Small Dog Breeds: Names and Photos

Everyone has different attitudes towards small breed dogs: some consider them too restless and demanding, while others, on the contrary, are touched when looking at these cheerful, perky little ones.

However, it's an undeniable fact that these playful dogs are easier and more convenient to keep in a city apartment than larger breeds. Furthermore, they don't necessarily have to be left alone in an empty apartment; you can take this tiny furry creature to restaurants and stores, ride the subway, and even transport it in the car.

Small dog breeds - photos and names

The canine fraternity is widely represented by dozens of species, from fluffy and short-haired to couch potatoes and active dwarf breeds, so before making a choice, you should consider all possible options.

What do you need to know before getting a dwarf dog?

Most owners of toy dog ​​breeds simply adore and worship their pets. However, some, unable to cope with the animal's care requirements, abandon them. So what should you consider when acquiring a small pet?

Dwarf dogs feel great in small spaces and small courtyardsThis is essentially the main reason they are kept in small apartments and homes without large yards for walking. These cute, fluffy little creatures are especially beloved by older people, as they don't take up much space and don't require as much food as their larger counterparts.

Moreover, these cuties with their funny appearance and cheerful character can brighten up the loneliness of an elderly person.

Decorative dogs Small-sized dogs, like their larger relatives, vary in character and temperament—they can be both aggressive and kind and glamorous. Before bringing a pet into your home, it's important to research all its habits and behavioral characteristics to avoid disappointment later, as some "dwarfs" can cause their owners a lot of trouble.

Small dog breeds are more susceptible than others to various types of injuries that can be caused to them by other four-legged animals and even people.

If you forbid your pet to walk without a leash or restrict its walking too much, the dog may turn into a fearful and aggressive animal, always ready to bite a stranger.

A characteristic feature of such small breed dogs is a tendency to constantly bark for no reason, although with proper upbringing this problem can be avoided.

Play plays a significant role in training and educating indoor dogs. They dislike boring and monotonous activities and prefer to learn through fun, playful activities.

A pet can become a great friend and companion only if the owner devotes maximum attention to the animal and puts in enough effort in the training process.

These little furry creatures adore their owners and crave affection. They are endlessly loyal and affectionate, and they love baths and showers.

Types of dwarf dog breeds: description and price

There are a great many decorative dog breeds, let's look at the most popular ones.

British dogs

These include:

• English Toy Spaniel King Charles Spaniel. These loyal and kind dogs get along well with children. They are incredibly trainable, always eager to learn new tricks and entertain their family. These charming, long-haired pets have a typical British temperament: they are very sociable, friendly, calm, and easy-going. Their coats can be white with red spots, tricolor, or black and fawn.
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier — a cheerful, active, and easily trained dog. In the past, he was used as a field mouser. He has the ability to track weasels, foxes, and martens. In a domestic environment, he has proven to be a sociable, friendly, and docile animal. He does not do well with rats, guinea pigs, and cats.
• Yorkshire Terrier — a stunningly beautiful tiny dog ​​with a playful personality and a rich, silky coat. While wary of strangers, he's very sensitive to his owner's mood: if the owner isn't in the mood for play and is very busy, the dog won't bother them and will lie quietly in his corner. He's quite sociable and loves interacting with children. He's always ready to be by his owner's side and keep him company on any trip or just on a walk. However, he manages to be unobtrusive.
• Border Terrier A native of the highlands between Scotland and Britain, the Border Collie breed was originally developed as a farm dog, designed to protect fields from rodents. Today, although Border Collie dogs live in apartments and private homes, they have retained their cheerful and playful nature.
• Toy Terrier The Toy is a very popular dwarf dog breed, adapted exclusively to indoor living. Despite its small stature, the Toy is a very courageous, sociable, and active dog. It has keen hearing and the ability to get along with all family members, including small children. It is an easy-to-care-for dog. However, it should be handled with extreme caution, as its bones are fragile and brittle.
• Cairn Terrier Cairn Terriers are one of the smallest representatives of the dwarf breeds. In their native Scotland, they were used to hunt foxes and otters. These independent, self-sufficient, and courageous animals are perfect guard dogs. Cairn Terriers are very active, playful, and inquisitive, capable of playing active games with children for hours on end. They don't require trimming, but their coat will need brushing several times a week.

