Introduction
Milan Kundera, a famous writer and dog lover once said, “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.” These words are especially particular to Small Short-haired breeds of dog – among the smallest and happiest of all breeds. So, we shine a spotlight on small short-haired dogs today.
What Is the Best Small Short-Haired Indoor Dog?
The Small Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, and Japanese Chin were among the first breeds of dogs to be domesticated. There are over 200 varieties of purebred dogs with short coats available from all across the world today. Including but not limited to American and English Toy Spaniel, Pekingese and Pug; Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Pomeranian; Bolognese, Chinese Crested and Havanese; Brussels Griffon, Papillon, and Yorkshire Terrier; Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Toy Manchester Terrier.
Except for the Japanese Chin which only has an overcoat, short-haired breeds are known to shed their coat up to twice a year. This can be frustrating for any dog owner, but regular brushing and haircuts will help keep the shedding down.
What is a Low-Maintenance Small Short-Haired Dog?
Budget is probably one of the major deciding factors in choosing a breed and should be the first consideration before you add any new dog to your family. Along with other aspects such as exercise requirements and grooming, larger dogs tend to cost more especially if they require professional grooming every couple of months. Below are some of the most affordable small short-haired breeds of dogs:
Bichon Frise
This small white fluffy dog requires a good brushing at least every other day but is known to be a strong and healthy breed that can live up to or even surpass 15 years.
Papillon
One of the most entertaining breeds to watch while playing, the Papillon is great with children and adults alike. They are full of energy but can grow up to become couch potatoes just as easily. With regular brushing every couple of days they require only occasional haircuts during their peak shedding periods.
Toy Poodle
Playful, cheerful, and alert, the Toy Poodle is a popular breed due to its superb intelligence and good nature. They are active dogs that need regular exercise but are capable of getting their high-octane workout just playing indoors with children or adults. Grooming them requires patience but can be made easier by using a slicker brush.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a happy, lively, low-key breed that loves to play with children. A daily walk will provide enough exercise for these dogs that are content with just being house pets – but they’ll make the best of it if there’s another dog around to play with.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are known to be good-natured, playful little dogs that enjoy spending time in the company of their family members. Active and alert they need socializing with children to prevent them from becoming shy around strangers – but once they get used to new faces they will love playing.
What Breed of Small Short-Haired Dog Is Calm and Quiet?
Some breeds that tend to be always calm and quiet are:
Pekingese
The Pekingese is an ancient breed that was originally bred to resemble lions. They are full of character and can get along well with children, adults, and other pets if properly introduced – but they aren’t the best choice for homes with non-canine pets because of their history as hunters.
Yorkshire Terrier
Known to be a loving dog, the Yorkshire Terrier is best suited to families with older children. They can be lively and active if they get enough exercise, but their small size makes them a lot of trouble for owners without experience in dealing with strong dogs.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu’s gentle nature and love for pets make it an ideal family dog that can get along well with children and adults. They are intelligent but can become stubborn, so the training process needs to be firm and consistent to prevent them from developing bad habits such as chewing or barking.
See also: Best Small Dogs for Seniors
And: Some Cute Little White Fluff Ball Dogs
What Kind of Small Short-Haired Dog is Good for a Lazy Person?
Lazy people may also need a lazy breed that can be left alone without any problem. These breeds are naturally independent and need less attention from their owners to thrive:
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a lively little dog with a big personality. Their small size allows them to enjoy living in an apartment and they do well as long as they get enough exercise. Chihuahuas love to play and they can be good with children if properly socialized – but because of their tiny size, they’re not the best choice for homes with infants or toddlers.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small dog that loves playing and interacting with children, adults, and other pets as long as it gets the care and attention it needs. It’s a lively dog that can keep itself entertained indoors but can be difficult to train and isn’t always good with children.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are hardy dogs known for their loyalty and obedience – they make excellent family pets because of their adaptability to new situations. They are very intelligent and generally obedient, but they can develop an independent streak that needs to be discouraged during training.
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a clean, lively, and intelligent dog that loves playing with children. Playtime builds up their endurance while running around the house keeps them busy during times when they’re confined indoors – but some can be difficult to train because of their stubborn nature.
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to decide on the right dog for your family, especially a small short-haired breed, but it’s important to be aware of your pet preferences and make sure you can provide them with what they need. Some breeds might seem like a good choice because of their appearance, but that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for everyone – so before rushing into buying a puppy it’s important to consider all the factors and make sure your decision will be beneficial for you, your family and most importantly – your dog.
Featured image: Toy Fox Terrier
