10 Great Small Dog Breeds

Shih Tzu Complete Owner's Manual

by: Jaime Sucher

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 01/08/2010)

The Shih Tzu, like its cousin the Pekingese, is a descendent of Chinese royalty and it is often referred to as a "Lion Dog." A Shih Tzu holds itself in a regal manner, with its head high and its tail held above its body.

A Shih Tzu has a thick undercoat and a thinner, silkier upper coat. Both coats require daily brushing to avoid tangles and matting of the undercoat. The top hairs on a Shih Tzu's head are usually tied into a pony tail.

A Shih Tzu has very large eyes that are prone to disease. It is important to keep the eyes clean and free of mucus. Other conditions that can affect a Shih Tzu's health and longevity include an umbilical hernia that can rupture and bladder problems. However, with good care, a Shih Tzu can live a long, healthy life for 15-18 years.

A Shih Tzu is a loving, friendly and playful companion. It is a loyal pet but it can become jealous and demand attention from its owner. A Shih Tzu has a sharp yap that it will use on strangers, so it can be a good watchdog.

Although some websites list a Shih Tzu as a hypoallergenic dog, this is not necessarily true. A Shih Tzu does shed and its dander can cause problems for allergy-sensitive people. However, proper grooming and frequent bathing of a Shih Tzu can make it a good pet for people with allergies.

Lhasa Apso Card Tin (15) Notecards & Envelopes

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 01/08/2010)

The Lhasa Apso is the Tibetan "dustmop" cousin of the Shih Tzu. It is a small dog with a long, thick coat that is most often white or golden colored. It has a full tail that stands up high over its back.

Although a Lhasa Apso can be quite independent, it is also a dog that enjoys being around its owner. Unlike some other small dogs, a Lhasa Apso sometimes doesn't appear to have any fears, and you might find your little pet climbing on furniture.

A Lhasa Apso can live a long healthy life, sometimes living a good life for over twenty years. A Lhasa might develop kidney problems or eye problems, but, generally speaking, the breed is free of particular health issues. Of course, a Lhasa Apso should be kept clean and well-groomed.

Pekingesee 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Amazon Price: $8.75 (as of 01/08/2010)

The Pekingese, like its cousin the Shih Tzu, is a dog of Chinese royalty descent andit is sometimes referred to as a "Lion Dog." A Peke's coat color is usually gold, red or sable. It has an easily recognizable flat face with large, dark eyes and a wide cheek-to-cheek wrinkle over its nose. A Pekingese has short legs and its body is close to the ground. Like a Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso, the Pekingese's tail curls high over its back. Its coat has two layers and, therefore, requires daily grooming.

A Pekingese is intelligent and easy-going. It is an affectionate animal and makes a good pet for those who want a companion dog.

A Pekingese is prone to heart problems, especially as it gets older, so it should be monitored by a veterinarian for potential problems. A Peke can also suffer from eye ulcers and its eyes should be kept clean and dry. It should be kept as an indoor pet to prevent potential breathing problems or heatstroke.

Maltese (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

by: J. Fulda, Betsy Sikora-Siino

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 01/08/2010)

A Maltese is a small dog with a long, pure white, silky coat. It has a wide black nose that sometimes changes to pink or light brown when it is not exposed to sunlight. The Maltese is related to the Poodle and the Bichon Frise and, as such, tends to be considered hypoallergenic and a good pet for people with allergies since it does not shed much when properly groomed. A Maltese is prone to tear staining and the hair area below its eyes should be washed and combed every few days to keep it clean.

A Maltese is an affectionate dog. It is very energetic and enjoys playing and running around. The Maltese can be a good pet for older people or people who live alone and enjoy the companionship of a loving dog.

Yorkshire Terrier 2009 Wall Calendar

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 01/08/2010)

A Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is one of the smallest dog breeds. It has a long, silky, blue and tan coat that is parted down the middle of its back. A Yorkie has small, erect ears and a small, pointy nose. As it ages, a Yorkie's coat changes color. The coat requires daily brushing and monthly shampoos.

A Yorkshire Terrier is a very affectionate pet and when it is young, it likes to be hugged and held. A Yorkie is an active and friendly dog and it enjoys playing and jumping. When it gets tired, a Yorkie enjoys sitting on its owners lap.

