What are small dogs for? Small dogs are made for love

26-10-2014 6:06 am

Not long ago we published an article by Anton Volkov about small dogs. Today we are publishing an absolutely wonderful note from Anna Rossolenko, the owner of a dog named Rika, who from a tiny, timid creature has turned into a confident dog who can do everything, everything, everything! Anya shares her observations about life with small dogs, as well as funny photographs from the family archive.

Start of the day for a small dog

A normal day off, I wake up to a small elephant trampling on me, namely my dog. chihuahua breed. In the morning, Rika wakes up in her bed, located on a chair and covered with a warm blanket, and watches when I wake up. And as soon as I wake up, this 3-kilogram baby elephant rushes to tell me that it’s time for breakfast and the dog needs a portion of attention.

Small dog and other family members

Then Rika happily runs to each family member, says hello and jumps into the kitchen. Rika eats boiled meat with porridge and vegetables, and also treats himself from the table. Rika knows how to approach everyone, even the strictest family members. She pushes someone with her paws from a running start, sits down next to someone in the corridor in a “bunny” pose and looks sadly, a la a poor relative, does not stand on ceremony with someone, jumps onto her knees and reaches under the arms, showing what she would like to try from the table. Rika is great at reading people and loves her family. Therefore, it is not possible to separate him from the table. And thanks to educational games, Rika learned not to give up in achieving her own goals!

Toilet for a small dog

When it comes to care and feeding, there are some differences compared to keeping a larger dog. A small dog's toilet may not depend on a walk - a litter tray is quite suitable for the dog's needs, and there is no need to go for a walk in the cold or rain, this can be done during the day. The dog does not need to endure, and this is a significant advantage for the owner, who cannot come at the same time.

Feeding a small dog

We have no problems with natural feeding. Rika eats everything.

When we adopted Rika as a puppy, they gave her to us with a bag of dry food in addition. At first I fed her food. But gradually we switched to natural feeding. The impetus for this was the advice of relatives who felt sorry for the dog: after all, everyone around them eats whatever they want, and the dog was offered strange, smelly crackers for all meals! So, through trial and error, we created a diet for Rika from natural products. We also have handouts from the table, and I think that there is nothing wrong with the dog trying our food, for example, vegetables, fruits and dried fruits, cottage cheese and other fairly harmless dishes. I also let her chew on the cartilage that I come across while cooking. In addition to meat, I cook offal, which Rika loves very much.

Regarding the dog's resting place. I noticed that many small dogs love warm soft houses with a roof or blanket so you can wrap yourself up more comfortably and warmly.

Toys

Our favorite toys are Kong and various balls where food is placed. Often, when I sit down at the table, I ask Rika to bring a ball or a Kong. The toy is filled with cheese, and Rika tends to it while we sit quietly at the table.

Ammunition for a small dog

Rika goes for a walk in a beautiful Haqihana harness with an attached address card. We have a lot of leashes, but most often we walk on a fixed tape measure for small dogs - because it is 3 meters long and has a small, light carabiner. On a walk in the city I I always lock the leash at two meters, in the yard at three, and in the forest I let the dog off the leash. Be careful: an unlocked tape measure can cause discomfort for your dog and teach him to pull on the leash!

Clothes for a small dog

We need clothes. The main thing is that the clothes are not restrictive and do not get under the dog’s feet. In the rain it’s a raincoat, in winter it’s a warm blanket, and in summer it’s sometimes a light cotton suit soaked in anti-tick agent. This is necessary because the dog is small, and all the chemicals and dirt from the road almost eat into its sensitive skin.

Fearfulness in small dogs

Since the dog is small, and the world around is large and sometimes scary, plus a lack of understanding of the importance of socialization by breeders and owners, all this can lead to the dog being fearful, overly excitable, and overly reactive to various stimuli. It's important to know here your dog and anticipate her reactions and actions strangers.

A small dog often calls increased attention. People are delighted with the smallness and charm of the dog, and are ready to hover over it to stroke it, look into its eyes without interruption, lovingly, make sudden movements - simply because they did not notice the small dog next to them - and do other uchi-paths ! In these cases, I use a separation signal to show the dog that he does not need to be afraid of the stranger. I also use feedback, switching attention, or - only in extreme cases! — lifting the dog into your arms (for this we have a special “hands up” signal, after which Rika is ready to rise).

At home, before guests arrive, I also prepare Kongs and food balls and warn guests to try to walk slowly, not look at the dog and give it a treat - then everything will go smoothly.

