Top smallest dog breeds
Currently, small dogs are very popular. They have a number of advantages compared to large dogs: they are less hassle, they do not take up much space and live quite comfortably in a small apartment, they are convenient and compact for travel, they do not have a pronounced odor, and even despite their small size, they They may well come to the defense of their owner.
Below, you can check out the top 15 most popular small dog breeds .
Worth adopting
Perhaps in the USA, Europe and Russia there is no such cult of canine personality, but this does not mean that the most interesting trends from the East have not reached us. It’s easy to order a groomer to give your dog a “Korean-style” haircut in Moscow, too - however, our dog with an unusual appearance still stands out on a walk among its more trivial relatives.
Many salons in the USA and Europe offer avant-garde haircuts, hairstyles and coloring in the Japanese style - the result is no less “kawaii” than in Japan.
But, unfortunately, adopting the level of development of the pet care industry itself is somewhat more difficult than simply learning how to give them unusual haircuts. But perhaps this process will start to the west of those countries where the happiest and most pampered dogs live.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are also called pocket dogs for 2 reasons: firstly, they are the smallest of all dog breeds , and secondly, they love to be carried in the arms.
There are breeds with both long and short hair. There are different colors: black, red, white, chocolate, merle, brindle, etc.
The Chihuahua's height is 15-23 cm, weight from 0.5 to 3 kg.
The Chihuahua breed is active, playful, has pronounced guard traits, and feels quite confident next to an adult shepherd dog. She becomes very attached to her owner and remains devoted to him, does not tolerate long separation and loneliness. Chihuahuas are characterized by touchiness and jealousy.
It is not difficult to care for this breed; they are very simple in maintenance.
The lifespan of this breed is 11-14 years.
How to make a choice
A dog that looks like a wolf: names of Laika breeds
With so much variety, it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. When deciding to buy a puppy, you need to consider:
- dimensions;
- coat type;
- care recommendations;
- predisposition to diseases;
- disposition;
- the dog’s preferences regarding spending time (degree of activity).
A very common situation occurs when a dog breed like a bear is adopted, popular all over the world, only because of its attractiveness. Subsequently, difficulties with maintenance give reason to think that at the time of selection it was necessary to study in more detail the information about the future pet.
Dogs that look like bears have their own unique charm. When choosing one of the above breeds, you need to take into account that you will have to carefully care for your pet’s fur, in some cases visiting professional salons for trimming. Many “bear cubs” grow to enormous sizes, so they are not always suitable for keeping in an apartment.
Russian toy terrier
The breed of decorative dogs is popular due to its cute face and miniature dimensions. The terrier's weight ranges from 1.4-3 kg, height - 20-28 cm.
There are smooth-haired and long-haired breeds.
The toy terrier is an excellent companion and watchdog, although it does not have aggression, but at the slightest rustle, it will demonstrate its loud bark, which is not so easy to calm down. He is also playful and restless, great for trips out of town and any activity in general. He has a good memory, he is intelligent and cunning, he notices the weaknesses of the owner.
Pomeranian Spitz
To keep his fur always beautiful, careful and regular care is necessary. The Spitz also requires active rest and long walks.
In terms of strength of character, the Spitz is in no way inferior to large dogs. He is characterized by guard qualities and a loud bark.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier gets along well with people and is a good companion. He is loyal, playful and brave. It is easy to train, but difficulties may arise due to its restlessness.
He is picky about food and has contraindications for many foods.
He is very playful, and during a walk, the Yorkie can bully other animals, despite his modest size. The Yorkie's height is 15-23 cm, weight - 2-3.2 kg. One of the advantages of the Yorkie is its versatility; it feels great both in a 1-room apartment and in a large house.
Great attention needs to be paid to caring for your Yorkie. Long-haired dogs need to be bathed every week, and short-haired dogs need to be bathed once every 2-3 weeks. Yorkies do not shed, but require daily brushing. Afraid of cold and dampness, because... he has no undercoat, as a result of which he quickly becomes hypothermic.
Origin story
The Chinese "German" phenotype has appeared quite recently. The fact is that in the 60s and 70s of the last century in China, dogs became a real luxury. They were recognized as a class symbol, which is why most breeds became on the verge of extinction.
However, in the last decade the situation has changed for the better. Purebred German Shepherds began to be imported from Germany to Yunnan Province. Breeders from the Middle Kingdom are actively crossing “Germans” with Chinese Molossians and wolfdogs.
The result is a fairly large representative of the breed, which has all the characteristic features of a real German Shepherd. They are actively used in the army and in the police service, and are also kept as pets.
Papillon
The Papillon or “butterfly dog” is a type of continental toy spaniel. This is a companion dog, very friendly, cheerful and active. The Papillon is distinguished by its energy and speed. At the same time, he can calmly sit in his arms if necessary, this is a very intelligent dog. The Papillon is also very touchy.
