Our Top 10 Picks for Small Dog Breeds

Here’s our top 10 picks for small dog breeds. There are lots of advantages to small dogs. It’s no surprise these gental creatures are being recognised more and more as ‘part of the family’. As the age of the quarter acre block vanishes cats and small dogs are a practical option.

1. Pomeranian (Yes I’m bias)

The Pomeranian is a small, Spitz-type toy dog named after the Pomerania region of Northern Poland and Eastern Germany. They’re very playful, active, friendly and intelligent. They’re incredibly smart, loyal and very loving. Because of their fine thick coat they need a good brush once a week before their bath. They make a loyal companion and will happily follow you were ever you go.
Life Expectancy: between 12 to 16 years, but a well-fed, well-loved and often exercised pup has been know to live even longer.
Colours: black, rust and white.

2. Jack Russell Terrier 

These little pocket rockets are small and spirited pups from the terrier family. Compact, muscular and full of energy, Jack Russells are known as the small dog with the big attitude.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a tenacious and strong minded darlings. Well-balanced and alert, they reflect their hunting history in the amount of exercise they need. If you’re not into exercise and or don’t think you would have time to walk them at least once a day, they may not be the breed for you.
Life Expectancy: average between 13 to 16 years
Colours: white, black & white, white & Tan

3. French bulldog 

Oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has enjoyed a long history as a companion dog. First breed in England as a miniature Bulldog. They need lots of company so they’re a great addition to any family. They’re fairly low maintenance and very playful but have lots of energy so they will need a good walk so make sure you’re up-to it!
Life Expectancy: average between 11 to 14 years
Colours: white, brindle, fawn, tan, brindle & white

4. Italian Greyhound

They are thought to have originated as long as 2,000 years ago in Italy, the breed was primarily bred as a companion dog, highly prized for its amiable temperament and energy. Their temperament is affectionate, agile, athletic and intelligent. However, if you’re consider having one join the family it’s important to know Greyhound’s lack of undercoat and general body fat makes this breed susceptible to extreme temperatures, so it is essential they always live indoors and rug up in winter.
Life Expectancy: average between 12 to 15 years.
Colours: black, fawn, chocolate, sable, blue fawn, slate grey.

5. Pug

The Pug originated in China. They became very popular in Queen Victoria’s rain, she had many Pugs. Compact and sturdy they are docile, stubborn, clever, sociable, quiet and playful. How ever don’t expect a Pug to hunt, guard or retrieve. That’s not their thing there specialty is lap dog.
Life Expectancy: average between 12 to 15 years. Colours: black, fawn, apricot, silver fawn

6. Chihuahua

This little pooch likes nothing more than spending time with its owners and is a great snuggler. It will happily do whatever you do and loves a daily walk, although the breed doesn’t need lots of exercise. They can feel the cold more than other dogs and have been known to creep under the blankets at night.
Life Expectancy: average between 12 to 20 years.
Colours: black, white, fawn, chocolate, cream, gold

7. Maltese

Maltese are playful, Intelligent, fearless and very sweet in tempered. Devoted to his family and as one of the smallest of the dog breeds is very suited to apartment living. Originally from Italy and Mediterranean. A great companion dogs.
Life Expectancy: average between 12 to 15 years.
Colour: white

8. Brussels Griffon

Named for it’s city of origin Brussells. Famous for it’s part in the movie, “As Good as It Gets”. An alert watchdog, the Brussels Griffon can be shy with guests or new situations. So socialisation is a must.
Life Expectancy: average between 10 to 15 years.
Colours: black, black & tan, blue, brown, red, belge

9. Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle, small, smart, lively and known for it’s thick, tightly curly coat. The Miniature Poodle is a smaller version of the Poodle, believed to have originated in Germany. Their breed was developed to find and dig up truffles, a common practice in England, Spain and France in the 1800s. Those that weren’t put to work ended up becoming the companion animals to the aristocracy, and the beginnings of the Poodle hair design tradition.
Life Expectancy: average between 12 to 15 years.
Colours: white, brown, black, silver, red, mahogany, cream, beige and brindle.

10. Dachshund

Originally from Germany, these tenacious little fellows were bred as hunting dogs for small prey. Sometimes called sausage dogs, for obvious reasons. They are an indoor dog and are very socialble so aren’t suited to be left along all day. They can be stubborn so they may not always obey so they’ll need to know you are in charge.
Life Expectancy: between 12 to 16 years. There are 3 varieties: smooth, wire-haired and long-haired.
Colours:  black, brown, red, sable, brindle