Great intelligence of a small dog

A small dog is not inferior in intelligence to large dogs. Rika knows commands from regular training, from stunt training, knows how to search for things and treats by smell, copes well with educational games of all complexity and cracks toys made with her own hands from scrap materials like nuts. She also knows things by name, knows how to imitate and is well versed in Russian. Her most amazing achievement is expression of desires. When Rika runs and rubs around a person, it is reasonable to ask her the question “What do you want?”, and then Rika happily shows: she needs to go outside, and she runs to the front door, then to the balcony, then to lift her to the windowsill, then to give her a treat. , then open the door, etc. Everything is very clear.

And Rika is also an excellent assistant - if you call someone loudly, Rika runs and barks to tell this person that his name is. If necessary, Rika can be asked to close the door, or make sure there is no one behind the door, bring slippers, find the TV remote control, or collect the trash.

A small dog meets other dogs on the street

My Rika is afraid of big dogs, she runs away from them, and I am afraid to let her near them. Because it is impossible to know anything about the experience of a large dog from a distance, and for a small dog the troubles of meeting a large dog may be too dangerous. What do we do in such cases? We're coming to big dog either on a leash or in our arms, then we greet the owner, observe the dog, and I decide whether to let Rika closer. I often let dogs in the yard without foreplay - however, if they don’t have puppies and if it’s not a pack. We say hello to medium-sized dogs and other small ones, play with some, like some, and not like others. Everything is like people.

conclusions

As a result of my short story, I can say this - a small dog is not much different from large ones in terms of its needs, in some ways it is absolutely not inferior to large ones in terms of abilities (for example, intellectual!). But at the same time, small dogs are quite sensitive and can easily become fearful and excitable. We humans are often to blame for this - if we do not attach importance to the socialization and support of our dog. That's why living together with a small dog requires us to be even more attentive in assessing the different life situations in which our dog finds itself, and its internal states.

A final note from the editor

Anya Rossolenko and Rika have come a long way. Until recently, Rika was a little coward who barked at the sight of strangers. And Anya was a housewife who didn’t quite understand what to do with it. But, being a responsible owner, Anya, when she first discovered Ricky’s problem, began searching for a solution. Not finding answers in traditional cynology, she found a new cynology: these were

Today small breeds dogs are characterized by the presence of the most heterogeneous reviews: some perceive them as very demanding and restless, while others, on the contrary, are cheerful and perky, whom it is impossible to look at without emotion. However, the irrefutable fact remains that when living in a city apartment, both raising and keeping such funny dogs is much more convenient and easier than pets of larger species.

In addition, it is not at all necessary to lock them alone in the apartment. After all, these animals can be safely taken with you on a shopping trip or to cafes and restaurants, transported in a car or on the subway. Moreover, today there is such an accessory on sale as a carrier bag for small breed dogs, which facilitates the process of transporting these little pets.

Light weight small size, amazing character and cute faces - these types of dogs are incredibly popular. Abroad, these animals are even used for therapeutic purposes. The most compelling argument for buying such a pet is its compact size.

Also a significant advantage that determines that these small dogs so popular is the simplicity of their maintenance and upbringing. This article will describe below some representatives of different breeds of small dogs, indicating their most characteristic features And distinctive features. See also the article about.

Chihuahua breed

Chihuahua dogs are a very ancient breed of animals that were known to the Aztec and Mayan tribes. Today, such a pet is incredibly popular. And the point here is not at all insignificant size, but in strong devotion and affectionate character. And boots for small breed dogs look especially endearing on these pets. At the same time, Chihuahuas are very fearless.

This species is in great demand not only among domestic dog lovers, but also among residents of America, Europe and Latin America. By the way, the first person in Russia to have such a dog was N.S. Khrushchev. It should be noted that despite his small stature, such a pet is a truly strong personality. They are loyal to their owner, to whom they become strongly attached. True, to maintain health during walks, they need winter shoes for small breed dogs to protect their paws.

Yorkshire Terrier breed

The Yorkshire Terrier is also a fairly popular dog, enjoying the love and attention of tens of millions of dog lovers around the planet not only for its working qualities, but mainly for its talent to please, to win friends and attention, qualities given by nature itself.
Sometimes these animals are so active that it is necessary to use sedatives for small breed dogs, which somewhat reduces the pet’s excitability.

Despite the fact that dogs of this breed are very friendly, they are distinguished by their courageous and independent disposition. Having amazing tolerance, so necessary in the process of grooming, he will not every time agree to nestle in the arms of his mistress or owner. And if it senses the presence of strangers, it will issue a warning and loud bark. In addition, a bag for small breed dogs is hardly applicable to this pet.

Russian Toy breed

The Russian Toy dog ​​breed is the most common ornamental animal in Russia.

Despite its rather small size, such a pet is completely fearless and copes well with the duties of a guard.
True, during the maintenance process it is better to use Akana food for small breed dogs as the main diet.

