The best small dog breeds: A comprehensive guide to choosing the right breed for you
Choosing a cute little dog for your home is no longer a simple decision; each breed has a different personality and specific needs. In this article, I'll share my experience with the most popular small dog breeds, explaining the advantages of each and how to care for them, so you can choose the perfect companion for your lifestyle.
What are the different types of small dogs?
1- Chihuahua dog
◼ His personal qualities
It is the smallest dog in the world, yet it possesses a strong and bold personality despite its small size. Intelligent, but sometimes stubborn, it requires patience during training. In my experience, it responds excellently to short, frequent training sessions.
◼ His physical appearance
It comes with long or short fur and in multiple colors, with a relatively large head and round eyes.
◼ How to care for it?
It is very sensitive to temperature, so it needs light clothing in winter and should be protected from extreme heat. Its fur needs regular brushing if it is the long type.
◼ What are the suitable foods?
He needs food rich in protein and healthy fats to support his activity.
Common diseases
Dental problems – Heart problems – Thyroid dysfunction – Knee problems.
2- Pomeranian dog
◼ His personal qualities
This small dog breed has a thick coat and resembles a small bear. It is playful, energetic, and loves to play, making it an excellent choice for lively homes.
Weight: Ideally between 1.8 and 3.5 kg.
Height: Approximately 20 cm at the shoulder.
◼ Care
His fur needs daily brushing, and he can become stressed if he doesn't get playtime. I've been through this before, and the best playtime was two 10-minute sessions a day.
Suitable foods
They are prone to obesity, so a low-fat, high-fiber diet is preferred.
Common diseases
Eye problems – knee problems – thyroid dysfunction.
You can buy an 8-month-old male Pomeranian from the Seventh Bird Dog Shop
3- Yorkshire Terrier
Pictures of a Yorkshire Terrier puppy
◼ His qualities
Intelligent, bold, and loves being the center of attention. A breed suitable for apartments and for people who like stylish dogs.
Among its features
Length: 6 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 lbs
The coat: long
Energy level: High
◼ Care
Its long silk fur needs daily brushing and regular trimming.
Suitable foods
High-protein food to maintain healthy fur.
Common diseases
Dental problems – Liver – Thyroid gland.
4- Maltese dog
Cute puppy pictures - Maltese dog
◼ His qualities
Gentle, calm, and loves to play with children. Suitable for family homes.
◼ Care
Its long white fur needs daily brushing and regular bathing.
Suitable foods
A balanced diet containing protein and moderate carbohydrates.
Common diseases
Eye problems – Kidney problems – Thyroid gland problems.
5- French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dogs around the world thanks to its small size, friendly personality, and ability to adapt to apartment life.
◼ His qualities
A quiet and playful dog that does not require much activity, and is one of the best small dog breeds for apartments.
◼ Care
Facial folds need to be cleaned daily to avoid infections. It is very sensitive to heat.
Suitable foods
Low-fat, high-fiber foods to protect against obesity.
Common diseases
Breathing problems – skin problems – thyroid gland.
You can buy a 100-day-old female French Bulldog with a vaccination certificate from Seventh Bird Dog Shop
6- Shih Tzu dog
◼ His qualities
Friendly, calm, and family-oriented. A great choice for people who want a companion dog.
◼ Care
Its long, thick fur requires constant combing, and it is preferable to cut it to keep it clean.
Suitable foods
A balanced diet that maintains the health of the fur and digestive system.
Common diseases
Eye problems – Skin problems – Breathing problems – Thyroid gland.
7- Dachshund dog
◼ His qualities
Short-legged, tall, intelligent, and brave. He loves to play and dig.
◼ Care
He needs daily exercises to protect his back from weakness.
Long-backed breeds need to be supervised when jumping.
Suitable foods
Prone to obesity, therefore a low-fat diet is preferred.
Common diseases
Back problems – Joints – Thyroid gland.
8- Pekingese dog
◼ His qualities
An ancient royal lineage. He has an independent and dignified personality; he loves attention and cherishes tranquility.
◼ Care
His long fur needs regular brushing and the facial area needs constant cleaning due to the shortness of the nose.
Suitable foods
A balanced diet low in fat.
Common diseases
Eye problems – breathing – skin problems.
Read also: The best ways to care for cats: Your comprehensive guide to keeping your cat healthy
A quick comparison between the best
Advantages of raising small dogs
Small breeds possess a range of characteristics that make them ideal for modern lifestyles, especially for people living in apartments or who prefer dogs that are easy to move around in. Despite their small size, they combine vitality, ease of care, and lower cost compared to larger breeds.
1. Perfectly suited for living in small spaces
Small dogs thrive in apartments and small houses; they don't need a large yard or a lot of space to run around. A short daily walk with some mentally stimulating toys like balls and chew bones is often enough for enjoyable playtime.
2. Easy to carry and transport
Thanks to their light weight, small dogs can easily be transported in a pet carrier or travel crate. Many airlines also allow small breeds in the passenger cabin, making travel with them more comfortable and safer than with larger dogs.
3. Lower costs for food and treatment
These breeds consume small amounts of food daily, reducing monthly expenses. Furthermore, the dosage of medications and vaccines is typically lower due to their smaller size, which positively impacts overall veterinary costs.
4. Longer lifespan than larger breeds
In general, small dogs have a longer average lifespan; some breeds such as Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers can live to 15-20 years if they receive good health and nutritional care.
5. Easy to care for and control
Daily grooming such as bathing, brushing, or teeth cleaning becomes much easier with puppies. They are also easier to control during walks, and even in an emergency, they can be carried or transported without much effort.
