How new breeds of animals appear. Small dogs are made for love. What are small dogs for?
A small dog is an ideal type of pet for city dwellers. It takes up little space in the apartment, does not require long walks in open areas, and does not take too much time to care for. However, living together in an apartment with any living creature requires compliance with certain rules. Therefore, it is so important to make the right choice and purchase a pet that matches the owner’s lifestyle, character, interests and habits.
A list of small dog breeds with photographs and names, complemented by descriptions and characteristics, will help you choose a pet that matches your preferences in appearance and behavior. The article provides a description of the best breeds of small dogs recommended for keeping at home.
Small dogs have recently become increasingly popular among city residents. This is due to its livability and less demanding conditions for keeping a small pet.
The Affenpinscher is a dog 25-28 centimeters tall, with hard black fur, and looks like a small monkey. The behavior of this miniature dog is also somewhat monkey-like. The Affenpinscher is a playful, noisy, rowdy dog with a stubborn character.
Such a playful disposition requires persistent and consistent training so that the little imp turns into an obedient dog that follows the rules of behavior in the house.
The Affen Griffon is a breed that arose from crossing the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon. This is a very mobile, active, friendly dog, distinguished by its intelligence and devotion to its owner. Despite its small size, the Affen Griffon copes well with the role of a watchman, and will definitely notify the owner of the appearance of uninvited guests.
A special feature of the breed is its hard coat, which must be trimmed regularly by hand. Grooming the Affen Griffon is not recommended, as it spoils the structure of the coat.
The Schipperke is a miniature shepherd dog that looks like a black Spitz. This is an energetic, cheerful breed that requires long walks and will be a good companion for a sporty, physically active owner.
A bored Schipperke begins to have behavior problems: the dog barks with or without reason, fights with pets, rushes at guests, and behaves aggressively during walks. The dog needs active, long games, sports activities, jogging, walks in the park or forest.
The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the most original small breeds in appearance. This fragile and defenseless-looking baby has fairly good health, but does not tolerate the cold at all. The future owner of a dog needs to prepare to buy an entire all-season wardrobe for it.
Another feature of the breed is the difficulty of training, which a beginner is unlikely to cope with. You cannot shout at the corydalis; you must teach it to the rules of behavior gently but persistently.
The Dandy Dinmond Terrier has an unusual appearance: the dog has a long body and short limbs. By nature, he is an affectionate, kind and cheerful dog, devoted to his owner.
The Dandy Dinmond Terrier needs training from an early age and a lot of physical activity. Such a dog is not suitable for an elderly or quiet person, but for athletes, travelers and hunters it is an ideal companion and companion.
The Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier is a newcomer to the group of small dog breeds, gaining popularity immediately after its appearance in Russia and many European countries. The baby's body is covered with thick, soft wavy hair, with charming feathers on the ears and paws.
The little terrier is attached to his owner and cannot stand loneliness. The dog easily learns the rules of behavior in the house and can do without long walks, so it is suitable for people of different ages and lifestyles.
The small Greek dog - Meliteo kinidio - is an ancient breed. Popular in its historical homeland and quite rare in our country. This small fluffy breed of dog is kind and cheerful towards the owner and all the inhabitants of the house, but does not recognize strangers.
The West Highland White Terrier is a dog breed that originated in Scotland but quickly gained popularity throughout the world. This is an ideal pet with a cute appearance and friendly character. The Westie does not shed, is easy to train, and gets along well with the whole family.
The dog's coat requires careful care: trimming, trimming, combing. The breed is prone to food allergies, so food for it must be selected carefully. It is recommended to exclude wheat, chicken, colored vegetables and cabbage from the diet.
The smallest dog breeds with names
Among small dogs, there are breeds that are distinguished by the smallest sizes. The fashion for miniature pets is growing rapidly nowadays, which is explained by the compactness of dogs and the ability to not part with them throughout the day. The descriptions of the smallest dog breeds with photographs presented below will give an idea of the characteristics of some popular breeds and the rules for handling them.
The height of the Prague rat is only 23 centimeters. This is a peace-loving, affectionate, responsive dog, devoted to its owner, an obedient, balanced and unobtrusive dog originally from the Czech Republic. The rat is distinguished by its devotion to its owner, loves praise, and is well trained. The dog is particularly sensitive to the owner’s moods, so dissatisfaction can be used as a method of education.
The Prague Ratfish requires careful handling, as its body is quite fragile and the risk of fractures and other injuries is high. The breed is quite active, so it needs a diet rich in protein.
The Russian Toy Terrier is a miniature dog (20-28 centimeters in height) with an elegant build. The Russian Toy is unpretentious in maintenance, easily trains in the litter tray, and does not require a lot of time for grooming. You can usually feed your dog food: boiled or half-raw meat, cereal porridge, stewed vegetables.
The dog must be taught discipline, otherwise it will constantly bark, demonstrating guard qualities. The dog does not tolerate rough treatment and gets very upset, but you cannot indulge your pet’s pranks.
The American Lo-Shi Pug is a compact, affectionate dog, ideal for the role of a companion and pet. She gets along well with other animals, is easy to train, and loves children. The dog loves to bark, but not without reason, but only to warn about the arrival of guests or to satisfy its own needs.
Caring for the breed is not difficult: brushing once a week, bathing once every 1-2 months, cleaning the ears, eyes and teeth once a week. In terms of activity, the dog adapts to the owner’s lifestyle: plays with him when he is active and lies next to him during his rest.