Such a small pet will be an ideal companion for every person, regardless of age and gender. Distinguished by their high unpretentiousness, the dogs are completely undemanding in terms of care. It is usually used as a “cushion option”, although some dog lovers consider it a good and formidable guard. Having excellent hearing, they are able to detect the slightest movement. For training, a ladder for small breed dogs is recommended, providing normal development pet.

Breed Chinese Crested Dog

Such a pet is on a par with the most popular decorative and indoor dogs, world fame which brought a rather exotic and completely wonderful appearance. Since these animals are practically naked, to transport them you need to use carriers for small breed dogs of various shapes.

These pets are characterized by a very memorable appearance, as well as a rather curious and friendly character. They are distinguished by strong affection, which is expressed in significant gratuitousness and devotion to their owner. Since such a pet is somewhat demanding in terms of care, it is better to feed it with Hill's food for small breed dogs of any age.

Prague rat breed

Representatives of this breed are also called “ratlik”, which is translated from German as rat. Indeed, despite their small size, these pets are real hunters. They are characterized by high liveliness and mobility, for this reason, to maintain health, you should often walk with such a pet. fresh air, using harnesses for small breed dogs, sold in specialized stores.

Such walks will allow the animal to maintain its shape. These dogs simply love outdoor games, participate in agility, and run after the ball. And since this breed is characterized by a rather short coat, then during a walk in the cold or winter time It is recommended to wear boots for small breed dogs on their paws, as well as warm clothes.

Bichon Frize breed

The Bichon Frize is small pet with curly silky fur. For example, Henry the 3rd simply adored his dog of this breed. He carried it everywhere in a basket around his neck as jewelry. A little later, dogs began to participate in circus performances. Thanks to their activity, they can easily climb steps for small breed dogs of various designs.

Today there is hardly a person who can resist these cute dogs. They are wonderful companions, cheerful, cheerful and very active. Having short legs and a strong skeleton, these animals turned into good decorative companion dogs. They love to lie around, dance, and play with children.

West Highland White Terrier breed

Representatives of the West Highland White Terrier breed are very smart, inquisitive and cheerful dogs. They are quite popular nowadays. A cute face, playful and funny character cannot leave anyone indifferent. Among other things, these pets are also excellent underground hunters. This species is the only white terrier of its kind.

The animal is characterized by a rather attractive, sometimes even doll-like appearance. Moreover, behind tenderness and softness lie such traits as determination, intelligence, intelligence and hard work.

By the way, normal temperature in small breed dogs it is about 38.6-39.3 degrees.

Pomeranian Spitz breed

These pets with their unusual appearance They resemble teddy bears, although this animal cannot be called a toy. After all, the Spitz is distinguished by very great devotion, intelligence, and attentiveness. In addition, one cannot fail to mention his rather cheerful disposition, which makes him an irreplaceable friend. Despite its small stature, the dog is characterized by a bright personality.

The Spitz is able to completely charm a person, even one who is completely indifferent to ornamental animals. According to the standard, this pet is a small dog of strong build, with small ears, voluminous chest, as well as a short face. In the cold season, shoes for small dog breeds may not be of any use to him.

Papillon breed

is a representative of a very ancient decorative dog. Its history goes back about 700 years. The exact place of origin of the breed is unknown; presumably the first such dogs appeared in Belgium or Spain. These animals are best kept in apartment conditions. This pet has a pliable, friendly disposition, which can also be an excellent protector.

During walks it is an ideal companion. Among other things, the gestation period for small breed dogs is only 62-63 days, and childbirth will occur unnoticed. This decorative dog is beautifully built and has thin bones. The size of the animal is 28 cm, while body weight ranges from 1.8-2.5 kg.

Breed Rabbit Dachshund

Representatives of this breed are simply born hunters of burrowing animals, especially rabbits, which simply love to hide in burrows.
True, modern dogs are no longer hunters, but simply decorative pets. Since this animal is very small in size, it is also called dwarf. It should be noted that toilets for small breed dogs can be purchased at any specialized store.

Judging by the reviews of dog lovers, these dogs are very friendly, and this quality is inherent in both puppies and adults. They are able to adapt to each family member. They have a proud character, for this reason they cannot tolerate rude attitudes.

Alaskan Klee Kai breed

It should be noted that the breeding of these mini Huskies was started by Linda S. Spurlin, who lived in Alaska in the 70s. Initially, these dwarf Huskies had one common name - Klee Kai, but due to political trends in 1995, they began to be classified as Klee Kai and Alaskan Klee Kai.

Having a very similar appearance to the Husky breed, the character of these animals still differs. Miniature breed He has a rather cheerful disposition and loves to play active games. I'm always happy to play outside or take a long walk. By the way, coughing occurs in small breed dogs much more often than in larger dogs.

