A small dog is an ideal pet. She does not require special attention from her owner, takes up little space in the apartment and gives us joy and love. At the same time, living together with a small dog will require compliance with the appropriate rules, which will allow you to maintain such a pet without any problems.
We will tell you about what breeds of small dogs exist, which will allow you to choose the right companion and true friend.
Benefits of owning small dogs
Every year small dogs are becoming more and more popular. This popularity is due to the numerous advantages of keeping such pets. Some of the advantages of keeping a small breed of dog include:
- Easy to care for.
- The ability to train your pet to the tray, which eliminates the need for daily walking of the animal.
- Such small dogs do not chew furniture or damage shoes.
- Ease of training and learning.
- Complete safety for keeping such pets.
- This is a great companion for children and adults.
We offer you a description of the small and dwarf breeds that are popular today. Such pets will give you the joy of communicating with our smaller brothers, and caring for them will not be particularly difficult.
English Terrier
This is the ideal companion dog . The height of English terriers can reach 30 centimeters and weigh no more than 6 kilograms. This is an extremely mobile and active animal that is easy to train. The color of the English Terrier can be either red-red, gray or blue. Such a pet is unpretentious in food and is not prone to gluttony. The only thing you should remember when choosing an English terrier is the recommendation to take only puppies, which will allow you to train the dog in the future, and your pet will get used to the house.
Alaskan Klee Kai
a miniature husky due to its appearance . Color black or gray with tan. This is a fluffy breed, the height of which does not exceed 50 centimeters at the withers. Maximum weight - 10 kilograms. Alaskan Klee Kais are extremely playful, agile and good-natured. But at the same time, due to their nature, they are difficult to train. The Alaskan Klee Kai is low maintenance and good with small children. During the period when dogs shed, they must be combed, which will eliminate problems with their fur. They are unpretentious in feeding, which allows them to be kept on both natural food and dry food.
Japanese Chin
Small dogs with long, silky hair were favored by eastern rulers and lived in imperial palaces.
Chins grow up to 20–25 cm at the withers and weigh 1.8–4 kg. They adapt well to dry, cool climates and do not tolerate heat or dampness. They fit easily into a carrier, but prefer to move on their own.
Japanese Chins are endowed with high intelligence and a playful disposition. Little mischievous people can sometimes be stubborn, and for excessive self-indulgence they are often called little dirty tricks.
You can buy a Japanese Chin puppy for 8,000–30,000 rubles.
American Eagle Breed and Water Spaniel
Pocket dogs of this breed are extremely smart, kind and are perfect for keeping even in a small apartment. The American eagle's color is milky with cream or red markings. The height of adult dogs usually does not exceed 48 centimeters, and weight ranges from 3 to 16 kilograms. This pet is easy to train and is great with children. All you need to do is brush your pet regularly. The American eagle is prone to excess weight, so you should use only high-quality professional food and do not overfeed your pet.
This dwarf hunting breed does not exceed a height of no more than 40 centimeters. American Water Spaniel dogs are black, spotted, or chocolate in color with a thick, wavy coat. Such a pet has an excellent sense of smell, it is smart, can be used to hunt various birds, and is good-natured and easy to train. The American Water Spaniel is unpretentious when it comes to food, so it can be given a variety of dry food. This dog is calm towards other pets and good-natured towards children. The only thing she does not tolerate is rude attitude.
The most “dear” companion
For a luxury Shih Tzu puppy you will have to pay from 5 to 7 thousand US dollars. Dogs of this decorative breed are among the most expensive.
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed originally from China. These are self-confident animals, they have high intelligence, but are difficult to train due to their arrogant and proud disposition. Calm, balanced and friendly, they know their worth. A Shih Tzu will only run after a ball when it is a puppy; an adult dog will order the owner to fetch the ball with his eyes.
However, in moments of good mood, they can vigorously express devotion and love to their owner. Shih Tzus behave more reservedly with other family members.
