The most popular breeds of small dogs

The content of the article

• Top 20 Small Dog Breeds
• Japanese chin
• German Spitz
• Dwarf dachshund
• Chinese Crested
• Brussels Griffon
• Shih Tzu
• French Bulldog
• Pug
• Welsh Corgi Pembroke
• Pekingese
• Lhasa Apso
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Boston terrier
• Bichon Frize
• Miniature pinscher
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Toy Terrier
• Chihuahua

For those who are looking for a charming and affectionate friend, experts advise small dogs. Most of these breeds have collected the very best qualities: tenderness, friendliness, devotion. They live longer than large dogs. Do not have to leave your beloved pet early.

Top 20 Small Dog Breeds

These animals are suitable for keeping in urban apartments. Many of them do not need regular walks, they can run around the rooms. The problem of small breeds – frequent congenital pathologies.

When choosing such a pet, you need to carefully study all the recommendations for caring for him.

Japanese chin

The breed is distinguished by a small muzzle with huge round eyes, a thick long coat. The color of the animal is always white with spots of black or red (rarely) color. The growth of Japanese chins does not exceed 25 cm, weight – 3.2 kg. These indoor dogs live 10-12 years.

These quiet, calm pets constantly need a host nearby. Loneliness they do not like. Japanese chin hugs joyfully with homework, but will not go to the hands of a stranger. These smart dogs can be trained, but you can not shout at them. They can respond to rudeness with aggression.

German Spitz

This breed of companion dogs has several varieties, the growth of animals ranges from 18 to 55 cm. The smallest Spitz is “orange”. It weighs no more than 7 kg, and its height at the withers does not exceed 22 cm. The disadvantage of this variety is a strong tendency to obesity. If you do not control the nutrition and activity of the animal, this will lead to great health problems. The average life span of a German Spitz is 12–16 years.

The charm of the animal gives it a long thick coat, a small sharp muzzle. Spitz is very smart, loyal to the owner, playful, balanced. They are easy to train. Even with their small size, these animals will become a reliable guard. They respond to strangers with a loud bark.

Dwarf dachshund

Short-legged dogs do not have powerful muscles, but they have a strong sense of the hunter. These are hardy, active, agile animals. They are taken with them when they go to small prey – badgers, foxes, ducks. Brave dachshunds fit as a watchman. They bark very loudly at the sight of danger. Life expectancy of dwarf dachshunds – 12-16 years.

At home, the dachshund quickly becomes the main member of the family. She is very affectionate, friendly, calm, eagerly sitting in her arms. Representatives of this breed become attached to the owner quickly, converge well with children. Dwarf dachshunds in height barely reach 30 cm, and can weigh 14 kg.

Chinese Crested

The peculiarity of this breed of small dogs is appearance. There is no wool on the body of these animals: it is only on the ears, muzzle, tail and below the legs. Rarely, the body is covered with small translucent veil hairs. Because of this, a Chinese crested dog needs clothes even in the summer (on cool days). The growth of adults does not exceed 33 cm, and weight – 5.5 kg. These dogs live 13-18 years.

Chinese crested puppies are very playful, affectionate, funny. They need to be trained since childhood. If neglected, the dogs will begin to show character. Adult animals are also very mobile, active, constantly follow the owner. This is a great companion pet that will always be there..

Brussels Griffon

A young decorative breed of small dogs with a weight of 3.5–6 kg and a height of 26 to 32 cm. Animals lend themselves well to training. Today they more often act as companions. Life expectancy is 12 years..

Griffons are distinguished by good posture, a stocky body. The long coat on the face makes the dog look like a charming “old man” or “little house”. They are very active, sociable, do not like to be alone, on the heels of following the owner. They will not tolerate too intrusive a child, and they get along easily with pets.

Shih Tzu

Small, almost toy in size and type of dog. Shih Tzu beauties have the longest hair relative to body size. It is very smooth, thin and needs constant care. With a height of 23–27 cm, weight 4.5–8 kg, the dog looks graceful even of smaller relatives.

Shih Tzu are great companions. They will be happy to both run after the owner during the game, and lie peacefully in his hands. Among the family members they do not distinguish anyone, they love everyone equally. Walking with Shih Tzu is not necessary. They do not need street activity, they quickly get used to the tray. These dogs live to 18 years..

French Bulldog

Cute babies with wrinkled skin, erect round ears rarely leave anyone indifferent. Animals are muscular, undersized, strong for their size. They are stretched to 35 cm, and their weight reaches 15 kg. French bulldogs have a short life expectancy: 10-12 years.

This little dog is not only a companion, but also a guard dog. She is fearless, active, smart. He does not show unnecessary aggression, does not bark for no reason. French bulldog caresses with young children and other pets. Heavy loads, prolonged exposure to heat are contraindicated due to congenital breathing problems..

Pug

This breed of decorative dogs is very sociable and emotional. Pug mood is easy to read across wrinkled foreheads and large dark eyes. Adults grow to a height of 32 cm and can weigh 8 kg. They live up to 15 years.

Pugs are great companions for children or adults. These good-natured, calm animals require special attention. They have many problems with vision, respiratory system. The owner must treat their folds with an antiseptic, monitor the nutrition and air temperature in the apartment. These animals do not tolerate cold.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

The most charming miniature breed of dogs on short legs and without a tail. Belongs to the shepherd family. The Welsh Corgi were hunting dogs: they guarded the herd, drove the predators away. With increasing popularity, these animals have become companions for children and adults. They are affectionate, loyal to the owner, easily converge with the kids.

Welsh Corgi are mobile and tireless, ready to play all day, but they feel the mood of the owner. They know when to approach and when to stay at a distance. Their coat is very thick, therefore it is difficult for them in the heat. The growth of the Welsh Korgs does not exceed 30 cm, and they live in good conditions for 12-13 years.

