Pug – 6.3-8.1 kg
The Pug is a compact and muscular dog with an attractive, small and curled tail. His ideal weight should not exceed 8.1 kg, however many Pugs weigh more due to their habit of begging for food. This personality trait too often leads to obesity, which can aggravate existing breed-specific health conditions.
Don't let the worried expression on his wrinkled face fool you. This dog lives for pleasure, which is the secret of the breed's long-term popularity. A pug is never happier than when he is spending time with his human family, often following someone from room to room. Pugs usually get along well with other dogs, cats and children. Due to their relatively large size (for a toy breed) and easy-going temperament, they are ideal for families with children.
Rabbit dachshund
Dwarf dachshunds, also called rabbit dachshunds, have three coat varieties: smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. All of them are united by a healthy, stress-resistant nervous system. The dog is absolutely not aggressive, but at the same time brave and cautious.
Representatives of the breed do not tolerate rudeness and pressure; competent dog handlers take this into account when drawing up an individual training plan. Another striking feature of rabbit dachshunds is their overly developed sense of ownership.
Moreover, this manifests itself not only in relation to the beloved owner, but also to toys and a sleeping place. The owner of a rabbit dachshund must develop such qualities as affection, attention, patience, and consistency.
The dog will defend its right to make independent decisions, which from the outside may look like an unwillingness to be trained. Having received the owner's permission, dachshunds are happy to play with other dogs and get to know their owners.
Havanese Bichon
A small dog with soft silky fur and very intelligent eyes. His main character trait is friendliness, which extends to both adults and children. But this breed is absolutely not suitable for busy people who spend most of their lives at work.
If the Havanese Bichon is left alone for a long time, it will become extremely irritable and anxious. In their homeland, these dogs are called “Velcro” - this definition speaks for itself.
Bichons are easy to train and are often used as guide dogs for visually impaired people. The soft and long coat of Bichons requires high-quality care. But you can’t bathe your dog often; instead, owners brush their dogs every day and often take them for haircuts.
Affenpinscher
This is an ancient breed from Germany, a rat hunter that became a favorite of aristocrats. The name "Affenpinscher" translates as "monkey" and is given because of the similarity of the dog's muzzle with the face of this animal. The dog is compact, its height is 25-30 cm, its weight is 4-6 kg, it has a square body, a rounded skull, and a well-defined forehead.
The dog is covered with black, coarse, randomly protruding hair, which forms bushy eyebrows, a beard and sideburns.
This is a passionate, fearless, vigilant, jealous and stubborn pet, he is artistic, amuses everyone with his facial expressions and behavior, loves to play and bark.
Chihuahua
Perhaps, among all the representatives of mini-dogs, this one is the smallest. A handy baby can accompany you everywhere, you just need to use a variety of carriers for small breed dogs . The Chihuahua will happily walk short distances, but soon its tender paws will get tired and you will have to take the baby in your arms.
But it's not that simple. These babies have a complex character and a hot disposition. A Chihuahua will obey one owner unquestioningly; the rest of the family is not an authority for him. Typical representatives of the breed are playful, stubborn and very touchy.
You will have to put a lot of effort into not blushing at your pet's behavior. Please note that a small family member may be jealous of “his” person for all the “secondary” ones. Especially to children.
Chihuahuas master the litter tray and diaper well, so walks with them boil down to the need to breathe some air and run around a little, to burn off some energy. If the weather is not conducive to walks, then you can completely refuse them. When it's cold outside, use dog clothes to prevent your pet from catching a cold.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a breed of toy dog bred by Japanese breeders. The Chins' ancestors include the Tibetan Spaniel, Pekingese and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This is an excellent companion dog. In Japan, Chins were originally bred at the imperial court of the Edo Dynasty for the entertainment of the emperor. In 1613, Japanese spaniels were brought to Europe.
Japanese Chin: Wikipedia
These dogs are quite small: height does not exceed 25 cm, weight - 3.2 kg. At the same time, Japanese Chins are “square” dogs: the ratio of their height to body length is 1:1.
