If you think you’re getting miniature dogs to escape the trouble of raising big dogs, think again. There’s no question that miniature dogs are the cutest, but they can be a handful in terms of personality and egotism. So before you rush to the shelter to adopt miniature dogs or call a breeder for some, get to know what you’re getting first. Here are the top 7 miniature dogs in their small but packed package: looks, personality, arrogance, and all.
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier or the Yorkie takes the number spot among the top 7 miniature dogs. The Yorkie has been in the top 7 small dogs in the American Kennel Club for 10 straight years now. The long, shiny, smooth hair of this lapdog is its greatest asset; Yorkies are a favorite among dog “fashionistas” who love to trim and style their pooch’s hair. Don’t let the small built fool you though; the dog is very energetic, playful, and loyal to the point that it gets overly jealous and demanding.
2. Miniature Poodle
Perhaps the most stylistic among miniature dogs, a well-groomed Miniature Poodle is always a spotlight stealer during dog shows. The dog’s built is very athletic with square appearance when the fleece are intact and fluffed. And the Miniature Poodle has the most number of hair styles to sport among miniature dogs, too. However, they tend to be a bit shy to strangers, at times even aggressive and bossy to people including its owner. They constantly need to be reminded who’s the boss.
3. Dachshund
The Dachshund’s greatest assets among miniature dogs are its cute stubby legs and its unusually long body. However, its greatest assets are its greatest liability too putting the dog in great risk of spinal injury. In terms of personality, a Dachshund can be trusted as a guard dog despite its small, unintimidating appearance; after all, it’s originally bred to exterminate vermin.
4. Shih Tzu
Because a Shih Tzu is not short of attention from its humans – no one can resist a Shih Tzu – the dog can easily develop small dog syndrome: it thinks it’s greater than its humans. So you need to remind yourself and everybody to be always the pack leader when around a Shih Tzu. In terms of the cuteness factor, however, a Shih Tzu is overflowing with it. That’s why it’s not short of attention wherever you take your dog.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
A Miniature Schnauzer is a strong built dog just like a full-size Schnauzer; rectangular shape head with rectangular body and even smaller ears in proportion. The breed has double coat: a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat which make the breed rare among miniature dogs. A Miniature Schnauzer can also be handful and can develop small dog syndrome when not discipline well. So assert your authority over the dog always.
6. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is only 6th on the list of miniature dogs because, although it’s the smallest, it’s also the most devious. The dog can bark annoyingly at strangers and the breed is not recommended to be around little children too. Aside from those, the Chihuahua is the dog to get if you’re really keen on owning a small dog. With proper socialization and training, a Chihuahua can be loyal and loving dog too.
7. Pomeranian
If you want a small dog that’s great children and with a sassy style to boot, a Pomeranian is the breed for you. But though gentle with kids, they can bark incessantly at strangers and other unfamiliar pets too – they can get annoying. Plus Pomeranians sheds a lot, which can discourage you to get miniature dogs.
Miniature dogs are fun to own, but you need to prepare for their crazy antics, which small dogs are known for. If you’re not ready to flex your alpha dog, leader of the pack muscle on them, they can quickly take advantage and develop small dog syndrome, which can be harmful at worse and annoying at best.