Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but small dogs have an innate ability to win the hearts of pet lovers the world over. Breeds like the Pug and the Chihuahua are unique not only for their short stature, but also for their origins and other exceptional characteristics and traits.
Pomeranian
Officially classified as toy dog breed, the Pomeranian’s fluffy appearance and friendly demeanor has been enticing pet owners since the 17th century. The breed commonly occupied the opulent palaces of England’s Queen Victoria during the monarch’s 63-year reign. Today they reside in the homes of everyone from everyday citizens to celebrities and remain one of the most iconic small breeds in the world.
The direct result of downward breeding from larger, thick-coated dogs, a Pomeranian generally weighs no more than 7 pounds. Possessing energetic personalities and requiring little exercise, they’re ideal household companions—albeit ones that demand your constant attention. They also make great apartment dogs, as they don’t require much space to live comfortably.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are intelligent specimens that are at a constant state of alert. They sport a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing them to possess distinctive appearances. The breed shares its name with its home state of Chihuahua, Mexico.
Chihuahuas are the perfect companion breed because of their personable nature and energy. They’ve also been known to express themselves vocally at times, particularly when confronted with things foreign to them. They’re perfect for urban living thanks to their minimal exercise requirements and compact size. Their average weight of 6 pounds makes carrying them an easy and often required task. Also, their lengthy 15-20 year lifespan ensures their place as your loyal companion for many years to come.
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Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer’s inception can be traced back to early 19th century Germany, the result of cross-breeding between the Standard Schnauzer and smaller breeds such as the Miniature Poodle and Affenpinscher. The most instantly recognizable external traits of the breed are its iconic shaggy beard and bushy hair around its eyes.
Miniature Schnauzers are known to possess a spunky and playful personality that can make them ideal household companions. Owners will take solace in the fact that the breed typically experiences minimal shedding, which is virtually unnoticeable. The breed generally contains black, black-silver or “salt and pepper” coloring on its double coat of hair, and dogs typically weigh no more than 15 pounds.
Pug
Hailing from China, Pugs are eternally charismatic and boast a strong personality. Originally bred to be exclusively owned by Chinese emperors, Pugs were brought to Europe by the East India Trading Company, and they quickly became a popular pet for European nobility. Numerous period portraits depict various aristocrats and luminaries posing with their Pugs, undeniable evidence of the breed’s impact on history.
Sporting an iconic short-muzzled visage, the Pug’s beloved squashed facial features have enabled it to win the hearts of countless dog owners around the world. They tend to express themselves via a series of snorts and wheezes and are unfortunately susceptible to additional ailments that accompany a short facial construction.
Note: Breed information gathered from various online sources.