Domestic fennec fox

If we compare with other animals, then in its size the Fenech is more reminiscent of a small decorative dog or domestic cat. Its body is about 34-36 cm long, and its tail is 28-30 cm. These pets, which are just gaining popularity among dog lovers, are distinguished by their very insignificant height - only 25-27 cm with a body weight of 1.5 kg.

The animal is characterized by a small, pointed and cunning face, with sharp and small teeth. The eyes are large, however, the main decoration of the pet is its huge ears. Fenech's coat is soft and thick, very pleasant to the touch and has a light red color. It should be noted that a tray for small breed dogs is perfect for this pet.

Popularity of small breeds

Summing up the results of this article, we can conclude that today small breeds of dogs are especially popular, which can be explained quite simply. In addition to their amazing external characteristics, these animals are not very demanding in terms of conditions of keeping, care and feeding. They don't need a lot of space a large number of There is no need to devote time for walking.

Small dogs indoor and decorative breeds some people simply call them "live toys", "purse dogs" or "fake" dogs. However, in the past there was a completely different attitude towards these dogs, some breeds were considered brave hunters, others were revered as deities, and still others often had more ancient history than many "real" dogs.

Soldier Mustache (translated from French Mustache) was a famous warrior in the Napoleonic army. The authorities noted his intelligence; ordinary soldiers liked his cheerful disposition most of all. Mustache bravely participated in the battles and especially distinguished himself at the Battle of Austerlitz. For saving the regimental banner he was awarded a military order.

And no one was embarrassed by the fact that the order bearer was poodle. A big, cute poodle who marched with Napoleonic’s regiment across half of Europe. Moreover, Mustash remained not only in history, but also in French. WITH early XIX centuries, this is the name given to brave warriors with a lush mustache.

Nowadays, poodles are readily used by customs officers to search for drugs and weapons: these dogs have an excellent sense of smell, their intelligence is beyond praise, and they do not cause panic in the crowd, and a criminal will not be wary if he sees a cute curly dog ​​at the airport or train station. Here's your room decorative breed.

Oddly enough, in the distant past the poodle was a hunting dog. True, we didn’t go bear hunting with him. But the poodle’s ancestor willingly tracked down all kinds of water birds and took them out of the water. And even earlier the poodle was shaggy shepherd dog and joyfully drove sheep through the mountains of Hellas and Asia Minor.

In general, most indoor and decorative dogs have a glorious and very ancient history. For example, Pekingese, or Chinese spaniel. No one counted how many centuries these dogs ran around the gardens of the imperial palace in Beijing. They might have been happy to run around in other places, but they were forbidden to be taken out of the palace on pain death penalty. And it was impossible for anyone other than the emperor to keep Pekingese. Because the priests declared these cute dogs to be the incarnation of Buddha.

There are two legends about how the Pekingese conquered Europe. According to the first, the Anglo-Franco-Chinese War of 1860 is to blame. When the British and French took Beijing, the Empress ordered all the Pekingese to be killed so that the sacred dogs would not be captured by the Europeans. But five of them survived and were brought to England.

Another version is more peaceful. English General Dunn after long service in China in 1860, while leaving for his homeland, he asked the Chinese Empress for permission to give Queen Victoria of England one Pekingese. The Empress refused, the general did not argue and went to the port.

But when Dunn was already boarding the ship, an unknown man approached him and handed him a basket, asking him to open it only at sea. There was a small Pekingese in the basket. Maybe the empress officially could not give up the sacred dog, but unofficially respected the general’s request?

The second “wave” of Pekingese reached Europe in 1900, after the suppression of the so-called Boxer Rebellion in China. Dogs began to be bred in England and Germany, and they looked after them so diligently that they even brushed their teeth (in those days, not everyone brushed their teeth).

Japanese temples had their own sacred dog - hin(Japanese dwarf spaniel, in Japanese this word means “treasure”). Its origin is shrouded in mystery. The Japanese believe that he is a native Japanese breed.

The Chinese believe that chins came to Japan from China... as part of a tax paid in the 8th century. Europeans insist that the chin came from european dogs. Allegedly, in the Middle Ages, the Dutch brought spaniels and Maltese dogs to Japan, from which Japanese dog breeders developed this breed.

Japanese Chin

Maltese(Melita, Maltese) is considered one of the most ancient decorative breeds. Darwin dated the first appearance of dogs similar to the Maltese as 6 thousand years BC. It has been established that such dogs existed in the ancient cities of Egypt, Rome and Greece. It is possible that the ancestors of the Maltese caught rats in the seaside ports of Mediterranean cities.

Later they became a luxury item. The presence of Maltese dogs indicated the high status of the owner and testified to his enormous wealth. The further spread of Maltese dogs was facilitated by the Crusades. The victorious knights brought white silky dogs to their ladies, which immediately gained popularity in all the royal courts of medieval Europe.