The dog requires a lot of attention, especially careful care should be taken to care for its beautiful silky coat.
American lo-shi pug and toy terrier
This breed belongs to the dwarf category. Her height does not exceed 20 centimeters, and her weight does not exceed 5 kilograms. This miniature pug can be any color . Toy dogs are extremely loyal, intelligent and affectionate. They are easy to train and friendly towards children. Feeding is not difficult and consists of a standard diet. Coat care involves brushing twice a week. These dogs tend to gain weight. Therefore, in no case should you overfeed and arrange a fasting day with only vegetables once a week. Recommended diet:
- Cereal porridge.
- Cooked meat.
- Vegetable stew.
- Turkey or chicken.
This is an inquisitive and active dog breed that has a characteristic tri-color color. Her height usually does not exceed 25 centimeters, and her weight does not exceed 3.5 kilograms. It is unpretentious in food, which allows you to feed it with dry food. He is not very well trained and treats children with a certain wariness. Caring for an American Toy Terrier is not particularly difficult. It will be necessary to carry out timely vaccinations, and subsequently regularly brush your pet and walk it at least once every few days.
General description: who they are and who they are suitable for
Pocket dogs are very popular. This is primarily due to the pet’s small size and easy care.
Most often, micro dogs are no more than 30 cm in size. Therefore, the animal will be an ideal solution for a small living space.
Also, unlike tall breeds, dwarf dogs are lazier and do not require regular walking. Therefore, animals are often chosen by busy people who do not have extra time. These dogs are also popular among older people and teenage girls.
American Eskimo Spitz and Cocker Spaniel
Active, good-natured and extremely beautiful mini-dogs . Their color can be cream or milky. The size of such small dogs does not exceed 50 centimeters and their weight is 17 kilograms. They are well trained, such pets are obedient and love children. But at the same time, despite its humility and kindness, such a dog will never give its owner offense. The American Eskimo Spitz is prone to obesity, so it is recommended to feed it food that contains a minimum of fat. The Spitz has a loud voice, so your pet will have to be weaned from such loud barking.
This is a dwarf hunting dog breed, whose weight does not exceed 14 kilograms and height is 40 centimeters. Color can vary from golden to blue, black and red. These are extremely smart and active dogs that love children and give a lot of positive emotions. The American Cocker Spaniel is easy to train and easy to care for. The only thing you should remember is the recommendation to divide the feeding into three parts and give the dog food in small portions. Dog care consists of regular combing of the dog's coat and cutting the dog's hair every 3-4 months.
There is no less
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of toy dog. Often it does not grow higher than 15 cm and weighs only 2.5-3 kg. The smallest Chihuahua was Millie, 10 cm tall and weighing 600 grams. If the dog's height at the withers exceeds 20 cm, this is considered a breed defect.
These are “portable” dogs. They can be carried in a handbag or coat pocket.
Such a pet needs to be handled more carefully than expensive Chinese porcelain. Dog food must be special and of high quality; it can only be taken in very small portions. At home you need to be very careful not to step on it. Take him outside only on a leash. Walking areas should be away from crowded places and roadways. The dog is nervous, so you should protect it from any stress. It is better to protect the baby from children, especially younger ones.
Representatives of this decorative breed do not tolerate strong odors, such as perfumes, air fresheners, tobacco, alcohol, paint.
Despite such fragility, Chihuahuas are mostly aggressive, capable of easily grabbing the hand of someone they don’t like.
English toy terrier
In appearance, the English Toy Terrier resembles a miniature Doberman . The color can be deep chestnut or black. The weight is usually no more than 5 kilograms, and the size is up to 30 centimeters. The dog is easy to train, but if not properly trained it becomes aggressive. He treats children well and loves to play various outdoor games. It is recommended to feed her twice a day with special food for dwarf dog breeds. Also regularly trim your dog's nails, bathe him, brush his fur, and clean his ears.
