2 to 6 pounds.
Conclusion
It is important to know the responsibilities that accompany owning a small dog. This is why it’s important to choose a breed of dog that suits your lifestyle, so you can prevent potential problems with your pet. Before choosing a small dog breed to add to your family, it’s crucial to research the different breeds you could adopt and make sure they fit your family’s needs. Consider the pros and cons of each breed and choose one that is suitable for you and your family in every aspect.
Featured image: A Chihuahua looking up.
