Small but Mature!
Small dog breeds mature faster than their large-sized brothers. So, don’t be surprised if your Great Dane behaves like a child, but your Chihuahua doesn’t! Also, smaller breeds have a longer lifespan.Small dogs make fabulous companions as they can easily fit in your lap and can be easily accompany you everywhere. Some even fit in a handbag! A very important advantage is that you can keep them even if you have a small house or apartment. Although their size has more or less branded them as show/lap dogs, don’t underestimate them because they are actually quite observant and watchful.
They will cuddle with you, sit and read with you, and at the same time play much more with you. You just need to remember that they love you so much that they surely will do their bit to protect you.
Child-friendly Small Dogs
Pug
Pugs are indoor dogs, growing up to 11 inches in height, and weighing no more than 16 pounds. Their faces appear squished-up, with smooth, short coats, and cute little curly tails. They often come in colors like black, silver or fawn, with black snouts. They are sociable and playful by nature, and can be left alone with children without worrying about barks and bites. They need plenty of attention because they can show their displeasure at being ignored. They are intelligent, loyal, and can be trained quite easily.
Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are native to Mexico, and are bold and feisty. They like to presume that they are big dogs, and even act like one, never mind their size! They are one of the smallest breeds in the world. They grow to not more than 10 inches in height. They have bright eager-looking eyes, erect ears, and are available in shades of brown, fawn or crème, and black. They are not very sociable, but can stay around unfamiliar people. Their temperament is quite unpredictable as it all depends on the genes and how you train them.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds are curious and full of life. They are short-legged with elongated bodies and have been named after the German terrier (badger) group of dogs. Dachshunds are categorized according to their adult weight; miniatures weigh less than 11 pounds, and standard ones weigh between 16 to 32 pounds. They are available in three varieties; the short-haired, wire-haired, and the long-haired. Like the terrier, they are spirited and independent in nature, and have all the makings of a joyful pet.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, sporty and courageous dogs with long billowing coat that requires regular shampooing and grooming. In spite of being small, they have a strong body with a long and silky double-coat. They grow up to 10 inches in height and can weigh between 10 – 16 pounds when fully grown. They are affectionate dogs, but early training is needed. They are alert and can get stubborn sometimes, but will love unconditionally and willingly and welcome strangers too (if you love them, they love them!).
Sporty and Fun Small Dogs
Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are intelligent have small, compact build and squarish faces. They weigh between 10 to 25 pounds and usually stand around 15 – 17 inches tall. There are different coat colors like black, brindle, seal, with white markings. They enjoy the company of humans and don’t bark much, which makes them suitable for apartments and crowded neighborhoods.
Yorkshire Terrier
Affectionately called Yorkie, Yorkshire Terriers are natives of Yorkshire in northern England. They have a happy disposition, which means they gel well with people, especially children. They normally weigh around 2.5-5 kg and grow to about 9 inches in height. Their coat is soft and shiny, which needs regular grooming. They come in different colors like black or dark brown, with patches of tan on the body.
French Bulldog
French bulldogs are extremely affectionate and playful in nature. It is a treat to watch them play alone or with some toys. They have a flat face, snubbed nose, smooth coat, and a small frame. They are intelligent and calm, and are not overtly sensitive when left alone or ignored, but are very protective about their family. As they are bulky dogs, they should not be left alone near pools as they can’t swim easily. French bulldogs can grow to a maximum height of 12 inches.
Basset Hound
Basset hounds are gentle in nature and comfortable around people. They are short-legged and have great ability to sniff. They can weigh about 44 – 77 pounds. Their droopy eyes and hanging skin lend charm and cuteness to their appearance. They are highly patient with children, which makes them great as pets.
Designer Small Dogs
Beagle Hound
Contrary to the image of a hound, beagle hounds are pint-sized. But they don’t let this small fact get in the way of their enthusiasm in guarding you. They are intelligent and friendly, and rarely get irritated or aggressive in company. They weigh up to 30 pounds and grow to a height of 15 inches. They have large gentle eyes with long flappy ears. Their coat is smooth. They are usually white or fawn with black, white, or tan patches on them.
Maltese
Intelligent and well-mannered, Maltese are considered to be a traditional lap dogs. They weigh around 4 – 6 pounds and grow to a maximum height of 10 inches. They are always active, playful, and just need humans around. They may suffer from separation anxiety.
Toy Poodle
Toy poodles are one of the three types of poodles, and are very small in size. They grow up to 10 inches in height, and weigh no more than 7 pounds. They can be well-trained, but require quite grooming. This light-shedding breed performs well in agility competitions.
Papillon
Papillons have a fine bone structure and beautiful, butterfly-shaped ears. They weigh around 8 – 12 pounds, and grow to a height of 8 – 11 inches. They are equally happy to be lapdogs as well as active dogs. An addition to their affectionate behavior is that they will alert you at the slightest hint of danger.
There are many more breeds of small dogs like the Bichon Frise, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Lhasa Apso, Havanese, etc., to choose from. While choosing a dog, make sure you get all the important information regarding the dog’s well-being and good health. As is evident from all the above breeds, we can surely conclude that big doses of love and affection can come in small packets too!
