The small dogs grouping that is used here is solely related to size. The small dog list includes all the American Kennel Club (AKC) dog breeds less than 25 pounds, except for the AKC Toy Group of breeds discussed in the Toy Dog section. Almost all of these small dogs belong to either the AKC Non-Sporting Group or the Terrier Group. The only exceptions are the Basenji and the Dachshund (Miniature) from the Hound Group. The Non-Sporting Dog Group seems to include dog breeds that didn’t fit well into any of the other groups and are a diverse group with a wide range of size, coat and personality.
The Terrier Group includes those small and lively terrier breeds that were mainly developed in Great Britain to hunt burrowing small animals. These dog breeds have a distinctive personality which is feisty and energetic. Many terriers have little tolerance for other pets and animals including other dogs. This feistiness is left over from their development as hunters of rodents and small animals. Of course these small dog breeds have been domesticated and make great pets but they are still fairly active and require firm handling. Many terriers have wiry coats that require a special grooming technique called “stripping” in order to remove the dead hair and properly maintain their appearance.
The following is a list of small dogs and the AKC group designation for the non-Terrier breeds as well as a list of breeds that are: best with children; non-shedding or low shedding; good watchdogs; and active companions.
Small Dog Breeds
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Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
Lowchen (Non-Sporting Grp)
Poodle (Miniature) (Non-Sporting Grp)
Scottish Terrier
Skye Terrier
Tibetan Terrier
West Highland White Terrier |
Basenji (Hound Grp)
Bichon Frise (Non-Sporting Grp)
Boston Terrier (Non-Sporting Grp)
Dachshund (Miniature) (Hound Grp)
French Bulldog (Non-Sporting Grp)
Lhasa Apso (Non-Sporting Grp)
Norfolk Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
Schnauzer (Miniature)
Sealyham Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel (Non-Sporting Grp)
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier |
Child Tolerance
Very small dogs such as the Bichon Frise do best with older children but the following breeds make good family pets.
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Bichon Frise
Norfolk Terrier
Poodle (Miniature) |
Boston Terrier
Norwich Terrier |
Non Shedding Dogs
Some small dogs are low shedders and are said to be hypoallergenic when properly groomed. People with allergies may do better with these dogs.
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Bichon Frise
Norfolk Terrier
Poodle (Miniature)
Tibetan Terrier
West Highland White Terrier |
Cairn Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Schnauzer (Miniature)
Welsh Terrier |
Watchdogs
Many Small Dogs make good watchdogs and will bark when a stranger approaches or something seems wrong or unusual. The breeds best suited to be watchdogs are listed below.
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Bichon Frise
Cairn Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
Poodle (Miniature)
Scottish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier |
Boston Terrier
Dachshund (Miniature)
Norwich Terrier
Schnauzer (Miniature)
Welsh Terrier |
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
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