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.

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.

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.

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.

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.