Small Dog Breeds

If you are thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, there are many things to consider. One of the most important is the size. There are both advantages and disadvantages to small dog breeds. Here is a brief guideline on the most popular breeds and categories to help you decide which is best for you.

Trainable Breeds

If you want trainability, you may want to consider the Papillon or Phalene (the papillon抯 forerunner). These are both happy breeds, and good with children. They run on the smaller side, often 6-10 pounds--if you have children in the clumsy stages, dogs of this size often end up hurt or killed inadvertently. Also consider the Pomeranian, Schipperke, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, smaller Poodle breeds, and the always-popular Border Collie.

Best Friend Breeds

There are plenty of dogs who shed and need patience with training that still make amazing companion animals. If you do not mind putting more effort into training, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Lhasa Apso, Malteses, Japanese Chins, Shih Tzus all make excellent best friends. Remember that the extra time you spend with these dogs in training is more quality time you get to spend together.

Shed-free Dogs

Many of the small breeds feature little or no shedding. The Chinese Crested, Mexican and American Hairless dogs, smooth Brussels Griffon, the new Kyi-Leo (also very affectionate), Poodle, and Bichon Frise are all worth checking. Even dogs with long hair like the Maltese are often low shedders, so always check before you eliminate a breed based on looks--especially if you and the dog get along well.

How Small is Too Small?

Some of the tiniest breeds experience difficulty because they have been bred down too small. Talk to a veterinarian to see which breeds may experience cramped internal organs and teeth that do not fit their mouths well, causing pain.

Where to Find Your Best Friend

Puppy mills have been in the news for decades as cruel, unsanitary, and a generally horrible way to provide puppies for pet stores. They have been raided by animal activists over and over for a reason, and you should avoid supporting puppy mills. If you must purchase a puppy, go to an established AKC breeder and inspect the premises for kind practices and a loving home for the breeding pairs.

Although there are a lot of excellent breeders out there, please consider adopting from a shelter. These dogs are just as worthy as any others, and you have the advantage of getting a dog who is probably already housebroken!

Also consider adopting a mixed breed. These are often the healthiest dogs, and are as intelligent and friendly as any pure breed. However, if your heart is set on a purebred and want to adopt an older dog, each breed has a rescue organization--you can find a companion easily by simply sending and email or making a phone call.

In the end, always make your final choice on personality and not 揷uteness?factors. It is more important that the two of you be inseparable friends than look good together.