European representatives of small breeds

There are several particularly popular European ornamental breeds, among which the following can be noted:

• Bichon Frise — a French "aristocrat" with a stunningly snow-white coat that requires constant grooming. These active, cheerful, fluffy little creatures are helpful, very loyal, and sociable. They adore people and crave their attention.
• Maltese (Maltese) is a true intellectual of canine society. They have a cheerful, good-natured character that perfectly matches their appearance and defenseless face. Although representatives of this breed have long, snow-white fur, they do not require special grooming, as they are naturally very clean. The Maltese is easy to train and is deeply devoted to its owner.
• Bolognese — a variety of lapdog originating from Italy. This dog boasts a thick, dense coat that sheds virtually non-stop but requires daily brushing. These boisterous, intelligent dogs captivate with their intelligence, helpfulness, and boundless energy. They are deeply attached to their family, love children, and get along well with other pets. Bologneses constantly need company and do not tolerate loneliness, separation, or lack of attention well.
• Pekingese — a hereditary inhabitant of palaces and luxurious mansions. This dog cannot be considered a family pet, as representatives of this breed are considered dogs for adults. Fearless to the point of madness, Pekingese will protect their owner to the last and assert their dominance. The animal's sensitive eyes require constant care, and its straight, long coat also requires attention.
• Brussels GriffonAlthough these animals may appear somewhat stern and unusual on the outside, they are quite sociable, inquisitive, good-natured, and cheerful creatures. Griffons have a lively mind, which makes training and raising them much easier. It's best to keep these dogs in a private home so they can fully utilize their territorial guarding abilities.

Famous fluffy creatures

The most popular breeds of indoor dogs both in Russia and abroad are:

• Shih Tzu These animals bear a striking resemblance to lions, and are therefore considered sacred in some countries. These dogs are versatile and thrive on being close to their owner on the couch or on long journeys. They have a docile and easy-going nature, and their cheerful appearance conceals a kind and devoted heart. Shih Tzus are quite independent, possessing a vibrant personality and a certain aloofness. Their whiskers and beards make them resemble Chinese mandarins, and they often sport a topknot on their heads.
• Chihuahua A native of Mexico, the Chihuahua has a vibrant personality and a well-developed character. Representatives of this breed rarely interact with other pets or children. Due to the animal's fragile bones, the risk of injury is very high, so the dog requires constant, unwavering attention. Chihuahuas have a well-developed guarding instinct, which allows them to faithfully and fearlessly protect their owners.
• Pomeranian — A German breed originally bred to help shepherds herd cattle. However, these cute, fluffy creatures became so beloved by city dwellers that they gradually became household pets and companions. This dog is very charming, friendly, and good-natured. His luxurious, thick coat requires some grooming.

Price of a miniature dog

Once you've decided to buy a small pet, you need to clearly define the animal's classification. Simply put, breeders roughly divide puppies into "show-class" and "pet" dogs. The price of these two categories of puppies varies significantly. For example, the price of "pet puppies" will be about 25 thousand. rubles, while the price of a "show class" dog is at least 1,000 euros. The price of a dog also depends on the animal's age: the older the puppy, the more expensive.

If you want to have the perfect dog at home, it's best to buy an older puppy, as this will minimize the likelihood of the puppy acquiring undesirable traits as it grows.

A high price and an excellent pedigree are not yet a guarantee that the dog will not develop any defects as it ages.

So, you've acquired a fluffy little creature and brought it home. Now all you need to do is give this sweet little creature your full attention, love, and affection. Follow all the expert-recommended feeding, training, and education guidelines, and surround your little one with care and attention—and when your puppy grows up, he'll reward you with devotion, reliability, and endless love.