Affenpinscher - Small Dog Breed

The Affenpinscher is one of the most intelligent and boldest of the toy dog breeds, though not as commonly seen as other small dogs. Very popular as a family pet, he is protective and makes a good watchdog.

The Affen has a cute rather comical expression and shaggy coat. He is a clean dog that doesn't require much grooming.

If you enjoy playful pets, the Affenpinscher is that and a whole lot more!

Italian Greyhound - Small Dog Breed

The Italian Greyhound - a miniature greyhound belonging to the Toy Dog Group, is an ancient breed originating more than 2000 years ago.

During the 16th century, this breed, as well as other miniature dogs, were very popular in Italy - hence the connection in the dog's name.

Among his fine attributes are: his very affectionate nature, his easy grooming, his lack of doggy odor and his adaptability to almost any environment.

Although he looks delicate, the Italian Greyhound is quite hardy and remains playful quite far into his adult years.

Silky Terrier - Small Dog Breed

The Silky Terrier, from the toy dog group, is a charming and alert little terrier about 9-10 inches tall, with a lovely coat that lives up to his name.

He was originally developed in Australia during the 19th century, but eventually made his way to England.

Although his coat is long, a nice feature is it's a single coat and doesn't shed.

If you're considering a small dog breed, the Silky Terrier should be on your list of possibilities, IMHO.

GPS Dog Collars - Find Your Roaming Dog Fast!

If you're away from home for extended periods, a GPS dog collar will give you peace of mind in the event your dog should accidentally get out, or finds an opportunity to go roaming. Another really nice use for them is the ability to track your dog if you hike out in wilderness areas with your dog off leash.

Although these high tech devices are somewhat expensive, they can save you from an enormous amount of stress if you have a lost dog.

Some GPS dog collars track within a given radius, while others can track no matter where your pet may roam. It's a combination of GPS and cellphone technology!

IMHO, they are a very worthwhile investment.

Toy Fox Terrier - Small Dog Breed

The Toy Fox Terrier is a good choice for someone looking for a low maintenance small dog breed. He has a nice smooth coat and always looks neat and clean. Grooming is a trivial matter.

This cute little dog has distinguished himself as an excellent service dog to the disabled, being of particular value to the deaf.

The Toy Fox Terrier, belonging to the Toy Dog Group, is a cheerful dog who stays youthful and affectionate throughout his life.

Chihuahua - Small Dog Breed

The Chihuahua, often referred to as the smallest dog in the world, is also an ancient breed with very early roots in Asia.

The Chihuahua comes in two coat varieties, one short and smooth, the other being longer and more feathery. He is a bold little dog with a strong personality and prefers the company of his own breed over others.

Hollywood and the advertising media have done a lot to draw attention to this dog. One of his most recognized roles is that of the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

The image above is the Chihuahua Puppy Calendar for 2008.

Poodle - Small Dog Breed

There are three sizes of Poodle: toy, miniature and standard. The kennel club breed standards are the same for all heights. The one we are discussing today is the Toy Poodle whose ideal height is 10 inches or less.

Although it is frequently assumed that this breed originated in France, they actually started in Germany. The standard size is claimed to be the oldest line in the breed, though the smaller varieties were developed soon after.

Poodles were originally used for retrieving in water and are excellent swimmers. However, some of the smaller ones, were used in England for truffle hunting and became known as Truffle Dogs.

There is much more to learn about the fascinating Poodle dog at their favorite website.

Pekingese - Small Dog Breed

Did you know that the Pekingese dog is one of the world's oldest dog breeds. He has strong roots in ancient Imperial China and was so significantly important to the royalty, that commoners were not allowed to own them.

This little dog is tough, confident and much sturdier that he looks. In fact a Pekingese dog was one of two "canine" survivors of the Titanic disaster.

A word of caution - although this dog has many good qualities, he does like to be the boss, so train him early that you're in charge if you don't want to end up with a cute little tyrant!

Japanese Chin - Small Dog Breed

One unique trait of the Japanese Chin is that he has the unusual habit of using his paws for self grooming - much like a cat.

This very appealing little dog, belonging to the toy dog breed classification, has ancient origins in China, though much of its development occurred in Japan.

If you're looking for a special looking small dog that is not a barker, you can learn more about the Japanese Chin at his favorite website.

Papillon - Small Dog Breed

The first thing you'll notice about the Papillon dog are his ears. They adorn his head like butterfly wings, hence his name, which is the French for butterfly.

The history of this breed, whose ancestors are believed to include various small spaniels, dates back to at least the 16th century. During this period, they were very popular with royalty. Paintings of Louis XIV and his family, provide evidence of his presence in the royal households.

Marie Antoinette and Madame Pompadour were also said to be avid admirers of them.

Today, the Papillon, previously known as the Dwarf Spaniel, is a popular small dog that becomes very attached to his owner and likes nothing better than being by his side at every opportunity.

Yorkshire Terrier - Small Dog Breed

If you want a perfect little lap dog, look no further than the charming Yorkshire Terrier. Long gone are the days when the Yorkie had to work for a living chasing down and exterminating the rat population in the industrial workplaces of Yorkshire, England.

Nowadays, they mostly get to enjoy lots of coddling, to which they respond in kind by giving their master lots of affection.

Aside from being pampered, they enjoy the arena of competition and do very well in agility.

Believe it or not the Yorkshire Terrier also is a good watchdog. A lot for your money IMHO.

Manchester Terrier - Small Dog Breed

Can you image a Manchester Terrier, who weighs in at around 12 pounds, killing 300 rats in just under an hour? Hard to imagine, right? But that's how the story goes about "Tiny," a Manchester who in 1848, supposedly accomplished this feat.

Originally called the Black and Tan Terrier, these little dogs did originally work to control the population of rats, foxes and other vermin in the industrial north of England during the 1800's. They get their name from the city of Manchester, which is where development of the breed was centered during this time period.

Nowadays, the Manchester Terrier, a somewhat rare dog, is valued as an affectionate and lively companion. He is a very clean, low maintenance pet and also being very alert, he makes a good watch dog.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Small Dog Breed

If you are seeking a lap dog with royal connections, then you might take a fancy to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This sweet faced spaniel with a gentle expression, was adored by King Charles II which did oodles to make the dog very popular. So much so, that they were named in his memory.

The Cavalier, from the Toy Dog Group classification, is better looking IMHO - and incidentally, has the look that the King so admired - than the English Toy Spaniel (known in England as the King Charles Spaniel). Gets a bit confusing doesn't it!

Well here's a tip on how to tell the difference if you want to make sure you get the prettier one:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is larger, weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, has more regular looking eyes, a flatter head and longer nose.

On the other hand, the more homely one is smaller, weighs 8 to 14 pounds, has a pug nose, a dome shaped head, an undershot jaw, and large, prominent eyes. In other words, a more pug like appearance, which I hasten to add is irresistible to some folks.

Go check them both out, if you're of a mind.