There is a bit of geographic confusion surrounding the Melites. Long-haired dogs were found on the island of Melita (and the breed was named after the island). And in the Middle Ages there were two islands with this name. Then one became Meleda in the Adriatic Sea, and the other became Malta. Of course, everything was mixed up, and the lap dogs began to be called not Meled, but Maltese. Although there were none in Malta.

Although, it is possible that Malta could have been the birthplace of this breed. After all, at that time it was a highly developed center of civilization and, of course, for many centuries, the Maltese dog could exist there.

There is also a French lap dog. Although it was not the French who brought her out, but the Italians. So there are some geographical inaccuracies associated with both lap dogs. The French lapdog has curly and short hair because it was obtained by crossing a Melita and a Poodle. And Melita has long, straight hair.

Now Famous Tiny Babies Yorkies (Yorkshire Terriers) are considered descendants of the Waterside Terrier. These small dogs were famous in the 18th-19th centuries in Yorkshire (Great Britain) and were very much valued by peasants, as they protected houses well from rodents (rats and mice). Among the ancestors of Yorkies, hunting Skye terriers, Clydesdale terriers and Paisley terriers are also indicated.

In the twentieth century, Yorkshire Terriers became especially popular after World War II due to famous dog named Smokey. In February 1944, Smokey was discovered American soldier in an abandoned trench in the jungle of New Guinea. For the next two years, Smokey was stationed with her owner, Winn, in the Pacific Theater. She survived through at least 150 air raids and two typhoons in Okinawa.

During the lulls between battles, Smokey learned many tricks and entertained the wounded with their performance. According to Winn, Smokey learned more tricks than any other dog of her time. In 1944, the Army Yankee magazine named Smokey "The Best Mascot in the Southwest Pacific."

Smokey, thanks to her skills, helped military engineers build a military airfield in Lingguayen Bay on Luzon, which made her a real heroine. Smokey's help in laying a communication cable through an underground pipe made it possible to avoid the need to use 250 workers and 40 combat aircraft.

Smokey

After the war, Wynn and Smokey's story was published on December 7, 1945, in the Cleveland Press. Soon after, she became something of a sensation. Over the next 10 years, Wynn and Smokey traveled to Hollywood and even abroad to demonstrate the dog perform various tricks, including walking on a tightrope while blindfolded.

In total, there are six monuments to Smoky in the United States. In addition, the rescue team Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue (YTNR) awards an annual “Smokey Award” to the most distinguished rescue dogs of the year.

Feather ball with legs, aka pomeranian spitz, the smallest representative of the Spitz. The breed gets its name from the area between East Germany and Western Poland known as Pomerania. At the same time, the early ancestors of these dogs were used to transport goods on sleds and hunt in the ice-covered regions of the Arctic.

They were large in size, their weight reached up to 15 kilograms. It is believed that the Pomeranian Spitz inherited its thick coat from them.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the ancestors of these dogs were brought to Pomerania, where they were used to guard livestock. The glorious rise of these dogs as court favorites began in the mid-18th century. At that time dwarf spitz was known in several European countries.

At first the breed enjoyed great success among ordinary people, later the nobility drew attention to her, and Spitz dogs appeared in the courts of kings. At the same time, the size of the breed began to decrease (probably for ease of carrying). Behind short period Over time, through selection, these dogs became two to three times smaller than their ancestors - from 14-15 kg, their weight decreased to five to seven.

A small dog is an ideal type of pet for city dwellers. It takes up little space in the apartment and does not require long walks. open areas, does not take too much time to care for. However, living together in an apartment with any living creature requires compliance certain rules. Therefore, it is so important to make the right choice and purchase a pet that matches the owner’s lifestyle, character, interests and habits.

A list of small dog breeds with photographs and names, complemented by descriptions and characteristics, will help you choose a pet that matches your preferences in appearance and behavior. The article provides a description best breeds small dogs recommended for keeping at home.

Small dogs in Lately are becoming increasingly popular among city residents. This is due to its livability and less demanding conditions for keeping a small pet.

The Affenpinscher is a dog 25-28 centimeters tall, with hard black fur, and looks like a small monkey. The behavior of this miniature dog is also somewhat monkey-like. The Affenpinscher is a playful, noisy, rowdy dog ​​with a stubborn character.

Such a playful disposition requires persistent and consistent training so that the little imp turns into obedient dog observing the rules of behavior in the house.

The Affen Griffon is a breed that arose from crossing the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon. This is a very mobile, active, friendly dog, distinguished by its intelligence and devotion to its owner. Despite small sizes, the Affen Griffon copes well with the role of a watchman, and will definitely notify the owner of the appearance of uninvited guests.

