Choosing a dog, Small dog Breeds Not. That's your choice.

When choosing a dog, it is critical to look not just at their cute appearance. Temperament and maintenance is of vital importance as you are making an approximate 14 to 16 year commitment, which is the life expectancy of most types of dogs. There are so many wonderful small dog breeds and toy dog breeds that choosing a dog could prove to be a difficult one.

Most small dog breeds are suitable for apartment living and all provide the ultimate in unconditional dog love and companionship. Small dogs breeds and toy dog breeds are generally easier to groom and easier to exercise because they are very portable, making them the best small dogcompanions for those wanting to give and receive unconditional love.

If you have not already decided on your favorite small dog breed and need some guidance we can help you to not make some basic mistakes. When choosing a dog, one of the popular dog breeds, may not be suitable for your current lifestyle, not because of size but the types of dogs you favor may not be suitable for children or you may need to consider one of our featured hyper allergenic dog breeds, in which case you should choose one more suitable for your health requirements. Critically one of the most important things your new puppy will need, throughout its life is exercise, some dogs need less and some dogs need more, but every dog must have some outside stimulation.

What about getting two puppies, or an older dog. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages. Two puppies would keep each other company and suffer less anxiety when left alone.

Just because you had a Pointer as a child and have nostalgic memories, the breed may no longer suit your lifestyle because as a child you lived in the country but now you are a city dweller and other types of dogs may be more suitable as your new dog love.

Obviously should you want a guard dog or an attack dog, certain types of small dog breeds, would not be suitable. Although we do have a couple of small dog breeds which do make excellent alert dogs. For example the Miniature Schnauzer is well known as a guard dog. Neither would you put a German Shepherd in a small apartment particularly if you are unable to vigorous daily exercise it. You also need to decide if you want to spend a lot of time training your new little dog love, or if you prefer an easier to train pooch.

An adult dog does not need too much training and you would know what your dog will look like, unlike some puppies that may grow to something not quite what you planned.

Your new dog love will not only need your love, food and exercise, but occasionally need veterinarian care, and this can be costly. It may be a good idea to consider Pet Insurance to cover unexpected expenses. Particularly some small dog breeds are more prone to ailments than other, so if finances are critical, when you are choosing a dog you would look for the types of dogs which are less prone to illness.

We have compiled a Fast Facts page for the 20 top most popular small dogs breeds and toy dog breeds making it easier for you see which types of dogs would be the best for you and for the new addition to your family.

Before choosing a dog, do our quick quiz to confirm that you and your family are ready for the big leap. It is just as important for you as it is for the new puppy.

Print this table below and get together with your family and tick the boxes, then look for the suggestions at the bottom of the table.

How often are you at home?	A) Often, I work from home/I don't work B) Not a lot, I go out often C) I am at home sometimes	A
		B
		C
Do you enjoy being outdoors and active?	A) I love being outside enjoying nature B) I enjoy being outdoors sometimes C) I am a couch potato	A
		B
		C
Can you afford a pet?	A) I can spend what is needed B) I do have a limited budget if required C) It depends, as long as it does not affect me	A
		B
		C
How often are you away overnight?	A) Never B) Often but can make arrangements for my pet C) I love traveling and go away often	A
		B
		C
Is your home suitable?	A) Yes it is perfect for a dog B) I would need to make some changes C) Not really but the dog will fit in	A
		B
		C
Do you think your family is ready for a dog?	A) Absolutely, we are really excited B) I think so, probably C) We have not discussed it	A
		B
		C
Do you have time to train a puppy?	A) We are looking forward to it B) The dog will learn quickly when I teach it C) How much training will it need?	A
		B
		C
Why do you think you want a dog?	A) I love dogs and had one as a child B) I think puppies are cute C) It may be good for my family	A
		B
		C
Are you ready for a long term commitment?	A) Yes I know it will be for 14 to 16 years B) I believe it is for a few year C) Maybe, but it can't be that hard	A
		B
		C
Mostly A's	Go ahead to our dog breed fast facts and choose one of the right types of dogs for you. Your life will be enriched by the unconditional love and entertainment you will receive by any one of many small dogs breeds we have summarised for you.
Mostly B's	Think about and discuss it with your family, with some adjustments you could be ready, but remember this is not an unwanted gift you can take back to the store if you change your mind.
Mostly C's	As much as you think you want a dog in your life, you may not be ready. Discuss it with your family, go to some dog shows and see if you are ready to have the responsibility of a pet. When you are ready for the commitment, you will be rewarded with the unconditional love like no other. But be sure first as it is a long term commitment to a helpless animal, who will be dependent on you for everything.

Go to our article of choosing a dog. Are you ready? Another very interesting site dealing with Choosing-a-dog made easy.

When choosing a dog breed we have several lists below which will be of great help in defining the right small dog breed for you.

Choosing a dog
Life Changing Decision

The Love Ride of Your Life

Choosing a dogLife Changing Decision

The Love Ride of Your Life

Choosing a dog
Life Changing Decision