Choosing a Dog Breed: More Small Dogs and Mixed-Breeds

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Choosing a Dog Breed: More Small Dogs and Mixed-Breeds

I love old movies with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. In 'Shall We Dance', Fred and Ginger are sailing across the Atlantic on the Queen Anne. Ginger stops at the ship's busy kennel and takes out her dog. While Fred, Ginger and her dog walk back and forth on the deck, the little dog steps on its sleeve and ruins its sweater. How adorable! Standing by the rail, Ginger holds her fluffy-faced dog while Fred sings "I've Got Beginner's Luck." Can you guess the breed of dog? My personal opinion is this cute dog is a Maltipoo rather than a Havanese or Bichon Frise. Agree? There are many wonderful small dog breeds. Some of the best small dogs are not purebreds, but mixed-breeds technically called crossbreeds. Before you buy or adopt a small dog, it is a good idea to research the different breeds so you will know which dog is right for you.

Mixed-breeds (Crossbreeds)

Maltipoo- The Malti-Poo is a crossbreed because it is a cross between 2 different purebred dog breeds: the Maltese and the Poodle. This adorable small dog often has a turned back, fluffy tail. The characteristics in mixed-breeds are less predictable than in purebreds. Make sure that you consult a reputable breeder or the shelter about the qualities you are looking for in your dog before you buy a mixed dog. The Maltipoo is an active and affectionate pet. They do well with other pets, but not with small children. They require regular grooming. Maltipoo's are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise.

Morkie- Also called the Yorktese, this dog is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. The Morkie is very small, loving and loyal. With training they can get along with other pets and older children. They need regular grooming. The Yorktese can be an apartment dog as long as it gets regular exercise. They make better watchdogs than Maltipoo's.

Puggle- The Puggle is a little bit bigger than the Maltipoo and often possesses the wonderful characteristics of beagles and pugs. Puggle's are good around children and other pets. They like human interaction and lots of exercise. These dogs require regular grooming and are alert watchdogs.

Cockapoo- These dogs have adorable faces framed by curly and fluffy ears. They are half cocker spaniel and half poodle. Poodle crossbreeds are often popular because poodles do not shed making them good for people with allergies. The Cockapoo needs regular grooming, but is a particularly very low shedding dog. Very playful and affectionate, this dog is a popular pet. They are good with children and other pets. Like poodles and cocker spaniels, the Cockapoo is very intelligent. They like lots of exercise. An apartment can be OK as long as the Cockapoo is walked often.

Shih-Poo- The little Shihpoo has the cute eyes and face of the Shih Tzu with a little curly hair from the poodle. They are better around older children and can get along with other pets with training. Loyal and loving, they make good little watchdogs. The Shih-Poo requires regular grooming. This dog likes attention and does very well in an apartment.

Goldendoodle- These dogs are a cross between golden retrievers and poodles. They can be small-medium to large in size. Consult a quality breeder about their sizes. They are typically a gorgeous cream or golden color though can be found with red coats. Goldendoodles are very intelligent and versatile dogs just like poodles and golden retrievers. They do well both indoors and outdoors. They require some grooming and exercise, but far less than golden retrievers. Usually, they are low shedding. Goldendoodles are good around children and other pets.

Westiepoo- These gorgeous dogs are a cross between a West Highland White Terrier and a poodle. They are similar in appearance to the Maltipoo except they are larger, being almost a medium sized dog. Also Westiepoo 50/50 crosses will have coats that are only white. They do well with older children and other pets with training. Regular grooming is recommended. Very low shedding, they are good for allergy sufferers. They also like plenty of attention, meaning they don't like to be left alone. The Westiepoo can live in an apartment with regular exercise.

Maltipom- These very small dogs can resemble fluffy, white stuffed animals. A cross between a Maltese and a Pomeranian, they can also be found with other colors. These dogs are spirited and loyal, making good, small watchdogs. The Maltipom does well with older children and can get along with other pets with training. They like attention and do very well in apartments. They need regular grooming.

Pure Breeds

Havanese- Another adorable little dog with a high, fluffy tail is the Havanese. They often have longer coats giving them a sheepish look. The National Dog of Cuba, this breed is becoming more popular in the US and around the globe. They are excellent family pets because they are good with children and other pets. They require regular grooming, but are low shedding so they are good for those with allergies. The Havanese can be an apartment dog as long as it gets periodic exercise.

Lhasa Apso- These distinctive dogs are often seen with a long coat that hangs to the ground on all sides. This breed comes from Tibet where they guarded Buddhist monasteries. They are playful and loving dogs, but they are wary of strangers making good watchdogs. They are not good around small children, and generally, not around other pets. The Lhasa Apso requires regular grooming. This breed prefers to be an indoor breed and can be apartment dogs.

Bichon Frise- These dogs are beautiful and small with a face that is often framed by fluffy, white hair. This breed was often a favorite of French and European royalty. They are playful and cheerful dogs that make wonderful family pets. This breed does well with children and other pets. They can be apartment dogs if they get enough exercise. Their only drawback is they require daily grooming.

Fox Terrier- The Toy Fox Terrier is the smallest variety of this breed while the Smooth Fox Terrier is bigger but could still be called a small dog. They are mostly white with dark makings on the head and have distinctive high, pointy ears. They are loyal dogs, but don't do well around small children. The Toy variety is better with other pets, though only with training. These dogs only need minimal grooming. If they get regular exercise, they can be an apartment dog.

Papillon- These distinctive little dogs have a white blaze through the middle of their forehead and large, winged ears. This gorgeous breed is energetic, yet affectionate. They are better with older children. The Papillon can be an apartment dog, but likes outdoor exercise. They require regular grooming.

Miniature Bull Terrier- This dog has the big, long face of Spuds MacKenzie, but is the smaller version. These dogs are energetic and protective. They are not good around small children and at least a small yard is recommended. Grooming requirements are very minimal, but daily exercise is advisable.

Sealyham Terrier- These handsome dogs have a solid coat and a distinctive beard. Usually white in color, they are a spirited breed, but are calm for a terrier. They do well with older children and are good watchdogs. This breed requires regular grooming. They can be apartment dogs with regular exercise.