Japanese Chins are described as intelligent and brave dogs. They almost always remain calm, practically do not bark and know how to create a cozy atmosphere in the house.
Chins adapt to the temperament of their owner. They will be happy to share physical activities with the more active ones, and they will lie on the sofa with the calm ones. However, the hin can demonstrate samurai-like fearlessness when angered.
TOP 20 small dog breeds
To this top twenty, you can without hesitation add about 3 dozen more dog breeds that are not so popular. Despite this, there are several very interesting breeds among them that are not included in the top 20.
Prague rat
This dog breed is recognized as the smallest in Europe and even throughout the world. Breed standards indicate that the height at the withers of such dogs reaches a maximum of 23 cm with a maximum weight of the animal of about 2 and a half kilograms.
Interesting to know! The coat color and body type of the rat is reminiscent of the Russian toy. The Prague Rat Dog is characterized as a calm, easy-to-train animal, at the same time it is smart and obedient, and also quite active, like all hunting dogs.
This pet is distinguished by the fact that it prefers the company of its owner, at the same time it knows how to be unobtrusive, and loves the company of children. He always prefers to be active, so he chases various animals on walks. In relation to other pets, he wants to show that he is superior to them.
Chihuahua
This breed first appeared in Mexico, in one of the states of the same name, Chihuahua. It is considered the smallest breed living on our planet, since all dogs are in the range of 0.5-3.0 kilograms. Experts believe that the modern Chihuahua breed, as well as other breeds of small dogs, appeared thanks to the Chihuahua breed.
This breed has excellent genes, which indicates that these small dogs practically do not get sick and can live from 15 to 20 years, which is not possible for every breed. This small dog has virtually no aggression, both towards humans and other animals, while the Chihuahua has an easy-going character and the makings of intelligence. These pets are wonderful companions, and they are playful, active, tireless and fearless.
Brussels Griffon
This breed is part of one of the Belgian dog groups that originated from the small, wire-haired dogs that once lived within Brussels.
Interesting moment! Breed standards define only the weight, which is in the range of 3.5-6 kilograms, as well as the height of the animal at the withers, which should correspond to values from 26 to 32 centimeters. This group is represented by 3 dog breeds that are similar in appearance, but differ in color and coat type.
The Brussels Griffon has a fairly tough but thick coat, with a base color of shades of red. The dog is quite strong and muscular, with a unique posture, as well as an interesting facial expression.
Small Italian Greyhound
Represents the greyhound class and is considered the smallest representative of this class. The height at the withers of this dog is between 32-38 cm, with a weight of no more than 5 kilograms. The breed has other names, such as Italian Greyhound or Italian Greyhound. This breed of dog can be adopted by childless couples, active pensioners, as well as families with older children. The Small Italian Greyhound needs regular and long outdoor walks. Although the dog has developed muscles, its overall physique is quite fragile. Despite her flexible nature, she has to be quite careful, especially in the company of small children, who can cause various injuries to the pet.
Yorkshire Terrier
This breed of decorative dog appeared in England, in the county of Yorkshire, after which it became almost the most popular decorative dog breed.
Important point! Despite such a modest size and weight, which is no more than 3 kilograms, this breed constantly demonstrates its kinship with large terriers, showing stubbornness, curiosity, courage and hunting skills.
Yorkshire Terriers thrive in urban environments. They practically do not shed as they have no undercoat. They quickly learn to use the litter tray, get along with other pets and are always devoted to their owner.
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature pinschers, which, according to experts, originated in Germany, were engaged in catching rats and mice, but over time they became excellent companions. The dog has several names: miniature pinscher, miniature pinscher or miniature Doberman, and because of the strange horse-like gait, when the front limbs rise relatively high, the dog received another name - the poor man's riding pony.
