Small dog breeds

Small dog breeds: Many dog lovers today prefer small dog breeds. These are generally animals with a maximum withers height of 30 centimeters. In fact, these breeds also offer their owners a whole range of advantages. This starts with the space required. They can find a perfect place to sleep in a small basket and can therefore also be kept in cramped living conditions.

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They are also easy to carry and lift, so playing and romping around is so much fun. Even smaller children can handle a dog of a small breed better than large dogs. On the way, small dog breeds can also accompany better. They take up very little space in the car and can easily be carried in a dog bag.

Last but not least, the food costs for a small animal are much lower. A large dog also needs large quantities of food, while the small breeds are fed even with small quantities. In addition to the cost advantage, one does not need to constantly procure large quantities of food.

Small dog breeds: Every breed has its peculiarities
If you have decided to adopt a dog of a small breed, you should first of all look at the differences between the small breeds. Not all breeds have the same characteristics. It is, for example, a false conclusion to assume that every small dog is also suitable automatically for the attitude in a narrow floor apartment. Some small dog breeds, such as the Jack Russel Terrier, need a lot of exercise and love to play in the garden for hours on end. Despite their small body size, such animals are not suitable for keeping indoors.

Many small dog breeds are family-friendly and also gentle and tender when dealing with children. These include Maltese, Havanese and also the Bichon Frisé. However, if the children are still small, a problem often arises with these dogs. They are very finely structured and must be treated with some caution. Small children are often not aware of their strength and could injure such an animal unintentionally.

Also with the care expenditure, there are considerable differences with the small dog breeds. Some breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, require a lot of care. Other breeds, on the other hand, can be kept well with very little maintenance. Also in terms of education one can notice some differences. Some breeds are more intelligent than others, but can also be very independent and stubborn. Other breeds are easier to train.

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Before buying a dog, you should first create a list with all the characteristics that the desired dog should have. Then you can compare the characteristics of each breed and find the perfect dog for your family.

The most popular small dog breeds at a glance

The Chihuahua is one of the small dog breeds that have conquered a firm place in the hearts of dog lovers today. It is one of the smallest pedigree dogs in the world and weighs between two and three kilograms. Chihuahuas can have long or short fur and are characterized by their compact body shape. Despite their small body size, the animals are courageous and lively and also quite persevering. A constant curiosity is an essential characteristic of the four-legged friends and drives them to discovery tours. In addition, they love to stand in the center and demand a lot of attention from their humans. They develop a strong protective instinct and also mess with larger dogs when they feel threatened. Basically, Chihuahuas are easy-care animals. However, one should pay attention to regular shortening of the claws and cleaning of ears and eyes.

The Bichon Frisé is a small dog with a maximum withers height of 25 to 30 centimeters. The dogs are extremely lively but are well suited for living in a city apartment. They love long walks and show a friendly behavior towards humans and other animals. The outstanding characteristic of the breed is the long white fur, which is formed in corkscrew-like curls. The hair can grow up to 10 centimeters long and needs a lot of care to avoid becoming matted. Also, the tail is long hairy and bent back over the back.

With its body size of 15 to 20 centimeters also the Pekinese belongs to the small dog breeds. Along, luxuriant hair-dress is just as characteristic for this dog-race like a short formed head, a back narrowing itself to the back and short limbs. In order to receive the fur-cared for, regular combing and brushing are necessary. The animals are intelligent as well as sensitive and are faithfully devoted to its master. The Pekinese needs run-out indeed, however, its movement urge is not particularly strongly developed. Therefore, it can be held also well in the apartment. Most animals are also very fond of children so that a Pekinese proves to be a wonderful family dog.

The funny pug is also a small dog breed, which enjoys great popularity worldwide. With its short fur, the animals are largely easy to care for. However, it is important to make sure that it does not become overweight. The animals tend to overeat and always have an appetite. Overweight is however very harmful to their health. Pugs can be prone to some diseases, which is why regular visits to the doctor are recommended. Pugs are patient and friendly and also cope well with children. They are affectionate and like to cuddle. They also make their masters laugh again and again with their funny behavior.

The French Bulldog is another small dog breed, which is sociable, cheerful and playful and is wonderfully suitable for family life. For the animals the direct proximity to humans is important and they are not left alone with pleasure over a longer period of time. The body shape is short and compact and also quite powerful. The face is dull-nosed and is also characterized by the upright ears. The short, smooth fur of the animals is easy to care for.

Other small dog breeds include the Maltese, the English Toy Terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Pygmy Spitz and the Bolonka Zwetna. Each of these animals has its own character traits and can be a good friend to its owner. Even with small dogs, it is important to start with a proper upbringing at puppy age in order to create a perfect relationship between dog and master.