The disadvantages of the Papillon include shedding and special coat care. You need to bathe him once every 2 weeks, and you also need to regularly brush and moisturize the coat to avoid it drying out and forming tangles.
The breed has different colors: tricolor, white and sable, white and black, lemon, white and red, etc. Papillon weight is 1.5-5 kg, height is 20-28 cm. Life expectancy is 15-17 years.
A dog of this breed must have at least 2 puppies.
Run
Pomchi is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian. As you might expect, Pomchi is one of the smallest teddy bears you can find. However, these little guys have one of the brightest personalities of any mixed breed pup!
Chihuahuas have a surprisingly long lifespan, and it's possible that your Pomchi teddy bear will live to be 18 years old or even more.
Pomches are quite delicate and require careful handling, meaning the breed may not be the best choice for families with small children or other, larger pets
Pomches typically have a long, fluffy double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking nice and neat. These little dogs come in a variety of colors, from white to all shades of brown, red and gold to pure white.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a natural companion. These are sophisticated, very delicate and clean dogs. This breed is also sensitive and sentimental, and the Chin can become depressed if neglected. Showing love to members of its family, the chin needs reciprocity, and does not tolerate indifference and rudeness. Japanese Chins like to keep their owners in sight at all times.
This breed is calmer and more reserved compared to other decorative dogs. Chins are active and playful in moderation and require minimal physical activity.
The Japanese Chin has a silky long coat. Varieties of colors: spotted, white and black and sometimes white and brown. Their weight is 2-5 kg, height - 20-27 cm.
In general, these are cheerful creatures, intelligent, understanding and delicate, they get along well with other pets.
Maltese (Maltese)
The Maltese or Maltese has a high degree of intelligence and excellent memory, is very intelligent and intuitive, as if “catching thoughts.” At the genetic level, the Maltese has love and devotion to the owner, adapting to his type of temperament and character.
Maltese are sociable and loving dogs, they are very gentle with children.
You need to be careful with Maltese, they are very fragile.
One of the most common diseases is connective tissue dysplasia.
They do not need colossal physical activity, but leisurely walks in the air will not hurt them.
The dimensions of the Maltese are as follows: weight is 3-4 kg, height for a male is 21-25 cm, for a female - 20-23 cm. Life expectancy is on average 12-14 years.
Pekingese
Pekingese are proud, moderately capricious and intellectually developed breeds. They are jealous and do not like to share their owner with anyone; they become very attached to him. But in general, this is a sociable dog that gets along well with all family members.
Pekingese weight is 4.5-5.5 kg, height is 18-23 cm, life expectancy is 12-15 years.
Excellent for indoor living, this is not a breed that needs long walks and physical activity. Pekingese can run and frolic, but only according to their mood.
Pekingese snores loudly and sneezes frequently, all due to brachycephaly (short muzzle)
The Pekingese's coat requires special care; it needs to be brushed and brushed more often to avoid tangles and to keep it overall looking beautiful.
Pug
The Pug is another ancient breed that originated in China. The time is unknown. But we can definitely say that it was a long time ago. Some people speculate that Chinese small dogs were in the court of Emperor Ling Di (this was in the second century AD). Some trace the history of the breed even to the fifth century BC. e., during the time of Confucius. At that time such dogs were called Luo Jie.
In general, the word “pug” comes from the Dutch. Translated, it means “to grumble.” In England, these dogs are called differently - pug. Because pugs are very similar to monkeys.
Pugs lived in the palaces of emperors in the Middle Ages along with Pekingese. But, unlike the latter, noble families could also keep pugs. In the sixteenth century, representatives of this breed came from Japan to the Netherlands. Pugs grew rapidly in popularity throughout the European continent. Many nobles ordered their portraits with pugs in their arms.
One pug named Pompey saved his owner's life in 1572. The dog warned William I the Silent of Orange that the Spaniards were approaching. After this, the pug became a symbol (and an official one). William's dogs were also present at William's coronation; they all had orange ribbons around their necks. Pompey was carved out of marble on the owner's tombstone. The dog has been protecting his peace for more than four hundred years.
In the eighteenth century, pugs were the favorite pets of the nobility.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a very cute breed, with long beautiful hair, and it does not shed.
This is a companion and anti-stress dog. Gets along well with any animals and is very affectionate towards the owner. Can be fun and playful if the owner wants, but is generally a calm dog.
Shih Tzus are very easy to diaper train, which is convenient for owners who don't have time for frequent walks.
Shih Tzu weight according to the standard is 4-8.3 kg, height up to 27 cm. Colors are completely different, Shih Tzu come in almost all colors, and spotted (golden, white and red), black, black and tan, with masks, and with white faces, i.e. for every taste.
Genetically, this breed has no predisposition to diseases, but there are weak points: ears, eyes.
Life expectancy is 12-14 years.
