Let's discover the ten breeds of miniature dogs, their characters, their main defects and qualities. These are dogs with a fairly long life expectancy, as is the case with all small breeds, as long as the master gives his little companion the care he needs. The food must be adapted to the animal of course, to its stature, activity and age. In order for the dog to live a long and healthy life, it is ideal that it receive regular veterinary care.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua holds the record as the smallest dog in the world. Its length, from the muzzle to the tip of the tail, does not exceed 21 cm for a height at the withers of 15 to 22 cm. Its maximum weight can reach at most 3 kg, some of these dogs weighing only 800 g. He has a great character so that despite his small size he occupies an impressive place in his master's life. A little too spoiled sometimes he can take very bad habits. The Chihuahua - like many other dogs - needs to be educated. He is fearless, capricious sometimes, not always very conciliatory with children, but he is also courageous and despite his small size, he is resistant to many diseases. Its life expectancy is between 14 and 18 years.
The Miniature Spitz
With its airs of small teddy bear, this dog is nicknamed Loulou of Pomerania. It weighs at most 2 to 3 kg and does not exceed 21 cm. He is known for his bad temper. It is a born runaway, so it is essential to have a yard or a garden completely closed. This ball of energy that needs to be exercised every day is faithful and covers its master with affection. His big fault is to bark a lot without any reason. It is thus essential to educate him as soon as possible so that he does not disturb the family life, nor the neighborhood. Its life expectancy is 14 years on average.
The Maltese
This small ball of hair of an immaculate white has a maximum weight of 3,5 to 4 kg and measures at most 24 cm. Extremely loyal to its owners, it is very affectionate. It is said to be able to read on their face the least of their emotions. Intelligent, sensitive, courageous, the Maltese can put his life in danger to defend his master. Easy to live with, it is dynamic and can even be fearless when played with. Its life expectancy is about 15 years.
The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, long-haired dog that measures no more than 25 cm for the female and 27 cm for the male, and weighs between 4 and 8 kg at most. This "lion dog" (that's what its name means in Tibetan), is quite calm and very affectionate, it needs a fairly serene master. Patient, voluntary with sometimes a little bit of obstinacy, he has a joyful character and likes to play a lot. The Shih Tzu likes any environment, house, apartment, countryside, city. Sociable, he hates solitude. Of good constitution, it is not particularly fragile. Its life expectancy is between 11 and 14 years.
The Yorkshire Terrier
This dog among the smallest weighs only 2 to 3 kg in adulthood for a maximum length of 15 to 25 cm. The Yorkshire Terrier has a strong character and is not particularly patient with children. It is sometimes cantankerous and generally stubborn. But this does not prevent him from being affectionate with his master. It is a dog that barks a lot, so it is important to teach him to channel himself. Courageous, it does not hesitate to hunt some rodents like the rat if the occasion is given to him. On the health side, he is quite exposed to joint problems. Its life expectancy is estimated at about fifteen years.
The Little Brabançon
This small short-haired dog has a maximum height of 24 cm for a weight of 3 to 6 kg. It is thus a small but robust size. Muscular, it does not hesitate to be active. He likes to play and shows a great temerity even with imposing dogs. A little bit stubborn and sometimes fickle, he must be educated as soon as possible, especially since it may allow him to support more easily the presence of children. It is even necessary to be vigilant when the family counts very young children. Close to his master, he is faithful, affectionate, and prefers not to spend too much time away from him. It does not like solitude. This dog enjoys a solid health. Its life expectancy is 13 years.
The Russkiy Toy or Russian Toy Terrier
It is also called small Russian dog. It measures from 20 to 25 cm and weighs at most 2 to 3 kg. Intelligent, patient, docile, affectionate, sociable with everyone including strangers, it is an adorable little companion who gets along with other animals. He likes to live in an apartment or in a house with a garden. Energetic, he likes to spend himself daily. It is a small dog which is very easily trained. It does not present any particular vulnerability on the health plan. Its life expectancy is 11 to 12 years.
The Toy Poodle
A small curly-haired dog, the Toy Poodle measures about 24 cm and weighs 2 to 4 kg. We do not know him any defect in terms of character. We can at most reproach him to bark a little too much without reason. A habit that he can never take if he is educated early enough, which is very easy because he is obedient and intelligent. He is also affectionate, always jovial, very balanced, he loves to play and is never aggressive. It is a particularly sociable dog that can accompany its master everywhere. It is better not to leave him too long without company because he hates solitude and inactivity. Its life expectancy is about 12 or 13 years.
The Miniature Dachshund
This muscular dog measures an average of 27 cm at the withers and weighs only 4 kg at most. The Miniature Dachshund has a balanced personality. They love to play and are very affectionate, even with children. However, he can be reproached for being a little possessive and barking frequently without reason, which can disturb the peace of the neighborhood. We therefore advise to educate this dog from a young age and with a certain firmness. As far as health is concerned, he can be fragile at the level of the rachis. Its life expectancy is about 13 years.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It is a small breed dog with long hair that measures between 25 and 34 cm for a maximum weight of 6 kg. It is classified in the category of pleasure spaniels. Intelligent, it breathes the joy of living and is very affectionate. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves to cuddle. However, he is relatively reserved with strangers. He likes to play with children and enjoys their company. He is very easy to train which is a plus for the owners who are not very patient. Its life expectancy is on average 11 years.
Don't get me wrong, it's not because these dogs are small that they don't need to be active. Sure, they can live in apartments and urban environments, but like any larger dog they need activity. It is very important for their development and health. Sedentary life is not good for the owner or the dog, no matter how small, so this is an excellent reason to share a daily walk outside, with a few games, so that everyone can get some exercise.