A special feature of the breed is its hard coat, which must be trimmed regularly by hand. Grooming the Affen Griffon is not recommended, as it spoils the structure of the coat.

The Schipperke is a miniature shepherd dog that looks like a black Spitz. This is an energetic, fun-loving breed that requires long walks and will become good companion sports, physically active owner.

A bored Schipperke begins to have behavior problems: the dog barks with or without reason, fights with pets, rushes at guests, and behaves aggressively during walks. The dog needs active, long games, sports activities, jogging, walks in the park or forest.

The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the most original small breeds in appearance. This fragile and defenseless-looking baby has fairly good health, but does not tolerate the cold at all. The future owner of a dog needs to prepare to buy an entire all-season wardrobe for it.

Another feature of the breed is the difficulty of training, which a beginner is unlikely to cope with. You cannot shout at the corydalis; you must teach it to the rules of behavior gently but persistently.

The Dandy Dinmond Terrier has an unusual appearance: the dog has a long body and short limbs. By nature, he is an affectionate, kind and cheerful dog, devoted to his owner.

Dandy Dinmond Terrier needs training with early age and big physical activity. This dog is not suitable for the elderly or calm person, and for athletes, travelers and hunters it is an ideal companion and companion.

The Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier is a newcomer to the group of small dog breeds, gaining popularity immediately after its appearance in Russia and many European countries. The baby's body is covered with thick, soft wavy hair, with charming feathers on the ears and paws.

The little terrier is attached to his owner and cannot stand loneliness. The dog easily gets used to the rules of behavior in the house and can do without long walks, so it is suitable for people of different ages and lifestyle.

The small Greek dog - Meliteo kinidio - is an ancient breed. Popular in its historical homeland and quite rare in our country. This small fluffy breed of dog is kind and cheerful towards the owner and all the inhabitants of the house, but does not recognize strangers.

The West Highland White Terrier is a dog breed that originated in Scotland but quickly gained popularity throughout the world. This is perfect a pet with a sweet appearance and friendly character. The Westie does not shed, is easy to train, and gets along well with the whole family.

The dog's coat requires careful care: trimming, trimming, combing. The breed is prone to food allergies, so food for it must be selected carefully. It is recommended to exclude wheat, chicken, colored vegetables and cabbage from the diet.

The smallest dog breeds with names

Among small dogs, there are breeds that are distinguished by the smallest sizes. The fashion for miniature pets is growing rapidly nowadays, which is explained by the compactness of dogs and the ability to not part with them throughout the day. The descriptions of the smallest dog breeds with photographs presented below will give an idea of ​​the characteristics of some popular breeds and the rules for handling them.

The height of the Prague rat is only 23 centimeters. This is a peace-loving, affectionate, responsive dog, devoted to its owner, an obedient, balanced and unobtrusive dog originally from the Czech Republic. The rat is distinguished by its devotion to its owner, loves praise, and is well trained. The dog is particularly sensitive to the owner’s moods, so dissatisfaction can be used as a method of education.

The Prague Ratfish requires careful handling, as its body is quite fragile and the risk of fractures and other injuries is high. The breed is quite active, so it needs a diet rich in protein.

The Russian Toy Terrier is a miniature dog (20-28 centimeters in height) with an elegant build. The Russian Toy is unpretentious in maintenance, easily trains in the litter tray, and does not require a lot of time for grooming. You can usually feed your dog food: boiled or half-raw meat, cereal porridge, stewed vegetables.

The dog must be taught discipline, otherwise it will constantly bark, demonstrating guard qualities. The dog does not tolerate rough treatment and gets very upset, but you cannot indulge your pet’s pranks.

The American Lo-Shi Pug is a compact, affectionate dog, ideal for the role of a companion and pet. She gets along well with other animals, is easy to train, and loves children. The dog loves to bark, but not without reason, but only to warn about the arrival of guests or to satisfy its own needs.

Caring for the breed is not difficult: brushing once a week, bathing once every 1-2 months, cleaning the ears, eyes and teeth once a week. In terms of activity, the dog adapts to the owner’s lifestyle: plays with him when he is active and lies next to him during his rest.

Breeds of small kind dogs

It is impossible to divide dog breeds into good or evil, since the character of each of them depends not only on their genetically determined temperament, but also on upbringing. But there are breeds that are particularly peaceful and kind towards their owners and strangers.

Photos and descriptions of such babies are presented in this section. Breeds of small, kind dogs are particularly friendly towards family members and even everyone around them, they love affection and praise.

The Bichon Frize (curly-haired Bichon) is a miniature dog with curly snow-white hair and round black, surprisingly kind eyes. The dog is playful, cheerful, loves affection. But raising a breed is not an easy task and requires patience and perseverance.

