Best small dog breeds for families
small dog breeds
Categories:- Dogscare ( small dog breeds )
If you have a family and are looking for a fun and easy dog to care for, small dogs may be a perfect choice. Small dogs do not require as much space as many larger breeds would, making them ideal for those living in apartments or other small areas with their diminutive stature. In addition, caring for a smaller pet requires less time and money than it does to take care of a large breed. If you love the look of a bit of fluffball but aren’t sure whether one will be right for your home, check out our list below of ten popular breeds. We’ve included information on each small dog breeds traits, energy level, and potential health problems so that you can imagine which dog might be best suited for you and your family.
Here are the list of Best small dog breeds for families:
Pug dog
Pugs are known for being affectionate, playful, and entertaining. Their compact size makes them an excellent fit for any living situation, from an apartment to a house with acreage. They need regular exercise but do not require extensive outdoor space. Pugs have a typical lifespan of 12-15 years and can live indoors or outdoors as long as they get enough exercise. As far as health problems go, pugs are prone to eye infections and respiratory problems because of their flat faces and large eyes that don’t allow much airflow through the nose.
Pug dog traits:
- Affectionate, playful, entertaining.
- Daily exercise requirement: Low to moderate.
- Medical problems: Eye infections and respiratory problems.
- Temperament: Lively, loving, alert.
Chihuahua
This Mexican breed is another good choice for families because of its compact size. Chihuahuas love to play and tend to bark a lot, so be prepared for a noisy dog if you bring one home. Because of their small size, chihuahuas should not be left outdoors unattended because they can be injured or killed by other animals or people. They have a lifespan of 15-20 years and will need daily walks and playtime. Their small size makes them a good option for living in an apartment or condo, so long as they get enough exercise to stay healthy.
Chihuahua dog traits:
- Playful, noisy, loyal.
- Temperament: Courageous, alert, lively. Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to high.
- Medical problems: Bladder problems and fractures
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a fluffy breed that loves to play and receives lots of attention from family members. They’re alert and ready for action at all times, so they aren’t a good fit for families with small children or other pets because they might be easily startled. A daily walk will keep them healthy, but they can also be energetic indoor dogs if they get enough exercise. Pomeranians will need grooming every few months to maintain their lustrous coats. They have a typical 12-15 years and do best when kept as indoor pets in safe environments.
Pomeranian dog traits:
- Playful, alert, affectionate.
- Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to high.
- Medical problems: Legg-Perthes disease and cataracts.
- Temperament: Outgoing, lively, animated.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is an energetic and friendly dog that loves to play with children and other pets. They have short hair, which makes them reasonably easy to care for, but they will need regular grooming and brushing because of their flat faces. The Boston Terrier has a typical 10-12 years lifespan and is not suited for outdoor living. They are good indoor dogs but need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Boston Terrier dog traits:
- Playful, alert, affectionate.
- Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to high.
- Medical problems: Cataracts and patellar luxation (slipped kneecap).
- Temperament: Friendly, energetic, alert.
Bulldog
The Bulldog is a popular breed with kids and adults alike because of its human-like facial expressions. Bulldogs are gentle, affectionate, and easy to train but can be stubborn at times. They need daily exercise and enjoy long walks or playtime in the backyard. Daily brushing will keep Bulldogs’ short, shiny coats groomed and healthy. This breed is known to live 10-12 years or more.
Bulldog dog’s traits:
- Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to high.
- Medical problems: Hip dysplasia and heart problems.
- Temperament: Calm, gentle, patient.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful breed with an affectionate personality. They are gentle, playful, and loyal to their families, but they may not be friendly towards other dogs or strangers. Cavaliers have silky coats that will need daily brushing but are generally healthy aside from some eye problems. Because of their long hair, Cavaliers should only be kept indoors. They have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog traits:
- Gentle, affectionate, loyal.
- Daily exercise requirement: Low to moderate.
- Medical problems: Cherry Eye and Heart murmurs.
