Small Breeds

The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) is a small to medium-sized breed known for its unique hairless appearance, although a coated variety also exists. Originally developed from the Rat Terrier, the AHT is characterized by its lively and energetic demeanor. They are an affectionate and intelligent breed, often forming strong bonds with their families. Their hairless skin can come in a variety of colors and patterns, making each individual unique.

The Basenji is a unique and ancient breed known for its hunting prowess and distinctive vocalization, often referred to as a "barroo" due to its lack of a typical bark. Originating from Central Africa, particularly the Congo region, Basenjis were bred for hunting small game, showcasing their keen intelligence and agility. They are often considered one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, with a history spanning thousands of years. The breed is recognized for its graceful, athletic build, and is often referred to as the "barkless dog" because of its unusual vocalization.

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog breed known for its playful and affectionate nature. With a history that dates back to the Mediterranean region, they were originally bred as companion dogs. The Bichon Frise is characterized by its soft, curly coat resembling a cotton ball, which gives it a distinctive appearance. They are well-suited to family environments and often thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention.

The Bolognese is a small, toy breed that originated in Italy. Known for its distinctive fluffy white coat, the Bolognese is part of the Bichon family and is often recognized for its charming appearance and lively personality. This breed is known for its affectionate nature and strong bond with its human companions. The Bolognese is a relatively rare breed, making it a unique choice for dog lovers.

The Boston Terrier is a small, compact breed known for its friendly disposition and distinctive tuxedo-like markings. Often referred to as the "American Gentleman," this breed was developed in the late 19th century in Boston, Massachusetts, through the crossing of the English Bulldog and the now-extinct English Terrier. Boston Terriers are recognized for their playful demeanor, intelligence, and adaptability to various living situations, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant toy breed known for its friendly disposition and affectionate nature. They were originally bred in England as companions for royalty, and their charming appearance and gentle demeanor make them a popular choice for families and individuals alike. With a history that dates back to the 16th century, this breed has maintained its regal bearing while also being known for its playful and loving personality.

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, recognized for its diminutive size and big personality. Originating from Mexico, this breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are known for their alertness, loyalty, and distinctively expressive faces. They come in a variety of coat types, including both smooth and long-haired varieties, and can exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns.

The Coton de Tulear is a small, lively dog breed known for its cheerful demeanor and cotton-like coat. Originating from Madagascar, this breed was named after the port city of Tulear, where it was first developed. The Coton de Tulear is often recognized for its affectionate nature and strong bond with its family. They typically weigh between 8 to 13 pounds and stand about 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their gentle, playful disposition makes them excellent companions, particularly for families and individuals seeking a small, friendly dog.

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its playful and affectionate nature. Originating from Cuba, the Havanese is part of the Bichon family and has a rich history, often associated with the Cuban aristocracy. They have a long, silky coat that can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, chocolate, and combinations of these. Havanese dogs are often described as being both charming and lively, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog that is known for its elegance and grace. This breed is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to ancient times, and is believed to have originated in Italy. Italian Greyhounds are characterized by their sleek, slender bodies and long legs, giving them a refined appearance. They typically stand between 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 7 to 14 pounds. Their short, smooth coat can come in a variety of colors, including fawn, blue, black, and white, often with markings.

The Japanese Chin is a toy dog breed known for its elegant appearance and charming demeanor. This breed has a rich history, believed to have been brought to Japan from China as a companion for nobility. They are characterized by their small size, typically weighing between 4 to 9 pounds and standing about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. The Japanese Chin has a distinctive long, flowing coat that is soft and silky, often adorned with a feathered tail that curls over the back. Their expressive eyes and refined features contribute to their overall regal look.

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its long, silky white coat and charming demeanor. Originating from the Mediterranean region, specifically Malta, this breed has been cherished for centuries as a companion dog. The Maltese is recognized for its affectionate nature and playful spirit, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

The Miniature Pinscher, often referred to as the "King of the Toys," is a small, elegant breed known for its spirited personality and distinctive appearance. Originating from Germany, this breed was initially developed to control vermin in homes and stables. Despite its name, the Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher; rather, it is a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics and history.

The Norfolk Terrier is a small, sturdy, and energetic breed that belongs to the terrier group. Originating from England, this breed was primarily developed for hunting small game, such as rodents and other vermin. The Norfolk Terrier is often confused with the Norwich Terrier, but they can be distinguished by the presence of drop ears in the Norfolk. These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and adaptability, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.