To help you take care of your dog, provide yourself with some necessary grooming tools.
Nail clippers : For gently trimming nails and preventing splitting or breaking.
Steam brush for dogs and cats : Helps to deeply clean fur and remove accumulated dirt.
Scented wet wipes : for cleaning sensitive areas and fur between shower sessions.
A toothbrush that fits on your finger : to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque.
Read also: The best types of parrots with a comprehensive comparison between the most popular breeds
What are the nutritional requirements for small dogs?
The nutritional needs of small dogs differ significantly from those of large and medium breeds due to their rapid metabolism, small mouth size, and high activity level . Therefore, as a dog owner, you should understand these requirements to ensure the health and comfort of your small friend.
1- Calories and metabolic rate
Small dogs burn energy more quickly due to their high metabolic rate. Therefore, their food should be nutritionally concentrated and high in calories per gram, with special care taken to provide small, frequent meals, especially for puppies (3-4 times a day), to avoid hypoglycemia or exhaustion.
2- Granule size and composition
Due to their small jaw size, small granules that are easy to pick up and chew should be chosen. Properly designed granules help clean teeth while chewing and reduce tartar and plaque buildup, which is common in small breeds.
3- Nutritional content
- Protein: It should be of high quality to support small, active muscles.
- Fats: a primary source of energy, and must be balanced to meet her needs without gaining weight.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: important for healthy skin and fur, and for a healthy, shiny appearance.
4- Nutritional supplements for joint health
Although joint problems are often associated with large dogs, some small breeds are also prone to issues such as patellar luxation. Dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can be used to support joint and muscle health.
5- Controlling weight and quantities
Small dogs are prone to rapid weight gain, even if it's minimal. Therefore, carefully measuring food according to the dog's age and activity level, and adjusting portions as needed, is essential for maintaining the health of their heart, joints, and respiratory system, especially in short-headed breeds like the French Bulldog.
practical advice
A food specifically formulated for small breeds can be selected, balancing high calories, appropriate kibble size, and nutritional support for muscles and joints. Links to recommended products will be provided later to facilitate purchase for readers.
Read also: Milk for kittens and babies: Safe alternatives and feeding schedules for healthy growth
Key factors when choosing a puppy
Choosing the right puppy requires considering a range of important factors to ensure the personality is compatible with your lifestyle and your ability to care for it:
1- Personality and behavior
Before choosing a breed, consider which dog's temperament would suit your lifestyle:
- Are you looking for an active and playful dog?
- Or would you prefer a calm and peaceful dog suitable for sitting and relaxing at home?
2- Level of physical activity
Small dogs differ in their needs for movement:
- Some breeds need regular short exercises and daily playtime.
- Others are content with simple walks inside the house or short outings.
- Determining the amount of time you can dedicate to play and exercise helps you choose the most suitable breed.
3- Health considerations
Some smaller breeds are more prone to certain health problems such as:
- Dental and jaw problems
- Heart and joint problems
- Allergies or skin problems
Knowing these considerations will help you prepare for preventative care and regular veterinary visits.
4- Total costs
Choosing a puppy means considering all the associated expenses:
- Purchase or adoption price
- Suitable daily food for the breed
- Veterinary care and vaccinations
- Grooming and styling tools, especially for long-haired dogs
A complete dog shop: The Seventh Bird
If you're looking for a dog shop that offers everything your small dog needs in one place, Seventh Bird is the perfect choice. The shop offers a wide range of high-quality products, including:
- Foods specifically formulated for young breeds , whether dry or wet, are available to meet their various nutritional needs.
- Interactive and clever games that help to energize puppies and burn off their energy in a fun way.
- Daily grooming tools such as nail clippers, fur brushes, cleaning wipes and toothbrushes, to easily ensure your dog's health and cleanliness.
- Travel and transport accessories such as carriers and travel boxes, to make it easier to take your dog wherever you go.
In conclusion
Now that you know about the different breeds of small dogs and their characteristics, you can choose a cute puppy that suits your lifestyle. Browse photos of puppies from each breed to decide which one is best for your home. For all your puppy's needs, from food and toys to grooming supplies, you can rely on Seventh Bird Dog Shop to ensure a healthy and happy life for your little friend.
Frequently asked questions about puppies
Why do puppies need daily dental cleaning?
Her teeth are crowded in the small jaw, which makes it easy for tartar and plaque to accumulate quickly, and she is more prone to gum disease.
How can I protect my puppy from hypoglycemia?
For young puppies: Offer small, frequent meals of high-quality food every 3-4 hours. If lethargy or tremors appear, an immediate sugar solution can be used.
Should I buy clothes for my puppy?
Yes, small breeds lose body heat quickly, especially Chihuahuas and Yorkies, so clothing is essential in cold or rainy weather.
How can I travel safely with my dog?
Use a special car seat or a rigid carrier. Do not allow him to sit in your lap while driving to avoid injuries.
How do I control excessive barking in a Pomeranian?
The dog was taught the command to "be quiet" from a young age, and provided with games of intelligence and mental stimulation to reduce boredom, which is the main reason for barking.
Why is it difficult to potty train puppies?
Some breeds have small bladders, or try to hide their accidents when frightened. The key is consistency and immediate reward.
What is the difference between food for small and large dogs?
Food for small breeds contains higher calories, greater nutrient density, and smaller pellets to fit their small mouths.
Is it easy for a puppy to become fat?
Yes, even a 1 kg gain in a 4 kg dog is significant. Food should be measured carefully and treats limited to prevent obesity.
How often should I feed my adult puppy?
Usually twice a day, while puppies need 3-4 meals a day.