Miniature Pinscher
Among lovers of miniature four-legged friends, the miniature pinscher dog is popular. Their price ranges from 500-700 US dollars. These cuties, up to 30 cm tall and weighing up to 4.5-5 kg, are an exact copy of the German Pinscher. Fearless, they are ready to protect their owner, even if the enemy is many times larger than them in size and strength.
This breed is classified as a rat catcher. Miniature pinschers are excellent at hunting small rodents and can even catch a mole.
They are graceful, healthy looking, mischievous and cheerful, very active. They have a pronounced guard instinct - they bark at strangers for a long time and persistently. They do not like training and can be obstinate. They enjoy being the center of attention.
Like Yorkies, miniature pinschers should be protected from the cold. Apart from a cold, they are not afraid of anything else. Although the breed is smooth-haired, it should still be brushed with a thick brush from time to time.
Italian Greyhound
This short-haired mini-breed in appearance vaguely resembles a reduced-sized hound. The dog can be lilac, red, piebald or black. Everything is up to 5 kilograms, and height is no higher than 38 centimeters. These are extremely loyal dogs with a kind and gentle disposition. It is best to start training an Italian Greyhound at three months of age. It is great with children, but it is not recommended to let such a dog off the leash when walking, as it is timid and can run away from its owner when frightened.
Yorkshire Terrier
This is one of the most popular dwarf dog varieties . This long-haired breed of small dogs can be black or dark steel in color. Weight is about 3 kilograms, and height is no more than 23 centimeters. An extremely intelligent and sociable dog that gets along well with other pets. Easy to train and highly trainable. It is unpretentious in nutrition, but the quality of the food directly affects the condition of the coat. The preferred diet includes olive oil, chicken, boiled cereals and carrots. This mini-dog has a quarrelsome character and does not like rude treatment; it remembers rudeness towards it for a long time.
Brussels Griffon
Belgium is considered the homeland of these small dogs. Miniature Griffons are the result of crossing German Terriers, English Toy Spaniels and Pugs.
Initially they lived near the stables and were used to kill rodents. Now they have become ordinary pets, delighting owners with their mischievous and active temperament.
Brussels Griffons grow to 14–20 cm at the withers and weigh about 3–6 kg. Representatives of the breed are smooth-haired and wire-haired. Both require regular coat care and do not tolerate heat well.
Smart, but stubborn little ones do not like to be left alone for a long time and, if there is a lack of attention, they begin to misbehave. Little mischievous dogs tend to dominate their brothers and are able to compete with other dogs in certain types of dog sports.
A griffon puppy costs between 10,000 and 50,000 rubles.
Maltese
This is a dwarf pocket fluffy dog with a white color and a height of no more than 20 centimeters . An extremely sociable, affectionate and friendly dog that does not tolerate loneliness well. It trains easily and does not cause any trouble to its owners during maintenance. He treats children well and does not require additional walks in the fresh air from the owner. The only thing you should remember is the mandatory high-quality feeding, with additives to improve the condition of the skin and coat. Also remember that, as with any other furry dog, you will need to properly care for the dog's coat, wash the dog regularly, constantly brush it and cut it from time to time.
How to choose a pocket dog
When choosing a dog, you need to remember that the lifespan of small breeds is 12 years and above. During this period, the dog will live side by side with the person.
In order not to be disappointed in the choice, follow a reasonable algorithm:
- Choose a suitable weight category.
- Choose the appropriate type of wool.
- They choose their appearance.
- Determine a budget for purchasing a puppy and its accessories.
- They are looking for a suitable breeder (looking for reviews and recommendations).
- Prepare the necessary supplies.
- Drive in person or choose delivery.
What to look for when choosing a small breed puppy:
- Do the kennel dogs wear diapers or are they accustomed to the street?
- How clean is the house where the puppies are kept?
- Is the breeder ready to show the brand and pedigree documents?
- Are all vaccinations included in the puppy's veterinary passport?
- Is the breeder ready to sign a detailed purchase and sale agreement?
- Are the breeder's dogs kept in cages or free range?
