Indoor dog. Small decorative dogs

Decorative breeds of dogs were bred specifically so that they could be kept in an apartment. These dogs are small in size and have a calm, friendly disposition. If you decide to have a pet of this category, be prepared for the fact that it will require a lot of attention. It will also become a companion on any trip and even on a shopping trip, since its dimensions allow it to fit even in a bag.

Indoor dogs will happily spend time with you on the couch. They calmly make contact with people, allow themselves to be picked up and sometimes even squeezed a little. For these animals the most a big joy- constantly be close to the owner and accompany him everywhere.

Puppies of these breeds should definitely be train and educate starting from early age . Otherwise, an unsocialized dog will behave badly and bother you with its attention and loud yapping.

Decorative dogs Ideal for not particularly active people, older people, and women. They do not require special care, exhausting training, intense physical activity and perfect knowledge of all commands. This dog is created for quiet evenings and leisurely walks.

We invite you to get acquainted with the most popular breeds of decorative lap dogs.

This dog is very similar to a cute, funny children's toy. Previously, like all terriers, this breed was used for hunting small game: foxes, badgers and hares. Nowadays, Yorkshire dogs are kept in apartments as lap dogs.

This breed is energetic and good attitude to people and other animals. Yorkies can easily get along with children and even cats. For people who are allergic to wool, this pet is perfect. The fact is that Yorkshire terriers are covered with hair, the hair structure of which is as similar as possible to human hair.

These little terriers have a golden character. They very smart, patient and balanced animals. But all this does not prevent them from being cheerful, mischievous and playful. Such a dog can calmly lie with you all day, buried in a blanket in front of the TV. And the next day go to the park, run and frolic, bring back thrown balls and sticks.

Description

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed of dog.

  • He has a small, graceful body covered with long, smooth hair.
  • Neat small black nose.
  • Dark almond-shaped eyes.
  • Neat little erect ears. Their shape is similar to regular triangles.
  • Thin tail covered with long thick hair. The color of the fur on the tail is always a couple of shades darker than the main color. Previously, the tails of this breed were shortened by half, but recently they stopped docking the tails of Yorkies.

Puppies are born with black fur. WITH color changes with age. An adult Yorkshire Terrier may be:

  • Dark, steely base color. The head and paws are golden or reddish in color. The tail is two to four shades darker than the body.
  • The color of the paws and head is brown, with red or yellow tint. The body is a very dark cool brown color with a metallic tint.

Care

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat does not shed and grows throughout its life, therefore, in order for the dog not to become overgrown at all, it needs to be trimmed periodically. It is also necessary to comb every day using a special comb for dogs with sparse teeth, to prevent your pet's long hair from matting and matting.

Long hair often gets into the eyes and blocks the view. To prevent it from disturbing your pet, gather it high on the head with an elastic band into a small ponytail.

Such a dog should be bathed once a week, as the fur becomes dirty, using special shampoo and conditioner for this breed.

Nails should be periodically trimmed and treated with a nail file.

indoor decorative dog. This breed is the smallest and most popular among decorative dogs in the world. Chihuahuas come in short-haired and long-haired varieties.

Despite their very small size, Chihuahua babies are very brave and almost fearless dogs. They have a very sensitive mind and lively temperament. They have a stable psyche and rarely experience stress and fear, which is very rare among representatives of decorative dog breeds. Among the representatives of Chihuahuas you can rarely find a hysterical and fearful individual.

These dogs are very trainable and upbringing, but you need to start working with them at an early age. An adult, untrained Chihuahua rarely agrees to learn how to behave correctly.

These decorative dogs have a well-developed the immune system. They rarely get sick and catch various viruses, but they can catch a cold from a draft.

The courage of a pet is not always a plus; Chihuahuas do not seem to realize their size, so they often bully stronger rivals, for example, other dogs of large breeds. Due to their small size, it is very easy to injure such a pet, so you need to keep a close eye on it while walking.

Chihuahuas are very attached to their owners, they... love to be held and require a lot of attention. Also, such dogs will not refuse to play with a ball or walk in the park. Chihuahuas have an impulsive temperament. They are very energetic and have strong likes and dislikes.

