This site is dedicated to providing information about small dog breeds to owners and potential owners who need help in choosing a small dog. Our small breeds of dogs are discussed in two sections – Toy Dogs and Small Dogs. Toy Dogs include all the breeds in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Group. Small Dogs include the remaining small AKC dog breeds that weigh less than 25 pounds. These breeds fall mainly into the AKC Terrier Group and Non-Sporting Dog Group. Small dog breeds have become increasingly popular over the past several years. The Yorkshire Terrier, a member of the Toy Dog Group, was the most popular small dog breed in the US. The Yorkie ranked 3rd out of 154 dog breeds registered by the AKC in 2005 and will probably overtake the Golden
retriever as the 2nd ranked dog in 2006. The Dachshund (including the Miniature), Poodle (including the Toy and Miniature), Shih Tzu and Miniature Schnauzer all ranked in the top 10 for 2005.
Designer dogs have become very popular in recent years and we have added six of the most popular small hybrid breeds to our website. See our pages on the Puggle and the Shorkie; the Cockapoo and the Maltipoo; and the Schnoodle and the Yorkipoo. Designer dogs are really hybrid or cross-breed dogs that have been developed to try and achieve some positive characteristics from the founding pure-bred dog breeds. You can buy first generation or multi-generational designer dogs. First generation puppies will have some combination of the breeding parents’ characteristics but these will be difficult to predict. For example: many of the –poo hybrids were developed to try and pass on the low-shedding hypoallergenic coats of the Poodles to the new hybrid dog breed. This may or may not occur in a first generation hybrid. Multi-generational designer dogs are developed when the
resulting hybrids with the desired characteristics (occasionally adding back in one of the founding breeds), are bred over many generations. After some period of time, this hybrid will start to breed true and the breeder will be able to tell you what the major characteristics of the puppy will be. Most pure-bred dog breeds were initially developed as hybrids.
There are a number of reasons for the increasing popularity of small dog breeds. They are great companion dogs, easy to cuddle and readily adapt to our life style. They are welcome practically wherever you want to go. These dogs are cute and attractive and people accept them wherever you travel. Most small breeds adapt well to living in apartments and some do well with shut-ins who can’t get outside to exercise their pets. Most airlines will allow small dogs to travel in passenger cabins as long as the carrier can be stowed under the seat in front of you. Most small breeds require less exercise and are easier to keep healthy through daily walks. They also tend to live longer lives than their larger relatives.
Toy Dogs
Small Dogs
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Australian Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Boston Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Coton de Tulear
Dachshund (Miniature)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
French Bulldog
Lakeland Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Lowchen
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Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Skye Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
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Small dog breeds have their disadvantages as well. Many very small breeds do not do well with young children and toddlers because they can be easily injured. Some toy breeds are subject to tooth and gum disease and tracheal collapse. Some small breeds are difficult to housetrain and can have leg lifting problems. These and many other issues are discussed in the sections under Toy Dogs and Small Dogs.
Articles
1. Australian Terrier Article
The Australian Terrier is one of the smallest of the terrier dog group. It was originally bred in Australia around 1885 as a working dog to guard mines and to tend sheep. The Australian Terrier is a healthy and hardy breed. They are long-living to 15 years or more and free of any major hereditary defects.
2. Yorkie Talk
If you've never met a Yorkshire Terrier, then you've missed out on one of life's more entertaining experiences. These inquisitive little dogs are absolutely adorable. They usually top out at about 7 pounds, with some weighing a little more, and some a little less.
3. The World’s Smallest Dog
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and it has been an extremely popular dog breed in the United States and around the world.
4. Want To Start With Dog Shows? Show Small Dogs!
The lights, the ring, the glamour! Ever think you might like to become involved with showing dogs? If so, then starting with "toy" or small dogs can offer a great way to enter into this hobby...
5. So You Want a Bichon Frise
If you suffer from allergies, but want to have a dog, you may want to take a look at the Bichon Frise. This charming little dog's sole function is to provide companionship and it does its job extremely well.
6. Dog Parks and Starting One in your Community
Dog Parks are becoming more and more popular. They are not only fun for our dogs but , are also a great place for humans to interact. They provide a place for dogs...
7. Basenji - Egyptian Dog
Just because the Basenji does not bark, does not mean that they are a meek, quiet lap dog.
8. What Every Good Dog Breeder Will Tell You
So you have decided you want a puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the breed you want and you know you have the finances, time and energy to take care of it. Next step is to find a breeder...
9. Boston Terriers: Top Dog Breed
Boston Terriers are the top dog breed in many different respects. Bostons--or BTs--as many Boston owners often refer to them, are considered on-top for a variety of reasons.
10. Essential care tips for your dog
Dogs are loving pets. But caring for them is a bit of hard work. Here are some tips to consider in taking care of your dog
More Articles...
