Popular Small Dog Breeds come in all shapes and sizes, but all are one thing in common-Small dogs! Small dogs, Toy Dogs, Miniature Dogs or whatever you want to call them, are cute, fun and a get a lot of atention when out in public. Some people treat small dogs like a fashion accessory, some like a best friend and some use small dogs for exercise because they sure need a lot!
We’re going to list a few of the more popular small dog breeds…Enjoy!
Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed originating from England. These dogs weigh between 4 – 6 lbs. Yorkshire Terriers or “Yorkie’s” are very popular because they have all the admirable attributes of larger dogs but in a small-dog version. The typical Yorkie plays hard and has limitless energy. With persistence a Yorkie can be obedience trained, however some Yorkshire Terriers are bright and learn quickly, while others are more stubborn and moody. Yorkshire Terrier’s are brave dogs, but unfortunately they can sometimes be too brave for their own good! This is particularly the case when they interact with other, larger dogs. Yorkshire Terrier’s get along fine with cats and other household pets, but they can be very possessive of their food and toys. Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier can be very time consuming. Very intensive brushing and combing of the coat will be required on a daily basis. The Yorkshire makes a better pet for older and calmer children. The Yorkshire will bark at strangers, often in a high pitched voice. Early socialization is required so that the dog doesn’t become too shrill and to ensure barking is controlled.
Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu originates from the mountainous regions of Tibet. It is atruely a small dog, with an average height of only 9.75 inches (25 cm). It’s coat consists of long fine hairs, which must be combed everyday to prevent any tangles. Shih Tzus can come in a variety of colors including black, red, beige, and sometimes even white. Shih Tzus require extensive grooming.
The exotic looking Shih Tzu is one of the sturdiest and most robust of the toy dog breeds. Shih Tzus are intelligent, playful, affectionate, friendly, self confident and outgoing. Shih Tzus make great apartment dogs and companion dogs for the elderly. These charming and personable dogs are devoted to their owners and their families. They make great traveling companions and rarely show any aggressive behavior toward strangers or strange animals. The breed gets along extremely well with older, considerate children.
The Shih Tzu dog always behaves with a air of dignity, and gets along well with children and other household pets. The Shih Tzu is an independent small dog breed that is intelligent and lovable. Although they are known to be very affectionate, sociable, and cheerful, they are not always as outgoing as most breeds. Shih Tzus are happy with short walks around the block, and they seldom bark which is what makes them an ideal apartment or condo dog breed.
Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is an intelligent little dog from Mexico, which is sometimes a little too brave for it’s own good. The Chihuahua is the smallest of the toy dog breeds. Chihuahuas are intelligent, charming and loving dogs who are devoted to their owners. This breed needs close contact with its family and make great companions. Chihuahuas can have delusions of grandeur and self-confidence and will challenge much larger dogs. Chihuahuas are good with older children if raised with them. Chihuahuas are intelligent and can be trained fairly easily. Some Chihuahuas can be overly insecure and are prone to excessive barking so early socialization and training while a puppy is recommended.Due to their small size, they are not usually trained extensively, although they are alert and eager to learn. Chihuahuas can easily find enough room for exercise just by running around inside the house, apartment or condo. They get along as well with other dogs and household pets as they do with children, who often have a tendency to treat them as toys.
Pug

The Pug is a sturdy small dog that is one of the most popular and largest of the toy dog breeds. Originating from England, these lovable dogs have an average height of 13.75 inches (35 cm), and a weight of about 15-16lbs. Pugs are charming, adorable and playful small dog will make you laugh. The Pug is an even tempered, easygoing, pleasant and friendly companion. This sturdy, small dog breed gets along well with children and with other pets although toddlers and small children should be supervised carefully to ensure they don’t injure the dog. The Pug doesn’t need much training but enjoys the process and is fairly easy to train.
They are highly sociable animals, and are known for their intelligence and calm nature. These small dogs may, however, get jealous should its owner ever show any signs of ignoring it. Since Pugs are extremely sensitive to the tone of their master’s voice, it is necessary to be always gentle when training this breed.
Pomeranian

Hailing from Germany, the Pomeranian is a very popular small dog amongst celebrities and others that look for status with their small dogs. A Pomeranian or “Pom” has colors can range anywhere from orange, to black, brown, white, or grey. Their coat consists of hair which is long and straight, and includes a thick undercoat. The Pomeranian’s coat should have a light combing schedule of every three weeks or so, followed by periodic light brushings.
The Pom is lively, spirited and animated. This breed is a keen-eyed extrovert who is very inquisitive and must check out all activities going on around him. The Pomeranianis a proud and confident, even cocky, small dog that requires early and thorough socialization with strangers to minimize its tendency to bark. This toy breed is intelligent, eager to learn and takes readily to positive and gentle training methods.
Papillon

The Papillon originates from Belgium and is one of the oldest European toy dog breeds.The French word for butterfly was used to describe this lively small dog breed with the butterfly ears. The Papillon or “Pap” is a friendly, affectionate and intelligent dog that is much more robust than it appears. The Pap is definitely not a lap dog and is high spirited, active and loves to play outside and go for walks. This breed is very smart and can be trained to be a good agility and obedience dog for competitions. If the Pap is socialized early and trained properly, and not pampered and spoiled, it becomes a confident and outgoing companion.
Papillons have a reputation for being boisterous, and depending on how socialization was carried out, they may get jealous if their owner’s attention is diverted elsewhere. This is not usually the case, however. They generally get along quite well with children and other household pets. Papillon have an average shoulder height of eleven inches (28 cm). The exercise needs of this friendly dog are not complicated. It will easily adapt itself to the activity level of your family.
These are just a few of the more popular small dogs. More to come!