The dog is quite energetic and strong, more of a square format, with a height at the withers of about 25-30 cm, and a weight of 4-6 kilograms. The coat is quite smooth, which makes it easier to care for, but such wool does not fully fulfill its protective functions. These pets are easy to train and are accustomed to using the toilet outside. They always show distrust of strangers.
Coton de Tulear
The ancestors of this breed once lived in the Madagascar port of Tulear, and the French word Coton denotes the nature of the coat and its color.
Interesting to know! This breed is also called the Madagascar Bichon, and the dog also has an unofficial name - clown. The French gave this nickname to the animal, seeing extraordinary artistic abilities and eccentricity in the dog.
Breed standards are determined by weight within 4-6 kilograms, as well as height at the withers, about 25-28 centimeters. These are disease-resistant dogs whose lifespan is about 15 years, and their care does not require anything special. The breed is quite active, so it is impossible to do without walks in the fresh air. Coton de Tulear are loyal to the entire family, and strangers are always greeted with a high-pitched bark.
Chinese Crested
There are 2 varieties of this breed:
- Powderpuffs are characterized by a soft, veil-like coat.
- Hairless, when hair is present only on the head, tail and legs.
Important fact! The height at the withers of the Chinese Crested ranges from 23 to 33 centimeters, and its weight ranges from 2 to 6 kilograms, as determined by breed standards. This breed has neither guarding nor hunting skills and is intended only for keeping at home.
The hairless breed is considered unique, so supernatural properties are attributed to it. This breed has won love and respect not only for its exotic appearance, but also for its cheerful and lively behavior. She easily wins a wide circle of friends and admirers.
Maltese
This breed of dog is also called Maltese, since the island of Malta is considered the birthplace of this dog. The preferred weight of animals is 1.9-2.7 kilograms. The peculiarity of the breed lies in the color of its coat, which is characterized as pure white, with a hint of ivory. These pets get along with all family members, including children. Maltese love to constantly move, playing various outdoor games. They also get along with dogs of other breeds, establishing contacts. They are wary of strangers.
Pug
China is considered the birthplace of this breed, and these small dogs appeared in Europe around 1550. In China, the owners of this breed of dogs were wealthy Chinese, so the behavior of this dog cannot be called simple: they are pampered and picky.
Modern pugs are considered quite expensive dogs that require special care and attention. With proper care, their life expectancy is an average of 14 years. Pugs are always devoted to their owner, while they always demonstrate the nobility of their origin. They are lively and inquisitive. Adults weigh from 6 to 8 kilograms, with a height at the withers of about 30 centimeters.
Continental Toy Spaniel
There are 2 varieties that do not differ in height at the withers or body weight, but differ in the position of the ears:
- Erect ears, Papillons (butterflies).
- Drop ears, phalenoid (moth) ears.
Important point! This breed has a fairly high IQ among decorative dog breeds and takes 2nd place, as well as 8th place among the general ranking of dogs.
Continental Toy Spaniels are focused on their owners and easily adapt to their life activities. They are easy to care for and do not cause problems when around other pets. They are easy to train, do not show unmotivated aggression, feel great in the company of children, becoming attached to all family members.
Pekingese
The breed appeared in China about 2 thousand years ago and was always considered a sacred animal among the Chinese emperors. The dog is quite small, weighing no more than 5 kilograms, and height at the withers from 15 to 25 centimeters. She constantly demonstrates that she is of aristocratic origin, without forgetting her roots.
This small dog requires constant attention, and if indifference is shown towards it, it can cause a small Armageddon, scattering the owner’s things. Pekingese, although stubborn dogs, are always loyal to those who love them.
Pomeranian Spitz
Not everyone, even cynological organizations, believes that Pomeranians represent a separate breed of dog, so they classify such an animal as a variety of this breed.
Interesting to know! There are 3 varieties of Pomeranians and only one variety, which is characterized by the presence of a narrow fox-like muzzle, meets the breed standards, with a height at the withers of about 18-22 cm.
