10 Popular Small Dog Breeds
Many people prefer small dogs due to their advantages: they are easy to lift, take up little space and eat little amounts of food (and, of course, the fact that celebrities like Paris Hilton choose these dog breeds also helps). But do you know which are the most popular ones?
1. Pekinese
– Origin: China.
– Height: 15 – 25 cm. (6 – 9.8 inches)
– Weight: 2 – 8 kg. (4.4 – 17.6 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 15 years.
Appearance
– Robust structure, long hair, large head relative to its body, prominent eyes, long floppy and furry ears, wide head and short muzzle.
– They should be brushed twice a week and special attention should be paid to their eyes, as they are prone to eye accidents because they tend to knock into objects, or rub them.
Temperament
They require the constant attention of their master. They are affectionate, loyal, intelligent, stubborn, brave, wary of strangers and will not hesitate to defend their territory.
2. Chihuahua
– Origin: Mexico.
– Height: 15 – 23 cm. (5.9 – 9 inches)
– Weight: 1.5 kg. (3.3 pounds)
– Life span: 11 – 16 years.
Appearance
– Compact body, apple-shaped head, large eyes, short and broad-based muzzle, upright ears and long tail.
– There are 2 varieties of coat:
a) Short-haired: dense, soft, shiny on their head and body (as in the picture above).
b) Long-haired: with fringes on the ears, neck and tail:
Temperament
– They are cheerful, active, fast, loyal, intelligent, willing and jealous. They have a strong protective and defensive instinct towards their master and family.
– Excellent dog for senior people.
3. Bichon Frise
– Origin: France.
– Height: 23 – 28 cm. (9.05 – 11 inches)
– Weight: 3 – 6 kg. (6 – 13 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 15 years.
Appearance
– Robust body, slightly rounded skull, floppy ears and white, curly, long hair, making them look like cotton balls.
– It is recommended to trim their hair on a monthly basis and also around their eyes.
– They are considered to be one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Temperament
– Cheerful, sociable, and intelligent, they like to feel part of the family. Being agile, you can take them to practice some sports with you, for they like to jump and run.
– Excellent pet for children, but they are not recommended for people who spend all day out.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
– Origin: United Kingdom.
– Height: 20.32 cm ( 7.96 inches)
– Weight: 3.2 kg (7.05 inches)
– Life span: 13 – 15 years.
Appearance
– Compact and well-proportioned body, small head, medium eyes, upright ears and smooth, long silky hair falling on both sides of their trunk.
– Daily combing prevents the formation of knots, although some owners prefer to cut their hair to facilitate their movements:
Image / Manuel González Olaechea.
– They are considered to be one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Temperament
– Affectionate, active, bold, hyperactive, territorial, stubborn, brave, and with strong protective instincts.
– Their excessive barking in unknown situations can cause trouble with the neighbors.
5. Pomeranian
– Origin: Germany.
– Height: 22 – 28 cm. (8.6 – 11 inches)
– Weight: 1.5 – 3.2 kg. (3.3-7.05 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 15 years.
Appearance
– Well-proportioned body, almond-shaped eyes, small and upright ears. Their triangular head makes them resemble a fox.
– Remarkably fluffy fur on their body, neck and tail. They should be brushed 3 times a week and get regular haircuts.
– They poorly tolerate high temperatures.
Temperament
– Active, outgoing, brave, jealous, territorial, fond of playing and learning.
– They bark a lot to strangers, and –if not properly trained– they can disturb neighbors.
– Good companion for the elderly and if they are not used to playing with children, they can bite them.
6. Pug or Carlino
– Origin: China.
– Height: 30 – 35 cms. (11.8-13.77 inches)
– Weight: 6.3 – 8.1 kgs. (13.88 – 17.85 pounds)
– Life span: 13 – 15 years.
Appearance
– Well-proportioned body, curled tail and short thick fur. Big head covered with folds, small ears, flat muzzle and slightly protruding eyes.
– We recommend owners to clean the folds on a weekly basis to prevent accumulation of dirt and secretions. Both exercising and high temperatures must be moderate, for their respiratory system would not tolerate such pressure.
– This breed is not suitable for people with allergies.
Temperament
They are good alert dogs, announcing the presence of strangers with their barking; cheerful, gentle, and outgoing, they love to be the center of attention of their master, snuggle and be a good company.
7. Miniature Pinscher
Image: Sebastian Wallin.
– Origin: Germany.
– Height: 25 – 30 cms. (9.8-11.8 inches)
– Weight: 4 – 6 kgs. (8-13 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 14 years.
Appearance
Robust and well-proportioned body with straight legs, oblong head, oval eyes, v-shaped ears, short and silky hair.
Temperament
– Cheerful, caring, dynamic, with a high level of energy, they require daily exercise to prevent behavior problems.
– They are good guardians willing to stand courageously in any situation.
8. Dachshund
– Origin: Germany.
– Height: 17 – 25 cm. (6.7- 9.8 inches)
– Weight: 4.5 – 5 kg. (9.9 – 11 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 15 years.
Appearance
– Long body and snout, wide chest, short legs, dark eyes and long, floppy ears.
– There are 3 varieties of hair: short…
… harsh…
…and long:
– They usually have problems with their very long spine. The risk of injury can be prevented by preventing them from gaining weight, or jumping roughly.
Temperament
Smart, funny, energetic, curious, mischievous and willful. They are good guardians, friendly by nature and they love to be around people.
9. West Highland White Terrier
Image: Antonio Villascusa.
– Origin: Scotland.
– Height: 28 cm. (11 inches)
– Weight: 6 – 10 kg. (13-22 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 14 years.
Appearance
– Compact body, rough and long coat, round head, small and upright ears, short legs and straight tail.
– It is important to clip the hair around their eyes and brush them daily to keep them clean and free of knots.
– They are considered to be one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Temperament
Excellent guard dog, bold, brave, agile, active, dynamic and independent. They need daily exercise to release their high level of energy.
10. Shih Tzu
Image: Tanja Tepe.
– Origin: China. The meaning of its name is “lion dog”.
– Height: 22 – 26 cm (8.6 – 10.23 inches)
– Weight: 6 – 10 kg (13 – 22 pounds)
– Life span: 12 – 14 years.
Appearance
– Oblong body, long and dense fur, short extremities, small head, big and floppy ears, flat and short muzzle.
– It is important to brush them daily in order to avoid hair knots.
Temperament
Cheerful, kind, affectionate. They like to be the center of attention. They can be stubborn and willing when they are not pleased with any given situation.
Warning
Children must be told how to treat these small breeds, as their small size makes them more fragile. As a result, these dogs can get hurt when playing with them.
Cristina Pichon
Cristina Pichon is a psychologist with a specialization in clinic psychology from Complutense University of Madrid. Since 2012 she has dedicated herself exclusively to researching the animal world, with an emphasis on dogs and cats with mobility problems. Her biggest aspiration in life is creating an animal shelter, and she knows that, eventually, dreams come true.