Breeds of small kind dogs
It is impossible to divide dog breeds into good or evil, since the character of each of them depends not only on their genetically determined temperament, but also on upbringing. But there are breeds that are particularly peaceful and kind towards their owners and strangers.
Photos and descriptions of such babies are presented in this section. Breeds of small, kind dogs are particularly friendly towards family members and even everyone around them, they love affection and praise.
The Bichon Frize (curly-haired Bichon) is a miniature dog with curly snow-white hair and round black, surprisingly kind eyes. The dog is playful, cheerful, loves affection. But raising a breed is not an easy task and requires patience and perseverance.
Caring for a Bichon's luxurious coat is quite difficult. It must be thoroughly combed every day and then treated with a slicker. The length of the fur on the face and paws is regulated by periodic haircuts.
The rabbit dachshund was bred in Germany for hunting purposes, but is now most often kept as a companion and pet. The dog is good-natured, balanced, without a drop of aggression. This dog can play the role of a real clown, as it has a good sense of humor.
If raised incorrectly, a rabbit dachshund can become rowdy and stubborn. It must be trained calmly and respectfully.
The beauty of the Maltese's coat is the main factor in the breed's attractiveness. A cute dog no more than 25 centimeters tall, with long snow-white hair, looks luxurious and rich with proper care. It is no coincidence that this breed has always been a favorite of royalty.
The dog is good-natured, flexible, loving and gentle towards its owners. The breed's luxurious coat requires careful care. The breed has poor health, so it needs to be properly fed, walked and shown to the veterinarian in a timely manner.
The Pomeranian is the smallest variety of the dog group of this breed. The baby's height is only 23 centimeters. Weight no more than three kilograms. This is a particularly popular breed among socialites and creative individuals.
By nature, the Pomeranian Spitz is sociable. A cheerful and extremely good-natured dog. He is obedient and neat, so he is ideal for living together even in a very small apartment. The baby Spitz will be an ideal companion for adults and children.
The character of the Border Terrier is characterized by some duality. On the hunt, he is a ruthless and passionate dog, but at home he is an affectionate, friendly, loving pet. Many representatives of this breed can smile, exposing their teeth.
This sweet-natured dog is used in Western medical settings as a “therapy animal.” Border Terrier owners visit nursing homes and hospitals with their pets, providing psychological support to sick people.
Small smart dog breeds
When choosing a future pet, we often limit ourselves to looking at descriptions of small dog breeds with photographs. Meanwhile, an important selection criterion is the dog’s intellectual abilities. A smart dog easily remembers commands, learns the rules of behavior and is the most obedient. Among small dog breeds, there are several species that are distinguished by the highest intelligence.
This dog will become a devoted friend to all family members. Will be able to adapt to any rhythm and lifestyle of the owners. The Papillon will be equally happy to run around the apartment with the children and lie calmly on the sofa with the owner.
This dog remembers all commands literally the first time. She understands not only the words of the owner, but even reacts to the intonation with which he speaks. Once you give your voice a stern tone, the Papillon understands that his actions are not acceptable. Communication with a Papillon is a real pleasure.
Not a single dog show is complete without representatives of this breed. The Continental Toy Spaniel has a mesmerizing appearance: the dog is 25 centimeters tall and has luxurious long hair that looks like an expensive plush toy.
The toy spaniel is a very smart dog, but also prone to dominance. During the training process, the owner will need to be able to outwit the pet and turn the execution of commands into reflexes. For each action performed, the pet should initially receive a treat, praise, and affection. Correct execution of commands is encouraged by a response in a gentle voice, and disobedience is encouraged in a stern tone.
toy poodle
The Toy Poodle is a charming, curly-haired dog with high intelligence. This breed can often be found in the circus performing incredible tricks. The toy poodle adores its owner and is ready to please him with obedience.
Positive motivation of the pet contributes to the rapid assimilation of commands. This little one loves to be praised. Your pet's pranks cannot be ignored. Any hooliganism left unpunished will certainly be repeated.
The Alaskan Klee Kai, like all huskies, is not only beautiful in appearance, but also very smart and independent. Unlike the stubborn Siberian Huskies, their miniature counterparts are more cat-like in behavior. They are affectionate towards their owner and even wash their faces with characteristic movements of their paws.
Another incredible ability of the Alaskan Klee Kai is the ability to make sounds similar to human speech. A set of guttural, howling, gurgling sounds is really similar to a conversation, so communicating with a pet can bring real pleasure.
The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent dog, restrained in emotions, with an unusually developed intellect. He is able to perform the functions of a watchman, notifying the owner of the appearance of uninvited guests. But the Tibby won’t bark just like that.
As a true intellectual, the Tibetan Spaniel needs to be left alone from time to time, so the pet needs to be given a cozy nook in the house. Otherwise, keeping the breed in the house requires standard procedures for grooming and organizing walks.
The smallest dog breed in the world
In the group of small dog breeds, there are dogs that are distinguished by the most miniature sizes.
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Dogs of this breed usually weigh from 0.5 to 3 kg, and their height is from 10 to 23 cm. Chihuahua Boo Boo has a height of approximately 11 centimeters, weighs about seven hundred grams and is the smallest dog living today.
The Chihuahua is a kind, obedient, but at the same time extremely vulnerable and touchy dog. Such a miniature pet requires careful and very careful handling. You need to prepare for the appearance of a dog in the house: remove objects that it can knock over, limit access to places where the dog can climb and get stuck or fall.
Fenech is a restless, curious animal, 18-22 centimeters tall and weighing no more than 1.5 kilograms. This is a dog with large ears, about 15 centimeters long, which give its appearance a very funny look.
