Best Small Dog Breeds

Small Dogs That Make the Best Pets

Sep 10, 2009 Janis Masyk-Jackson

Small in size, but bursting with personality, there are many small breeds of dogs that make wonderful pets.

Pet owners enjoy having small dogs for a variety of reasons. They do well in smaller living quarters, many make great lapdogs, and there's still room left on the couch after they lay down. Small breed dogs tend to have a longer life span than large dogs, which adds to the appeal of owning a small dog.

Pug - One of the Best Small Breeds of Dog

Pugs are easy going, playful, and can be quite comedic. Their average height is 10 - 11 inches, with their average weight being 14 - 18 pounds. Grooming is minimal, although their facial wrinkles need to be cleaned out. Pugs are quite affectionate, do well with children, and make good watchdogs. They have a life span of 12 - 15 years.

A Great Small Dog, the Miniature Poodle

Very intelligent and playful, Miniature Poodles are easy to train and interact well with people and other dogs. Standing 10 - 15 inches as adults, and weighing 12 - 18 pounds, Miniature Poodles have a life expectancy of 13 - 15 years. Excellent with children, these small, obedient watchdogs require proper grooming.

Friendly Small Dog, the Cocker Spaniel

One of the friendliest and most affectionate breeds of small dogs is the Cocker Spaniel. Living 12 - 15 years, Cocker Spaniels are sweet and happy dogs who love everyone. Weighing 24 - 28 pounds, Cocker Spaniels grow to 13.5 - 15.5 inches. For exercise, Cocker Spaniels love to run free in the countryside, but are just as happy to go for a walk.

Great Lapdog - the Papillon

The expressive Papillon is devoted, eager to please, and easily trained. Papillons are considered to be one of the most obedient of the toy breeds. These playful lapdogs weigh 4 - 9 pounds and stand at a height of 8 - 11 inches. Papillons are friendly with strangers and other dogs. They make a good watchdog and are also good with children. They have a life span of 12 - 15 years.

Shih Tzu - a Great Small Breed of Dog

Shih Tzus are outgoing, playful companions that are great lapdogs. Quite friendly and sweet, Shih Tzus are about 8 - 11 inches tall and weigh 9 - 16 pounds. Shih Tzus do not require a lot of exercise, although a short walk or some indoor games should meet its daily exercise requirements. They are tough little dogs who have a life span of 11 - 14 years.

Beagle is One of the Best Small Dog Breeds

Long charming people with its friendliness and sweetness, the Beagle is one of America's favorite dogs. These extremely tolerant dogs are excellent with children. They come in two height and weight sizes with the smaller size being 10 - 13 inches and weighing 18 - 20 pounds and the larger size being 13 - 15 inches and weighing 20 - 30 pounds. Beagles usually live 12 - 15 years.

Non-shedding Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are obedient, social dogs who delight in playing. Very affectionate, the Bichon Frise can grow to 9 1/2 - 11 1/2 inches and reach an adult weight of 7 - 12 pounds. They are eager to please and love human companionship. Bichon Frises get along well with other animals. This adaptable dog usually lives for 12 - 15 years.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Living to please its owner, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an extremely devoted, affectionate and friendly dog. Suitable for many lifestyles, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs in at 13 - 18 pounds and reaches a height of 12 - 13 inches. Loving to curl up in its owner's lap, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's life expectancy is 9 - 14 years.

Dogs make such great companions, but, finding the right small breed of dog is no easy task as there are so many wonderful breeds to choose from. Having a dog is a longtime commitment so it's best to take some time to really see what breeds are out there and which breed best fits the bill.

Readers may also enjoy Best Dogs for Apartments, along with The Best Family Dogs, and Best Guard Dog

Sources:

Paws To Consider, Brian Kilcommons, (Warner Books, Inc.,) 1999
The Right Dog For You, Daniel F. Tortora, (Simon & Schuster, Inc.,) 1980
Encyclopedia Of Dog Breeds, D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., (Barron's Educational Series, Inc.,) 1998

The copyright of the article Best Small Dog Breeds in Dogs is owned by Janis Masyk-Jackson. Permission to republish Best Small Dog Breeds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Pug A Great Small Dog	A Great Small Dog The Cocker Spaniel	Beagle A Great Small Dog
Shih Tzu A great Small Breed Of Dog	A Wonderful Small Dog The Miniature Poodle