Pekingese

Even with its small size (not higher than 25 cm), the Pekingese look like magnificent animals. They are stunted, with a very long and thick coat, due to which they can not tolerate the heat. The average weight of the Pekingese is 4–4.5 kg; they live up to 14 years.

These dogs are independent. They love the owner, but they can both follow on his heels and not pay attention to him. These are good pets for a large family, but without other animals. Pekingese do not tolerate competition, they want to always be the main favorites. These are small manipulators: everyone in the house must adapt to their mood.

Lhasa Apso

Not the most famous, but very interesting breed of smooth-haired indoor dogs. Lhasa apso has a very long coat that covers its face. It is difficult to understand where the ears, head, body and tail are. Animals barely reach 28 cm and weigh 8 kg.

These are affectionate companions with watchdog qualities. They treat strangers with suspicion. With pets, these dogs are affectionate, but it is important for them to respect independence. If you squeeze them too hard, they can show their teeth..

Jack Russell Terrier

This is a hunting breed of small dogs. In a small body (animal height – 30 cm) courage, endurance and great muscle strength are hidden. If you take the Jack Russell Terrier as a companion, you need to walk it every day. Life expectancy is 12-15 years..

These dogs do not have a bright appearance. Their coat is short, white with red spots. Bribing animals with character: lively, energetic. They require attention to themselves, outdoor games, are ready to run with the owner, to accompany on bike rides.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Even with the small size of these animals, they can be taken for hunting. They are able to raise a shot bird and bring it to the owner, but more often they are bought as companions. The weight of adult dogs is 8 kg, their height is 30–33 cm. They live up to 15 years..

These little spaniels have a stable psyche, they are fearless and very affectionate. Animals love active games, always in a good mood. In the family, the cavalier spaniel selects only a few people, but quickly and forever becomes attached to them.

Boston terrier

New and not the most popular decorative breed. Her ancestors were the English Bulldog and Terrier. When crossing turned out to be a small graceful dog with long ears. Her weight rarely reaches 11 kg, and her height varies between 38–43 cm. Such pets live up to 13 years old..

Boston Terriers were bred as fighting dogs, but gradually they became companions. Their temperament is hot, animals can show stubbornness without a good upbringing. In the family they adapt quickly, attach themselves tightly to the owner.

Bichon Frize

The French breed from the family of lap-dogs is distinguished by thick curly hair of white color. Adults do not grow above 29 cm, weigh only 5 kg. They used to be used as rat-catchers. In the modern world, Bichon Frize is a decorative companion dog. They are funny, courageous, active and completely devoid of aggression. Wool does not fade, does not require special care.

Bichon Frize can live in an apartment and almost never go outside. They quickly learn to use the tray, but they need active classes. Representatives of the breed can not be left alone for long, it is better for them to live in a large family. With the owners and other animals, these dogs quickly find a common language.

Miniature pinscher

In Germany, these animals are called miniature Dobermans. Dwarf pinschers have no common roots with this breed, but they are united by courage and guard qualities. With a height of 30 cm and a weight of less than 6 kg, the dog is ready to rush at any suspicious stranger to protect the owner. The life span of the miniature pinscher is 12–16 years..

Dwarf pinschers have a smooth short coat that does not need active care. It does not protect well from the cold, so from autumn to spring the animal walks in clothes. Representatives of the breed are cheerful, they like activity, smart. They are easy to accustom to the toilet at home.

Maltese

A tiny charming little dog from the family of lapdogs conquers the hearts of adults and children. She has a long, smooth coat of pure white color, small bead eyes, and a very playful character. Maltese weighs no more than 4 kg and is 20–25 cm tall. With these parameters, she looks like a toy and doesn’t want to let go of her.

These dogs are acquired as companions. They are smart, easy to learn, love outdoor games: running, jumping. With children, these animals converge well, strangers are also immediately accepted. There is not a drop of aggression in maltese, but puppies can bite during the game.

Yorkshire Terrier

This breed is being watched by those people who need a small dog with long hair, a smart look and a big heart. These are guard animals that can stun and bark and attack the ill-wisher. They have more courage than height and weight (it does not exceed 3 kg). Yorkshire Terriers live 11-15 years old.

The breed is distinguished by a long silky coat, which needs to be cut regularly. It causes allergies less frequently than other dogs. Yorkers have good health, but there are problems with teeth and joints. These animals are very friendly, they feel the mood of the owner. The breed representatives have a very strong hunting instinct. It’s dangerous to let them out for a walk without a leash – they can run and get lost.

Toy Terrier

Not the smallest, but one of the especially light dogs. Her weight rarely reaches 3 kg, her height ranges from 25 to 30 cm. The toy terrier is ideal for living in an apartment. He does not need frequent walks, but he loves active classes. The animal has a good hunting instinct, it joyfully runs after birds, catches rats. These dogs die at the age of 12-15 years.

Toy terriers are bought as companions. They faithfully follow the owner, cannot remain alone. It is difficult to train this breed, it is necessary to start at an early age. If this is not done on time, the pet will grow up cocky, wayward. Toy terriers do not understand their size and often start conflicts with large dogs.

Chihuahua

The smallest dog in the world. Its weight does not exceed 3 kg, and height – 15 cm, so the animal is called pocket. A monthly puppy easily fits in a female palm. The breed is distinguished by a round head, large eyes and ears. The coat is long and short, in different shades. Shelf life – 14–16 years.

Like other breeds of small dogs, the Chihuahua does not tolerate cold. She even needs clothes at home, but they don’t take her out to the street at temperatures below zero. Due to congenital health problems, the breed needs special care. With its small size, the chihuahua feels like a big dog and requires a lot of attention. She will not be suitable for families with children, because they can harm her during the game.