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Small dogs
Tiny Tots... To Have and To Hold
These small dogs are all extra special little creatures needing lots of loving care and most must live indoors and (preferably on your lap!).
We have defined them to the miniature dogs; under 12 lbs or less (6kgs or less). We detail below the vital statistics of many of the small dog breeds. We cover their weight, size, types of coats, grooming requirements and most suitable family life for each of the most popular miniature dog breeds. There is a separate list for the rare dog breeds in this weight and size group. Toy Dog Breeds, the extra tiny tots are also grouped together for easy reference.Their diets are always a consideration as just 10% extra body weight can affect their gorgeous good looks and more importantly their health.
Go to best dog food guide for food
energy requirements for dogs
| Bichon Frise | - Weight - 6.5 lbs or less (3kgs)
- Height - 10-12 inches (25 to 30 cms)
- Color - Pure white, cream and apricot allowed.
- Coat - Curly outer coat
- Maintenance - Low shedding, Daily brushing.
- Family - Companion pet
- Life Expectancy - 14 years
- Personality - Happy dog. A good choice of small dogs for small accommodation.
- For more Fast Facts on the Bischon Frise
| | Griffon Bruxellois | - Weight - 6.5 - 11 lbs (3 - 5 kgs)
- Height - 7 - 8 inches (18 - 20 cms)
- Color - Black, black and tan or red
- Coat - Long slightly disheveled
- Maintenance - Low, hand stripping 3 times a year
- Family - Companion, Family pet
- Life Expectancy - 12 to 14 years
- Personality - Obedient, full of personality. Very cute types of dogs for any family.
- For more Fast Facts on the Brussels Griffon
| | Boston Terrier Dogs | - Weight - 9.5 - 23 lbs (4.5 - 11.kgs)
- Height - 15 -17 inches (38 - 43 cms)
- Color - Striking black and white markings
- Coat - Short and smooth
- Maintenance - Low maintenance, low shedding
- Family - Companion and Family Pet
- Life expectancy 12 - 14 years
- Personality - Lively, intelligent, stubborn. These small dogs are ideal with children.
- For more Fast Facts on the Boston Terrier Breed
| | King Charles Cavalier | - Weight - 10 - 18 lbs (5 - 8 kgs)
- Height - 12 - 13 inches (30 - 33 cms)
- Color - White and chestnut, Red, Black, Tan
- Coat - Long, straight and silky
- Maintenance - Low, Weekly Combing
- Family - Loving family pet and companion
- Life expectancy - Between 10 and 14 years
- Personality - Soothing and non-aggressive. Perfect small dogs for older people.
- For more Fast Facts on the Cavalier King Charles
| | Chihauhua | - Weight - 2 - 6 lbs (1 to 3 kgs)
- Height - 6 - 9 inches (15 - 23 cms )
- Color - Any, solid or marked
- Coat - Short glossy, or soft wavy
- Maintenance - Low, Weekly brushing
- Family - Lap dog, Companion, not for children.
- Life expectancy - 12 - 14 years
- Personality - Intelligent and alert. The smallest of all toy dog breeds, perfect for traveling.
- For more Fast Facts on the Teacup Chihuahua
| | Coton de Tulear | - Weight - 9 - 12.5 lbs (4 to 6 kgs)
- Height - 9.5 - 11.5 inches (23 - 28 cms)
- Color - White, also with champagne head.
- Coat - Hypoallergenic, more hair than fur
- Maintenance - Low shedding, regular brushing
- Family - Affectionate, loves his owner
- Life expectancy - 14 - 18 years
- Personality - Endearing and very trainable. Very pretty, cuddliest small dogs.
- For more Fast Facts on the Cotton de tulear
| | Miniature Dachshund | - Weight - 9 - 10 lbs (4 - 4.5 kgs)
- Height - 9 - 11 inches (22 to 27 cms)
- Color - Red, chestnut, black and tan, dappled
- Coat - Short, dense or wirehaired
- Maintenance - Minimal, Wirehaired needs brushing
- Family - Good companions,
- Life expectancy - 14 - 17 years
- Personality - Lively and affectionate breeds of dog. Should not climb on furniture.
- For more Fast Facts on the Dachshund
| | Toy Fox Terrier Separate Breeds include Smooth and Wirehaired | - Weight - 12.5 - 16 lbs (6 - 8 kgs)
- Height - 12 - 13 inches (30 to 32cms)
- Color - White with black or tan markings.
- Coat - Dense coat/Wiry like coconut matting
- Maintenance - Low maintenance/hand stripping.
- Family - Good family pet
- Life expectancy -13 - 14 years
- Personality - Very trainable. Watchdog. Best of small dogs if you love the outdoors.
- For more Fast Facts on the American Toy Terrier
| | Japanese Chin | - Weight - 2 - 10.5 lbs (1 - 5 kgs)
- Height - 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cms)
- Color - Black and white, or red and white
- Coat - Profuse long straight and silky hair
- Maintenance - Regular bushing
- Family - Good family pet, companion
- Life expectancy - 12 years
- Personality - Quiet. Unobtrusive. Watchdog, One of the best of toy dog breeds for indoor living.