The Pomeranian, despite its modest size, is characterized as a fearless dog. Because of his stubbornness, it is necessary to train him from an early age. Although the dog's size is very small, this animal strives for the status of an alpha male and tries to dominate not only over its relatives, but also over humans.
Toy Poodle
It is distinguished by its very compact size, with a height at the withers of no more than 28 centimeters. Poodles have high intelligence compared to other dog breeds. They are quite intelligent, attentive, and also proud creatures, just like the larger poodle family.
The purpose of a poodle is to always be in contact with a person. This dog can be easily taught basic commands and, if desired, many tricks. The most important thing is to monitor the diet of poodles, as they do not accept fatty foods well.
Russian toy terrier
This breed was bred in Russia. The dog weighs no more than 3 kilograms with a height at the withers of 20 to 28 centimeters. A fairly energetic and cheerful dog that can get along with many people, with the exception of children.
Important point! This dog, due to the thin bones of its limbs, can be injured by jumping from a height of 0.4 meters. She should also be protected from contact with large dogs, as they show aggression against them without thinking about their size.
Rabbit dachshund
The rabbit dachshund is a bright representative of its class of animals. This is an independent and smart animal, which also has courage and stubbornness, so the dog requires timely early education, otherwise a naughty animal may grow up.
The behavior of a dachshund is directly related to its hunting instincts, as it often has to make decisions on its own. The weight of a dachshund reaches 3 and a half kilograms, and the chest circumference is about 30 cm, which is allowed by pedigree standards.
Miniature Schnauzer
This breed represents the smallest service dogs on our Planet. The height at the withers is no more than 35 cm, which is why this dog is also called a miniature or dwarf schnauzer.
It is important to know! The miniature schnauzer, despite its small size, is ready to confront enemies that are much larger and more massive than itself.
This is a very active and attentive dog that does not show friendliness towards strangers. The dog is quite smart and easily learns basic commands, but this requires effort.
Fox Terrier
This dog breed saw the light of day in America. Breed standards allow height at the withers from 21 to 29 cm, as well as weight from 1.5 to 3.5 kg. It is a wonderful companion even for older people. She allows minimal care procedures for herself. Its disadvantage is susceptibility to cold, and also has a tendency to allergic reactions. She loves to bark constantly, but with the help of training you can get rid of this habit. On top of that, the toy is considered a strong, determined and energetic dog.
Russian Tsvetnaya lap dog
The breed was born in 1951 and only in 1964 were breed standards approved. Height at the withers ranges from 20 to 24 cm. Since the 80s of the last century, it has been very popular, as it is a kind and balanced dog.
Pomeranian Spitz
The origin of most breeds goes back to antiquity. A striking example of this is the Pomeranian Spitz. His ancestors were sled and service dogs, presumably from the northern regions of Switzerland.
But the beauty of these animals attracted attention, and they began to be bred as decorative animals. Already in the Middle Ages, they became favorites of the aristocracy and royalty.
The appearance of these animals delights both children and adults. His appearance on the street is always spectacular and arouses increased interest.
No wonder: with a height of no more than 22 cm according to the breed standard, this dog has a luxurious coat of black, brown, white, red, cream, and spotted colors.
The coat is not the same along its entire length, forming something like “pants” and a “collar.” It is its stunning appearance that makes this dog one of the favorite companions for both ordinary people and celebrities.
However, this handsome man’s appearance is deceptive; he has a difficult character. With unconditional adoration of the owner, the dog demonstrates the following traits:
- is not very accepting of strangers, so adaptation is needed from an early age;
- not suitable for children, can be aggressive - especially if you don’t train her;
- activity is very high: active games and fun activities with other dogs are necessary - Spitz even participate in sports competitions;
- she is so insightful that she senses the owner’s gentleness and stops following commands;
- a spoiled Spitz creates problems: it rushes at people and passers-by - the aggressiveness of its ancestors affects it.
