If your home doesn’t have ample space, don’t let that stop you from keeping a pooch companion! There are tons of smaller dog breeds out there that are intelligent, loving and fun for the entire family. Always remember that keeping a dog requires proper commitment and tender loving care, so do thorough research before you settle on any decisions. Here are five small dog breeds you should consider:
1. Miniature Poodle – Poodles look dainty and demure, but they are actually highly energetic and obedient dogs. Loving, protective and fun to be around, poodles love attention and can get agitated if left alone for too long. If you want to keep a poodle, you must be ready to commit your time and effort into grooming your pet. Although dense, the short and curly coat of the poodle requires frequent clipping. On the plus side, they don’t really shed any hair so they are great for allergy sufferers.
2. Shih Tzu – Extremely adaptable, energetic, loving, cheerful and gentle, Shih Tzus are perfect for families with small children. Typically, Shih Tzus have long hair that does not shed, but needs to be groomed very often to maintain a shiny, tangle-free and smooth coat. They are easily satisfied but they do require your attention and long to be stroked, petted, held and pampered. Shih Tzus do get spoilt easily so be mindful of how you treat yours!
3. Chihuahua – Independent, wary with strangers and pack a punch in attitude, Chihuahuas make excellent watchdogs despite being small in size. Whether you choose the long-haired or short-haired Chihuahua, these dogs can be quite delicate and they are often afraid of being stepped on. They are also loyal, loving and very patient with people, so they make great family pets.
4. Pomeranian – Poms are gentle and adorable, but they can get very noisy due to the high-pitched sounds that they make. Also, this foxy-looking pooch is easily trained, intelligent and very wary with strangers. If you have small children or someone in your home is prone to allergies, you may want to choose another breed as Poms shed hair profusely. This means constant grooming and cleaning up!
5. Pug – Looking for a more sturdy, attentive and alert companion? Pugs are the way to go. Although small in size, they aren’t as gentle as the other breeds mentioned above and are amazing watchdogs. They are absolutely reliable and get along with almost anybody, so pugs make great pets for people of all walks of life. Be wary though, as they can get quite curious and mischievous around the house. Finally, pugs have a short coat, so they require less maintenance.
