Small Dogs - Different Breeds, Different Personalities

Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities are all different, it's a good idea to look at their individual characteristics to see if they fit with your lifestyle.

Pomeranians:

Pomeranians developed from a much larger dog breed and seem to have retained the mellow character. They are good with children if they have been raised with them from puppyhood. They are playful and active. They tend to bark and require daily grooming.

Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are an interesting small breed. I have raised several herds - and that is a good word for a group of chihuahuas - and their temperment is a bit different from other small dogs. They can be very aggressive towards other dog breeds. I adopted one chihuahua who kept attacking a German Shepherd who finally bit her. After she got out of the hospital she went after him again. I ended up with her because she wasn't going to quit attacking bigger dogs. Some chihuahuas will growl and nip at small children. Good points - chihuahuas are very loyal and affectionate. They don't require as much exercise as other small breeds so they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers or older people. They are good with cats.

Boston Terrier:

Good with children and other animals, the Boston terrier is a good small dog for families. They are suitable for any lifestyle. They can be aggressive chewers. Their short coat is easy to keep clean.

Jack Russell Terrier:

This dog breed is only for the most active owners. They love to chase balls, can hop onto a table with ease and can be aggressive if not trained properly. Very intelligent and lively, they require a lot of attention and discipline.

Maltese:

This small dog breed can be very protective of its owner. It is not suitable for families with children because they are very fragile.

Shitzu or Shih tzu:

Good natured and non-aggressive, these friendly little dogs make great family pets. They require daily brushing but their hair is non-shedding. Good with other animals.

Bichon Frise:

These little dogs make good family pets. They are good with children as well as other animals. Very intelligent, easy to train and lively. Their coat doesn't shred.

Dachshund:

Not a hound but a terrier bred to go after vermin, the breed is lively and affectionate. Good with family members but will become aggressive to children outside the family. They make good watchdogs and will bark frequently to alert their owners.

Pekinese:

Very fierce and loyal, these little dogs are not good around children or other animals. These are good dogs for the elderly. Their coats require a good deal of grooming.

Skye Terrier:

Great with children, okay with other dogs but not tolerant of cats. This unique breed makes a fine pet. Distrustful of strangers.

The next step after selecting a breed is to find a reputable breeder. To get more information, visit us at www.dog-match.com/small-dog-breeds

Pat Schraier has not only owned chihuahuas but a cocker spaniel, a dachshund, a black lab, a boxer, and a terrier mix. Visit the website http://www.dog-match.com for breed information, health care and other resources.

In The News:


Today's Zaman

Tropical storm and disaster preparedness for pets
Tri Parish Times, LA - Sep 5, 2008
As Tropical Storm Gustav heads toward the Gulf Coast and develops into hurricane strength, Banfield, The Pet Hospital would like to remind family members ...
Keeping Your Pets Safe Before, During & After The Storm Local10.com
Pets weather Gustav well Detroit Free Press
It's tough choice to give up pet Daytona Beach News-Journal
Cay Compass - Marco Island Sun Timesall 353 news articles

Keeping Track of Pets
Washington Post, United States - 19 hours ago
Dear Heloise: Thanks for telling pet owners to put COLLARS WITH LICENSES for identification on their pets. Please also continue to recommend microchips. ...

Pedigree pets dumped in record numbers
Times Online, UK - 2 hours ago
Pedigree cats are also among the pets needing new homes as owners face rising living costs. Anne Power, a co-ordinator for the Ragdoll Rehome Group, ...

City mulls making it law to spay, neuter pets
Houston Chronicle, United States - Sep 5, 2008
Won't my pet become overweight? Get answers. Readers debate the benefits of holding off on neutering for a couple of years. Join the discussion. ...

Pets of the Week
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - Sep 5, 2008
Visit the Utah Animal Adoption Center, 1955 N. Redwood Road, or visit www.utahanimaladoptioncenter.org. For more information, call 801-355-PETS.
Pit Bulls Attack Man Walking His Dog KUTV
all 5 news articles

Scaly and interesting: Reptiles make great pets
The Olympian, WA - 14 hours ago
By LINDA LOMBARDI | AP • Published September 06, 2008 Americans own more pet reptiles than ever before. Brian Potter, co-owner of the North American Reptile ...

Metro Organization Offers Aid to Pet Owners in Need
MyFox Atlanta, GA - 27 minutes ago
(MyFOX ATLANTA) – Many pet owners facing tough times have been forced to give up their beloved animals because they can't afford to care for them. ...

Communities differ on how many pets allowed in homes
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - 20 hours ago
By Larissa Chinwah | Daily Herald Staff For pet owners, finding the right home can involve more than just the number of bedrooms, square-footage or its ...

Pets of the week
Austin American-Statesman, TX - 1 hour ago
'Pet Wellness Fair' — 8 am to noon Saturday. Vaccinations, pet registration, grooming, training demonstrations and more. Richard Moya Park, 10001 Burleson ...

Pets' Corner: I don't have time for my dogs
Independent, UK - Sep 5, 2008
The number of pets being put into rescue centres has soared over the past year. Most animal charities were struggling, but now they are completely ...
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