Little Pawz -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds -- Dog Breed Selection -- Small Dog Breed Selection

There are many advantages to owning a small dog. It eats less than its larger contemporaries and is therefore not such a drain on household budgets. Also it does not take up much space and is better suited than say, and Afghan Hound or Old English Sheepdog to a smaller house and garden. Some toy breeds can even adapt happily to apartment life because their exercise requirements are so modest.

Small dogs are more popular today than ever before. But however diminutive they may be in stature, all small dogs have strong, well-defined personalities. It is also wrong to assume that because a dog is mall it does not enjoy a good walk. A look at the breed profiles in this web site shows that while some fairly small dogs such as the amiable but rather fierce-looking French Bulldog will adopt a take it or leave it attitude towards exercise, the regal Pekingese will happily and readily walk for very long distances.

Small dogs, such as the Tibetan Spaniel or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the biggest of the toys, are ideal companions for children and are not as likely to cause them to fall over in play as a bigger dog might do. On the other hand, toy breeds can often prove to be snappy if provoked and are susceptible to injury if dropped by tiny, inexperienced hands. However, toy dogs do make wonderful companions for the elderly and are appreciative lap dogs.

When choosing a small dog, it is vital to realize that as well as coming in different shapes and sizes, small dogs have individual characteriestics and needs. Terriers, for example, are vivacious dogs which were bred to hunt small animals and, although they can be lots of fun to own, they are not the ideal choice for the elderly or sedate, who might be happier with a gentle, companionable gundog, or a dog which has been bred for no other purpose than to be an affectionate companion and pet.

It is also essential to bear in mind your own lifestyle and temperament when selecting a dog. Expenses should also be taken into account when selecting breeds that have higher maintenance costs like grooming.

May breeds are blessed with supreme intelligence and some, like the Shetland Sheepdog, give a good account of themselves in obedience trials. Other small dogs prove to be effective watchdogs. Few people can distinguish between the furious barking of a Dachshund and that of a traditional guarding breed such as a Dobermann from behind a closed door. Other small dogs do well in the show ring, but whatever your purposes for wanting to own a small dog, the main benefit for small dogs is that they make wonderful and loving pets.

LittlePawz.com lists close to 60 breeds of small dogs and features information on each breed's Size, Feeding, Grooming, Exercise Requirements, Origins and Histories, and Temperament. We hope to add additional dog breeds in the future. If you don't find a breed that interests you, please check back often, and were sure to have included information about a small dog to your liking.

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