Small Dog Breeds

Following on from Friday’s list of large dog breeds, here is a list of popular small dog breeds:

· Bichon Frise

· Boston Terrier

· Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

· Chihuahua

· Chinese Crested Dog

· Dachshund

· French Bulldog

· Fox Terrier

· Havanese

· Italian Greyhound

· Jack Russell Terrier

· Lhasa Apso

· Maltese

· Mexican Hairless

· Papillon

· Pekingese

· Pomeranian

· Poodle (Toy)

· Pug

· Schipperke

· Scottish Terrier

· Shetland Sheepdog

· Shih Tzu

· Welsh Corgi

· West Highland White Terrier

· Whippet

· Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

· Yorkshire Terrier

Lap Dogs

Lap Dogs are always popular! They make great companions for older people and people who spend a lot of time in their house. These dogs love to go out too but most of all they love company. If you want a gorgeous little dog to pamper you could choose a dog breed from this list (it isn’t a comprehensive list but is a good starting point):

• American Hairless Terrier
• Basset Hound
• Beagle
• Bichon Frise
• Bichon/Yorkie
• Boston Terrier
• Bulldog
• Cairn Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Crested (hairless)
• English Toy Spaniel
• German Spitz
• Italian Greyhound
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Maltese
• Miniature Fox Terrier
• Miniature Pinscher
• Miniature Poodle
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Pekingese
• Pocket Beagle
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle
• Rat Terrier
• Shih-Tzu
• Silky Terrier
• Standard Schnauzer
• Toy Poodle
• West Highland White Terrier
• Whippet
• Yorkshire Terrier

It’s very important to research your chosen dog breed to make sure it will fit in with your lifestyle. All these dogs may be lap dogs but they are all very different too. You will find information on specific small dog breeds throughout this blog and I’ll keep you posted about more!

West Highland Terrier (Westie)

In this photo: Bertie Harrad
West Highland Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, are amongst the UK’s top ten most popular dog breeds.

It’s no surprise when you think these are an energetic, playful and friendly dog breed.

As the name suggests, Westies hail from Scotland. They were bred from terrier stock to hunt otters, foxes and vermin. Pretty impressive given their small size!

The Kennel Club states the Westie is on average 28cm high measured at the top of their back, at the base of their neck.

This is called height at withers, the terminology used when describing the height of dogs (and other animals, including horses and cows).

West Highland Terriers have an independent streak and a self confidence that some would say defies their size but this is a lovely breed of dog makes a perfect family pet or companion for a single owner.

Their lively temperament means that your Westie will have to know you’re the boss; training is a must! You will be well rewarded as these are incredibly intelligent and loving dogs.

Could the West Highland Terrier be the best dog breed for you?

Therapy Dogs

It often feels like our pet dogs have therapeutic or healing like properties. They make us smile when we come home after a hard day and cheer us up when we’re feeling blue.

These qualities have been harnessed in hospitals, hospices and care homes through the use of Therapy Dogs. Together with their owners, these dogs visit the sick and the elderly to offer some relief and comfort to people who would otherwise not be able to have contact with pets (even their own). These therapy dogs could spend five minutes or half an hour with a patient or resident.

Staff in such centres have reported that patients feel calmer and more relaxed after a visit from a therapy dog. Some have even said patients have required less medication immediately after a visit (though this is anecdotal and there has not been a lot of scientific research into this phenomenon).

Can you choose a dog breed to be a good therapy dog?

There are many dog breeds that make excellent therapy dogs. Some dog breeds are better suited than others; those with a naturally friendly character like retrievers, for example. Many small dog breeds are well suited to being therapy dogs as they are good for sitting on laps. Of course not all small dogs will be suitable.

The breed of dog is not as important as the temperament of the dog as to whether they will make a good therapy dog. The dog must enjoy the company of strangers and being petted, a lot! The dog must be happy going to new places where there are lots of people.

Many dog breeds make great therapy dogs. These dogs and their owners do their good work as volunteers. It must be very rewarding for the owners and the people they help.

Small Dog Breeds- Toy Dogs, Miniature Dog Breeds, Teacup Dog Breeds...

Small dog breeds are ideal for owners who have a smaller living space such as an apartment or a house without a garden. They can be the best dog breeds for older people or those who are not able to take their dog for a long walk each day.

Small dog breeds include Toy Dogs and Miniature Dog breeds. Miniature dog breeds are smaller versions of large dog breeds. The Miniature Poodle, Miniature Dachshund (or Doxie) and the Miniature Pinscher are small versions of their larger canine cousins. These dogs are sometime known as Teacup Dog Breeds because they are tiny dogs, though not all so tiny they could fit into a teacup!

Toy Dogs are a dog group all of their own. Terriers, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus and Pugs are all Toy Dogs. You have probably heard of these popular dogs before but there are also many rare dog breeds that could be the perfect pet for someone looking for a small dog.

Small dogs can be easier to look after than large dog breeds in many ways. They eat less, often don’t require such long walks and generally they shed less hair than large dog breeds.

However don’t assume that all small dog breeds know their own size so well. Some Minature Dog Breeds are happy to take on a dog ten times their own size! There is so much to know about dog breeds before you can be certain on choosing the perfect dog breed for you.

It’s a fun process learning about these enchanting creatures and one worth spending some time to get great dog breed info. It will result in a great pet for you!