Caring for a Bichon's luxurious coat is quite difficult. It must be thoroughly combed every day and then treated with a slicker. The length of the fur on the face and paws is regulated by periodic haircuts.

The rabbit dachshund was bred in Germany for hunting purposes, but is now most often kept as a companion and pet. The dog is good-natured, balanced, without a drop of aggression. This dog can play the role of a real clown, as it has good feeling humor.

With improper upbringing rabbit dachshund may become rowdy and stubborn. It must be trained calmly and respectfully.

The beauty of the Maltese's coat is the main factor in the breed's attractiveness. A cute dog no more than 25 centimeters tall, with long snow-white hair, looks luxurious and rich with proper care. It is no coincidence that this breed has always been a favorite of royalty.

The dog is good-natured, flexible, loving and gentle towards its owners. The breed's luxurious coat requires careful care. The breed has poor health, so it must be properly fed, walked and shown to the veterinarian in a timely manner.

The Pomeranian is the smallest variety of the dog group of this breed. The baby's height is only 23 centimeters. Weight no more than three kilograms. It's special popular breed at socialites and creative individuals.

By nature, the Pomeranian Spitz is sociable. A cheerful and extremely good-natured dog. He is obedient and neat, so he is ideal for living together even in a very small apartment. The baby Spitz will be an ideal companion for adults and children.

The character of the Border Terrier is characterized by some duality. On the hunt it is a ruthless and gambling dog, and in home environment affectionate, friendly, loving pet. Many representatives of this breed can smile, exposing their teeth.

This sweet-natured dog is used in Western medical settings as a “therapy animal.” Border Terrier owners visit nursing homes and hospitals with their pets, providing psychological support to sick people.

Small smart dog breeds

When choosing a future pet, we often limit ourselves to looking at descriptions of small dog breeds with photographs. Meanwhile, an important selection criterion is intellectual abilities dogs. Clever dog easily remembers commands, learns the rules of behavior and is the most obedient. Among small dog breeds, there are several species that are distinguished by the highest intelligence.

This dog will become a devoted friend to all family members. Will be able to adapt to any rhythm and lifestyle of the owners. The Papillon will be equally happy to run around the apartment with the children and lie calmly on the sofa with the owner.

This dog remembers all commands literally the first time. She understands not only the words of the owner, but even reacts to the intonation with which he speaks. Once you give your voice a stern tone, the Papillon understands that his actions are not acceptable. Communication with a Papillon is a real pleasure.

No one can do without representatives of this breed. dog show. Continental Toy Spaniel has a bewitching appearance: a dog 25 centimeters tall and luxurious long hair looks like an expensive plush toy.

The toy spaniel is a very smart dog, but also prone to dominance. During the training process, the owner will need to be able to outwit the pet and turn the execution of commands into reflexes. For each action performed, the pet should initially receive a treat, praise, and affection. Correct execution of commands is encouraged by a response in a gentle voice, and disobedience is encouraged in a stern tone.

toy poodle

The Toy Poodle is a charming, curly-haired dog with high intelligence. This breed can often be found in the circus performing incredible tricks. The toy poodle adores its owner and is ready to please him with obedience.

Positive motivation of the pet contributes to the rapid assimilation of commands. This little one loves to be praised. Your pet's pranks cannot be ignored. Any hooliganism left unpunished will certainly be repeated.

The Alaskan Klee Kai, like all huskies, is not only beautiful in appearance, but also very smart and independent. Unlike the stubborn Siberian Huskies, their miniature counterparts are more cat-like in behavior. They are affectionate towards their owner and even wash their faces with characteristic movements of their paws.

Another incredible ability of the Alaskan Klee Kai is the ability to make sounds similar to human speech. A set of guttural, howling, gurgling sounds is really similar to a conversation, so communicating with a pet can bring real pleasure.

The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent dog, restrained in emotions, with an unusually developed intellect. He is able to perform the functions of a watchman, notifying the owner of the appearance of uninvited guests. But the Tibby won’t bark just like that.

As a true intellectual, the Tibetan Spaniel needs to be left alone from time to time, so the pet needs to be given a cozy nook in the house. Otherwise, keeping the breed in the house requires standard procedures for grooming and organizing walks.

The smallest dog breed in the world

In the group of small dog breeds, there are dogs that are distinguished by the most miniature sizes.

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Dogs of this breed usually weigh from 0.5 to 3 kg, and their height is from 10 to 23 cm. Chihuahua Boo Boo has a height of approximately 11 centimeters, weighs about seven hundred grams and is the smallest dog living today.

The Chihuahua is a kind, obedient, but at the same time extremely vulnerable and touchy dog. Such a miniature pet requires careful and very careful handling. You need to prepare for the appearance of a dog in the house: remove objects that it can knock over, limit access to places where the dog can climb and get stuck or fall.