The domestic fennec fox has very poor health. The dog must be kept in almost greenhouse conditions, otherwise it will certainly catch a cold. The peculiarity of this dog is its nocturnal lifestyle, so the owner needs to take this into account before buying a puppy.
Small smooth-haired dog breeds
Smooth-haired dog breeds are most convenient for keeping in an apartment, since caring for them does not require much time and the hair does not scatter throughout the house during shedding.
This breed looks like a miniature Doberman. This is a smart, energetic dog that can become a reliable friend to the whole family. The Miniature Pinscher will be an ideal companion for an adult or a child over 9-10 years old.
The Miniature Pinscher is perfect for living in a city apartment. Caring for your pet consists of brushing once a week, alternating with wiping with a damp towel. For walks, you definitely need to buy clothes and shoes, without which it is not recommended for your dog to walk even when it’s slightly colder.
The Manchester Terrier is distinguished by good health, longevity and unpretentiousness in maintenance. This is a cheerful, energetic, cheerful dog about 40 centimeters tall, with short, smooth hair.
The Manchester Terrier is friendly towards other animals and children, loves noisy games and long walks. The character is generally flexible, but sometimes the terrier shows stubbornness and disobedience. You can feed your pet traditional dog foods, but experts recommend starting the morning with sour milk.
The English Toy Terrier is a small black dog with characteristic red tan markings on its face, paws and chest. The dog's coat is smooth, lies tightly to the body and does not require special care. It is enough to stroke the English Toy Terrier once a week with a special rubber mitten.
The breed is flexible, friendly, gentle and playful. The toy terrier's energy is in full swing, so he needs active walks, games and exercises, close communication with the owner and all family members.
The Lancashire Heeler is a squat dog with short but muscular limbs. The breed's coat is straight, smooth and shiny, complemented by a dense undercoat in the winter. There are no difficulties in caring for the Lancashire Terrier: it is enough to comb it once every two weeks. We recommend bathing your dog only twice a year.
The breed is friendly, playful, easily remembers commands and willingly carries them out. The Lancashire Terrier loves walks, but can easily do without a long stay outside. Therefore, such a pet is suitable for calm, busy at work and elderly people.
Small dog breeds for children
Most small dog breeds are suitable exclusively for families with older children who follow the rules of handling animals. This is mainly due to the fragility of miniature dogs and some intolerance of many of them to rough treatment. At the same time, there are some breeds of small dogs that are quite suitable for families. Where there are small children.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a decorative breed of indoor dog about 25 centimeters tall with long, thick hair of absolutely any color. This playful, friendly dog has excellent contact with children of any age, easily remembers commands, and is never capricious.
The Russian colored lap dog loves people, always strives to be in the center of attention, and loves to entertain guests. One of the main skills of the breed is the ability to adapt to the mood of the owner.. She always feels when she needs to just lie next to a person, and when she needs to play and chat with him.
Bolognese (Italian lapdog) is a dog about 30 centimeters tall, with thick, wavy hair, giving it a rounded shape. The breed is incredibly focused on companionship with people: affectionate, ingratiating, and cannot tolerate loneliness.
This breed can be owned by families with small children. But communication between a small child and a dog needs to be controlled. For children over 7 years old, the Bolognese dog will be an ideal friend and play partner.
The American Eagle Dog simply loves fun games with children. She is smart, ready to please the representatives of the whole family every minute. The breed is smart and easily learns commands, enjoys participating in dog competitions and loves long walks.
The Volpino Italiano is a rare breed of small dog native to Italy. This is a devoted family and owner, playful and smart dog with luxurious white fur. Volpino Italiano loves active and fun games with children and never harms them.
The dog is distrustful of strangers and always announces the appearance of strangers in the apartment with a ringing bark. It is necessary to train a dog persistently and patiently, since it is restless and willful.
Other small dog breeds
In addition to the breeds that have been listed in this article, there are many other small dogs. We invite you to get acquainted with some of them in photographs.
Norfolk Terrier in the photo
Australian Terrier dog breed
Pictured is an American Toy Terrier
Biewer Yorkshire Terrier
Boston Terrier dog breed
Brussels Griffon pictured
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Smooth Fox Terrier breed
Photo. Italian Greyhound
Cairn Terrier dog breed
The descriptions of small dog breeds with photographs presented in this article provide only general information about the characteristics of each of them. Before making the final choice, it is worth studying in more detail the character traits and rules of keeping each breed, so that spending time together brings true pleasure to the owner, the pet and all family members.
In the photo: King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Lapdog.
Miniature pets have been popular for several centuries. And only at first glance do they seem like toys. Each small dog has its own individual and unique character.
Such “babies” become true friends and life partners for millions of owners. In this material we will tell you about all the advantages of miniature pets. You will find out what the smallest dog in the world is.
The demand for pocket dogs is growing every year. Pets have a beneficial effect on the upbringing and development of children. Tiny creatures are devoted to those who care for them. Despite their size, they are lively and brave. We are always ready to defend ourselves if the owner is in danger.
Friendly, cheerful creatures lift your spirits. Looking at them, only positive emotions appear. Abroad they are considered four-legged doctors.
Positive creatures have an incredible healing effect on humans. Pets don't require a lot of space. They feel comfortable in a small living space, there are many positive aspects.
The main advantages of mini dogs:
Compact size. Despite his small height and weight, the pet has a big heart. Such a tiny animal will give its owner his love and become a full-fledged member of the family. No fear of heights. Fearless animals bypass their larger counterparts: they are not afraid of heights, and, it seems, are even ready to make a parachute jump.
