Small Dogs - Different Breeds, Different Personalities

 Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities are all different, it's a good idea to look at their individual characteristics to see if they fit with your lifestyle.

Pomeranians:
Pomeranians developed from a much larger dog breed and seem to have retained the mellow character. They are good with children if they have been raised with them from puppyhood. They are playful and active. They tend to bark and require daily grooming.

Chihuahuas:
Chihuahuas are an interesting small breed. I have raised several herds - and that is a good word for a group of chihuahuas - and their temperment is a bit different from other small dogs. They can be very aggressive towards other dog breeds. I adopted one chihuahua who kept attacking a German Shepherd who finally bit her. After she got out of the hospital she went after him again. I ended up with her because she wasn't going to quit attacking bigger dogs. Some chihuahuas will growl and nip at small children. Good points - chihuahuas are very loyal and affectionate. They don't require as much exercise as other small breeds so they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers or older people. They are good with cats.

Boston Terrier:
Good with children and other animals, the Boston terrier is a good small dog for families. They are suitable for any lifestyle. They can be aggressive chewers. Their short coat is easy to keep clean.

Jack Russell Terrier:
This dog breed is only for the most active owners. They love to chase balls, can hop onto a table with ease and can be aggressive if not trained properly. Very intelligent and lively, they require a lot of attention and discipline.

Maltese:
This small dog breed can be very protective of its owner. It is not suitable for families with children because they are very fragile.

Shitzu or Shih tzu:
Good natured and non-aggressive, these friendly little dogs make great family pets. They require daily brushing but their hair is non-shedding. Good with other animals.

Bichon Frise:
These little dogs make good family pets. They are good with children as well as other animals. Very intelligent, easy to train and lively. Their coat doesn't shred.

Dachshund:
Not a hound but a terrier bred to go after vermin, the breed is lively and affectionate. Good with family members but will become aggressive to children outside the family. They make good watchdogs and will bark frequently to alert their owners.

Pekinese:
Very fierce and loyal, these little dogs are not good around children or other animals. These are good dogs for the elderly. Their coats require a good deal of grooming.

Skye Terrier:
Great with children, okay with other dogs but not tolerant of cats. This unique breed makes a fine pet. Distrustful of strangers.

The next step after selecting a breed is to find a reputable breeder. To get more information, visit us at www.dog-match.com/small-dog-breeds

About the Author

Pat Schraier has not only owned chihuahuas but a cocker spaniel, a dachshund,a black lab,a boxer and a terrier mix. Visit the website www.dog-match.com for breed information, health care and other resources.

 Pat Schraier

More Articles 

Children and Toy Dog Breeds: Fact Verses Fiction - Bill Knell
Because my wife is a toy dog breeder, it isn't unusual for her to get several calls a week from people who practically beg her to sell them a puppy. They cite their financial and social ability to care for the puppy and often try and avoid the...

Delight Your Dog With A Natural Dog Treat - Blake Kritzberg
As dog owners become more aware of their pet's nutritional needs, they increasingly recognize the advantage of providing their pets with natural dog treats. Natural dog treats contain no added chemical preservatives or fillers, leaving your dog...

Dog Training - Dealing With Separation Anxiety - Waylon Harvey
Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways,...

Dog Safety - Jessica Mercier
Summer is coming and more and more people are putting the tops down on their convertibles, letting their dogs get fresh air out of an open automobile window, or letting the dear dog ride in the back of an open pickup truck. This seems like a great...

American Bulldog Complete Profile - Dooziedog com
Key Facts: Size: Large Height: 48 - 71 cm (19 - 28 inches) Weight: 30 - 58 kg (65 - 130 lb) Life Span: 12 years Grooming: Minimal Exercise: Demanding Feeding: Medium Temperament: Fearless & confident Country of Origin: United States AKC Group: Not...

Pet Retailing- It’s now more than dog food, it’s fashion retailing - John Stanley
In previous articles I’ve often written about the trend towards lifestyle retailing. This is reflected in trends in the garden and home improvement industries. But, one of the most dramatic shifts comes from the pet industry, which is going through...

Train Your Buddy To “Walk” & “Dance” - Warning: Not All Dogs Can Do It! - Moses Chia
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that put an abnormal strain upon the muscles of the back and hind legs and most dogs require considerable practice before they gain sufficient control of those muscles to balance themselves in this...

B.A.R.F. Diets: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food For Your Dog - Rose Smith
I'm sure you've been hearing a lot about BARF diets lately. What exactly is a BARF diet? Well, as the title of this article states, it is Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Basically, it means feeding your dog raw bones, meat and vegetables. ...

Train your dog or puppy to come when called - Free Dog Trainer
Training your dog or puppy come when it is called! Training a dog to come when it is called is a vital, and potentially life saving, part of any successful dog training program. All properly trained dogs must learn to respond...

Small Dogs Require Extra Care During the Holiday Season - Hope Saidel
The Holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. To keep it that way for everyone, people with small dogs should take some common-sense precautions. Especially now, when tiny dogs are increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of...