Small and Miniature Dog Breeds to Adopt at Home

Miniature Dog Breeds that are just too Adorable.

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Dogs themselves are adorable creatures but small and miniature dogs win extra points in the context of being adorable. Tiny bodies with cheerful and charming souls inside, mini sizes hosting massive personalities. Every head turns toward them when they pass by. Check out some of the Small and Miniature Dog Breeds to Adopt at Home below.

1. Poodles

 Poodle is surely dogdom’s true aristocrats. Though Poodles are famous as France’s national dog, the breed originated as a duck hunters in Germany. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 Statistics, Poodles take the 5^th spot as the most popular dog breed.

Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards should be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder weighting around 40-70 pounds; Miniatures are 15 inches or under and weigh approximately 15- 17 pounds; Toys stand no more than 10 inches and as light as 9 pounds. All three varieties of Poodles have the same build and proportions. Reportedly, ‘Klein’ and ‘Tea-Cup’ will soon join as the two new varieties of Poodle. Their life expectancy is 10 -18 years.

 Adorable, intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous can be taken as synonyms of the personality of Poodles. These are highly adaptable to climatic changes, they fit well in cold as well as hot climates. They can adjust themselves in an apartment to even in a small one-room house. They are highly sensitive and seek owners’ companionship. Poodles are incredibly friendly with kids, elders, and fellow dogs. Very often they can be seen catching a ball or rolling with kids. Unlike many other dog breeds, which are slow learners, these beautiful and clever Poodles can be easily trained.

Poodles require high maintenance; regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition. They are non-shedding breeds and thus, require extra care and effort. Unlike other shedding dog breeds, a Poodle’s fur usually grows continuously and if left ungroomed, their fur will become messy and dreadlock-like. They have a very high energy level thus they must be taken for regular walks and exercise.

2. Dachshund

Dachshunds, affectionately renowned as Doxies, are famous for their adorable and funny shape. They are also commonly known as either the sausage dog or the hot dog. It is believed that early versions of this breed may have originated in the Northern African country, Egypt. But Germany is the country with which the Dachshund is most commonly associated as during World War I they were used in a lot of propaganda. Germans are obsessively proud of their association with the Dachshund to the extent that they chose a Dachshund as their first official mascot for the Summer Olympics in Munich in 1972. Olympic officials of that year even plotted a marathon route in the shape of a Dachshund. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 statistics, Dachshund takes the 10^th spot as the most popular dog breed.

Dachshund comes in three size varieties: Standard which weighs between 16 and 32 pounds; Miniature usually weighs less than 12 pounds; Rabbit generally around 8-11 pounds. Doxies have an average lifespan of at least 12 years. Their three coat types are shorthaired, longhaired, and wirehaired.

 Dachshunds are known for their courageous nature. Dachshunds are somehow naturally friendly but are shy and wary of strangers. Because of their hunting origins, they’re naturally inclined to alert you to danger.

While Dachshunds have many attributes, intelligence surely isn’t their strongest point. They are often difficult to house train. Training a Dachshund going to need a lot of patience, energy, and perseverance.

3.     Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are widely popular toy dogs, offering the biggest adorable personality in their tiny selves. Terriers originated in England and are often known by the nickname ‘tomboy toy’. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 Statistics, Yorkshire Terriers take the 13^th spot as the most popular dog breed.

Yorkies are one of the smallest dog breeds, measuring just 7-10 inches tall with adults weighing no more than 7 pounds. Yorkies have an average life expectancy of 11- 15 years.

They’re known for appearing confident all thanks to their high head carriage and compact, well-proportioned body shape. Yorkshire Terriers are almost good at everything from dog sports to therapy work which makes them great travel companions as well as family dogs. Originally bred to be ratters in textile mills and mines, these days, Yorkies are popular as great apartment dogs. Their small size and low-allergen coat make them popular apartment dogs. The winning point is that Yorkies don’t have an undercoat so their coat doesn’t shed.

But there is a risk of Yorkshire Terrier trying to boss around. Yorkies crave attention the most, so they might act up to get their owners’ attention now and then. Even though Yorkies don’t need much space, they are Terriers and always appreciate moderate exercise. Access to outdoor space for walks and playtime will help keep Yorkie active. They may be sensitive to cold, so for a chilly climate, they will need a coat. Yorkies possess long, flowing, silky coats that have a similar texture to human hair. But this beautiful feature is also incredibly time-consuming to care for as it tangles into knots a lot and requires frequent brushing and grooming.

4.     Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The ‘king’ in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is King Charles II, who was greatly obsessed with spaniels and took them everywhere he went. It is said he even issued a royal decree that dogs should be allowed in all public spaces, including Parliament.  Dogdom’s aristocrats’ Cavaliers won’t delay a second to descend from their pampered life for a backyard frolic or a squirrel chase. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 Statistics, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels take the 15^th spot as the most popular dog breed.

They are small dog breeds, measuring just 12-13 inches tall and weighing about 13-18 pounds. Cavalier  King Charles Spaniels have an average life expectancy of 12- 15 years. The patterns and colors of their coats are distinct. They include Blenheim: chestnut markings, white ground with a white blaze between the ears, and a lozenge-shaped marking in the center, called the “Blenheim spot.” Tricolor: black markings on a white ground; with tan markings over the eyes and on their cheeks, as well as inside their ears and on the underside of the tail. Ruby: a rich red all over. Black-and-tan: black with tan markings like the tricolor, as well as on their chest and legs.