They eat little. The small pet, although picky about food, eats little. They go to diapers. When there is no time to walk with her, she easily learns to go to the tray or diaper. They love affection. Few people would think of coddling a Great Dane or a Rottweiler.
With small dogs you can afford such familiarity. They love to be in the arms of their owner and are always happy when they are petted. Minimum dirt. There is little smell or fur in the home from a miniature dog.
Portability. The world's tiniest dogs fit in a purse. You can take it with you on a visit or to the store, or transport it in transport without any hassle. Long-lived. Such “babies” have a longer life expectancy than their larger relatives.
Rating of small breeds
We invite you to familiarize yourself with 20 of the cutest miniature creatures and find out which is the smallest dog breed:
20 – Pug
A cheerful animal of the oldest breed. The pug loves to be the center of attention, is active, and will become a faithful companion. It is enough to look into his eyes and understand that he is not only smart, but can also adapt to his owner.
If you like to lie in bed in the morning and watch TV, a pug will not interfere with that. He will be happy to spend time with you or wait for you when you return from work. Weighs up to 10 kg. Height - up to 35 cm.
19 – Chinese Crested
An extremely active and loving pet that strives to accompany its owner everywhere. An ideal option for keeping in a small apartment. Easy to care for.
Dogs love active games and attention to themselves. They love to wear clothes. The average weight is from 4 to 6 kg. Height at withers is from 23 to 33 cm.
18 – Petit Brabançon
The smallest dog breeds, including Petit Brabançon, delight owners with positive characteristics. The mini dog is kind, loves to play, and is affectionate. Brabançon is emotional, you can easily read her mood from her face.
Gets along with other pets. Submits to training and follows commands. Weight ranges from 4.5 to 6 kg. Height at withers up to 22 cm.
17 – Japanese dwarf spitz
Cheerful mini dog. Distrustful of strangers, sometimes aggressive. Attached to the owner, does not like loneliness. Excellent for training, can take part in speed competitions. The coat is easy to care for. Weighs from 4.9 to 10 kg. Height - up to 39 cm.
16 – King Charles Spaniel
The ancestors of the breed at the beginning of the 16th century went hunting with the lords. Cheerful, devoted English aristocrats are distinguished by their boundless love for their master. King with shiny fur and devoted eyes. Weight ranges from 3.5 to 6.5 kg. Height up to 27 cm.
15 – Bichon Frize
A small animal with a printed curly fur coat. Loves attention to a person. Can take part in the circus and various shows. The Bichon Frize is ideal for people who love an active lifestyle. Weight ranges from 2.5 to 5.5 kg. Height up to 29 cm.
14 – Rabbit dachshund
The dwarf variety of dachshund was originally bred for burrow hunting. The dachshund becomes attached to its owner and loves children. The dog will not miss a mouse or bird that is in its field of view.
Active and energetic, she requires a special approach to education. A small animal with a loyal character. Weighs from 3.4 to 5 kg. Height up to 17 cm.
13 – Shih Tzu
A charming little dog, bred quite a long time ago in Tibet. When you look into the large eyes of a Shih Tzu, you fall in love with the breed forever. A friendly, cheerful baby is glad to all the guests who come to your home.
Domestic, does not like movement, prefers to stay at home rather than go on a hike. Shih Tzu weight ranges from 4.5 to 8 kg. Height at withers up to 27 cm.
12 – Pekingese
Originally from China. Self-confident and independent representatives of toy dog breeds can create difficulties in training.
Difficulties arise with them in the process of education. Pekingese do not get underfoot, they are patient. They are wary of children. Weight – 3.2 to 6.5 kg, height up to 23 cm.
11 – Italian lapdog
Small dogs have a patient nature. They easily learn new things and are trainable. They get along with other pets. The Italian lapdog is discreet and intelligent. Can become a faithful companion for the owner.
Special, simple coat care is required. Height at the withers is up to 30 cm, and the average weight is up to 4 kg.
10 – Beaver York
Sweet, calm and active miniature “baby”. She loves active games and is balanced, so it is easy to carry out hygiene procedures with her (haircut and manipulation of fur). The Biewer York, despite its cheerfulness, is unobtrusive. Height at the withers is up to 27 cm, standard weight is up to 3.5 kg.
9 – Japanese Chin
The friendly baby is able to get along with all family members. Favorable towards other pets. Energetic, but also considered a reliable companion.
Thanks to its face, thick padded coat and high-set tail, the Japanese Chin is attractive. The average height is approximately 25 cm, and weight is up to 4 kg.
8 – Papillon
This decorative miniature dog gets its name from the French word papillon (translated from French as butterfly). Funny, artistic and active animals, few will leave anyone indifferent.
They love to run after the ball and scare away rodents. You won't be bored with these animals in your house. Height is up to 28 cm, and weight is up to 4.5 kg.
7 – Yorkshire Terrier
The miniature pet is distinguished by its positive behavior. The terrier is affectionate and loyal. It is ideal for keeping both in a city apartment and in a country house.
Smart, quickly follows commands, easy to train. Yorkie weight is up to 3.2 kg, and height is no more than 23 cm.
6 – Pomeranian Spitz
The loud, restless dog will not let its owner get bored. An energetic Pomeranian with a funny face and a stuffed coat will become a family pet.
The dog's fox ears and funny habits make it one of the most popular breeds among miniature dogs. Suitable for people who lead an active lifestyle and do not sit still. Height is up to 22 cm, and weight is up to 3.% kg.
