Man's Best Friend...
As humans were not created equal, so are the creatures that keep us company. Man's best friend, for instance is of many kinds: there are small dogs and there are big dogs. Those under the small dog category are similar in sizes, but they also vary in characteristics, physical appearance, life expectancy, and the like. The same goes with the big dogs.
Are you thinking of getting a small dog? Are you wondering what the most popular small dog breeds are? And why do so many people prefer a small dog?
People get small dogs for various reasons. It could be they enjoy a small dog that is easier to handle, easier to travel with, and cheaper to feed. Many who live in cities prefer a small dog because they don't have a lot of living space.
These are all good reasons to get a small dog. Others reasons could include that you want a lapdog.
Advantages to owning small dogs
Choosing one over the other may be difficult because both small and big dogs are adorable and are truly loyal to their owners. However, there are certain advantages to having small dogs. If you are living in a condominium or an apartment, then a small dog will fit easily in your abode. Moreover, if you prefer a dog who will keep you company most of the time and you intend you intend to bring it to your various trips, a small dog will definitely be most convenient. If you are having second thoughts about getting a small dog because you are thinking more along the lines of guard dogs, then you might be interested to know that despite their size, there are small dogs that are good watch dogs. Small but terrible
It might be hard to imagine that these cute adorable creatures can actually watch over and protect you. As has been previously mentioned, small dogs vary in their characteristics. While some may be good watch dogs, some are not. The breeds that are considered good watch dogs are the following: toy poodle; Yorkshire terrier; chihuahua; and shih tzu.These may be toy dogs but their alertness makes them good watchdogs. Meanwhile, there are small dogs that are simply toy dogs and despite being a toy dog, most of them are actually not suitable pets for young children. Since they are small, these dogs are more fragile and may not respond well to rough handling or playing with children.
Despite this, small dogs are certifiably good company. You can easily carry them around, put them in your lap and they'll be more than happy to just stay around and keep you company.
Picking out a small dog
When picking out a small dog, it is important to keep in mind the qualities that you are looking for in a dog. You would want to find a perfect match; after all, your dog will be with you and you wouldn't want to be disappointed just because it doesn't measure up to your expectations. If this happens, you are most likely at fault because you probably didn't do your research well. So before you end up being frustrated on these cuddly bundles of joy, find out if the dog you are interested in is a compatible match to you. After all, you will be taking care of your dog and this is a living creature worthy of love and respect from its owner.If you find yourself being able to relate to the situations discussed here, then small dogs will definitely be a good choice for you. All you have to do is be ready to make room for it in your life.
Recommended Books on Amazon

Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog Small Dogs, Big Hearts is an updated and expanded edition of the classic The Irrepressible Toy Dog. It features the very latest, safest, and fastest training methods for little dogs. There's no need to use training methods from the past that don't work well with most dogs, let alone little ones who view the world and their owners from a very different vantage point. You'll find everything you need to know to train your little dog, from housetraining to house manners, in this updated volume.

Small Dog Breeds The pocket-sized pooch makes an ideal household companion, especially for apartment dwellers or others who must keep a pet that will adapt to a confined space. However, author Dan Rice stresses that different small breeds have different personalities-a fact that should be kept in mind when prospective owners are first acquiring their canine pet. If the animal's and owner's lifestyles fail to match, trouble will follow. Described in this book are more than 50 small breeds, with information on their personalities, hereditary traits, nutritional needs, potential health problems, and more. Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and many others are discussed in detail. Web addresses of breeders' clubs are also provided as sources of additional information. Appealing full-color photos throughout.
Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion As a small dog owner, you have probably come to realize that little dogs have special needs that require training techniques specifically formulated for their small statures and distinctive personalities. Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion offers gentle, positive, and extraordinarily effective solutions to many of the most common challenges facing small dogs and their owners today. New Amazon Plexo
Chihuahuas for Dummies by Jacqueline O'Neil
Get the lowdown on keeping your Chihuahua healthy more...0 points
A New Owner's Guide to Papillons by Deborah Wood
160 pages, hardcover. By Deborah Wood. Fully illus more...0 points
Favorite Small Dog Breeds in 2006
Almost every breed listed here makes an excellent lapdog. They all make great companions.According to the AKC the Yorkshire Terrier jumped from third favorite to second favorite in 2006. They overtook Golden Retrievers for that second spot.
