So you are looking for a dog, but not just any dog. You want one of those types of small dogs that can fit in your pocket or can be carried around on your lap. To be sure, there are far too many types of small dogs to make the selection process any easier.

But with a little help and some tips on what you should know about certain small breed types, then you should have little trouble choosing from the types of small dogs that fit your taste and lifestyle.

The first thing you should learn about the different types of small dogs is that they are often referred to as toy breeds. It is important to take note of this to avoid any confusion when the pet shop owner suddenly launches on an impassioned discussion of the positive traits of toy breeds, only to find out later that he is actually talking about the same thing.

Some marketing hypes may even refer to types of small dogs as “pocket-size” or “saucer types.” Keep in mind that they’re all the same; they all refer to the general category of small breed dogs.

That said, here are some common types of small dogs that you might be interested in:

Toy Breeds

These types of small dogs are known for their intelligence and entertaining natures. They like to play but also prove as great companions and lap warmers.

The American Kennel Club lists 21 types of small dogs in the toy family, including Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, English Toy Spaniel, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pug, and Yorkshire Terrier. Other popular breeds are Maltese, Papillon, Poodle, Manchester Terrier, Pomeranian, and Miniature Pinscher.

Toy breeds are great pets for senior citizens or people who have reduced mobility. Toy breed dogs do not feel restless around limited space.

Small Pure Breed Dogs

There are eight breed groups under this particular category of small breed dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club. These are:

* Sporting

* Hound

* Working

* Terrier

* Toy

* Non-sporting

* Herding

* And Miscellaneous

These types of small dogs weigh less than 25 pounds. There might some confusion identifying this breed since these dogs are often sprinkled throughout the other groups. The list of small pure breed dogs listed below are not in the Toy Group:

* Australian Terrier

* Basenji

* Beagle

* Bichon Frise

* Bedlington Terrier

* Border Terrier

* Boston Terrier

* Cairn Terrier

* Dandie Dinmont Terrier

* Lakeland Terrier

* Lhasa Apso

* Lowchen

* Miniature Schnauzer

* Norfolk Terrier

* Norwich Terrier

* Parson (Jack) Russel Terrier

* Puli

* Schipperke

* Scottish Terrier

* Sealyham Terrier

* Shiba Inu

* Skye Terrier

* Smooth Fox Terrier

* Tibetan Spaniel

* Tibetan Terrier

* Welsh Terrier

* West Highland White Terrier

* Wire Fox Terrier

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Just because you live in a small home or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. There are many small and toy breeds that make excellent pets for small homes. But even small dogs like variety and exercise, so it is important that you are prepared to spend time with your dog, take her for walks and ensure that she gets the best care. Once you have made that commitment to yourself, you can choose which breed of dog is most suitable to you and your lifestyle.

Small dog breeds make the cutest puppies, and one of the cutest small dog puppies around is the Maltese. This popular small dog breed generally grows to no more than six or seven pounds in weight, and has a beautiful white coat. The Maltese is a very ancient dog breed and has a strong constitution, though it should not be kept in very hot areas, due to the thick coat. The Maltese enjoys walks and is very playful. A great companion if you want a lively little pet and will enjoy the grooming chores.

Another delightful long haired small dog breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This lovely small dog is as courtly as its name and weighs about twice as much as a Maltese. The King Charles is a friendly and sociable small dog, well known for giving a lifetime of loyal attachment. This is the ideal dog if you prefer to lead a quiet life.

Top of the line in long haired small dog breeds is the Lowchen, as long as you enjoy spending long hours brushing, and don’t mind the hefty price tag. The beautiful `Little Lion’ dog can cost around $1000. A true indoors dog, the Lowchen is no exercise fanatic but owners have reported `separation anxiety’ to be a problem, so don’t get this dog breed if you are away for long hours every day.

If you want a pet with a shorter coat, try the Miniature Fox Terrier. This lively little dog will need lots of exercise, and appreciates having a collection of toys. Fox terriers can be yappy, so your pet may need to go to obedience school if she annoys the neighbors. This is a healthy and low maintenance dog breed, suitable for the owner who just wants to enjoy having a pet without all the grooming fuss.

A more sleek and elegant short haired pet is the Italian greyhound, and if you want a pet that enjoys exercise, this is the dog breed for you. Owners report that the Italian greyhound is a very well behaved dog, but prone to stress, so it is not a suitable pet where there are small children. This dog breed grows to a height of about 15 inches but is very lightweight – around 5 pounds.

The Welsh corgi is one of the classic small dog breeds, and very popular with Queen Elizabeth II of England. They will be popular with you, too, if you want a playful, affectionate pet. The Welsh corgi comes in two breeds, the Cardigan and the Pembrokeshire. The Pembrokeshire is smaller and more popular than the Cardigan, but both make faithful pets for small homes.

Finally, there is the ultimate small dog breed for apartment living – the toy poodle. Naturally popular in Europe, the toy poodle is somewhat high maintenance regarding its fluffy coat, but a surprisingly undemanding pet. Toy poodles love to play and appreciate having their own toys, but they are easy to train and adapt to their owners. Like most pets, the toy poodle prefers company to being left alone, but if you spend a lot of time away from home, perhaps you should think twice about getting a pet anyway!

Copyright © 2005, Ian White

Author Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. Find Purebred Breeders in your area. Email notification of available puppies Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_White

All dogs bark at one time or another. I’ve had a dozen or so dogs during my lifetime and I have heard all of them bark at various times. But for the last fifteen years I’ve owned small, toy breeds such as Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds and the barking is unbelievable! I decided to investigate why this occurs.

Dogs bark when they have something to tell us or when something is different in their surroundings and they need to evaluate the situation. Just like infants and toddlers, making noise gets attention from the creatures around you who are able to help. I currently have a male Maltese and a female Yorkshire Terrier at my house. I have taken a survey over the past two weeks and found that they are most likely to bark when:

• they run out of drinking water and need for me to refill it
• they are missing a favorite toy and want me to locate it
• they hear an unusual sound and want me to know about it
• they hear a vehicle that they are not familiar with, or that makes a loud annoying sound, such as the garbage truck or a furniture delivery truck
• they hear an unfamiliar voice
• someone they do not know comes too close to them
• someone they do know tries to leave them

All of these examples are instances where they are uncomfortable with what is happening in their territory. They do not bark when the phone rings, the television or radio is playing, people they know come and go from the house, or when the dishwasher is on. They have become accustomed to these sounds and have no reason to be alarmed. My recommendation to teach you small, toy breed dogs to keep from barking so much is twofold. First, get them used to as many sounds as possible that are likely to be heard in your home on a regular basis, and second, do not subject your dog to sounds or events that you already know will be upsetting or unsettling to them.

Dogs truly are man’s best friend. If we treat them with respect and dignity they will give us years of faithful companionship.

Connie Ragen Green has been a dog lover for half a century and currently shares her home with three dogs, a cat, and a King snake. You can find out more about training your small dog by visiting http://www.YorkshireTerriersAreTheBest.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Ragen_Green