Toy dogs are exceptional choices for elderly people as they love to be loved, are lightweight (weighing on average of five pounds, bitches weighing even less) and are fiercely protective. As the name suggests, toy dogs are very small. Most of the time they are not very good with small children, except for the Pugs, which have been characterized as one of the most stable in the group of the small breeds.

Toy dogs are also great choices for people with allergies or those living in limited space. In general, they are docile and have less fur to irritate sensitive people. The best of these dogs, and there are many, are true companion animals. Their only task in life is to please people and keep them company. However, they have a small disadvantage in that they bark more often than larger dogs to get attention. But due to the small size of their vocal chords, they do so with less volume.

Despite their size, toy dogs are probably the gutsiest pups in the canine family with their big yet little voices. They bark at the mere site of other dogs and passers-by. However, this can be a problem for them. When they don’t back down against a larger animal, they sure come off worst in a battle.

Toy dogs are not limited in their gene pool by their small size. They are actually descendants of a wide variety of dog breeds. Their predominant characteristic is that most were initially bred and developed their characteristic natures when kept as a loyal companion, and are often referred to as lap dogs. On the downside, toy dogs are notorious for having bad teeth. Their small mouths and small jaws make it almost impossible to clean them adequately at home. So there is a need for regular trips to a vet to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the nineteenth century. However it presents the danger of degrading the stock of healthy genes in the dog population. Before this time, dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Nowadays, breeds in some breed groups suffer from far more genetic problems than they have in the past. Some breeds that have become more and more popular over time have suffered for being bred for quantity to feed the growing demand to the detriment of the health of the pups available for sale.

Just because these dogs are small, it does not always mean that they are instantly cute and sweet. Many small dog breeds, like the Pomeranian and Chihuahua, have a reputation for being temperamental, jealous, and downright spoiled at times. Small dogs are more prone to injury because of their size. Some breeds of small dogs are known for being headstrong, which is their attempt to make up for their small stature. Some, depending on their breed, may also be difficult to housebreak and train.

Their benefits as pets far outweigh any downfalls. This is shown in their continuous rise in popularity. They are wonderful family dogs and easygoing companions that are usually contented in doing what their owners do. Most just enjoy snuggling up while their owners watch a movie, while many are content with a little romp in the backyard.

Before deciding to get a small dog, it is advisable to do some research. To guide you, listed below are some of the most popular breeds of small dogs and their characteristics:

1. Chihuahuas are known for being fiercely loyal but with a big dog attitude. Although they work well for people looking for a little watch dog, Chihuahuas may not do well with children because of their loyalty and attitude. They do best in a warm climate zone or where they can be kept indoors, unless they are of the long-haired variety.
2. Shih Tzus are often referred to as the little lion because of their lion face and big personality. This breed commands attention and respect. Surprisingly, although they are long-haired and require regular grooming, Shih Tzus are actually considered hypoallergenic.
3. Dachshunds or “wiener dogs” one of the most popular small dog breeds in America. They are popular because of their fun and fearless attitude, a happy personality as well as being a great companion dog. Owners need to regularly exercise them.
4. Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smallest of the small breeds. Yorkies are actually pretty hardy and can stand up to a little rough housing. These dogs are extremely loyal companion dogs that will usually pick their favorite owner, and have a tendency towards being jealous.
5. Pugs are sweet and lovable small dogs with lots of energy. They fit well with any type of family. They need regular exercise because they have a strong tendency towards being overweight.
6. Pomeranians belong to the breed that loves to be spoiled. They do well with a companion that wants to make their pet the center of attention. They don’t mind sitting on their companion’s lap all day long. Poms are one of the most popular small fluffy breeds that have more bite than its bark, making it a great watchdog.

However, not all small dogs share the same temperament or activity levels. Some of the small breed dogs came from a background where they were used for hunting, like the miniature Dachshund, and others, like the Tibetan Spaniel, bark a lot. Thus, the latter would not be ideal for apartment living, unless your apartment is sound proof.