It should really come as no surprise that these little dogs are adored by so many people. With their zesty personality and penchant for adventure, they are a very fun and playful dog breed.
Second most popular small dog is the Dachshund. Weighing in at just eleven pounds they are the sixth favorite dog in the United States. They, too, have a bold and adventurous personality.
The Poodle comes next at position eight. They weigh only four to eight pounds, just right for sitting in your lap and being your companion (both of which they love to do). If you get a Poodle you will find they want to be wherever you are.
The next most favorite small dog is the Shih Tzu, ninth most favorite dog in the United States. These dogs were originally bred to be lapdogs, so if you want a dog that is affectionate, will sit happily in your lap, and loves children, this is a good choice.
The Miniature Schnauzer is the tenth favorite dog. These dogs weigh about 14 pounds and love to be included in everything the family does. Like many terriers it is a great watchdog, but because of its size it has little protection ability.
The Miniature Schnauzer is also a good dog with children, like the Shih Tzu, and very affectionate, just like the next most popular breed, the Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas are the eleventh most popular dog breed in the United States, and make great companions. Most insist on being wherever you are, and will follow you throughout the house.
Pugs are the next most favorite small dog breed, appearing at number 13 on the AKC list. They are also great companions, and love to sit in your lap.
The Pug cannot tolerate heat or humidity. In fact, heat will kill them faster than it does other breeds because of their pushed in snout. So if you live in a hot climate keep that in mind.
Pomeranians and Boston Terriers are numbers 14 and 15. Pomeranians weigh only about five pounds and Boston Terriers weigh about 15 pounds, although some are larger.
The Maltese is the tenth most favorite small breed. They rose to position 18 on the AKC's most popular dog breed list in 2006. And like the other small dogs, they also love to be your companion and sit in your lap.
About Small Dogs from Google News
- Luv Me Luv My Pet
- ... plan to also gift them with the funds to pay for its annual vet exam, vaccinations, monthly hear...
- Utah/California program saves small dogs from euthanasia
- I hope that by offering adoptable small dogs, we are affecting the number of dogs purchased from pet...
- Warning: Pet Food Contaminated With High Levels of Fluoride
- Fluoridated tap water probably also contributed a small but significant amount of fluoride to the do...
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- AppalachianCountry AppalachianCountry Aug 17, 2009 @ 6:58 am
- Wow, great tips and info. Thank-you. 5 stars***** We are dog people.
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- cannedguds cannedguds Sep 8, 2008 @ 12:50 am
- I own an English Mastiff but that doesn't mean I don't have the right to own a toy dog, right? A dog that I have in mind in particular is a Miniature Pinscher! My sister showed me photos of her own Mini in her own personalized Miniature Pinscher checks and I was instantly in love! I love to have my own Mini today! Once I have my own, I'll write a lens about it! thanks for giving me an idea! I enjoyed reading your 5-star lens!
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- GOLDSMITH GOLDSMITH Oct 23, 2007 @ 2:19 am
- Hi awesome lens, I have given you 5 stars, here is my lens online business visit it once if you like it vote my lens.
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- GoodInfo GoodInfo Oct 20, 2007 @ 10:43 am
- Five Stars for a great lens! I love dogs in all sizes, but I would like to see it mentioned that small dogs (toy breeds) are not for small children. They are too delicate. The smaller the child, the bigger the dog should be! Big dogs typically adore children, while tiny ones rightfully fear them
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- DogWhisperWoman DogWhisperWoman Oct 9, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
- 5* I prefer large dogs. I have been bitten by a couple nasty little ones. But I sure love Doxies! and this is truly a fine lens! Pitbull Dog
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