Small Dogs

Most of the population in large cities lives in apartments. If you want to adopt a dog, this is something to keep in mind. Small dogs usually weigh less than 20lbs.

Small Dog Breeds

There are many breeds that are considered small dog breeds such as : West Highland terriers, Yorkshire terriers, Jack Russell terriers, Pomeranians, bichon frise and dozens of other breeds fall into this category. There are also some dog breeds that are known for their miniature versions such as poodles and dachshunds.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian or Pom is one of the smallest Spitz type dogs. They are very docile and hate to feel lonely.

Poodle

Poodles come in small sizes. They are one of the best loved dog breeds. They are super sociable and are quite smart. Be careful though: those are active dogs and they require a lot of exercise.

Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers are super fun dogs and are highly active. Great for active folks living in small spaces.

Shiba Inu : Great for Apartment Living

Shiba Inus are are very stubborn dogs but they are great for apartment living. They are very popular.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are very small dogs that people love to have in apartments. The downside? They tend to bark a lot.

Toy Dog Breeds

These little dogs, are generally bred as lapdogs. People seem to love their miniature size and playful nature. Most toy breeds are good natured dogs with a few exceptions. Most of the toy dog breeds hail originally from Asia. Here are some popular toy dog breeds:

Bichon Frise:

The Bichon Frise possesses a boisterous personality, is very tolerant of children, other animals and strangers. This breed is highly intelligent and highly trainable. Their short and curly white coat requires frequent grooming.

Chihuahua: Small but Mighty Warrior at Heart

The Chihuahua may be the best known of the toy dog breeds. They have a short or medium coat, are easy to groom, and possess average intelligence and trainability. They do not have the best personalities and are not tolerant of children, other animals, or strangers. The Chihuahua hails from Mexico originally and is the smallest of the toy dog breeds. Chihuahuas are one of the best breeds to have in an apartment. They are one of the smallest breeds of dogs and can live up to 20 years if well cared for. Careful though: they hate the cold and require a lot of attention.

Maltese:

The Maltese is a companion dog that was originally bred for royalty and the wealthy elites. They are natural born troublemakers, but are very loyal to their owners. These dogs do not play well with children, other animals or strangers. They require frequent grooming.

Pekingese: Bred for the Chinese Emperors

These little dogs have a boisterous personality and are not very tolerant of children, strangers or other animals. They bark a lot and are difficult to train. The make great watchdogs for all the reasons listed above.

Pugs: Docile & Kid-Friendly

The Pug comes from East Asia. Pugs make wonderful family dogs because they are very docile, don’t bark a lot, and are good with children and other animals. Their short coat requires little grooming, but the folds and wrinkles of their faces must be cleaned often.

Want to discover other dog-related websites? Check them out!

Caring for a Small Dog

Basic small dog care is very similar to regular dog care. You just need to make a few adjustments for you pint-sized pup.

Feeding Your Small Dog

Naturally, the standard-size kibble may be too large for your small dog to eat comfortably. You’ll need to be sure to buy a kibble designed to fit his smaller mouth. Canned soft foods are also suitable.

Containing Your Small Dog

A fence that adequately holds a bigger dog may have gaps large enough for a small dog to fit between or under.

Training Your Small Dog

The consensus of many pet experts is that small dogs often end up spoiled. Your dog still sees the world in terms of pack behavior, and if you’re not leading the pack, this will cause issues. Dog trainers also suggest you make your small dog work for you, to keep the rules clear and keep the dog entertained.

Grooming Your Small Dog

Small dogs require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs. You’ll also need to brush your small dog’s teeth twice a week if you’re feeding a soft canned food diet.

Common Health Problems in Small Dog Breeds

Teeth and Gum Problems

Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems. This can lead to tooth loss. This is because small dogs tend to eat canned wet food more often than kibble. Bi-weekly tooth brushing will help prevent this typical small dog health problem. An attractive supply of crunchy treats and chews will also help keep your pet healthy.

“Small Dog Syndrome”

Protect your small dog from its big ambitions. Small dogs are known to be very brave and courageous, no matter how small they are. This can lead to dangerous situations.

Injuries

Small dogs have tiny bones that are more easily broken – sometimes, even when a small dog jumps off of the furniture onto a hard surface. Small dogs tend to get underfoot more, and unlike the case with a larger animal, those tiny bones can easily be injured if the dog is accidentally stepped on.

Illness

Although small dogs are typically long-lived, many opportunistic viruses and bacterial infections can take over a small dog’s system much more quickly. Small dogs are also more prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) because of their faster metabolism.