Small dog breeds have always stood out for their extraordinary abilities, for the simplicity of their maintenance and for being excellent household companions.
Known as toy, mini or even dwarfs, these little ones will quickly conquer us, earning a huge place in our hearts. Do you want to know which are the most popular?
We have selected 6 breeds, historically used to prevent pests, especially rodents. But that thanks to their adaptation in family environments and sociability, they have earned a great reputation as companion pets.
Their obedient and active temperament, as well as their minimal care, make them the favorites of urbanites or those who have little time. Below we show you its main characteristics and care.
Index of contents
- 1 Bichon Frize
- 2 Pug
- 3 West Highland White Terrier
- 4 Shih Tzu
- 5 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- 6 Miniature schnauzer
Bichon Frize
Do you know that it appears in all the most popular dog rankings? However, its origin is quite ambiguous. It is believed that it could come from the crossing of the Maltese dog, the Water Spaniel and the Barbet.
In addition to its natural sympathy, this dog is characterized by the enormous fidelity it feels towards its master. It is suitable for living with children and other dogs, because it is very social and respectful.
His height ranges between 23-38 cm and his weight between 3-6 kg. Its fur, pleasant to the touch, forms curls in white tones or with brown or gray spots. Its eyes are small and extremely expressive and its black and shiny truffle.
To keep him healthy and happy, we must take care of his eyes and muzzle in order to avoid the reddish spots produced by saliva and tear secretions.
- Complete information about the Bichón Frisé
Pug
Also known as Carlino in France, Doguillo in Spain or Mops in Germany, it is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Not surprisingly, it was a prized gift at the Chinese weddings of emperors over 3,000 years ago.
Its name comes from the Latin pugnus which means “fist”, in clear reference to the closed fist shape of its face. You will find it in different shades: fawn, apricot, albino, gray, with white legs or brindle (tabby).
Its molosoide constitution makes it the possessor of a prominent and square head, endowed with powerful jaws and a flat snout. Despite its small stature, it reaches 30-36 cm in height, it presents a well-developed and proportionate musculature.
Affable, affectionate and obedient, he can be very stubborn. We must clean your eyes and face folds using cold water or tea to get rid of dirt and prevent infections.
We must avoid hot environments and control their diet to keep away their predisposition to obesity.
- Characteristics of Pug dogs
West Highland White Terrier
Also known as a White Terrier or Westy, this bustling canid comes from the Cairn Terrier breed of Upper Scotland, where it was used as a magnificent ally of hunters in their batting of foxes, badgers or rabbits.
His intelligent temperament, always alert, explains its effectiveness in containing rodent pests, typical of farms. It reaches 28 cm and 5-8 kg of weight. His complexion is compact, highlighting his always upright tail and his small and expressive black eyes.
His most outstanding care revolves around his fur. The outer layer requires daily brushing, as well as going to the hairdresser, since it grows very quickly. His skin tends to dry out, so we must bathe him monthly and with a specific shampoo for his breed.
- Westy’s behavior and temperament
Shih Tzu
This cross between Tibetan and Pekingese is historically Tibet’s watchdog. In fact, its name translates as “lion dog” in allusion to the Chinese lions on duty.
It can measure 20-27 cm in height and reach 4-8 kg in weight. Its most distinctive physical quality is its extensive fur that falls over its eyes and muzzle and adorns its tail. Given its tendency to tangle, you should brush it daily.
Very playful, sociable and independent, she provides a loving company. Keep it in shape with regular exercise, as it is a breed with a tendency to be overweight. Take extreme hygiene of your eyes and teeth and remove your stools in time to prevent them from being eaten.
- Shih Tzu Dog Temperament and Care
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Recurring in portraits of sixteenth-century England, his popularity reached its maximum splendor at the hands of King Charles II, who named him the country’s official mascot, repealing the rules that prevented his access to certain establishments.
Its shades range from tricolor, the combination of chestnut and black and the black or chestnut markings. Its height is around 30-34 cm (36 in the case of males) and 6-11 kg of weight. Its long, furry ears are its main identity sign, as well as its trimmed snout and its constantly moving tail.
It is essential, if you opt for this breed, that you brush your teeth daily with a specific toothpaste, since they tend to accumulate tartar. Likewise, wax can complicate your hearing health. Wash your coat once a month with a shampoo suitable for its coat shade and dry it to prevent fungal growth. Brush twice a week to promote skin perspiration and keep parasites away.
We are sure that he will know how to thank you for all these attentions.
- Information on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed
Miniature schnauzer
This breed is native to Frankfurt (Germany), specifically from the crossing of the medium Schnauzer with smaller breeds such as the Affenpinncher or the Miniature Pinscher.
Its name, which in German (schnauze) means “nose”, explains what is one of its most obvious features. Much appreciated as protection against pests, it is endowed with a robust and formal appearance thanks to the beard-shaped coat of its face and legs, which are usually short.
It reaches 30-35 cm in height and 5-6 kg in weight. Its elongated head, its bushy eyebrows, its v-ears and its tail in t
he shape of a saber, always in an upward position, are other of its most outstanding characteristics.
It will be a faithful companion if you live in a small space apartment. It adapts easily and prefers the company of adult humans. Its coat of white, black or in combinations of gray and black or black and white, demands that you attend to its inner layer. Brush it every 2 days to avoid knots and bathe it every month with a special shampoo.
- Everything about the Schnauzer mini
As you can see, there is a huge variety of options to choose from. Regardless of your decision, whether you acquire or adopt, remember to keep your veterinary history up to date and enjoy!