Small Dog Breeds

As Shakespeare succinctly put it- They may be little but they are fierce. Small dogs come with big personalities. They are loving, playful, and smart and are unafraid when it comes to protecting their people from strangers or other threats. S if you are on the lookout for a little fella with a courageous big heart, read on.

1. Yorkshire Terrier

A Yorkie is a compact, toy-sized terrier all of 7 pounds. The crowning glory is a floor-length silky rich coat of steel blue and golden tan. Don’t be taken in by their apparent daintiness. Their traits are true to the terrier breed- feisty, bossy, tenacious, and brave. Voted as the most popular breed in American cities, they are ranked 10th out of 196 in the American Kennel Club.

2. Jack Russel Terrier

A Jack Russel Terrier called Milo plays an important role in the movie The Mask. These dogs may be small but they have a strong and muscular. Jack Russel make excellent companion dogs besides being brave and intelligent. They have been portrayed as eager and skillful and also reckless. They delight in agility and flyball games and require tons of exercise. These terriers are very sociable and love interacting with other dogs. Being eager to learn and having the intelligence for it, they re easily trained. A word of caution, they may be too much to handle for senior owners.

3. Pug

This small but solid dog is admired for its playful personality. They are one of the oldest breeds and do they love to love. And to be loved back equally. Their principal traits are being charming, loving, and mischievous. A Pug’s motto is, “a lot in a little,” an apt description of this small breed. Pugs top the charts as family favorites due to their even temper, playfulness, and an outgoing personality. They are well known as mischievous charmers. They make an ideal companion for families with kids. They are intolerant of hot weather and tend to put on weight with their love of food.

4. Australian Terrier

These rugged little terriers’ purpose is to control rodents and snakes besides being a terrific watchdog.

They make superb family dogs especially if there are kids around. Australian Terriers just love to play. Like any other dog, they should be socialized, and when around small children, supervised. Their preference is to be with the family and if left alone for long times can be destructive. Australian Terriers are eager to please their owners more than other breeds of terriers. This makes obedience training a simple and pleasant exercise. Australian terriers tend to be a bit yappy.

5. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal dog. Originally their role was as drovers and farm dogs. They are great companion dogs today. The Cardigan is no doubt small but capable of great power, endurance, and speed. Their coat color varies from red and to a blue merle design. Cardis are faithful, easily trainable, and vigilant guards having the bark of a “big dog”. Cardis that are well socialized are truly fond of little kids and other dogs as well. These athletic herders love the outdoors. Mental stimulation along with physical activity makes them tick.

6. Dachshund

Dachshunds are vivacious little characters with short legs and elongated bodies. They are fondly called “weiner dogs”. A Daschund has a bold personality in a small body. Known to be brave and independent, they are also a little stubborn. Dachshunds have a faithful following owing to their endearing and comical nature. They are gregarious and often hilarious companions. It is said that they have a sense of humor. Independent with a surprising streak of fierceness, they are as it is said, “a big dog in a small body”. Don’t be fooled by that loud bark. These funny little pooches are loyal and very attached to their families. They are agreeable with other pets and make ideal house dogs.

Packing It Up

Keeping a small breed dog has several advantages. They cost less to feed, can be cuddled and easily transportable. Also keeping them on a leash is easy. They are easy to groom and passersby will invariable stop to pet or question without any fear that a big imposing dog may present. All small dog breeds are attached to their families and are playful and energetic. On the flip side, they do not socialize much, are vocal and more fragile. But the negatives are far outweighed by the pros.