Small Dog Breeds
From LoveToKnow Dogs
Small dog breeds are those dogs under ten inches in height when measured at the shoulder. Small dog breeds usually make excellent indoor pets because they take up less room than larger dogs. Small dogs can also make excellent lap dogs due to their size. Many small dog breeds were originally bred to be companion animals, making them well-suited to live in close quarters with us.
AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC), the premiere dog club in America, does not have a small dog group or class. However, they do recognize the following dogs as small:
- Harrier
- Havanese
- Maltese
- Manchester Terrier
- Mastiff
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
Public Opinion
Just because the AKC does not call a dog breed small, does not mean that a dog is not small. Many other breeds are considered small by vets, trainers, owners and the general public.
Small dog breeds, based on popular opinion, include:
- American Cocker Spaniel
- American Eskimo
- Beagle
- Bichon Frise
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Pug
- Scottish Terrier
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Shih-Tzu
- Welsh Corgi
- West Highland Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Small Dog Breeds: Big Problems
As with any dog breed, buying a member of the small dog breeds without doing your homework can lead to big problems. For example, certain dog breeds are prone to genetic health problems and purchasing a dog from an irresponsible breeder can increase the odds of your dog having medical problems. Likewise, if you have allergy problems, you may find the shedding of a long-haired breed causes you to sniffle and go into a fit of uncontrollable sneezing, where a short-haired dog may not cause you any discomfort.
Another consideration with small dog breeds is time. Since small dogs are often purchased for apartment living, many people assume they do not need exercise and can go hours without human companionship. Perhaps on a smaller scale than larger dogs, small dog breeds can also be quite destructive,tearing up clothing, furniture, rugs, and urinating on the floors if left unattended for long periods of time. They grow bored, just as a young child would be if left alone to fend for himself. And, remember, these dogs are bred to be companions. They crave your company. This means you need to make sure you or someone you can trust to do the job attends to your dog when you will be away more than a few hours each day.
Comments
I have this puppy and i was told hes a pug but i havent been able to find out if he is his mostly white wfawn spots and looks like a pug but nothing that is said in some places confirms that they told me his a rare breed so if you have heard of this kind of pug let me know thank you Michelle
- Hi Michelle,
I've shown dogs for years, and I have never seen a purebred Pug with the kind of coloring you describe. I suspect that rather than being a "rare" breed, what you have is actually a mixed breed. This doesn't make your dog any less worthy, so continue to love him for all of his great qualities. I'm sure he'll return your devotion ten times over.
Thanks for your question. :)
-- Contributed by: MichelleIt's great that you are making people aware that dogs such as Shetland Sheepdogs need to be with people and not left alone for a few hours a day. This is true for almost any dog especially Jack Russel terriers or any type of terrier and any working dog. Without adequate exercise attention and training, ANY dog will find things to do when they are bored. Dogs can also become depressed when left alone in yards all day long 7 days a week. The fence is like being in a cage for them, onlyh a larger one. If people were left like this it would be called jail. I see so many dogs left outside for more than 8 hours without shelter (a dog house) or water. I wish more websites educated people about socializing dogs as they are one of the most social animals, instead of just telling about the color size etc. Thank you for educating people on dog's needs as they have noone to speak for them.
-- Contributed by: KatieThis page has been accessed 5,750 times. This page was last modified 02:35, 27 March 2008.
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