But, of course, along with the shortcomings, the dog also has advantages that easily compensate for the negative character traits:
- unpretentious in maintenance and care, easily accustomed to the tray;
- sheds only once a year;
- feels comfortable even in a one-room apartment;
- loves to observe the world around him, for this he can look out the window for a long time.
The dog is recommended as a companion for elderly lonely people. Of course, anyone can buy a puppy, but in this role she has proven herself best.
Maltese
The Maltese, or Maltese, is a small breed of lapdog. It is considered a fairly ancient species. There is a version that the Maltese comes from ancient Italy or the island of Malta. The main advantage of the breed is its exclusively white coat color, although an ivory shade is acceptable.
According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard, the dog’s height should not exceed 25 cm and its weight should not exceed 4 kg. The American Kennel Club is even stricter about the weight of dogs - no more than 2.8 kg. A dog will live on average 12–15 years.
Miniature Pinscher
Average height and weight:
32 cm / 5 kg.
Although the breed was bred for a different purpose, in appearance it is almost no different from the Doberman, just in miniature. Despite its modest size, the dog is strong, resilient, with a toned, muscular body.
Photo: funart.pro
Small dog breeds: names and photos (catalog)
Pros and cons of small dogs
Even though these dogs are quite small, you need to be prepared for anything.
Advantages
It is quite natural that a small dog, compared to a large dog, will eat much less food in the same period of time, so having a small dog in the house can save significant money. In addition, a small dog does not need much living space. After walks, and in the process of life, a small dog produces a minimum of hair, dust and dirt.
When going shopping at the store or going out of town to the country, as well as in other cases, such a pet can be placed in a handbag, where this four-legged friend feels very comfortable. If you raise such a companion correctly, then he will be friends with other pets, with small children, and they are not so aggressive towards strangers.
Important point! Small dogs relieve themselves without any problems on a tray that can be installed on a loggia or balcony. This is very convenient, since the owner has more free time and does not need to think about systematic walks, both during the day and in the evening.
An important factor is life expectancy. With proper care, decorative dogs can live about 2 decades, although similar longevity records are also typical for medium-sized dog breeds.
Flaws
Many indoor dog breeds are serious pets that require training and education. Unfortunately, many owners of decorative dogs do not realize this. The same can be said about small hunting dogs, whose behavior is not so flexible. Some breeds of small dogs have increased activity and excitability, which must be directed in the right direction through training. Increased excitability against the background of high muscle activity leads to noticeable energy expenditure, which must be compensated through diet.
Interesting to know! The digestion process of small dogs is more energy-consuming, since they have a larger gastrointestinal tract compared to their total body weight. Therefore, their diet should be more balanced and higher in calories.
The difficulty of feeding such pets also lies in the fact that they quickly get used to one type of food, which is sometimes quite harmful. If you start feeding an animal with sausage or chicken legs, it is unlikely that the dog will be able to switch to feeding other food, unless under the threat of starvation. Owners of such animals will have to face a number of other behavioral problems. These animals follow their owners or other family members literally on their heels. Due to this fact, many of them fall under the feet of their household members, receiving injuries of varying severity.
Some small artificially bred dog breeds are susceptible to various congenital pathologies that are associated with:
- Dislocation of the kneecaps.
- Necrosis of the femoral head.
- Not overgrown fontanel.
- Absence of teeth or presence of 2 rows of teeth. Predisposition to tartar.
- Various allergic reactions.
Dogs that are trained to use a litter tray begin to mark corners as they age if they are not walked for a long time. A sharp and unpleasant odor also appears. This problem can be solved through castration, but the most humane and effective method is considered to be regular walking of your pet.
Top 10 most popular small dogs\Top 10 most popular small dogs
Toy poodle
The Toy Poodle is a dwarf dog breed. Originally a hunting dog, it is now used primarily as a decorative companion dog. If you are looking for a dog for your home, then representatives of this breed are suitable.
Poodles are incredibly smart. According to Dr. S. Koren's ranking, they rank second in intelligence among all dog breeds. Dogs are highly trainable and can adapt to any climatic conditions.
