List of Small Dog Breeds, and everything you need to know about it is contained in this article. Most small dogs are bred to make lap dogs and good companions.
List of Small Dog Breeds - Dog Type Facts
Type Description:
Small dog breeds are those with height not exceeding 15 inches.
There are a lot of dogs that are small. Most of them are lap dogs or dogs that serve as status symbols. Small dog breeds include: Chihuahua, Pekingese, Brussels Griffon, Toy Fox Terrier, Dachshund, Papillon, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Maltese, Norfolk Terrier, Silky Terrier, Affenpinscher, Tibetan Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Cairn Terrier, Bichon Frise, Australian Terrier, Border Terrier, Lhasa Apso, West Highland White Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Norwich Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pug, Scottish Terrier, Schipperke, Miniature Bull Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Sealyham Terrier, French Bulldog, Basset Hound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Lowchen, Miniature Schnauzer, Parson Russell Terrier and Patterdale Terrier.Varieties:
AKC Group:
Most of the small dogs are in the toy group of AKC. There are small dogs in other groups like terrier and non-sporting.Popularity:
Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, Shih Tzu and Chihuahua are the most popular among small dogs.History:
Toy dogs and lap dogs were bred mainly to give pleasure to the owner. They were mainly bred by royal families and rich people as a status symbol. Some small dogs were used in hunting as their size gave them the ability to hunt small vermin.Physical Traits:
These dogs are below 15 inches in height.
List of Small Dog Breeds - Dog Type Defining Characteristics
Shared Characteristics:
Most of them are toy dogs which require a lot of human attention. They are friendly and loyal. Some dogs belonging to the terrier group tend to dig. Some toy dogs are yappy.Training:
Dogs meant for the Show ring tend to learn quickly, thus, are easy to train.Child Friendly:
Dogs that are very small are not recommended with children as they might treat the dogs roughly.
List of Small Dog Breeds - Dog Type Concerns
Benefits:
These dogs make very good companions and lap dogs. They do not occupy much space in the car and also in the house.
Very small dogs like Chihuahuas need to be taken very good care of as they are very fragile.Liabilities:
Health Issues:
The smaller the dog, the more health problems they are prone to. Chihuahuas are fragile and are prone to fractures, and leg problems. Dachshunds are prone to spinal disc problems.Specific Care Needs:
These dogs should be kept away from children as they are very small and prone to rough treatment. Some are very small and there is always the danger of stepping on them.Special Household Needs:
A crate and some grooming accessories will be required.
List of Small Dog Breeds - How to Choose a Dog Type
What to Look for:
When taking a puppy, it should be at least 8 weeks old. Look for dogs with healthy legs and bright eyes.Supplies:
Get the regular supplies required for a dog along with the special ones that are required for the specific dog.Expense:
Some dogs are not that expensive but dogs like Chihuahuas and Pekingese are quite expensive to acquire as well as to maintain.