Small Dog Breeds

The Peke-A-Tese is an endearing and self-assured hybrid breed that combines the esteemed traits of two ancient lineages: the Maltese and the Pekingese. Typically weighing between 6 and 11 pounds and standing 8 to 11 inches tall, this delightful companion is generally straightforward to train and care for. While it loves being the center of attention, it can be wary of strangers and prefers to stay close to its owner. Although the American Kennel Club does not officially recognize the Peke-A-Tese, its popularity has surged in the United States, earning it a special place in the hearts of many. Nonetheless, it's important to note that variations in both temperament and appearance may still be present within the breed.

The Havaton is a lively and loving small dog that flourishes in the company of its human family. This charming little creature is known for its vibrant character and energetic disposition, bringing joy to those around it. Renowned for their steadfast loyalty and affectionate nature, Havaton dogs are both friendly and sociable. They develop strong connections with their families and are happiest when they are the center of attention and showered with love. Their gentle nature makes them wonderful companions and ideal family pets. While they are generally easy to train, they may occasionally show a stubborn side that could challenge your patience; however, a calm demeanor and generous praise can effectively address this minor hurdle. Early socialization is crucial to help a Havaton become a well-adjusted dog, comfortable with other pets and small children.

The Mini Foxy Russell is a hybrid breed resulting from the combination of the Mini Fox Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. This breed truly embodies the spirited nature of Terriers, showcasing both high energy and courage. It is recognized by five different canine registries and competitive organizations. However, there is a scarcity of detailed information regarding the Mini Foxy Russell, which is also known as the Foxy Russell. Due to the lack of standardized guidelines for this mix, its physical traits can vary widely. Families who choose to bring this spirited dog into their lives often find that, while he may exhibit a bit of stubbornness at times, he undoubtedly adds a vibrant sense of joy and excitement to their home!

The Italian Tzu is a hybrid dog that emerges from the combination of an Italian Greyhound and a Shih Tzu. This breed is relatively easy to care for, requiring little grooming and exhibiting minimal shedding. Training an Italian Tzu is generally uncomplicated, and they do not require a lot of exercise. Since their parent breeds are not designed for extended outdoor activities, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them when outside to avoid overheating. The Italian Tzu can be left alone for reasonable durations, such as during a workday, and typically does not suffer from separation anxiety. Known for their affectionate, energetic, and playful nature, they make excellent companions for children.

The Foodle is a small hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Toy Poodle with a Toy Fox Terrier. Typically, these dogs reach a height of about 10 inches and weigh around 11 pounds. Their coat is short and dense, featuring either wavy or curly patterns, and they come in a variety of colors, with black, brown, white, and gray being the most common. Renowned for their keen awareness and attentiveness, Foodles thrive on love and enjoy snuggling. They are highly trainable, quickly mastering tricks and commands. Due to their petite size, Foodles are ideal companions for apartment dwellers and generally get along well with other pets and children, as long as they receive proper socialization.

The Mauxie is an endearing and lively designer breed that emerges from the crossbreeding of a Dachshund and a Maltese. Celebrated for their long, silky coats and slender builds, these dogs make an excellent choice for first-time pet owners. Mauxies are characterized by their playful demeanor and versatility, allowing them to thrive in a variety of living situations and climates. However, they do demand considerable care, including daily brushing and grooming every few months. While Mauxies are known for their affectionate, courageous, and loyal nature, they may not be ideal for households with young children and should be supervised around little ones.

The Chihuahua, celebrated as the tiniest dog breed in the world, takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Both legends and archaeological findings indicate that these dogs originated in Mexico, with toy-like figures resembling Chihuahuas unearthed from Mexico to El Salvador, dating back to approximately 100 AD. Chihuahuas can have either long or short coats and are divided into two main head shapes: “apple heads,” which have rounder skulls, closely spaced eyes, and shorter legs, and “deer heads,” characterized by flatter skulls, wider-set eyes, larger ears, and longer legs. At present, apple-headed Chihuahuas are more popular among dog lovers. They come in a wide array of colors and patterns, but in this breed, the color does not influence the dog's personality. While Chihuahuas are primarily companions, they can take on a guarding role if not properly trained, exhibiting protective behaviors. Known for their spirited nature, loyalty, and protectiveness, Chihuahuas can be quick to react, making them less ideal for families with young children. They often form strong bonds with a single owner, showing a preference for that individual over others in the home, and they typically enjoy the company of fellow Chihuahuas more than that of other dog breeds.

The Schnese is a charming mix of the Miniature Schnauzer and Havanese breeds. This distinctive combination highlights the best traits of both parent breeds, creating a dog that is lively, loving, and loyal. With the Havanese's history as a companion to nobility, this hybrid naturally embodies the "velcro dog" trait, relishing in close contact and deriving immense happiness from snuggling in your lap. Yet, her talents go well beyond being a mere affectionate pet; she also shines in a variety of pursuits, such as obedience trials, search and rescue operations, tracking, and agility competitions.

The Jack-A-Bee is a relatively new hybrid breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of a Jack Russell Terrier and a Beagle. While there is limited historical data specifically about this hybrid, there is a wealth of information available about its parent breeds. The Jack-A-Bee originated in the United States, though the precise timeline of its creation is not well-documented. Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Beagle come from the UK and share similar personality traits, such as alertness, friendliness, gentleness, independence, intelligence, loyalty, and a charming demeanor. In terms of care, the Jack-A-Bee is regarded as low-maintenance, whereas its parent breeds tend to shed moderately to heavily. This hybrid typically has a medium build, showcasing a body that reflects its Terrier ancestry and a face that highlights its Beagle roots.

The contemporary Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed primarily valued for companionship. In stark contrast, its forebears were much larger and were utilized for hunting small rodents and other vermin. It is thought that the Yorkshire Terrier emerged from a mix of several terrier breeds, with some contributions from the Maltese. Among these breeds are the Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, Manchester Terrier, and the now-extinct Paisley or Clydesdale Terrier. Over the years, this brave little hunting dog evolved into a trendy pet, so petite that many women now carry them in handbags or under their arms. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Yorkshire Terrier in 1885.

Frenchie Pugs, affectionately known as “Frugs,” are small dogs that require minimal exercise yet boast lively and engaging personalities. These spirited companions are confident and thrive on human interaction. On average, Frenchie Pugs have a lifespan of 9 to 15 years, typically weigh between 15 and 23 pounds, and stand around 10 to 12 inches tall. Their coats are short, smooth, and fine, showcasing a variety of colors including black, cream, white, and fawn, often adorned with brindle patterns and ticked markings. This hybrid breed likely originated in the early 1900s and has since become one of the most cherished mixed breeds. However, it’s essential to recognize that Frenchie Pugs are not a fully established breed, resulting in significant diversity in their appearance and temperament. Despite these variations, most owners find that Frenchie Pugs are affectionate and proud members of their households.

The Terri-Poo is an endearing hybrid breed created by crossing an Australian Terrier with a Poodle. Since Poodles come in three different sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—the size of a Terri-Poo can vary widely. Typically, these dogs weigh up to 20 pounds and reach a height of about 15 inches. To foster good behavior and social skills, early socialization and effective training are vital for a Terri-Poo, helping them to get along well with other pets and children. Although they may be cautious around strangers, their keen awareness makes them excellent watchdogs. This breed can be a wonderful addition to families, but it’s important to supervise their interactions with young children.