A Yorkie, because it is so small, is a fragile dog and it may require special care. It is important to protect a Yorkie from falls and other physical injuries. Typically, a Yorkie can live from 10 to 15 years with proper care.

Silky Terrier: A Complete Handbook

by: Judith Tabler

Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)

The Silky Terrier, also known as the Australian Silky Terrier, can be recognized by its small size and long silky, blue and tan coat that hangs straight down the middle of its back. This beautiful coat, like that of many other long-haired dogs, can get matted easily and, therefore, requires daily grooming. It is also important to keep it clean with regular shampooing.

A Silky Terrier is an active dog that enjoys running, walking and playing. A Silky that is kept idle will become bored, so it is not a good pet for people who are away from home and their silky for many hours each day.

Scottish Terriers 2009 Wall Calendar

Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)

A Scottish Terrier, often referred to as a Scottie, has a distinctive appearance, with a long head, upright ears and tail, long body, and short legs. A Scottie has a double layer coat, with a soft, dense lower layer and a hard, long, wiry upper coat.

A Scottish Terrier is an independent dog who is protective of its territory. It is quite sure of itself and can be feisty and stubborn, which may make training a Scottie difficult at times. However, it is an affectionate dog that is loyal to its owner.

A Scottist Terrier is prone to certain kinds of cancers, including bladder cancer and melanoma. However, if a Scottie receives good care, it can live a healthy life for up to 15 years.

One of the most famous film Scottish Terriers is probably Jock from the Disney film, "Lady and the Tramp."

Miniature Poodle Dog Grooming Instructional How To DVD Video and Equipment Guide

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 01/08/2010)

Although a standard Poodle can be relatively large, the breed has a smaller miniature size, as well as a small toy variety. A Poodle has short, dense, curly hair that usually does not shed much which makes the Poodle a good pet for people with allergies. A typical Poodle is solid-colored and common colors include brown and gray. Although a Poodle's coat is not long, it does require daily brushing and regular shampooing to keep it looking good.

Miniature poodles can live to 14-1/2 years while toy poodles, if kept healthy, can live to 17 or more years. A leading cause of death for both types of poodles is old age, but toy poodles can also develop kidney problems that can lead to kidney failure and death.

Poodles are usually considered hypoallergenic because of their short hair coats that tend to shed less than those of other breeds. They do, however, shed, especially if the coat is not kept clean and well-groomed.

Dachshund (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

by: Chris Pinney

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 01/08/2010)

The Dachshund is easily recognized by its long body and short legs. Although the short-haired Dachshund is the one familiar to most people, there are also two other varieties: the wire-haired Dachshund and the long-haired Dachshund. Their colors can also vary, but brown and red Dachshunds are the most common.

A Dachshund likes to play and run, and it enjoys chasing after balls. It can be stubborn so it may be difficult to completely train a Dachshund. A Dachshund does not like to be left alone and, if it is, it may cry or whine or become destructive and start chewing on objects. It may also be destructive if it gets bored, so a Dachshund does not make a good pet for someone who does not have ample time to give to their dog.

Nintendogs Chihuahua & Friends

Amazon Price: $27.82 (as of 01/08/2010)

Although most people are probably familiar with the small, short-haired, light brown colored Chihuahua, there is also a long-haired variety. The Chihuahua with the long coat has a fluffy appearance. In addition to differences in coats, Chihuahuas can differ in color, with some even being multi-colored.

A Chihuahua is not as even tempered as some other small dogs and, if frightened, it will bite. It can become jealous of its owner's human relationships, so it is not the best pet for families. A Chihuahua loves attention and it is important to pet it and give it plenty of affection.

A Chihuahua has certain physical and health conditions that require special care. Its skull is usually not fully formed when it is young, so an owner needs to be careful to see that the Chihuahua does not suffer any head injuries. Like other dogs with large eyes, a Chihuahua can easily develop eye infections and it is, therefore, important to keep the dog's eyes clean and free of water. Other possible problems a Chihuahua can have are low blood sugar, a tendency to get cold (dress it in a sweater or coat in winter) and fussy eating habits.