- How friendly are the breeder's dogs?
- Is the breeder ready to provide photos from all angles and a video of the puppy upon request?
- Is the breeder ready to answer any questions from the buyer?
The above list of dogs is incomplete and most of them are not pocket dogs. For any breed of interest, they look for reviews and detailed information. On advertising sites, most often, only the advantages of the breed are written. To find interesting details, look for topics on canine forums.
Pug
This is a popular ancient shorthaired breed that is a positive and friendly dog . The color can be peach, silver or black. Weight up to 8 kilograms and height up to 28 centimeters. The pug is easy to train and is good with children. The dog is prone to obesity, so it is necessary to know when to stop feeding. Remember that due to the structure of the pug's muzzle, certain breathing problems may occur. The dog sheds heavily and will require special attention during the shedding period. Your pug will need the following care:
- Quality feeding.
- Combing wool.
- Vaccinations.
- Frequent games with the dog.
- Walks in the open air.
- Pomeranian Spitz
A cute dwarf dog breed that has a good-natured character and gives its owner a lot of positive emotions. Common colors are cream, golden and gray. The weight of a dwarf Pomeranian Spitz usually does not exceed 6 kilograms, and its height is no higher than 22 centimeters. The dogs are self-confident, active, but have a complex character. They are very loyal and love their owners, are highly trainable and, with proper care, do not cause problems for their owners. It is recommended to feed the Pomeranian Spitz with natural food. The only drawback is the difficulties in relationships with children.
Should you adopt a mongrel or animal from a shelter?
Adopting a mongrel or an animal from a shelter is a very noble deed, but it is better to take a dog for a child only from trusted kennels. The character of mestizos is not predictable, and an abandoned purebred pet needs special attention and long adaptation.
In both cases there is a high risk of aggression or cowardice. An animal with an unhealthy psyche is difficult to train and often attacks its owners, so it is better to avoid such increased danger.
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Russian toy terrier
A miniature dog breed that was bred in Russia. The height of the Russian Toy Terrier does not exceed 30 centimeters, and its weight does not exceed 3 kilograms. Color red, blue with black markings. These pocket dogs are very loyal to their owner, sweet and good-natured. They can sit on their hands for hours. The Pocket Russian Toy Terrier is easy to train, but it is recommended to start training from childhood. They are unpretentious in food, so they can be kept on dry food. They are friendly with children and, if raised properly, do not cause any trouble to their owners.
Dachshunds
This is probably the most famous dwarf dog breed. Dachshunds can be black, beige or red in color. The weight of this dog breed reaches 6 kilograms, and its height is no more than 35 centimeters. This is a tireless and active pet, which, moreover, is an excellent watchdog. They are easy to train, and the dachshund is unpretentious when it comes to food.
Only with an incorrect and unbalanced diet does a dog have a tendency to gain excess weight. He gets along well with children and does not cause any problems in keeping him. It is recommended to walk them on a leash, as the dog is shy and can run away from its owner.
Features of choice
How to choose a pocket dog? The main thing you need to know: when purchasing a miniature puppy, there is a significant risk of buying a sick pet. Each specific breed has its own characteristics, they must be studied, and only after that a choice can be made. Our website will help with this. This section presents various pocket dogs with detailed descriptions, specifics of maintenance and care, and other useful information.
Some people like small dogs, others don’t see them as dogs at all. Such people argue that the dog should protect the owner and not vice versa. However, there are a large number of people who do not agree with this position, since a large dog may not be a full-fledged guard in the absence of appropriate training. The size of these pets makes it possible to walk with them simply for pleasure and to improve health.
Probably everyone knows that pocket dogs are very small and for this reason they easily fit into the interior of any home. But we must remember that such pets cannot boast of excellent health. It is for this reason that they need special care.
On our website, each breed of pocket dog is also presented with a photo with a full description, features of maintenance, care, education and character. In this section you can get acquainted with various representatives of this species and choose the best option for yourself.
