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.

Chinese Crested - Small Dog Breed

One of the endearing attributes of the Chinese Crested dog is its sweet and affectionate disposition. It makes a wonderful and entertaining companion dog for someone who is a more sedentary type, or who doesn't have time to take long vigorous walks with their dog.

This exotic little dog comes in two coat varieties - one is hairless except for around the feet, head and tail. Obviously the hairless dog has quite sensitive skin that needs to be protected and can also benefit from wearing a softer and hypoallergenic collar, such as found in hemp dog collars.

There are more interesting facts about the Chinese Crested toy dog breed, if you are curious to learn more.

Brussels Griffon - Small Dog Breed

If you've never seen a Brussels Griffon before, when you do, you'll be struck by his distinctive and unusual appearance. And what you see is the result of a co-mingling of several breeds during his development. Some of those responsible would include the Pug, Affenpinscher, and some English Toy Spaniels. Subsequently when the breed standard was set, he was assigned to the toy dog group.

Formerly a ratter in his working days, he is now a charming, though sometimes hard-headed little companion dog who gets very attached to his master and doesn't like to leave his side.

If you're so inclined, you can learn more about the
Brussels Griffon here.

IMHO, he is a charming little dog, as many would agree.