We think that dogs are man’s best friend, but what exactly are they? Dogs can come in many different breeds but are designated within a single species — Canis lupus familiaris.
Because dogs were often bred for specific traits and skills, many developed distinct attributes. Some of these traits can include being generally small in size and having very adorable features.
In this article we will look at the most popular small dog breeds that are just so darn cute. Let’s start reading!
Contents
- 1. American Eskimo Dog
- 2. Bedlington Terriers
- 3. American Hairless Terrier
- 4. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- 5. The Basenji, Africa’s “Barkless Dog,”
- 6. Beagle
- 7. Australian Terrier
- 8. Bichon Frise
- 9. Boston Terrier
- 10. Border Terrier
- Conclusion
List of 10 the cutest small dog breeds.
1. American Eskimo Dog
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the American Eskimo Dog is typically between 11 to 15 years.
Description of the breed
The American Eskimo Dog can get between 17 and 23 inches tall and weigh 18 to 40 pounds when fully grown. The length of their body should be about two-thirds the length of their height. They have a thick coat that lies flat on their body. Their thick coat gives them a fuzzy appearance. American Eskimo is one of the Small white dog breeds along with Poodles, and Bichons Frise.
History
The American Eskimo Dog is thought to have been bred from German Spitz dogs, brought over by European immigrants in the early 20th century. The first American Eskimo dog was shown at an obedience trial in 1886 by F.F. Hildt, who called the breed “Spitz” but later changed it to “American Spitz.” He also trademarked the name “American Eskimo Dog.”
Takeaway Bonus
Because they were bred to be companion dogs, the American Eskimo dog gets along well with children and other animals and makes for a good watchdog.
2. Bedlington Terriers
Life Expectancy
Bedlington Terriers are generally healthy dogs that live 12 to 14 years.
Description of the breed
The Bedlington Terrier is an intelligent and affectionate breed that craves companionship and attention from its owner. These dogs are active indoors and will do best with a moderate daily walk. They enjoy long walks or jogging with their owners. This small dog breed may not do well without exercise or stimulation and can become destructive without proper outlets for their energy or attention.
History
The Bedlington Terrier is a toy dog breed of terrier type. Bred in the 19th century in Bedlington, Northumberland, England, it is recognized by the Kennel Club (England) and the United Kennel Club.
Takeaway Bonus
The breed is generally described as a happy and playful little dog with lots of character. They are usually well-tempered and friendly towards children and other dogs. However, their hunting instincts can make them quite boisterous when playing and excited.
3. American Hairless Terrier
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of an American Hairless Terrier is 12 to 15 years.
Description of the breed
The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) is a breed of hairless dog that originated in the United States. These Terriers are members of the terrier family but were specifically bred to hunt small vermin such as rats, squirrels, and rabbits. The American Hairless Terrier is a rare breed and has not been recognized by any major kennel clubs.
History
The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) was first bred in the United States in 1983 by Ed Dubiel. He created a cross between an English White Terrier and a Rat Terrier with hopes of producing a hairless dog capable of hunting rodents more efficiently than both breeds separately. Although its hairlessness makes it unsuitable for cold climates, the American Hairless Terrier has been used in warmer areas such as Louisiana, where they are used in rabbit hunting competitions.
Takeaway Bonus
American Hairless Terriers are fast learners who are eager to please. They have no problems learning tricks or performing tasks around the house, such as retrieving objects or opening cabinets.
4. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Life Expectancy
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s life expectancy is typically 12 to 15 years.
Description of the breed
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog bred in Wales for herding and watching over cattle. It has a natural, innate desire to herd, so if you have a more oversized lot with some open space for it to run free, you’ll have no problem with an escape artist.
This breed is a mix between two separate species: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which is known as a cattle dog, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which is more of a sheepdog. The Cardigan Welsh Corgis are small dogs that don’t grow much and are perfect for people living in apartment buildings.
History
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed of dog that stays small and has originated in Wales. These small dogs have been around since at least the 12th century. Farmers would use them to herd cattle and other livestock. The dogs were also used to guard castles and homes. Queen Elizabeth II has owned several Cardigans, including one named Dookie that even had his fan club.
Takeaway Bonus
If you are looking for a low-maintenance small dog breed that doesn’t shed much, this is your pick! Overall, these energetic dogs make lovely family pets and are great with children if you teach them how to be gentle with your pup from an early age. Although they’re not known for their bark — it’s more of a yodel — they will alert you when someone is approaching.
5. The Basenji, Africa’s “Barkless Dog,”
Life Expectancy
The Basenji’s life expectancy is typically 12 to 15 years.
Description of the breed
The Basenji breed was first brought to the United States in 1937, and it didn’t achieve AKC recognition until 1955. They are still relatively rare, but they are one of the most popular breeds in Europe.
Basenjis is one of the best small dog breeds with short hair. It has a short muzzle and erect ears, and it comes in all colors except merle or liver. This dog weighs about 15 pounds for males and 12 pounds for females and stands about 14 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 13 inches tall for females.
History
The Basenji is an old breed that was first seen as early as AD 500. Its native region is Africa, particularly the Congo River Basin area of Central Africa. It is a dog that was initially used in hunting by African tribesmen. These dogs would hunt independently of their human companions because they could get close enough to the prey without scaring them away.