5 – Russian Toy Terrier
Small dogs have been known since the 19th century, at that time they were in demand among fashionistas. Today, many society ladies choose this breed for its pretty face and modest size. This terrier does not have an explosive character; they are calm and loyal. Height at the withers is up to 25 cm, and weight is about 3 kg.
4 – Affenpinscher
A rare specimen among the smallest dogs, it captivates owners with its cheerfulness and interesting appearance. The flattened face is similar to a griffin, but there is a difference. The Affenpinscher's eyes are deep-set.
Special care for the coat is required. The pet will become a loyal friend and protector. Height is from 20 to 28 cm, and weight is 4.5 kg.
3 – Brussels Griffon
Mischievous little ones with bright personalities. Energetic and at the same time calm, balanced. Get along with other pets. They love walks in the fresh air. Loyal and kind.
Show patience with small children. The height at the withers is up to 28 cm, and the weight is 4.5 kg.
2 – Toy Fox Terrier
Positive and funny animals can lift your spirits. By nature, they are hunters who catch rodents. Restless and energetic people love constant attention. Unpretentious in care.
Smart, they participate in sports competitions. The fox terrier weighs 3.5 kg and grows up to 25 cm.
1 - Chihuahua
The smallest dog breed in the world originated in Mexico. Chihuahuas love to be carried. They are incredibly popular in all corners of the globe. Kind, not capricious and patient little ones, with the habits of a real watchdog.
The smallest dog does not like to be punished. Chihuahua is a reliable guard for a lady's handbag. A breed with long and short hair, different colors. Height varies from 15 to 23 cm, and weight ranges from 500 g to 5.5 kg.
What is the smallest dog breed in the world?
The world's smallest Chihuahua dog, whose results are included in the book of records. The little one named Millie is only 6.53 cm tall. The weight of the smallest dog in the world is 170 grams.
Caring for baby Millie is not easy, but the owners, a married couple from Puerto Rico, dote on her. The main difficulty for them is losing their baby in the garden or at home. Most of the chicks, despite their tiny size, are aggressive towards strangers.
Today, small breeds of dogs are characterized by the presence of the most heterogeneous reviews: some perceive them as very demanding and restless, while others, on the contrary, are cheerful and perky, which are impossible to look at without emotion. However, the irrefutable fact remains that when living in a city apartment, both raising and keeping such funny dogs is much more convenient and easier than pets of larger species.
In addition, it is not at all necessary to lock them alone in the apartment. After all, these animals can be safely taken with you on a shopping trip or to cafes and restaurants, transported in a car or on the subway. Moreover, today there is such an accessory on sale as a carrier bag for small breed dogs, which facilitates the process of transporting these little pets.
Low weight, small size, amazing character and cute faces - these types of dogs are incredibly popular. Abroad, these animals are even used for therapeutic purposes. The most compelling argument for buying such a pet is its compact size.
Another significant advantage that determines the fact that these small dogs are so popular is the simplicity of their maintenance and training. This article will describe below some representatives of different breeds of small dogs, indicating their most characteristic features and distinctive features. See also the article about.
Chihuahua breed
Chihuahua dogs are a very ancient breed of animals that were known to the Aztec and Mayan tribes. Today, such a pet is incredibly popular. And the point here is not at all insignificant size, but in strong devotion and affectionate character. And boots for small breed dogs look especially endearing on these pets. At the same time, Chihuahuas are very fearless.
This species is in great demand not only among domestic dog lovers, but also among residents of America, Europe and Latin America. By the way, the first person in Russia to have such a dog was N.S. Khrushchev. It should be noted that despite his small stature, such a pet is a truly strong personality. They are loyal to their owner, to whom they become strongly attached. True, to maintain health during walks, they need winter shoes for small breed dogs to protect their paws.
Yorkshire Terrier breed
The Yorkshire Terrier is also a fairly popular dog, enjoying the love and attention of tens of millions of dog lovers around the planet not only for its working qualities, but mainly for its talent to please, to win friends and attention, qualities given by nature itself. 
Sometimes these animals are so active that it is necessary to use sedatives for small breed dogs, which somewhat reduces the pet’s excitability.
Despite the fact that dogs of this breed are very friendly, they are distinguished by their courageous and independent disposition. Having amazing tolerance, so necessary in the process of grooming, he will not every time agree to nestle in the arms of his mistress or owner. And if it senses the presence of strangers, it will emit a warning and loud bark. In addition, a bag for small breed dogs is hardly applicable to this pet.
Russian Toy breed
The Russian Toy dog breed is the most common ornamental animal in Russia.
Despite its rather small size, such a pet is completely fearless and copes well with the duties of a guard. 
True, during the maintenance process it is better to use Akana food for small breed dogs as the main diet.
Such a small pet will be an ideal companion for every person, regardless of age and gender. Distinguished by their high unpretentiousness, the dogs are completely undemanding in terms of care. It is usually used as a “cushion option”, although some dog lovers consider it a good and formidable guard. Having excellent hearing, they are able to detect the slightest movement. For training, a ladder for small breed dogs is recommended, ensuring the normal development of the pet.
Breed Chinese Crested Dog
Such a pet is on a par with the most popular decorative and indoor dogs, whose rather exotic and completely wonderful appearance brought world fame. Since these animals are practically naked, to transport them you need to use carriers for small breed dogs of various shapes.
