Which Small Dog
Breed Is Right
For You
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Small Dogs - Different Breeds, Different Personalities
By Pat Schraier
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities
are all different, it's a good idea to look at their individual
characteristics to see if they fit with your lifestyle.
Pomeranians:
Pomeranians developed from a much larger dog breed and seem to
have retained the mellow character. They are good with children
if they have been raised with them from puppyhood. They are
playful and active. They tend to bark and require daily grooming.
Chihuahuas:
Chihuahuas are an interesting small breed. I have raised several
herds - and that is a good word for a group of chihuahuas - and
their temperment is a bit different from other small dogs. They
can be very aggressive towards other dog breeds. I adopted one
chihuahua who kept attacking a German Shepherd who finally bit
her. After she got out of the hospital she went after him again.
I ended up with her because she wasn't going to quit attacking
bigger dogs. Some chihuahuas will growl and nip at small
children. Good points - chihuahuas are very loyal and
affectionate. They don't require as much exercise as other small
breeds so they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers or older
people. They are good with cats.
Boston Terrier:
Good with children and other animals, the Boston terrier is a
good small dog for families. They are suitable for any lifestyle.
They can be aggressive chewers. Their short coat is easy to keep
clean.
Jack Russell Terrier:
This dog breed is only for the most active owners. They love to
chase balls, can hop onto a table with ease and can be aggressive
if not trained properly. Very intelligent and lively, they
require a lot of attention and discipline.
Maltese:
This small dog breed can be very protective of its owner. It is
not suitable for families with children because they are very
fragile.
Shitzu or Shih tzu:
Good natured and non-aggressive, these friendly little dogs make
great family pets. They require daily brushing but their hair is
non-shedding. Good with other animals.
Bichon Frise:
These little dogs make good family pets. They are good with
children as well as other animals. Very intelligent, easy to
train and lively. Their coat doesn't shred.
Dachshund:
Not a hound but a terrier bred to go after vermin, the breed is
lively and affectionate. Good with family members but will become
aggressive to children outside the family. They make good
watchdogs and will bark frequently to alert their owners.
Pekinese:
Very fierce and loyal, these little dogs are not good around
children or other animals. These are good dogs for the elderly.
Their coats require a good deal of grooming.
Skye Terrier:
Great with children, okay with other dogs but not tolerant of
cats. This unique breed makes a fine pet. Distrustful of
strangers.
Pat Schraier has not only owned Chihuahuas but a cocker spaniel,
a dachshund, a black lab, a boxer, and a terrier mix. Visit the
website http://www.dog-match.com
for breed information, health
care and other resources.
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