Small breeds that need a lot of exercise include the Dachshund, the Italian Greyhound, and the Australian Terrier. Breeds like the Maltese, Pug, and Chihuahua will all do well exercising in a small backyard. If you live in an apartment and own a dog, it is recommended to take it for a walk outside at least once or twice a day. This rule basically applies to all miniature dog breeds.

There are a lot of miniature dog breeds to choose from. As an owner you need to decide which will best suit your needs. Consider important aspects such as size, temperament, and other features that will make your buying decision easier, such as coat length and care and barking tendencies.

Listed below are four miniature dog breeds that you may want to consider before making a decision in purchasing your new pet.

1. The Miniature Bull Terrier is a very playful dog that loves its family. However, it is not a good choice as a guard dog as it likes strangers as well. They love to have plenty of activities. They also love toys but they have pretty strong teeth and jaws so they tend to destroy them quite quickly. Miniature Bull Terriers tend to want to please their masters more than their larger brothers.

2. The Miniature Poodle is always a popular choice. It is one of the most well-behaved miniature dog breeds and one that every dog lover should look into. This breed is very intelligent and great with small children. Miniature Poodles can grow up to 20 pounds. They can stand about 15 inches in height.

3. The Miniature Schnauzer weighs around 15 pounds. This miniature dog breed is affectionate. It is always up for a bit of fun and is great for both city and country environments.

4. Another dog worth considering is the Lhasa Apso. Lhasa’s have a distinctively beautiful long coat. Lhasa’s are very loyal dogs with a capacity for stubbornness, which means they are better suited to those more experienced with handling dogs. Although they are lap dog size, they don’t need to be cuddled all the time, like some other lap dogs. They are independent and will come for attention when they want it. They are very affectionate by nature.

Their pint size, however, does not mean that toy dog breeds are less hardy. Once they are safely past puppyhood, their energy levels and enthusiasm rival any breed of dog. Some are excellent watch dogs, but they won’t be able to follow through preventing entry of an intruder. The hue and cry of toy dog breeds can be enough to make your hair stand on end.

Each of the types of toy dog breeds requires different types and amounts of care, food, exercise, and training. They have different “personalities, temperaments and drive. If you want to own a toy dog, take time to research their good points and the less liked points of behavior and health which apply to each toy dog breed.
When choosing a dog breed it is a good idea to talk with people who have first hand experience with the breed you are interested in, such as your local veterinarian, dog trainers and dog breeders. You may also want to visit dog shows so you can talk with the owners of just about any breed. This will give you first hand information and will provide a clearer picture for you.

Small dog breeds include toy dogs and miniature dog breeds. Miniature dog breeds are smaller versions of large dog breeds. Examples of which are the miniature Dachshund, or more popularly known as Doxie, miniature Poodle, and the miniature Pinscher, which are all small versions of their larger canine cousins. These breeds are ideal for owners who have a smaller living space such as an apartment or a house without a garden. They can be the best dog breeds for older people or those who are not capable of taking their dogs for long walks each day.

Small dog breeds are sometimes referred to as teacup dog breeds because they are tiny dogs. However, this name should not be taken literally because they are not that tiny to be able to fit into a teacup. Toy dogs, on the other hand, are a dog group comprised of Terriers, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Pugs.

Dogs of smaller breeds can be easier to look after than large dog breeds in a lot of ways. They eat less and do not often require to be taken on long walks. Additionally, in general, they shed less hair than large dog breeds.

However, one should not assume that all small dog breeds know their own size so well. Some miniature dog breeds are able to take on a dog ten times their own size! There is so much to know about dog breeds before you can be certain on choosing the perfect dog breed for you.
Before getting a pet dog, it is important to consider that your chosen dog breed will suit your personality and lifestyle. Keeping a pet dog is an important long term decision and a lifelong responsibility for you and anyone you live with. It always pays to do some research to guide you in reaching the right decision.
When visualizing the type of dog you picture yourself living with for the next 10 or 15 years, the dog’s breed is just one among the many factors you need to consider. It is an important piece of the puzzle. However, picking out a breed with some if not most of the qualities you are looking for does not automatically mean you will end up with a perfect pet dog. What it means though is that you might probably discover a breed of dog which is most compatible to you and has the potential to be everything you had hoped for in a pet.