These pets are characterized by a very memorable appearance, as well as a rather curious and friendly character. They are distinguished by strong affection, which is expressed in significant gratuitousness and devotion to their owner. Since such a pet is somewhat demanding in terms of care, it is better to feed it with Hill's food for small breed dogs of any age.
Prague rat breed
Representatives of this breed are also called “ratlik”, which is translated from German as rat. Indeed, despite their small size, these pets are real hunters. They are characterized by high liveliness and mobility, for this reason, to maintain health, such a pet should often be walked in the fresh air, using harnesses for small breed dogs, sold in specialized stores.
Such walks will allow the animal to maintain its shape. These dogs simply love outdoor games, participate in agility, and run after the ball. And since this breed has a rather short coat, it is recommended to wear boots for small breed dogs, as well as warm clothes, on its paws when walking in cold or winter.
Bichon Frize breed
The Bichon Frize is a small pet with a curly, silky coat. For example, Henry the 3rd simply adored his dog of this breed. He carried it everywhere in a basket around his neck as jewelry. A little later, dogs began to participate in circus performances. Thanks to their activity, they can easily climb steps for small breed dogs of various designs.
Today there is hardly a person who can resist these cute dogs. They are wonderful companions, cheerful, cheerful and very active. Having short legs and a strong skeleton, these animals turned into good decorative companion dogs. They love to lie around, dance, and play with children.
West Highland White Terrier breed
Representatives of the West Highland White Terrier breed are very smart, inquisitive and cheerful dogs. They are quite popular nowadays. A cute face, playful and funny character cannot leave anyone indifferent. Among other things, these pets are also excellent underground hunters. This species is the only white terrier of its kind.
The animal is characterized by a rather attractive, sometimes even doll-like appearance. Moreover, behind tenderness and softness lie such traits as determination, intelligence, intelligence and hard work.
By the way, the normal temperature in small breed dogs is about 38.6-39.3 degrees.
Pomeranian Spitz breed
With their unusual appearance, these pets resemble teddy bears, although this animal cannot be called a toy. After all, the Spitz is distinguished by very great devotion, intelligence, and attentiveness. In addition, one cannot fail to mention his rather cheerful disposition, which makes him an irreplaceable friend. Despite its small stature, the dog is characterized by a bright personality.
The Spitz is able to completely charm a person, even one who is completely indifferent to ornamental animals. According to the standard, this pet is a small dog of strong build, with small ears, a voluminous chest, and a short face. In the cold season, shoes for small dog breeds may not be of any use to him.
Papillon breed
is a representative of a very ancient decorative dog. Its history goes back about 700 years. The exact place of origin of the breed is unknown; presumably the first such dogs appeared in Belgium or Spain. These animals are best kept in apartment conditions. This pet has a pliable, friendly disposition, which can also be an excellent protector.
During walks it is an ideal companion. Among other things, the gestation period for small breed dogs is only 62-63 days, and childbirth will occur unnoticed. This decorative dog is beautifully built and has thin bones. The size of the animal is 28 cm, while body weight ranges from 1.8-2.5 kg.
Breed Rabbit Dachshund
Representatives of this breed are simply born hunters of burrowing animals, especially rabbits, which simply love to hide in burrows. 
True, modern dogs are no longer hunters, but simply decorative pets. Since this animal is very small in size, it is also called dwarf. It should be noted that toilets for small breed dogs can be purchased at any specialized store.
Judging by the reviews of dog lovers, these dogs are very friendly, and this quality is inherent in both puppies and adults. They are able to adapt to each family member. They have a proud character, for this reason they cannot tolerate rude attitudes.
Alaskan Klee Kai breed
It should be noted that the breeding of these mini Huskies was started by Linda S. Spurlin, who lived in Alaska in the 70s. Initially, these dwarf Huskies had one common name - Klee Kai, but due to political trends in 1995, they began to be classified as Klee Kai and Alaskan Klee Kai.
Having a very similar appearance to the Husky breed, the character of these animals still differs. The miniature breed has a rather cheerful disposition and loves to play active games. I'm always happy to play outside or take a long walk. By the way, coughing occurs in small breed dogs much more often than in larger dogs.
Domestic fennec fox
If we compare it with other animals, then in its size the Fenech is more reminiscent of a small decorative dog or domestic cat. Its body is about 34-36 cm long, and its tail is 28-30 cm. These pets, which are just gaining popularity among dog lovers, are distinguished by their very insignificant height - only 25-27 cm with a body weight of 1.5 kg.
The animal is characterized by a small, pointed and cunning face, with sharp and small teeth. The eyes are large, however, the main decoration of the pet is its huge ears. Fenech's coat is soft and thick, very pleasant to the touch and has a light red color. It should be noted that a tray for small breed dogs is perfect for this pet.
Popularity of small breeds
Summing up the results of this article, we can conclude that today small breeds of dogs are especially popular, which can be explained quite simply. In addition to their amazing external characteristics, these animals are not very demanding in terms of conditions of keeping, care and feeding. They don’t need a lot of space, and they don’t need to spend a lot of time walking.
Many people in the modern world dream of buying a small dog. In addition to their cute appearance, such pets have a cheerful character, are very attached and love their owners, and are convenient for transportation in a car or plane. The choice of breeds is very rich: Chihuahuas, Toy Terriers, Spitz, Petit Brabançons, Yorkshire Terriers, Biewer Yorkies and many others. But before you make a little friend, you should be well aware of their characteristics and possible problems in care and health.
