Lapdog lovers unite: Today, were taking a look at thebest small dog breeds!
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Its technically impossible to say that one breed of dog is definitively superior to another.
Every purebred has been genetically altered through selective breeding to fit a particular ideal or niche.
via goodhousekeeping.com
Related Reading:What Is the Smallest Dog in the World?
Mixed/Mutts
The first rule of genetics is tospread genes outas far as possible.
The issue here is how many unknowns exist in a mishmash pup.
Still, some of the best dog breeds arent breeds at all, but happy accidents.
Big or small, mixed breeds are a great choice for dog lovers.
Chihuahua
The smallest of toy dog breeds, thechihuahuahas both its critics and fierce defenders.
And you know what?
Yes, they tend to bark belligerently at strangers; no, they arent particularly easy to housebreak.
Theyre small, physically fragile, and often more than a little neurotic.
Those big brains arent just for show; theyre incredibly intelligent, alert, communicative, and absolutely hilarious.
And the long-haired variety have the most unbelievably silky fur of any dog breed.
And that tendency to bark makes them exceptionally good watchdogs.
Pomeranian
The ever-popularPomeraniansdo require a little more grooming than small dog breeds, and tend to shed like fiends.
Outside of that, these small fluffy dogs have very few issues in either body or temperament.
Theyre friendly and companionable, but also ready to rumble should someone step to them.
Beyond a little extra aggression, they rarely bear the neurotic sensibilities that come with many small breeds.
Theyre good with kids, so long as theyre introduced as a puppy.
Otherwise, they can be impatient and churlish (but can you really blame them?)
Theyll grieve for a lost friend like few animals in the world, and are brilliantly intuitive.
Along with the Bichon Frise, there is perhaps no more iconic small white dog.
Theyre among the best small dogs for kids and with people in general.
Theyre also great with other dogs, and even with cats!
In short, its hard to go awry with a Maltese.
Toy Poodle
Theres very few badpoodles.
The most hypoallergenic of any dog, since they have hair, not fur and thus dont shed.
They bond strongly with their family, eschewing strangers, and adore attention.
That means they should not be left alone.
First off, aggression is rarely built into these mellow little buggers, and theyre almosttoopatient with small children.
These sweet little dogs are the right fit for anyone in search of a loyal lapdog.
Theyre also relatively independent, which means mild solitude wont hurt them too much.
This is on of the best small dog breeds for homebodies and those with limited mobility.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jacksare a tough nut to crack.
Boston Terrier
While chihuahuas like to jack their jaw for noise,Boston Terriersprefer to do it to chew.
Dachshund
Thewiener dogis a smart, clever, independent pet that operates well alone, or with other canines.
Its deadly loyal to its family, which makes it a good watchdog.
The tendency to want to hunt and kill might be too much for those in apartments.
Small Dogs FAQs
Do Small Dog Breeds Still Need Exercise?
But beware: Small dogs have a tendency to become obese for this very reason.
Keep walks shorter and more frequentas their short little legs wont carry them as far without getting tuckered out.
Is it Bad to Carry Tiny Dogs?
It may surprise you to learn that carrying small dog breeds can reinforce some negative behavior.
You become their safe space; their home away from home.
And that means, theyre likely to defend it against anyone who would dare enter their realm.
Moreover, making it a habit to scoop your pooch may lead to reticence to actually walk themselves.
That could contribute to obesity and other health problems.
That doesnt mean you should never hold your cute little puppies and dogs.
Just be judicious about how and how often you do it.
What Is the Best Way to Pick Up Small Sized Dogs?
This may or may not be a question youve actually ever asked, but its an important one nonetheless.
First off, imagine a 40-foot giant picking you up, willy nilly.
Unless theyre very careful, youre likely to experience some major whiplashor at least back problems in the long-run.
Instead, use both hands, starting with the front legs then either the stomach or hindquarters.
While lifting, endeavor to keep the spine as straight and natural as possible.
Do Small Dog Breeds Live Longer?
Typically, yesbody size is a fairly reliable predictor of a breeds lifespan.
The reasons why are complex, but it might have to do with growth rates.
Thus, cells have more opportunity to mutate and cause cancers.
One other thing to consider is how statistics are tallied.
Why Do Small Dogs Shake?
The reasons are numerous, but its an unmistakeable hallmark of small dog breeds that they tend to shake.
The frequency and intensity will vary from breed to breed and on an individual basis.
Be aware, though, that not all shaking is created equal.
