Bolognese
In the pet world, there are dogs, cats and other pets. But by far, dogs are the most popular pets. The reason is the dog’s love towards man. This four-legged beast has preferred to live in man’s company since ages. But there are differences in dogs too. There are various breeds of dogs and their some characteristics are specific to their breeds. There are big breeds and there are small breeds of dogs too. If a dog is exceptionally small-sized, it makes a considerable difference in keeping it as a pet. So, it’s interesting to see what the characteristics of small dog breeds are.
Adaptation to Apartment Living
It is a common belief that small dogs are good for apartment owners, because the dog size suits an apartment. But this is a misconception. Small dogs are not necessarily made for apartments. Numerous small dogs are extremely high-energy and too yappy for a high-rise. An apartment dog should be quiet, pretty calm indoors, low energy and well-mannered with other residents.
Dogs good for apartment living: Mattese, Bolognese, Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon, Boston Terrier
Bichon Frise
Affection towards Family
When you bring a dog to home, you expect it to behave well with you and your family. But certain dog breeds may not fulfill your expectations, because they are aloof and independent. So, you will have to look for dog breeds that have affection towards family as their characteristics. Here too, some are characterized by love only towards their immediate masters, while some others shower love on the entire family. But breed is not the only factor affecting their affection levels. Dogs raised inside a home full of people are more comfy with humans and become more affectionate.
Small dogs affectionate towards family: Swedish Vallhund, Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Shedding
If you are planning to keep a dog, you should be prepared for at least some dog hairs spread here and there in your home and on your clothes. However, there are breeds that shed heavily year-round, while some shed seasonally and still some others are very rare shedders.
Heavy shedders: Sussex Spaniel, Swedish Vallhund, Pekingese, Pomeranian
Low shedders: Bolognese, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier
Pomeranian
Drooling
If your dog is a big drooler, s/he may drape slobber strings on your arms and leave large wet spots on your sofas and clothes while saying hello to you. If you don’t have any problem with that, you can bring in any dog, but if you are a cleanliness freak, you may want to look for breeds that are low droolers.
Low droolers: Cardigan Welsh Corgi, American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dog
Energy Levels
Regarding energy levels, there are both types of dog lovers, as there are both types of dogs. As there are fans of high energy dogs which need huge amount of workout and mental stimulation and keep playing, jumping and investigating new things, there are lovers of low energy dogs which are like couch potatoes, spending days dozing.
High energy dogs: Affenpinscher
Low energy dogs: Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso
Pekingese