Teddy Roosevelt is credited with giving the breed its name by combining the word “basenji,” which means “bush” in an African dialect, with the “-ndi” suffix for “little.” The breed’s common name in other languages also derives from this, such as “bandziji” in Lingala, spoken by many Bantu-speaking people in Africa.
Takeaway Bonus
The Basenji Club of America describes the Basenji as an alert, self-confident, energetic, and playful breed that is friendly and good with children. They tend to bond with one person or family but do get along well with other dogs if raised with them from puppyhood.
6. Beagle
Life Expectancy
Beagles live, on average, for 12 to 15 years.
Description of the breed
Beagles are intelligent but single-minded; they are purposeful but stubborn; they are calm yet independent. This small dog breed can learn tricks quickly but often show little interest in doing so. They play hard and eat hard but sleep soundly all night long, but when it comes time to work, they work hard. Beagles have tremendous noses and love to use them, so training should focus on harnessing their natural abilities instead of trying to break their spirit, as many owners unfortunately do.
History
Beagles are a type of dog breed in the United States and Britain. They were favored as hunting, trapping, and livestock-herding dogs, but they also became popular pets in London. Beagles have short, flat heads with small ears and a solid muzzle for digging. Their eyes are tiny black ovals, and their ears are large and floppy.
Takeaway Bonus
The beagle’s personality is friendly, playful, curious, and easygoing. Beagles can be assertive or reserved around strangers but usually warm up quickly to new people.
7. Australian Terrier
Life Expectancy
It has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Description of the breed
The Australian Terrier has a confident expression, wedge-shaped head, and powerful jaws. Its legs are moderately short, and its body is compact. The coat has a wire-coated texture and comes in tan or red with white markings on the face, chest, and feet.
History
The breed is descended from the Manchester Terrier and the Smithfield, now extinct. This breed was bred in Australia from dogs brought from England in the 19th century.
Takeaway Bonus
If you’re looking for an energetic breed that will become attached to your family, the Australian Terrier is worth considering. This breed needs a lot of exercise and attention to keep it happy.
8. Bichon Frise
Life Expectancy
Bichons are generally a healthy breed and have a 14 to 16 years life expectancy.
Description of the breed
The Bichon Frise is a small dog that weighs between seven and 11 pounds. These small dogs are sturdy and well built with long legs with large round feet. The coat of the Bichon Frise is soft and fluffy and can come in any one of over 30 different colors or combinations, including black, gray, white, brown, tan, red, or apricot. The hair on this dog is very fine and sometimes appears to be silk-like. The coat has lots of layers which helps to protect this dog from fleas or other parasites.
History
The Bichon Frise is a small, white dog with a curly, fluffy coat that originated in the Mediterranean. The breed’s name comes from the French word for “curly lap dog.” After the French Revolution, many Bichon Frises were exported to Belgium and England. The breed spread to America in the early 20th century. Moustache, a white Bichon Frise, made history by onboarding the Titanic and Lusitania.
Takeaway Bonus
A Bichon Frise is not a good choice for homes with small children who don’t understand how to handle a dog. A Bichon Frise will do best in a home with another friendly dog or cat because they enjoy the company of other pets and animals in general.
9. Boston Terrier
Life Expectancy
Life Expectancy:12 to 16 years
Description of the breed
Boston Terriers are usually between 10 and 14 inches tall and weigh around 20 pounds (8.5 kg). They are long-haired, with a short and smooth outer coat and a soft, woolly undercoat. The Boston’s skin is black or brown, while their eyes can be brown, blue, or hazel. The Boston Terrier has a square head with a deep muzzle, small nose, large eyes, and erect ears that hang close to the head.
History
The Boston Terrier was originally bred for ratting competitions in the 1800s. Instead of being imported from England, the Boston Terrier was bred in Boston, where it was called the American Bulldog.
This breed became popular among America’s upper class during the early 1900s because of its playful personality, devotion, and loyalty despite its size. However, its popularity declined during World War II because most dogs of this breed could not serve their roles.
Takeaway Bonus
Tough but gentle, Bostons are good family dogs and playful with kids. Bostons are intelligent, strong-willed, and often mischievous. They can be stubborn but generally respond well to training. They shed moderately.
10. Border Terrier
Life Expectancy
They can live between 12 and 15 years with proper care.
Description of the breed
The Border Terrier is an intelligent, independent, and energetic breed. They are fearless and love to dig. They are bred in several coat types, but their thick coats require regular grooming.
This breed is highly active and has a strong prey drive. This small dog breed needs lots of exercise to maintain their health. Border Terriers can live indoors with the right amount of activity, but they’re known as farm dogs that can chase away vermin and guard your home.
History
All Border Terriers were born of a litter of three puppies born on the banks of the River Tweed in Northumberland in England. The parents were a Scottish Terrier named Smiler and a rough-coated black-and-tan bitch called Tweed, owned by the McIlroy family.
Their owners were from different parts of the country, but their dogs had mated. The puppies’ mother died after giving birth to her brood. Because of their unique background and heritage, these pups became known as Border Terriers.
Takeaway Bonus
They are also called the “noble terrier” for their courage and tenacity. If you’re looking for a dog that will stand up for you, then this might be the perfect breed for you.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds are a popular choice for families with children and people who live in small apartments. They do not require as much exercise as larger dogs, and they are easier to travel.
Small dogs also have a long history of being man’s best friend, guarding his home while away, or sleeping alongside him at night.