The Papillon is a small, elegant dog known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, which are large and fringed with long hair. This breed is part of the toy group and typically weighs between 5 to 10 pounds. Papillons have a long, flowing coat that can come in various colors, including white with patches of any color, particularly black, lemon, or red. They are known for their lively and charming demeanor, often described as a spirited companion.

The Pekingese is a small, toy breed that originated in China, often associated with the imperial courts. Known for its long, flowing coat and distinctive flat face, the Pekingese was bred to be a companion dog, prized for its regal appearance and charming demeanor. They typically weigh between 7 to 14 pounds and have a sturdy, compact body with a characteristic lion-like mane.

The Pomeranian is a small, fluffy dog that belongs to the Spitz family, known for its lively personality and striking appearance. Originating from the Pomerania region in Northern Europe, these dogs were bred from larger Spitz breeds and have become popular as companion animals. Pomeranians typically weigh between 3 to 7 pounds and stand about 6 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their double coat is a hallmark feature, consisting of a thick, soft undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat that gives them a distinctive, fluffy appearance. Pomeranians come in a variety of colors, including orange, black, cream, blue, and sable.

The Miniature Poodle is one of the three sizes of the Poodle breed, which also includes Standard and Toy. This breed was originally developed in Germany as a water retriever, but it gained popularity in France, where it became a symbol of sophistication and intelligence. The Miniature Poodle is known for its elegant appearance, intelligence, and versatility. Typically, this breed stands between 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 10 to 15 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, apricot, and gray, and are recognized for their distinctive curly coat, which is hypoallergenic and sheds minimally.

The Pug is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its distinctive wrinkled face, curled tail, and compact body. They are part of the Toy Group and have a charming, expressive appearance that often endears them to dog lovers. Pugs were originally bred in China and have a history that dates back to the Han Dynasty. They were later brought to Europe, where they became popular among royalty and the upper classes. Pugs are characterized by their playful nature and affectionate demeanor, making them great companions.

The Russian Toy is a small and elegant breed that originated in Russia, where it was developed as a companion dog. Known for its charming appearance and lively personality, the Russian Toy comes in two coat varieties: smooth and long-haired. This breed is quite rare outside of its native region but has gained popularity in various parts of Europe and the world as a loving and devoted pet. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, and they thrive on human companionship.

The Schipperke is a small, compact dog breed that originated in Belgium. Often referred to as the "little captain," this breed was historically used as a watchdog and a ratter on boats and in homes. Schipperkes are known for their fox-like faces, pricked ears, and thick double coat, which gives them a distinctive and adorable appearance. They are a member of the Non-Sporting Group and are recognized by various kennel clubs around the world.

The Shetland Sheepdog, often referred to as the "Sheltie," is a small to medium-sized herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. This breed was developed primarily for herding sheep and other livestock, making them agile, intelligent, and highly trainable. Shelties are known for their beautiful double coats, resembling a miniature Rough Collie, and they have a distinctively expressive face. They are loyal companions and often form close bonds with their families.

The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized breed originating from Japan, known for its spirited personality and fox-like appearance. Originally bred for hunting, the Shiba Inu has a rich history and is one of the oldest and smallest native Japanese dog breeds. With a well-proportioned, compact body and a curled tail, they exhibit a confident and alert demeanor. Their coat, which can be red, sesame (red with black-tipped hairs), black and tan, or cream, is dense and weather-resistant, making them suitable for various climates.

The Shih Tzu is a small, toy breed known for its charming appearance and friendly demeanor. Originally bred in China as a companion dog, the Shih Tzu has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years, often associated with royalty. They are characterized by their long, flowing double coat, short muzzle, and large, expressive eyes. Shih Tzus are affectionate and thrive on human companionship, making them excellent lap dogs.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a lively and energetic breed that was originally developed in England for hunting and vermin control. Known for their agility and keen hunting instincts, these dogs are often characterized by their lively disposition and determination. They have a rich history dating back to the 19th century, where they were bred from various terriers, including the Old English Terrier and the Bull Terrier. The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog, recognized for its distinctive appearance and confident demeanor.

The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the Westie, is a small, sturdy dog breed that originated in Scotland. Known for their distinctive white coat and playful demeanor, Westies were originally bred for hunting small game, particularly vermin. They are characterized by their lively and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Their compact size and cheerful disposition have contributed to their popularity as a pet around the world.

The Yorkshire Terrier, often affectionately known as the "Yorkie," is a small dog breed that originated in England in the 19th century. Originally bred for catching rats in clothing mills and mines, the Yorkie's charming appearance and lively personality have made it a popular companion dog. They are known for their long, silky coats that can be styled in various ways, and their compact, graceful stature.