| Are you thinking of getting a small dog? Are you | | | | These dogs weigh about 14 pounds and love to be |
| wondering what the most popular small dog breeds | | | | included in everything the family does. Like many |
| are? And why do so many people prefer a small | | | | terriers it is a great watchdog, but because of its |
| dog? | | | | size it has little protection ability. |
| People get small dogs for various reasons. It could be | | | | The Miniature Schnauzer is also a good dog with |
| they enjoy a small dog that is easier to handle, easier | | | | children, like the Shih Tzu, and very affectionate, just |
| to travel with, and cheaper to feed. Many who live in | | | | like the next most popular breed, the Chihuahua. |
| cities prefer a small dog because they don't have a | | | | Chihuahuas are the eleventh most popular dog breed |
| lot of living space. | | | | in the United States, and make great companions. |
| These are all good reasons to get a small dog. | | | | Most insist on being wherever you are, and will follow |
| Others reasons could include that you want a lapdog. | | | | you throughout the house. |
| Almost every breed listed here makes an excellent | | | | Chihuahuas tend to be intensely devoted to one |
| lapdog. They all make great companions. | | | | person. There are some who will only love that one |
| What are the most favorite small dog breeds? It | | | | person and others who will love the entire family. |
| might interest you to know that the second most | | | | Pugs are the next most favorite small dog breed, |
| popular dog in the United States is a small dog. | | | | appearing at number 13 on the AKC list. They are |
| According to the AKC the Yorkshire Terrier jumped | | | | also great companions, and love to sit in your lap. |
| from third favorite to second favorite in 2006. They | | | | The Pug cannot tolerate heat or humidity. In fact, |
| overtook Golden Retrievers for that second spot. | | | | heat will kill them faster than it does other breeds |
| It should really come as no surprise that these little | | | | because of their pushed in snout. So if you live in a |
| dogs are adored by so many people. With their zesty | | | | hot climate keep that in mind. |
| personality and penchant for adventure, they are a | | | | Pomeranians and Boston Terriers are numbers 14 and |
| very fun and playful dog breed. | | | | 15. Pomeranians weigh only about five pounds and |
| Second most popular small dog is the Dachshund. | | | | Boston Terriers weigh about 15 pounds, although |
| Weighing in at just eleven pounds they are the sixth | | | | some are larger. |
| favorite dog in the United States. They, too, have a | | | | Like many of the small breeds, these two also make |
| bold and adventurous personality. | | | | excellent companions and lapdogs, and want to be |
| The Poodle comes next at position eight. They weigh | | | | with their family. Like the other small dogs, they |
| only four to eight pounds, just right for sitting in your | | | | should not live outdoors. |
| lap and being your companion (both of which they | | | | The Maltese is the tenth most favorite small breed. |
| love to do). If you get a Poodle you will find they | | | | They rose to position 18 on the AKC's most popular |
| want to be wherever you are. | | | | dog breed list in 2006. And like the other small dogs, |
| Like the other small dog breeds they should not be | | | | they also love to be your companion and sit in your |
| left outdoors. They cannot tolerate cold, and they will | | | | lap. |
| be miserable if separated from their family. | | | | So there they are, the ten most popular small dog |
| The next most favorite small dog is the Shih Tzu, | | | | breeds. After learning a little about them, they are |
| ninth most favorite dog in the United States. These | | | | basically lapdogs, companion dogs, and indoor dogs. |
| dogs were originally bred to be lapdogs, so if you | | | | These dogs are each precious and each can make a |
| want a dog that is affectionate, will sit happily in your | | | | wonderful pet if you are willing to share your life with |
| lap, and loves children, this is a good choice. | | | | them and give them the love and attention they |
| The Miniature Schnauzer is the tenth favorite dog. | | | | require. |