Small dogs come with prominent personalities. They are loving, playful, and intelligent and are unafraid to protect their people from strangers or other threats. So if you are on the lookout for a little dog with a courageous big heart, read on.
As Shakespeare succinctly put it- They may be tiny, but they are fierce.
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Picture Credit: https://www.akc.org/
A Yorkie is a compact, toy-sized terrier all of 7 pounds. The crowning glory is a floor-length silky rich coat of steel blue and golden tan. Don’t be taken in by their apparent daintiness. Their traits are true to the terrier breed- feisty, bossy, tenacious, and brave. Voted as the most popular breed in American cities, they hold the 10th rank out of 196 in the American Kennel Club.
2. Jack Russel Terrier
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A Jack Russel Terrier called Milo plays a vital role in “The Mask.” These dogs may be small, but they are solid and muscular. Jack Russels make excellent companion dogs besides being brave and intelligent. The portrayal of Jacks is eager and skillful, and also reckless. They delight in agility and flyball games and require tons of exercise. However, these terriers are very friendly and love interacting with other dogs. Being eager to learn and having the intelligence, they take to training. A word of caution, they may be too much to handle for senior owners.
3. Pug
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This small but solid dog is admired for its playful personality. Pugs are one of the oldest breeds, and do they love to love. And to be loved back equally. Their principal traits are being charming, loving, and mischievous. A Pug’s motto is “a lot in a little,” an apt description of this miniature breed. Pugs top the charts as family favorites due to their even temper, playfulness, and outgoing personality. They are well known as mischievous charmers. They make an ideal companion for families with kids. They are intolerant of hot weather and tend to put on weight with their love of food
4. Australian Terrier
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These rugged tiny terriers’ purpose is to control rodents and snakes besides being a terrific watchdog. They make superb family dogs, especially if there are kids around. Australian Terriers love to play. Like any other dog, they should be socialized and supervision is necessary when around small children. Their preference is to be with the family, and if you leave them alone for a long time, it can be destructive. Australian Terriers are eager to please their owners more than other breeds of terriers. Therefore obedience training is a pleasant and straightforward exercise. Australian terriers tend to be a bit yappy.
5. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Picture Credits: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/63484/11-short-facts-about-corgis
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal dog. Originally their role was as drovers and farm dogs. They are great companion dogs today. The Cardigan is small but capable of great power, endurance, and speed. Their coat color varies from red to a blue merle design.
Cardis are faithful, easily trainable, and vigilant guards having the bark of a “big dog.” Cardis that are well socialized are genuinely fond of little kids and other dogs.
These athletic herders love the outdoors. Mental stimulation, along with physical activity, makes them tick.
6. Dachshunds
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Dachshunds are lively little characters with short legs and elongated bodies. They are fondly called “weiner dogs.” A Daschund has a bold personality in a small body.
Known to be brave and independent, they are also a little stubborn. Dachshunds have a faithful following owing to their endearing and comical nature. They are gregarious and often hilarious companions. Dachshunds are independent with a surprising streak of fierceness with a sense of humor. As said, “a big dog in a small body.” But, don’t be fooled by that loud bark. These funny little doggies are loyal and very attached to their families. They are agreeable with other pets and make ideal house dogs.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel proclaims his British history by the name. They give you the best of two worlds- the gentle attention of a toy breed with the athleticism and pep of a sports dog. The Cavaliers’ beauty, grace, and temper mark him as a nobleman of dogdom. No more than 13 inches in height, this toy spaniel will hypnotize you with his face. The large round eyes ooze a gentle, sweet, melting expression is the hallmark of this breed. Another distinctive attribute is the coat that is richly colored.
Cavaliers may be aristocrats but will gladly jump off their high horse for a backyard romp or a squirrel chase. They get along great with children and other dogs. Cavaliers are very adaptable and do well equally with active owners. So depending on the homebody, they can be shameless couch potatoes or upbeat athletes.
8. Lhasa Apso
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The Apso is a 1000-year-old breed. Their job was as sentinels at palaces and monasteries isolated high in the Himalayas with an elegant coat. These dogs are intelligent, confident, and complex. Standing at a foot at the shoulders, Lhasas are the family comedians. But when it comes to strangers, they regally ignore them.
Lhasas may be small, but they are pretty hardy considering the high altitudes they inhabit. They have an aristocratic mien. Lhasas sport a fantastic floor-length coat that hangs flat parted at the center and drapes both sides of the body. The tail is feathery, curling over the back as in all Tibetian breeds. The oval-shaped, dark eyes peeping through dense facial hair are the windows of the Lhasa’s merry soul. The overall picture one comes away with is doubtlessly Asian- exotic, elegant, and a well-balanced serenity.
9. Coton De Tulear
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The Coton De Tulear is a purebred dog with its origins in Madagascar. It is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.
Sweet and cuddly, the Coton is a clown always ready for a good time. They are loving, adaptable dogs and get on just fine with kids and other dogs. They don’t mind staying in apartments or large houses provided they are not alone for long periods. Cotons are low-maintenance dogs and do well with novice pet parents.
Finding a better breed will be hard for you if you are on the lookout for a bright, sweet, playful companion.
10. Toy Fox Terrier
Picture Credits: https://a-z-animals.com/animals/toy-fox-terrier/
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small satin-coated amusing doggie with the personality of a toy dog. As most owners testify, this terrier is a toy and a terrier in reality. They got acceptance as companions from humble beginnings as rat dogs due to their beguiling manner and winning personality. The resolve of a terrier in combination with the charm of a lapdog is a foolproof recipe for fun. The large erect ears and the dark eyes give away their eager intelligence. This marvel is the Toy Fox Terrier which stands under a foot high but charismatic enough to top a whole kennel. Sturdy and lithe with comedian traits, this terrier is an owner’s delight.
Packing It Up
Keeping a small breed dog has several advantages. They cost less to feed, can be cuddled, and are easily transportable. Also, keeping them on a leash is easy. They are easy to groom, and passersby will invariably stop to pet or question without any fear that a big imposing dog may present. All small dog breeds are attached to their families and are playful and energetic. On the flip side, they do not socialize much, are vocal, and are more fragile. But the negatives are far outweighed by the pros.
If dogs make you tick, read my post https://seadog.in/2022/02/09/gundogs-a-fowl-hunters-dog-friday/
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/