Originally bred as companion dogs, they are top-notch therapy dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be taken as one of the friendliest breeds on the earth, showering affection on their family and happily getting along with other dogs, kids, cats, and total strangers. Even strangers that they haven’t met yet are their friends.

The Cavalier’s lustrous, silky coat requires little more than regular brushing and an occasional bath to keep him in beautiful condition. The con of having Cavalier is they can’t be left alone for more than four hours a day.

5. Shih Tzu

Tibetan-origin dog Shih Tzu translates as ‘lion dog’. Shih Tzu carries the history of living a pampered life at the Chinese Imperial Palace for hundreds of years. Centuries ago only elites of the Chinese society were allowed to own Shih Tzu. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 Statistics, Shih Tzu takes the 22^nd spot as the most popular dog breed.

Shi Tzu another member of the small breed dog family weighs between 9 -16 pounds and stands 8 -11 inches tall. They have an average life expectancy of 10 -18 years. Its coat stands as the most defining characteristic of the Shih Tzu. The fast-growing hair is long and silky and often reaches the floor. Shih Tzu’s facial hair extends from its nose like a flower so the Shih Tzu’s face looks like a chrysanthemum. The long body hair can be wavy or coarse. The coat comes in a variety of colors but is typically white with a brown or gray mixture. Apart from this coat colors ranges from solid white, black, brown, gold, liver, red, and silver to blue. The coat features a warming undercoat.

Despite having an undercoat, the dog doesn’t shed that much. The Shih Tzu is a great companion pet. Affectionate and loyal perfectly defines the personality of Shih Tzu. Only thing Shih Tzus look forward for is just being with their human and their hugs ans cuddles wherever they are. From a lavish apartment to the tent they can adapt anywhere as long as they have the companionship of their owner. The dog is typically outgoing and alert which can be a good quality for a watchdog. The people’s dog usually gets along well with children, adults, strangers, and other dogs.

Another trait common in Shih Tzu is stubbornness. Owners often find it difficult to house train them. As they possess dense and long coats they require frequent brushing and grooming. It makes them a little harder on a hot day as they get warmed up easily.  Having sensitive stomachs they are quite picky eaters.

6. Pomeranian

Pomeranians bag the title of a social media star as most of the dogs with social media accounts are of this breed. Among the lucky dog breeds having royal admirers, Pomeranian is also one. Queen Victoria was obsessed with her Pomeranian. In past, they were known as the Fox Dog, the Lulu, Pommer, Wolfspitz, German Spitz, Volpino, and just Spitz dog. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 Statistics, Pomeranian takes the 24^th spot as the most popular dog breed.

These dogs stand 6-7 inches tall when fully grown and weigh between 3-7 pounds. Their life expectancy reaches as long as 16 years. Pomeranian hosts a large variety of coat colors. About 23 color combinations of Pomeranian are identified until now. In addition to this, the color of their coat changes throughout their lifecycle.

 Adorable smiles and charming personalities are two big reasons out of many why they’re one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. Their overall happy nature always conveying joy makes them an ideal companion for almost everyone.  They are top-notch therapy dogs. It is said that Pomeranians can sense owners’ stress and anxiety. It isn’t always a personal request when they want to play with you. Probably they want to help you. Pomeranians are intelligent and always alert which makes them good watchdogs also.

Though they are great companions they are not always in the mood to snuggle. Pomeranians have a fierce independent streak and seek a quiet space where they can relax if they get too wound up. Their long hair requires constant brushing and grooming as they shed all year round.

7. Chihuahua

Small but mighty, delicate creature with sparkling eyes. Basically, Chihuahua has the biggest attitude and personality entrapped within its tiny body. Chihuahua is the smallest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. According to American Kennel Club’s 2021 Statistics, Chihuahua takes the 37^th spot as the most popular dog breed.

The biggest Chihuahuas are about nine inches tall and weigh about 7 pounds. The average lifespan for a Chihuahua is 10-18 years. There is no standard Chihuahua coat. It varies in color, length, or texture; can be either long or short, silky or curvy, and of just any color that exists in the dog world.

 The little head of the Chihuahua is home to a sharp and huge brain making them one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are easy to home train. Due to their tiny physique, they are too easy to groom and maintain. Also, they can be a travel buddy where ever you go.

They are quite a delicate breed. Due to their small size, they are venerable to possible accidents and injuries. In the case of socialization, they are quite picky about their companion. Chihuahua only gets along with other chihuahuas and they tend to favor one human companion. Though they usually bond well with everybody in the household, their loyalty lies with one particular person. 

Despite being of the same size group they all hold varieties of personalities and their own specialties. Each breed is unique on its own. And despite having different personalities, it is inevitable that they will love you beyond their life. Having a dog as a pet gives you a serene inside of your hustle and bustle. But, it’s not always about the fun and love you get. It is also about bearing the responsibility of another living creature. So before adding them into your life make sure that you can bear the responsibility.

These are the seven of many Small and Miniature Dog Breeds to Adopt at Home. If you have your own thoughts and views about the different dog breeds, you can write to us at ThePetsHub.org@gmail.com.