Small Dog Breeds
If we look at all the small dog breeds in our breeds of dogs directory whose weight is less than 25 pounds, we end up with a list of small dogs that is composed mainly of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Breeds and small Terrier Dog Breeds. The other small dogs included in this list are small Non-Sporting Dog Breeds with the exception of the Basenji and Miniature Dachshund which are small Hound Dog Breeds.
The AKC breed list is composed of 7 groupings of dog breeds – Toy, Terrier, Hound, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Herding and Working Groups. Our article on “Dog Classifications" describes these groups and the dog breeds that are included. Just to confuse everyone, the AKC includes some toy size terriers in its Toy Group and not in the Terrier Group. Similarly the Boston Terrier does not belong to the Terrier Group so it is classified in the Non-Sporting Group.
Small dog breeds have been increasing in popularity as exemplified by the Yorkshire Terrier, the Dachshund (including the Miniature), the Poodle (including the Toy and Miniature), the Shih Tzu and the Miniature Schnauzer all finishing in the top ten dog breeds registered by the AKC in 2006. Small dogs make great companion dogs that adapt well to our busy schedules. Small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs. These small breeds are cute and attractive and most are welcome wherever you go. Most small dog breeds travel well in your car and many airlines permit small dogs to travel with their owners as long as their carriers can be stowed underneath the seat. Small dogs adapt well to apartment living and most Toy Dog breeds do well with elderly people and shut-ins who can’t get out of doors regularly to exercise their dogs. Many small Terrier Breeds will need more exercise and special hand stripping or plucking of their coats – see individual breed articles for exercise, grooming and
health issues.
A list of small dogs selected from our breeds of dogs directory is included below. We have also listed small dogs that make the best family pets and do well with older children, small dogs that are hypoallergenic or non shedding breeds, small dogs that make good watchdogs and small dogs that do best with strangers and other pets.
Toy Dog Breeds
Small Terrier Dog Breeds
| Australian Terrier | Bedlington Terrier |
| Border Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Norfolk Terrier |
| Norwich Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
| Tibetan Terrier | Welsh Terrier |
| West Highland White Terrier |
Other Small Dogs
| Boston Terrier | Basenji (Hound Group) |
| Bichon Frise | Dachshund(Miniature)(Hound Group) |
| French Bulldog | Lhasa Apso |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Poodle (Miniature) |
| Tibetan Spaniel |
Family Pets
Very small dogs and Toy dogs are too easily injured to live with young children and toddlers. Most Toy breeds can survive visits from the grandchildren as long as the dogs have been thoroughly socialized and the children are supervised. The following are sturdier small dogs that do well with considerate older children.
The following small dog breeds make good family pets and can survive young children if the toddlers are supervised at all times.
Boston Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Norfolk Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Poodle (Miniature)
Non Shedding or Hypoallergenic Small Dogs
Many small dogs are low-shed or non-shed breeds and are called “hypoallergenic” if properly groomed. Many terrier breeds are low shedding and need to have the dead hair hand stripped or plucked from their coats. See each individual dog breed article for information on grooming.
Watchdogs
Many small dogs make good watchdogs. Some can be too barky and may need lots of early socialization and obedience training to control their barking and distrust of strangers.
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Articles
Choosing the Dog Breed For You
You should decide what kind of dog will best meet your requirements. You may want to choose a cross-breed, designer or pure-bred dog...
Hereditary Diseases in Dogs
An article on hereditary dog diseases that lists common health problems and the breeds that commonly inherit them.
Top 10 Toy Dog Breeds
The Toy Group includes most of the very small and miniature lap dogs and apartment-sized companion dog breeds. Toy dogs play a critical role in the lives of people that live alone and their presence can have beneficial effects on the health of the sick, the elderly and the housebound. Toys are popular companion dogs for people living in cities and adapt well to apartment life.
Top 10 Terrier Dog Breeds
The Terrier Group includes those small but lively terrier breeds that were developed (mainly in Great Britain) to hunt small burrowing animals such as badgers, foxes, otters, rabbits and rats.
Top 10 Hound Dog Breeds
The Hound Group includes dog breeds with a wonderful sense of smell and/or great athleticism. These breeds were developed to follow game either by sight or by smell.
How Dogs Can Help Teach Your Children Responsibility
Owning a dog is a great way to engage your kids in the process of responsibility. Teaching your children to be responsible is probably one of the most important aspects of being a parent. And why not have a little help in this department with the assistance of a brand-new puppy?
Making A long Road Trip More Comfortable For Your Dog
If your road trip is going to be a long one then you need to take a few extra steps to plan accordingly and ensure that you and your puppy get to your destination safe and happy. Here are a few suggestions that can help...
Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed
The Xolo is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds. Statues and effigies dating back more than 3,000 years have been found in Mayan tombs. Xolos were valued for their loyalty, companionship and intelligence as well as their curative and mystical powers.
Our List of Dog Breeds
A list of over 110 Dog breeds and growing.
Additional Content
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