"Small Dog Breeds Information and Toy Puppy Training Tips"

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Picture of Some Popular Small Dog Breeds

Generally, small dog breeds are types of dogs that can be considered as Toy Dogs or Companion Dogs. These small dogs are called Toy Dogs because they are recognized by Kennel Clubs under Toy Group. They are relatively small that can be kept in the house, to be held in the arms or lie comfortably on a person's lap. This is the reason that they are also called as Lap Dogs.

Over the centuries, these small dogs were kept in many societies around the world as a companion with no working function. They are mainly kept by the wealthy or the nobility as pets, fashion accessories and status symbols.

For examples, the Pekingese lapdogs that were bred in ancient China is one of the oldest breeds of dog. For centuries, they could be owned only by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace. Ancestors of a few other small dogs like Tibetan Terrier, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu were also have the same functions like Pekingese lap dogs in ancient China.

In other part of the world, English Nobility kept the small dogs which were the ancestors of the modern breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the 1600s. It was named as King Charles Spaniel because it was the children's pet in the household of Charles I. You may also notice this dog appeared in many paintings of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

There are also some dogs that are small but are NOT categorized as toy dogs. Beagles are small to medium size dogs that are in hound group. Hound group is for dogs that have good sense of smell or good sight. On the other hand, Shih Tzu is put under Utility Group by The Kennel Club (UK) as the Kennel Club considers them to be too large to be in Toy Group.

All these dogs are small size, but don't be surprised that they can be more aggressive then some of the big dogs if they are not properly trained. So, in order for them to live comfortably in human's environment, you will need to give them training such as house training, crate training, potty training and obedience training.

"Popular Small Dog Breeds"

	#1 Chihuahua Chihuahua is the smallest of all the dog breeds in the world. It is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico and is a very popular breed, particularly in America. Chihuahua might not be too good with children. So, you need to give this toy puppy training as early as possible.
	#2 Pug Pug has the look of Mastiff breed. The obvious different is the size. Mastiff is 70 pounds big dog while Pug is 20 pounds small dog. Thus, Pug has the nickname "Mini Mastiff". Pug is sociable dog and gets along well with other dogs and pets.
	#3 Maltese Maltese is a dog breed that has long silky white hair. But, most owners prefer to have a "puppy cut" on their Maltese for easier grooming maintenance. Maltese is a fearless dog and is easy to socialize with other dogs and even cats.
	#4 Beagle Beagle is one of the small to medium size dogs that is in hound group. Hound group consists of dogs with strong sense of smell and also good sight. Beagle is a scent hound which has the ability to tracking down game.
	#5 Shih Tzu According to DNA analysis, ancestor of today's Shih Tzu that has existed for as long as ten thousand years ago. So, Shih Tzu is an ancient breed of small companion dog with silky hair. In order for your Shitzu to live comfortably in your house, you need to give this toy puppy training.
	#6 Boston Terrier When you take a glance at Boston Terrier, you will notice that it has the look of French Bulldog. It is because French Bulldog is the ancestor of this breed. This breed has friendly personality and it is eager to please its master.
	#7 Pomeranian Pomeranian is a Spitz type dog breed and is named after the Pomerania region in Central Europe. Its temperaments are friendly, playful and active. They are also very intelligent and easily trained.
	#8 Yorkshire Terrier Yorkshire Terrier gets its name from a historical place in England. Its coat believed to be Hypoallergenic - that is people who are allergic to other dog breeds find to be safer with Yorkie. Yorkie has high energy and some people might find it hard to train.
	#9 Papillon Papillon has the signature look of butterfly-like ears. It is a small, friendly, elegant breed of dog and is one of the oldest of the toy spaniels. This is a highly energetic and intelligent small dog.
	#10 Bichon Frise Bichon Frise is the close cousin of Maltese. The obvious different is the size of Bichon Frise is bigger than Maltese. Same like Maltese, this breed is gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate.
	#11 Havanese Havanese is a playful, friendly, clever and active small dog breed. It is well behaved with children and other pets. It likes to gain attention from the owner by running around or play some tricks. It is not shy with new people.
	#12 Lhasa Apso Lhasa Apso carries the meaning "Long-haired Tibetan dog". Lhasa is one of the small dog breeds that is alert with a keen sense of hearing and is wary of strangers.
	#13 Pekingese Pekingese has the look of "small lion". This is an ancient toy breed dog originated in China that the look is hardly changed since 2000 years ago. This breed has small skull and flattened face.
	#14 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the largest toy breed. The breed is highly affectionate. Most dogs of the breed are playful, extremely patient and eager to please.

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