Dogs can be confusing to choose for a lot of people. That's because there are so many and that they all differ from one another according to breed. Even the small ones have so many varying traits that you could easily just give up and pick one at random. That's not a very good idea since you have to at least know what kind of small dog you're choosing. To help guide you in picking the right dog, here's a list of small breeds that may prove useful.
Miniature Poodles
The Miniature Poodle is a highly intelligent and very playful dog that is easy to train. It interacts very well with people and that happens to be one of the main reasons why it's a popular type of small breed. It weighs around 12 to 19 pounds, stands 9 to 15 inches, and has a life expectancy of nearly 15 years. They are great with children. This breed is known to be quite obedient as well. They're suited for people who love to groom dogs since all poodles require constant care (brushing, bathing, etc). They are great for allergy sufferers as they generally do not shed any hair.
Pugs
For lots of people, Pugs happen to be the best type of small breed. The Pug is an enjoyable dog to have since they're not burdensome, never a bore, and can even make you laugh at times. The average height for this dog breed is approximately 10 inches. Generally, they weigh around 15 pounds. Happily, these dogs need very little grooming. Only the wrinkles on their face need a through cleansing on a regular basis. They're extremely good with children and are excellent watchdogs, too. They basically have a lifespan of 12 years but some can go for more than 15.
Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers happen to have a reputation for being kind, gentle, and fun. They're actually well-mannered as well as extremely loyal and that's why they are so popular among dog owners. Boston Terriers are very temperature sensitive and as such are most comfortable indoors. Still, they love playing outside and have lots of energy. Weighs roughly around 19 pounds, stands as high as 17 inches, Boston Terriers have a short and smooth coat that they are less likely to cause allergic reactions to people.
Shih Tzu
Another popular type of small dog breed happens to be the Shih Tzu. They are extremely good watchdogs and are best noted for being good around children. Shih Tzus are extremely loyal, laid-back, and are lovable. Constant attention and regular grooming will make sure that the Shih Tzu is happy and they'll give the same affection towards you. They stand at around 9 to 10 inches, weighs roughly at 14 pounds, and sheds very little hair.
Papillon
Papillons are good all-around dogs. They are very easy to train and are full of energy that they love to spend their time with you during exercises or games. They're also popular simply because they're reliable around children. They can be highly excellent watchdogs but are also well-mannered around guests. The Papillon needs brushing regularly as it has soft flowing hair. It weighs approximately 9 pounds and has an average height of 9 to 10 inches.
Beagle
Another popular dog happens to be the Beagle. The Beagle is a fun and friendly dog that's good around children as well as guests. Though you have to be patient when training him to be a good watchdog, you can find that Beagles are extremely reliable and obedient once they get used to basic training. One of the best things about the Beagle is that it doesn't drool and has no doggy odor unlike most dog breeds. Its height is around 14 to 15 inches and it weighs 19 to 34 pounds. Regular grooming is a requirement since the Beagle can shed some hair from time to time.
American Hairless Terriers
The American Hairless Terrier happens to be an energetic and playful type of dog. If you are looking for a watchdog, this breed is good choice. They are also very loyal. Training is not that hard but you'll need to be a bit patient with him. This is a great hypoallergenic dog as they are hairless. These Terriers stand at 7 to 15 inches and weighs 5 to 15 pounds.
Many small dogs are actually considered hypoallergenic. That means: The smaller they are, the less likely they are to cause allergic reactions due to having less hair. However, the best ones for allergy sufferers are noted above. These dogs are wonderful lap dogs, watchdogs and are great to have near.