The toy poodle is an attentive and sympathetic dog. She has a developed sense of self-esteem and interacts with people with interest.
Thanks to their high intelligence, good trainability and developed sense of smell, poodles serve in search parties and at customs. In addition, the poodle is the best circus dog.
Toy poodles are significantly inferior in height to their poodle counterparts. They do not grow higher than 28 cm, while the height of a large poodle can be 60 cm. The lifespan of dogs is no more than 18 years.
Norwich Terrier
Despite the Norwich Terrier's love of freedom, letting them off leash in open spaces is a pretty bad idea.
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With copper-brown veining and other fashionable shades of chestnut coloring
This animal can easily get lost as it often runs away from its owner.
Papillon
The Papillon is a decorative subspecies of the continental toy spaniel. The main distinguishing feature of the breed is its large erect ears. Because of this, the dog becomes like a butterfly, which is why it got its name - papillon (from French - 'butterfly').
The breed is characterized by three types of color. The most valuable two-colored dogs of this breed. Spots of any color except blue are allowed. The most common color of Papillons is black and white. But white must prevail.
Representatives of the breed are small: height does not exceed 28 cm, weight - 5 kg. Although most dogs are in the 2.5–4.5 kg weight category. Papillons live on average up to 15 years.
Chinese Crested
A companion dog whose origin story is not fully understood. An elegant dog with a graceful head, can be presented in two versions:
- Downy (completely covered with long, light hair);
- Hairless (almost no cover, with the exception of the tail, tips of the paws, muzzle).
Dogs reach 23-33 cm at the withers, weight is not regulated by rules, usually 2-6 kg . Animals are gentle, vulnerable, moderately active, they are obedient, loyal, and do not trust strangers.
Caring for naked representatives creates certain difficulties.
Shih Tzu – 4-7.2 kg
The Chinese name "Shih Tzu" means "little lion" in English. They were so called because of the presence of long hair around their heads, which resembles the mane of a lion. However, Shih Tzus are affectionate, beautiful and small dogs, weighing 4-7.2 kg. This is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Shih Tzus are known for their long, smooth coats, which require regular grooming.
Shih Tzus are beautiful to look at, but they are also friendly, energetic and loyal companions. The Shih Tzu's personality is extremely attractive and this dog will not allow anyone to ignore him. The breed was bred to be a friendly companion rather than a hunter, shepherd or watchman. Not only are they good-natured and friendly dogs, but they also adapt well to a variety of changes. The Shih Tzu is an excellent apartment dog, but it is also suitable for living in a private home and even on a farm. He loves children and gets along with other animals.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is one of the oldest decorative dogs, which was bred in Ancient China about 2000 years ago. Only emperors could keep Pekingese; the dog was considered sacred and therefore was inaccessible to ordinary residents. According to Chinese legend, the Pekingese is the heir to the lion king and the monkey.
The first Pekingese brought to Europe were war trophies captured in the imperial palace by the British. Modern Pekingese are different from their ancestors. The standard size of a Pekingese is 15–25 cm, weight - no more than 5.4 kg. Although some individuals reach 10 kg.
The character of the Pekingese shows his royal origin. He demands a lot of attention and considers himself the main one in the family.
Brussels griffin
When you first see a dog of this breed, you involuntarily compare it with a funny brownie. A remarkable mustache and beard, a funny flattened muzzle and unusually intelligent eyes are what distinguish griffins from other dogs of miniature breeds.
The dogs are distinguished not only by their non-standard appearance, but by their good-natured character. He follows his owner everywhere, whom he chooses once and for life. He learns to accept the rest of the family over time; at first he is wary and distrustful of them.
The Brussels Griffon puppy loves to be the center of attention, but you should be careful: the dog quickly relaxes and turns into a capricious pet that will not leave its owner until it gets what it wants.
Representatives of the breed are extremely self-confident, but at the same time very dependent on the owner’s attention. Griffins have a hard time with loneliness and need long walks in the fresh air.