Dogs beat cats
The battle between cats and dogs for the human heart is eternal. But the citizens of South Korea have made their choice: there are about 10 million pet owners in the country, and most prefer dogs. Moreover, miniature dogs are more often chosen as four-legged life partners - as domestic and cozy as a cat curled up on a sofa cushion, but with a more open and sociable disposition. Ideal option for a city apartment.
Statistics show that with each passing decade, Koreans are becoming less likely to get married and have children. So tiny dogs occupy two vacant places at once - a companion and a child, receiving the appropriate amount of love, time and care.
The industry for services for animals and their owners is thriving. More and more medical centers, spas, hairdressers, healthy organic food stores, and boutiques with clothing for tailed animals are opening. They offer pet insurance. There are special TV channels for dogs. There are also funeral parlors that pay final respects only to four-legged people.
Bichon Frize (French lap dog)
A charming, obedient, sociable and very cheerful Bichon Frize breed. It looks like a dandelion (if you care for the coat properly).
The dimensions of the Bichon Frize are as follows: weight on average 5.5-6 kg, height according to the standard up to 30 cm.
The great advantage of this breed is its unobtrusiveness, i.e. if the owner does not have time to play with him, the bichon will not pester him, he does not need excessive attention.
Bichons are fearless towards both people and large dog breeds. They are trusting and loving, and will approach anyone with a good attitude. They love to go for walks and are ready literally 24 hours a day. If you are outside the city, you will practically not be able to drive it into the house. Clothes for walking are an optional attribute for a Bichon, even in cold weather. In addition, clothes are harmful to the wool. The coat requires special care: washing with shampoo and conditioner, drying with a powerful hairdryer and combing, but again, this is if you want your dog to be literally admired as if it were a white fluffy dandelion. It is necessary to wash and cut it once every 2 months, just bathe it once every 10 days.
Diseases that a French lap dog may have: luxation of the kneecap, cataracts, dysplasia.
Life expectancy is 12-15 years.
Breeds of small dogs with white fur
Probably each of us has heard the phrase at least once in our lives: “In fact, at heart I am white and fluffy!”
Here is a list of the most popular dog breeds with these traits:
Bichon Frize
In appearance, it is a small snow-white dog with silky and curly fur that protects the pet from any bad weather. The ears are hanging, the tail is curled and lies close to the back.
The character is cheerful and flexible. The Bichon is friendly with children and animals. They are ready to please their owner with cheerful barking in a noisy company, becoming an excellent companion in games, and cannot stand loneliness.
Pomeranian Spitz
The white Pomeranian is a small white fluffy dog with a slightly flattened muzzle and pointed ears. These babies have a dense undercoat, so the flowing coat practically does not adhere to the skin. A pleasant feature of the breed is the absence of seasonal shedding.
The dogs are cheerful, playful and cheerful, easy to train and teach commands. Spitz dogs are suitable for families with small children, with whom they get along well and can become an excellent partner in active games. Care. The wool does not form tangles, so you can comb your pet no more than 2 times a week.
It is necessary to include vitamins in the baby’s diet that promote the beauty of the coat and overall health.
Miniature Poodle
As the poodle grows older, its coat, which in childhood looked like cream-colored fluff, becomes covered with elastic curls. The muzzle is pointed, the ears are wide, long and hang along the cheeks. An undocked ponytail is held straight and high.
Character. Poodles are some of the smartest dogs in the world. The character of each poodle is individual - it can be either mannered or playful and cheerful. This is not a noisy or temperamental dog, but one of the calmest breeds. Gets along well with small family members.
After regular bathing, it is recommended to dry your poodle's coat with a hairdryer using a special comb. Poodles practically do not shed, so they will not cause unnecessary trouble.
West Highland White Terrier
This is a rare breed of dog: a small, white, fluffy coat of medium length complemented by a soft undercoat. Quite a large head and a small body. The paws are positioned in proportion to the body. The ears are small and erect. The tail is erect, straight, about 15 cm long. The dog's weight is from 5 to 10 kg, height at the withers is 26 - 29 cm.
Character. White Terriers are extremely friendly, active and will support your every mood. A distinctive character trait of such terriers is their tendency to be jealous.
Care. It is recommended to brush dogs at least 2 times a week and pluck the hair around the ears and eyes, not forgetting about regular haircuts. To protect the fur from dirt, it would be advisable to purchase overalls for walking.
Maltese
Appearance. In the photo there is a small white fluffy dog, what breed is it? This is a Maltese dog. Miniature and smart dogs with coat that is not subject to seasonal shedding. The dog's head is small, the eyes are dark, the height at the withers is 20-25 cm. The ears are raised, resembling a triangle. The tail is thick at the base and thin towards the end, arched.
Character. These smart and cheerful dogs are dependent on their owner; leave your pet alone less often . Maltese love walks and fun games. But you shouldn’t leave your lapdog alone with your baby for a long time: they are easily injured.
Care. To make it easier to comb the coat, it is better to use conditioner, and after water treatments, dry it with a hairdryer. The fur between the toes and under the tail is trimmed monthly.
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