Some Examples of Small Breed Dogs

Small dogs are great for a number of reasons. Unlike medium and large dogs, you don't have to worry about living in a small apartment, or not being able to handle one as you get older. To many dogs are abandoned because their owner became elderly and could no longer take care of a larger dog. They are far easier to feed, and some you can even train to use a litter box. They make great companions, because they can sit next to you or in your lap.

There are three different types of small breed dogs. You have your regular small dogs, like beagles, terriers and Dachshunds. These are the larger of the small breeds. The are also toy and miniature dogs, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranian, and the pug are some examples. All of these breeds make good companion dogs, and they can travel well, with small toy dogs that can fit inside a large handbag. Toy dogs tend to shed less and can be picked up when you need to move faster.

Among the top ten most popular small dog breeds are the Yorkshire Terrier, the Dachshunds, and the poodle, just to name a few. The miniature Schnauzer comes in tenth, but is still a great dog. They want to be a part of the family and included in everything they do. They are a great watch dog, in the sense they can alert you to danger, like someone trying to break into your home, but they can't do much else. Some are more aggressive than others, and will try to bite a stranger that gets to close to their owner. Pomeranian, Chihuahuas and Boston terriers are some that try to bite.

If you want to own a small dog, there are some things to watch out for. One is that many of these breeds have dental problems later on in life, gingivitis, tooth decay, and a tendency for an under bite. You will have to keep a sharp eye out for this, and talk to your veterinarian for advice on how to prevent it. You may have to brush their teeth, or give them some different food. If you get a long haired dog, you will have to groom it at least once a day to prevent knots and matting. You can keep the dog's coat short if you live in areas that are warmer. In the Winter you need to be careful also, because smaller dogs can catch a cold and have upper respiratory problems if out in the elements too long. They are more fragile so you have to be careful not to injure them, or let them around large dogs, since they have a bad habit of wanting to be the boss.

You can find out more information about smaller breed dogs on numerous websites. Smaller dogs seem to be more popular that their larger brothers, and are not always available at animal shelters and dog adoption agencies. You can find local pet stores and dog breeders in your area online. There are also many different tips on how to take care of them, and what kind of special care some will need.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for small dog clothes online.