Finding the right dog can be overwhelming. Some dogs are bursting with energy and ready for hours of play, while others have a more laid-back personality and enjoy spending time cuddling. If your household has young children or limited space, a small breed may be perfect for you.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the smallest spitz breeds and adorable, animated dogs with many personalities. They look like miniature foxes with voluminous tails curling over their backs.
This breed is a confident little dog, and its aggressive personality makes it an entertaining companion for people of all ages. It can also be a yappy dog, so training it to bark less is important.
The Pomeranian needs exercise despite being a little dog because it is energetic. This includes play, but taking the Pomeranian for a walk is also essential. This daily activity helps fulfill the dog’s instinct to explore and stretch its legs. The breed can become overheated, so monitoring the dog during warm weather is important.
Though the Pomeranian is an affectionate pet, it can be suspicious of strangers. Its natural yappy behavior can get it into trouble, and it is also not an effective watchdog. To reduce its suspicion of people and other dogs, you should train it to sit and stay and provide supervised interactions with people and other dogs as early as possible.
The Pomeranian is a healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their litters for luxating patella (slipping kneecap), hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas and alopecia X (black skin disease). Ask the breeder to show you copies of the puppy’s OFA health screening results before purchasing.
Yorkie
If you’re looking for a tiny dog that is as adorable as it is docile, the Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent choice. Yorkies build close ties with their owners and thrive on interaction. They are suspicious of strangers and can become overly protective of their people.
However, they can get along well with other pets and cats if raised with them from an early age. They can adapt to apartment living and require only moderate exercise. Short walks twice daily and brief bursts of activity, such as playing with a toy or throwing a ball in the yard, can keep them happy and healthy. They might also like dog sports such as obedience and agility.
Yorkies are more prone to health issues such as eye abnormalities, luxating patellas, and dislocated kneecaps (also known as “trick knees” in humans). Responsible breeders screen their small breed dogs for sale for these issues and take steps to prevent them. They also try to limit the jumping height of their puppies, especially as they are growing.
This can help prevent injuries to small dogs from larger dogs who might accidentally fall on them while jumping.
Shiba Inu
A strong-willed breed, the Shiba Inu is confident and assertive. They can be stubborn and freethinking, but early training and socialization help minimize this trait. They’re loyal to their families and get along well with children if raised properly and taught to treat dogs kindly and respectfully.
This dog loves to chase animals that he perceives as prey, so it’s important to keep him on a leash outdoors in case he decides to pursue a cat or squirrel. These dogs don’t need much exercise but need enough to keep them happy and healthy.
If they don’t get enough physical activity, they might become bored or release pent-up energy in destructive ways. To avoid this, provide plenty of games of fetch or tag and allow them to explore a fenced-in yard, park or other safe outdoor space every day.
Like all dogs, Shibas require high-quality, age-appropriate food in the right-sized portions to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.
A vet can help you find the best food for your pet based on weight and health needs. It’s also essential to provide adequate amounts of water, too. The average adult Shiba Inu drinks about 1.2 cups of water each day. It’s also a good idea to brush your dog at least once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat clean.
Chihuahua
As the world’s smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua is famous for its aggressive and independent personality. They are generally good with children and make a great companion for older adults. They may be too fragile for rough play, however.
These tiny dogs come in two coat types: smooth and long. Both can be a variety of colors and patterns. Some are solid; others are spotted, brindle or merle. They also feature a ruff of longer hair on the neck, which can be either flat or slightly curly.
While most Chihuahuas are fairly healthy, the breed can be prone to specific genetic issues, including senior health problems such as heart disease and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps).
Choosing a reputable breeder who routinely tests breeding stock for these issues. Like all dogs, Chihuahuas require preventative care and frequent vet appointments for immunizations and tooth cleanings. They also demand a well-balanced diet with the proper proportions of meat, vegetables, and grains.
Limit the amount of table scraps you give your dog, and avoid high-fat foods, as these can lead to weight gain in this small breed. It’s also important to monitor the treats you offer your dog, as they can add extra calories to his daily intake. Make sure he gets enough exercise to stay at his ideal body weight.