Fenech is a restless, curious animal, 18-22 centimeters tall and weighing no more than 1.5 kilograms. This is a dog with large ears, about 15 centimeters long, which give its appearance a very funny look.

The domestic fennec fox has very poor health. The dog must be kept in almost greenhouse conditions, otherwise it will certainly catch a cold. The peculiarity of this dog is night look life, so the owner needs to take this into account before buying a puppy.

Small smooth-haired dog breeds

Smooth-haired dog breeds are most convenient for keeping in an apartment, since caring for them does not require much time and the hair does not scatter throughout the house during shedding.

This breed looks like a miniature Doberman. This is a smart, energetic dog that can become a reliable friend to the whole family. Miniature Pinscher will be an ideal companion for an adult or a child over 9-10 years old.

The Miniature Pinscher is perfect for living in a city apartment. Caring for your pet consists of brushing once a week, alternating with wiping with a damp towel. For walks, you definitely need to buy clothes and shoes, without which it is not recommended for your dog to walk even when it’s slightly colder.

Manchester Terrier is different good health, longevity and unpretentiousness in maintenance. This is a cheerful, energetic, cheerful dog about 40 centimeters tall, with short, smooth hair.

The Manchester Terrier is friendly towards other animals and children, loves noisy games and long walks. The character is generally flexible, but sometimes the terrier shows stubbornness and disobedience. You can feed your pet traditional dog foods, but experts recommend starting the morning with sour milk.

The English Toy Terrier is a small black dog with characteristic red tan markings on its face, paws and chest. The dog's coat is smooth, lies tightly to the body and does not require special care. It is enough to stroke the English Toy Terrier once a week with a special rubber mitten.

The breed is flexible, friendly, gentle and playful. The toy terrier's energy is in full swing, so he needs active walks, games and exercises, close communication with the owner and all family members.

The Lancashire Heeler is a squat dog with short but muscular limbs. The breed's coat is straight, smooth and shiny, complemented by a dense undercoat in the winter. There are no difficulties in caring for the Lancashire Terrier: it is enough to comb it once every two weeks. We recommend bathing your dog only twice a year.

The breed is friendly, playful, easily remembers commands and willingly carries them out. The Lancashire Terrier loves walks, but can easily do without a long stay outside. Therefore, such a pet is suitable for calm, busy at work and elderly people.

Small dog breeds for children

Most small dog breeds are suitable exclusively for families with older children who follow the rules of handling animals. This is mainly due to the fragility of miniature dogs and some intolerance of many of them to rough treatment. At the same time, there are some breeds of small dogs that are quite suitable for families. Where there are small children.

Russian colored lapdog– decorative breed indoor dogs about 25 centimeters tall with long thick hair of absolutely any color. This playful, friendly dog ​​has excellent contact with children of any age, easily remembers commands, and is never capricious.

The Russian colored lap dog loves people, always strives to be in the center of attention, and loves to entertain guests. One of the main skills of the breed is the ability to adapt to the mood of the owner.. She always feels when she needs to just lie next to a person, and when she needs to play and chat with him.

Bolognese (Italian lapdog) is a dog about 30 centimeters tall, with thick, wavy hair, giving it a rounded shape. The breed is incredibly focused on companionship with people: affectionate, ingratiating, and cannot tolerate loneliness.

This breed can be owned by families with small children. But communication between a small child and a dog needs to be controlled. For children over 7 years old, the Bolognese dog will be an ideal friend and play partner.

The American Eagle Dog just loves it funny Games with kids. She is smart, ready to please the representatives of the whole family every minute. The breed is smart and easily learns commands, enjoys participating in dog competitions and loves long walks.

Volpino Italiano – rare breed small dogs originally from Italy. This is a devoted family and owner, playful and smart dog with luxurious white fur. Volpino Italiano loves active and fun games with children and never harms them.

The dog is distrustful of strangers and always announces the appearance of strangers in the apartment with a ringing bark. It is necessary to train a dog persistently and patiently, since it is restless and willful.

Other small dog breeds

In addition to the breeds that have been listed in this article, there are many other small dogs. We invite you to get acquainted with some of them in photographs.

Norfolk Terrier in the photo

Australian Terrier dog breed

Pictured is an American Toy Terrier

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier

Boston Terrier dog breed

Brussels Griffon pictured

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Smooth Fox Terrier breed

Photo. Italian Greyhound

Cairn Terrier dog breed

The description of small dog breeds with photographs presented in this article only gives general information about the features of each of them. Before making the final choice, it is worth studying in more detail the character traits and rules of keeping each breed, so that spending time together brings true pleasure to the owner, to a pet and all family members.