- For more Fast Facts on the Japanese Spaniel
| | Lhaso Apso | - Weight - 12.5 - 15 lbs (6 - 7 kgs)
- Height - 10 - 13 inches (25 - 28 cms)
- Color - Golden, black, grey, white, particolor.
- Coat - Straight, long sweeping coat.
- Maintenance - Vigorous daily brushing
- Family - Loving one man dog
- Life expectancy - 14 - 16 years
- Personality - Wary of strangers, good watchdog. Miniature dogs for an individual.
- For more Fast Facts on the Lhasa Apso Dog
| | Maltese | - Weight - 4 - 6.5 lbs (2 - 3 kgs)
- Height - 10 - 12 inches (20 - 25 cms)
- Color - White, slight lemon markings allowed
- Coat - Long, straight and silky coat
- Maintenance - Low shedding, Daily grooming essential.
- Family -Ideal family pet
- Life expectancy - 14 - 15 years
- Personality - Lively, intelligent, sweet natured. Types of dogs - for those who are hypo-allergenic.
- For more Fast Facts on the Maltese Dog
| | Miniature Schnauzer | - Weight - (9 - 15.5 lbs) 4 - 7kg
- Height - 12 - 14 inches (30 - 35 cms)
- Color - Black, or Salt and Pepper. No white markings
- Coat - Hard, wiry and thick
- Maintenance - Daily bushing and regular grooming.
- Family - Very devoted and loves children.
- Life expectancy - 12 - 14 years
- Personality - Alert, affectionate and territorial. These types of dogs is the top small dog breed that doubles as a guard dog.
- For more Fast Facts on the Miniature Schnauzer Dog
| | Papillon Dogs | - Weight - 8 - 10.5 lbs (4 - 5 kgs)
- Height - 10 - 13 inches (20 - 28 cms)
- Color - White with colour, black and white.
- Coat - Long, straight and silky.
- Maintenance - Regular brush, occasional bathing.
- Family - House dog and companion
- Life expectancy 13 - 15 years
- Personality - Non aggressive and gentle. Perfect small dogs for the elderly.
- For more Fast Facts on the Papillon dog Breed
| | Pekingese | - Weight - 6.5 - 13 lbs (3 - 6 kgs)
- Height - 7 - 11 inches (15 - 23 cms)
- Color - All except albino or liver
- Coat - Long, straight coat
- Maintenance - Thorough daily grooming
- Family - Prefer being a Lapdog
- Life expectancy - 12 - 13 years
- Personality - Courageous and bold. Very pretty toy dog breeds for loving family (prefer no small children).
- For more Fast Facts on the Pekingese Dog Breed
| | Pomeranian | - Weight - 4 - 6.5 lbs (2 -3 kgs)
- Height - 10.5 - 13 inches (22 - 28 cms
- Color - Black, orange, cream, chocolate, blue.
- Coat - Profuse, straight and harsh texture.
- Maintenance - Daily brushing.
- Family - Indoor pet
- Life expectancy - over 15 years
- Personality - Spirited and vivacious. These miniature dogs are great for those wanting a longevity dog.
- For more Fast Facts on Pomeranian dogs
| | French Toy Poodle | - Weight - 12.5 lbs (6kgs)
- Height - under 13 inches (under 28cms)
- Color - Any solid color
- Coat - Abundant, very curly coats.
- Maintenance - High maintenance, professional clipping
- Family - Great family pet
- Life expectancy - 14 - 17 years
- Personality - Intelligent and energetic. An expensive to maintain but one of the most beautiful of all small dogs.
- For more Fast Facts on the Toy Poodles
| | Pug dogs | - Weight - 12.5 - 17 lbs (6 - 8 kgs)
- Height - 10 -13 inches (25 - 28 cms)
- Color - Solid black or silvery, apricot or fawn.
- Coat - Short, smooth coat.
- Maintenance - Low maintenance, occasional brushing.
- Family - Excellent with children
- Life expectancy - 13 - 15 years
- Personality - Intelligent. Affectionate. These types of dogs are perfect for families with children.
- For more Fast Facts on the Pug dog breed
| | Yorkshire Terrier Dogs | - Weight - 5.5 - 6.5 lbs (2.5 - 3 kgs)
- Height - 9 - 9.5 inches (22 - 23 cms)
- Color - Dark steel blue and tan.
- Coat - Straight glossy coat
- Maintenance - Daily brushing, fringe tied up.
- Family - Not ideal for children. Lapdog
- Life expectancy - 14 years
- Personality - Alert watchdog, Affectionate, lively. Small dogs, for single people.
- For more Fast Facts on Yorkshire Terriers
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For a list of Best dog Breeds for Families
For more on Choosing a dog Quiz - Are you ready?
For more on Toy Dog Breeds
For more information on Rare Dog Breeds
Return to from Small Dogs to About Small Dog Breeds Home Page
For more profiles and pictures regarding various small dog breeds including toy breeds and much more Go to smalldogsrus
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