Appearance

  • Chihuahuas have a small, dry body.
  • The head, in its shape, resembles a medium-sized apple.
  • The muzzle is slightly pointed.
  • The eyes are bulging and widely spaced.
  • Small nose.
  • The ears are large and erect.

Short-haired Chihuahuas have shiny and smooth fur, which can be with or without undercoat. Those with long hair may have it wavy or straight, soft to the touch.

Chihuahuas come in a variety of colors. An individual may have a skin of the same color or with different spots and patterns. Most often, this breed is brown or black in various shades. The most common of them:

The skin may have light spots, such as white, cream, light red, silver and bluish.

Care

Chihuahuas are easily litter trained. This is a big plus, since it is not recommended to walk with them in windy and cold weather. For a small apartment, a Chihuahua is an ideal pet, but you need to be very careful with it. A nimble dog can squeeze into any gap, which is very dangerous - you can crush him under a door or sit on him.

In warm weather, be sure to take your Chihuahua for walks. It is very useful for them to visit periodically fresh air and run. Dogs of this breed shed once or twice a year. Short-haired animals should be brushed once a week with a natural bristle brush or a special silicone mitten. Long-haired dogs need to be combed every day with a wide-toothed metal comb..

This dog should be bathed once every two weeks. After the bath, be sure to dry your dog with a hairdryer or with a towel so that he doesn’t catch a cold. Claws need to be trimmed every two to three months and treated with a file so that they do not cling and hangnails do not form. Since Chihuahuas have a thin skin and a fatty layer, they often freeze, so if it is cool at home or outside, take care of clothes for dogs of this breed. You can feed your dog premium industrial food or natural food you prepare yourself.

Pomeranian Spitz

Pomeranian Spitz one of the cutest toy dog ​​breeds in the world. This is an energetic and active dog who loves the attention of everyone around him. This Spitz is quite small, but has a strong skeleton. It will feel great both in a small apartment and in a spacious house.

If you are choosing a pet for a child, pay attention to the Pomeranian. Thanks to his energy and playfulness, such a dog can become an excellent friend to a small member of your family. The dog will agree to run, jump and play until the child runs out of energy.

Among decorative dogs, the Spitz is the most versatile pet. He can become best friend, companion and even watchdog. Of course, such dogs are not currently used for guard purposes, giving preference to larger and strong breeds dogs. But know that in case of danger, the Pomeranian Spitz will not run away, yelping in fear. With a loud bark, he will rush at your offender, and if he tries, he can give him a good beating.

The dog is easy to train, picks up commands on the fly, is very intelligent and resourceful. Pomeranians are small lovers of walks; they prefer to spend time at home - playing or snoring sweetly on a soft bedding. In connection with my attitude towards going out - Spitz very easily learns to go to the toilet at home, on a diaper or in a tray.

Pomeranian Spitz are very sensitive to their owner. With a child they are playful and funny cute creatures. With an adult, they are understanding, serious and not noisy dogs.

Thanks to its gentle and sensitive character, as well as the terribly cute appearance inherent in almost all fluffies, this decorative dog will not leave anyone around indifferent.

Description of the breed

Spitz have a variety of colors. The skin of a dog of this breed can be painted in the following colors:

  • Cream.
  • White.
  • Brown (from light to darkest shade).
  • Black.
  • Orange.
  • Ginger.
  • Silver gray.

Individuals of this breed can be either completely solid or spotted.

Care

The owner of such a luxurious and thick coat requires special care. It will need to be combed daily with a metal comb. Despite the fact that the Spitz's hair is very long, it never mats or gets tangled.

You should bathe your dog according to the degree of contamination. Frequent water procedures representatives of this breed do not require grooming; their thick undercoat allows the dogs to remain clean for a long time.

Pomeranians often suffer various diseases oral cavity and teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically check the health of this area with a veterinarian.