In the first year of life, puppies especially need attention. The very first veterinary procedure is deworming, followed by two vaccinations - at 2 and 3 months. It is necessary to pay attention to the fontanel, it must be completely closed. Indeed, in the case of the opposite, the brain is not protected from injury by bone tissue, which is especially dangerous for small dogs and, unfortunately, very common due to their anatomical structure. As a rule, from 5 months, dogs begin to change their teeth. A feature of small breeds is the untimely loss of milk teeth, especially canines. They have the longest roots, which is why the teeth may grow in two rows or have an irregular alignment. Some permanent teeth may not grow at all. Such problems have to be eliminated by tooth extraction under anesthesia. Pathologies such as undershot and overshot are quite common. Therefore, it is important to regularly show the puppy to the veterinarian so as not to waste time and carry out the necessary correction in time. As dogs age, they can suffer from periodontal disease and plaque buildup. A smell appears and teeth begin to fall out. Sometimes, by the age of 5, many permanent teeth are missing. Regular examination and sanitation of the oral cavity are mandatory for such patients.
Puberty occurs quite early in small breeds. Males, as a rule, begin to exhibit unwanted sexual behavior (marking) from the age of 6 months; the activity of hormones throughout their lives is very high, which leads to prostate diseases. Diagnosis of these problems is carried out by ultrasound examination. Among small breed dogs, there is a high number of cryptorchids - dogs with one or two testes that have not descended into the scrotum, which is due to genetic heredity. Due to all of the above factors, they, for medical reasons, must be castrated. “Girls” have no less problems. Small breeds suffer from many gynecological diseases - pyometra (purulent inflammation of the uterus), polycystic ovaries, neoplasms of the uterus, ovaries and/or mammary glands. As for pregnancy, not all females are able to bear fruit; childbirth often ends in a caesarean section. After the birth of puppies, eclampsia can occur - a decrease in calcium levels in the blood to life-threatening levels, leading to seizures. After estrus, false pregnancy often occurs, manifested by psychogenic disorders, the appearance of milk in the mammary glands, and, as a complication, mastitis.
As for the respiratory system, tracheal collapse is common here - a narrowing of its lumen, which manifests itself in the form of cough or shortness of breath, especially during emotional and physical stress. The diagnosis is made on the basis of X-ray examination and bronchoscopy. Severe cases of this disease require surgical placement of a stent.
The musculoskeletal system is especially often subject to trauma. Any careless jump, even just from the owner’s hands, can lead to fractures. Often in toy breeds, Perthes disease, or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, occurs, which develops by the age of one year, and is manifested by lameness on the pelvic limb.
A special place is occupied by the “weak” gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the liver and pancreas. It is important to note here that your pet’s diet is correct. Unbalanced feeding of natural food or poor commercial food can cause gastroenterocolitis, which can also be ulcerative. Such dogs often experience vomiting, especially on an empty stomach, bloating, diarrhea, sometimes with mucus and streaks of blood. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts are widespread; these can be cholecystitis, stones in the lumens of the passages and gall bladder, the formation of thick and heterogeneous mucus, and polyps. Among liver diseases, there is a severe pathology - portocaval shunt - an anastomosis between the veins of the gastrointestinal tract and the caudal vena cava. Due to the presence of this vessel, the blood flowing from the intestines is not purified in the liver, but enters directly into the body. Normally, all blood flowing from the intestines passes through the liver, where ammonia and other toxins are cleansed, and only then merges with the rest of the body’s blood. To examine these organs, ultrasound is used, blood tests are taken, and X-rays are taken.
The range of neurological problems is very wide. The most common is hydrocephalus (an increase in the volume of the ventricles of the brain). The most typical clinical signs of intracranial hypertension are circling, aimless wandering, head tilt, head tilt, epileptiform seizures, and blurred vision. Another commonly encountered symptom complex is atlantoaxial instability. Incorrect anatomical interaction between the first and second cervical vertebrae can lead to their displacement and compression of the brain. A pathology of sharp pain appears when turning or tilting the head, its forced position, poor sensitivity in the thoracic limbs and their poor motor activity. If you suspect these diseases, you should consult a neurologist.
Now, in pursuit of excessive diminutiveness, breeders are breeding dogs of smaller and smaller sizes, without observing breeding standards. When choosing a small pet from a breeder, you should not choose a dog that is too small and clearly does not meet the breed standards. Such an animal will most likely be susceptible to many diseases, and you risk losing it in a few years. It is better to immediately see a veterinarian so that he can rule out the main problems and talk in more detail about caring for the puppy.
26-10-2014 6:06 am
Not long ago we published an article by Anton Volkov about small dogs. Today we are publishing an absolutely wonderful note from Anna Rossolenko, the owner of a dog named Rika, who from a tiny, timid creature has turned into a confident dog who can do everything, everything, everything! Anya shares her observations about life with small dogs, as well as funny photographs from the family archive.
Start of the day for a small dog
An ordinary day off, I wake up from a small elephant trampling on me, namely my Chihuahua dog. In the morning, Rika wakes up in her bed, located on a chair and covered with a warm blanket, and watches when I wake up. And as soon as I wake up, this 3-kilogram baby elephant rushes to tell me that it’s time for breakfast and the dog needs a portion of attention.
Small dog and other family members
Then Rika happily runs to each family member, says hello and jumps into the kitchen. Rika eats boiled meat with porridge and vegetables, and also treats himself from the table. Rika knows how to approach everyone, even the strictest family members. She pushes someone with her paws from a running start, sits down next to someone in the corridor in a “bunny” pose and looks sadly, a la a poor relative, does not stand on ceremony with someone, jumps onto her knees and reaches under the arms, showing what she would like to try from the table. Rika is great at reading people and loves her family. Therefore, it is not possible to separate him from the table. And thanks to educational games, Rika learned not to give up in achieving her own goals!