- Temperament: Intelligent, gentle, loving.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are muscular dogs that need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy. They will protect their families fiercely, so they aren’t suited for homes with small children or other pets. Because of their size, Bullmastiffs are best kept as indoor dogs unless they have enough exercise to burn off their energy. They have a typical lifespan of 7-10 years and might not be suited for first-time owners.
Bullmastiff dog traits:
- Loyal, loving, protective.
- Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to high.
- Medical problems: Hip dysplasia and bloat.
- Temperament: Loyal, calm, patient.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are independent, intelligent dogs with distinctive looks. They aren’t easily startled but can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers if not properly socialized when young. Their coats need daily brushing to keep them from matting, but this breed is generally healthy. Chow Chows have a typical lifespan of 12-15 years and do best as indoor pets.
Chow Chow dog traits:
- Daily exercise requirement: Low to moderate.
- Medical problems: Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems.
- Temperament: Intelligent, independent, loyal.
Collie (Rough)
The Collie originated in Scotland as a herding dog for large flocks of sheep and was brought to the US in the 1800s. They are affectionate, playful, and protective of their families, making them good family dogs. Because of their long coats, Collies will need daily brushings to keep them from matting. This breed is generally healthy but can suffer from eye problems and hip dysplasia.
Collie (Rough) dog traits:
- Loving, gentle, intelligent.
- Temperament: Outgoing, loyal, sensitive. Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to high.
- Medical problems: Uveodermatologic syndrome, deafness.
Dachshund (Long Haired)
Dachshund owners, beware! If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, this is not the breed for you! Long Haired Dachshunds need daily brushing and grooming to keep their coats from matting. They can be loyal, loving, and playful but might be too small for children. Because of their size, they are best suited as indoor dogs and have a typical lifespan of 12-15 years.
Dachshund (Long Haired) dog traits:
- Loving, patient, playful.
- Daily exercise requirement: Moderate to High.
- Medical problems: Intervertebral disk disease, back problems.
- Temperament: Inquisitive, alert, charming.
FAQs:
Question: Is a Bullmastiff the same breed as a Bandog Mastiff?
Answer: No, they are different breeds. The Bullmastiff is originally from England and was bred to hunt large game such as deer and wild boar. The Bandog Mastiff is originally from Europe and has more in common with the English Mastiff than the Bullmastiff.
Question: How much grooming does a Collie (Rough) need?
Answer: A Rough Collie will need daily brushing to keep their coats from matting. But, they shed year-round, so owners should be prepared for dog hair on furniture and carpets.
Question: What breed is the dog in the picture above?
Answer: The dog pictured is a German Sheppard. He’s an intelligent, loyal dog that needs moderate exercise but has a long coat that requires daily brushing and combing.
Question: Is a Toy Poodle different from a Miniature Poodle? Which one is best suited as a family pet? How many years do they typically live? Are they hypoallergenic?
Answer: The Toy Poodle is smaller than the Miniature Poodle and doesn’t shed, but both are friendly breeds with average exercise requirements. They can be hypoallergenic if their coats are clipped regularly. The life expectancy for both species is 12-15 years.
Question: Is a Dachshund (Long Haired) the same breed as a Dachsund (Short Haired)? What’s the difference in temperament between these two breeds? Do they require daily grooming to prevent matting in their coats?
Answer: A Long Haired Dachshund and a Short Haired Dachsund come from the same litter and are part of the same breed. They have a similar temperament and will need daily brushing to prevent matting. These breeds can be loving, loyal, and playful but are best suited as indoor pets due to their size. The average lifespan for both species is 12-15 years.
What should be in a dog:
- Healthy diet
- Clean water
- Unlimited playtime
- A good family environment to run around in and have fun.
Conclusion:
A dog is a loving and affectionate animal. It is essential to thoroughly research the breed you are planning to get before purchasing one because each species has unique traits that may not be attractive or desirable to certain people.
Did you know:
The first dogs were brought over from Asia to North American approximately 10,000 years ago.
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