Toilet for a small dog
When it comes to care and feeding, there are some differences compared to keeping a larger dog. A small dog's toilet may not depend on a walk - a litter tray is quite suitable for the dog's needs, and there is no need to go for a walk in the cold or rain, this can be done during the day. The dog does not need to endure, and this is a significant advantage for the owner, who cannot come at the same time.
Feeding a small dog
We have no problems with natural feeding. Rika eats everything.
When we adopted Rika as a puppy, they gave her to us with a bag of dry food in addition. At first I fed her food. But gradually we switched to natural feeding. The impetus for this was the advice of relatives who felt sorry for the dog: after all, everyone around them eats whatever they want, and the dog was offered strange, smelly crackers for all meals! So, through trial and error, we created a diet for Rika from natural products. We also have handouts from the table, and I think that there is nothing wrong with the dog trying our food, for example, vegetables, fruits and dried fruits, cottage cheese and other fairly harmless dishes. I also let her chew on the cartilage that I come across while cooking. In addition to meat, I cook offal, which Rika loves very much.
Regarding the dog's resting place. I noticed that many small dogs love warm soft houses with a roof or blanket so you can wrap yourself up more comfortably and warmly.
Toys
Our favorite toys are Kong and various balls where food is placed. Often, when I sit down at the table, I ask Rika to bring a ball or a Kong. The toy is filled with cheese, and Rika tends to it while we sit quietly at the table.
Ammunition for a small dog
Rika goes for a walk in a beautiful Haqihana harness with an attached address card. We have a lot of leashes, but most often we walk on a fixed tape measure for small dogs - because it is 3 meters long and has a small, light carabiner. On a walk in the city I I always lock the leash at two meters, in the yard at three, and in the forest I let the dog off the leash. Be careful: an unlocked tape measure can cause discomfort for your dog and teach him to pull on the leash!
Clothes for a small dog
We need clothes. The main thing is that the clothes are not restrictive and do not get under the dog’s feet. In the rain it’s a raincoat, in winter it’s a warm blanket, and in summer it’s sometimes a light cotton suit soaked in anti-tick agent. This is necessary because the dog is small, and all the chemicals and dirt from the road almost eat into its sensitive skin.
Fearfulness in small dogs
Since the dog is small, and the world around is large and sometimes scary, plus a lack of understanding of the importance of socialization by breeders and owners, all this can lead to the dog being fearful, overly excitable, and overly reactive to various stimuli. It's important to know here your dog and anticipate her reactions and the actions of strangers.
A small dog often attracts a lot of attention. People are delighted with the smallness and charm of the dog, and are ready to hover over it to stroke it, look into its eyes without interruption, lovingly, make sudden movements - simply because they did not notice the small dog next to them - and do other uchi-paths ! In these cases, I use a separation signal to show the dog that he does not need to be afraid of the stranger. I also use feedback, switching attention, or - only in extreme cases! — lifting the dog into your arms (for this we have a special “hands up” signal, after which Rika is ready to rise).
At home, before guests arrive, I also prepare Kongs and food balls and warn guests to try to walk slowly, not look at the dog and give it a treat - then everything will go smoothly.
Great intelligence of a small dog
A small dog is not inferior in intelligence to large dogs. Rika knows commands from regular training, from stunt training, knows how to search for things and treats by smell, copes well with educational games of all complexity and cracks toys made with her own hands from scrap materials like nuts. She also knows things by name, knows how to imitate and is well versed in Russian. Her most amazing achievement is expression of desires. When Rika runs and rubs around a person, it is reasonable to ask her the question “What do you want?”, and then Rika happily shows: she needs to go outside, and she runs to the front door, then to the balcony, then to lift her to the windowsill, then to give her a treat. , then open the door, etc. Everything is very clear.
And Rika is also an excellent assistant - if you call someone loudly, Rika runs and barks to tell this person that his name is. If necessary, Rika can be asked to close the door, or make sure there is no one behind the door, bring slippers, find the TV remote control, or collect the trash.
A small dog meets other dogs on the street
My Rika is afraid of big dogs, she runs away from them, and I am afraid to let her near them. Because it is impossible to know anything about the experience of a large dog from a distance, and for a small dog the troubles of meeting a large dog may be too dangerous. What do we do in such cases? We approach a large dog either on a leash or in our arms, then we greet the owner, observe the dog, and I decide whether to let Rika closer. I often let dogs in the yard without foreplay - however, if they don’t have puppies and if it’s not a pack. We say hello to medium-sized dogs and other small ones, play with some, like some, and not like others. Everything is like people.
conclusions
As a result of my short story, I can say this - a small dog is not much different from large ones in terms of its needs, in some ways it is absolutely not inferior to large ones in terms of abilities (for example, intellectual!). But at the same time, small dogs are quite sensitive and can easily become fearful and excitable. We humans are often to blame for this - if we do not attach importance to the socialization and support of our dog. That's why Living together with a small dog requires us to be even more attentive in assessing the different life situations in which our dog finds itself, and its internal states.
A final note from the editor
Anya Rossolenko and Rika have come a long way. Until recently, Rika was a little coward who barked at the sight of strangers. And Anya was a housewife who didn’t quite understand what to do with it. But, being a responsible owner, Anya, when she first discovered Ricky’s problem, began searching for a solution. Not finding answers in traditional cynology, she found a new cynology: these were
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