You can feed such a dog with natural meals or balanced dry food. Your Spitz should always have access to clean drinking water. The emergence of decorative breeds has allowed dog lovers to get a pet that is not cramped in a small city apartment and does not require many hours of active walks.

Such dogs have a calm and peaceful character, but do not forget that the blood of their wild ancestors flows in them. No matter the size of the dog, he does not see himself as small and defenseless.

Take a responsible approach to choosing a pet, be sure to think about who you want to have next to you - a play and jogging partner, a companion, a friend or a protector.

Small dog - perfect look pet for city residents. It takes up little space in the apartment, does not require long walks in open areas, and does not take too much time to care for. However, living together in an apartment with any living creature requires compliance with certain rules. Therefore, it is so important to make the right choice and purchase a pet that matches the owner’s lifestyle, character, interests and habits.

A list of small dog breeds with photographs and names, complemented by descriptions and characteristics, will help you choose a pet that matches your preferences in appearance and behavior. The article provides a description of the best breeds of small dogs recommended for keeping at home.

Small dogs have recently become increasingly popular among city residents. This is due to its livability and less demanding conditions for keeping a small pet.

The Affenpinscher is a dog 25-28 centimeters tall, with hard black fur, and looks like a small monkey. The behavior of this miniature dog is also somewhat monkey-like. The Affenpinscher is a playful, noisy, rowdy dog ​​with a stubborn character.

Such a playful disposition requires persistent and consistent training so that the little imp turns into an obedient dog that follows the rules of behavior in the house.

The Affen Griffon is a breed that arose from crossing the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon. This is a very mobile, active, friendly dog, distinguished by its intelligence and devotion to its owner. Despite its small size, the Affen Griffon copes well with the role of a watchman, and will definitely notify the owner of the appearance of uninvited guests.

A special feature of the breed is its hard coat, which must be trimmed regularly by hand. Grooming the Affen Griffon is not recommended, as it spoils the structure of the coat.

The Schipperke is a miniature shepherd dog that looks like a black Spitz. This is an energetic, cheerful breed that requires long walks and will be a good companion for a sporty, physically active owner.

A bored Schipperke begins to have behavior problems: the dog barks with or without reason, fights with pets, rushes at guests, and behaves aggressively during walks. The dog needs active, long games, sports activities, jogging, walks in the park or forest.

The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the most original small breeds in appearance. This fragile and defenseless-looking baby has fairly good health, but does not tolerate the cold at all. The future owner of a dog needs to prepare to buy an entire all-season wardrobe for it.

Another feature of the breed is the difficulty of training, which a beginner is unlikely to cope with. You cannot shout at the corydalis; you must teach it to the rules of behavior gently but persistently.

The Dandy Dinmond Terrier has an unusual appearance: the dog has a long body and short limbs. By nature, he is an affectionate, kind and cheerful dog, devoted to his owner.

The Dandy Dinmond Terrier needs training from an early age and a lot of physical activity. This dog is not suitable for the elderly or calm person, and for athletes, travelers and hunters it is an ideal companion and companion.

The Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier is a newcomer to the group of small dog breeds, gaining popularity immediately after its appearance in Russia and many European countries. The baby's body is covered with thick, soft wavy hair, with charming feathers on the ears and paws.

The little terrier is attached to his owner and cannot stand loneliness. The dog easily learns the rules of behavior in the house and can do without long walks, so it is suitable for people of different ages and lifestyles.

The small Greek dog - Meliteo kinidio - is an ancient breed. Popular in its historical homeland and quite rare in our country. This small fluffy breed of dog is kind and cheerful towards the owner and all the inhabitants of the house, but does not recognize strangers.

The West Highland White Terrier is a dog breed that originated in Scotland but quickly gained popularity throughout the world. This is an ideal pet with a cute appearance and friendly character. The Westie does not shed, is easy to train, and gets along well with the whole family.

The dog's coat requires careful care: trimming, trimming, combing. The breed is prone to food allergies, so food for her needs to be selected carefully. It is recommended to exclude wheat, chicken, colored vegetables and cabbage from the diet.

The smallest dog breeds with names

Among small dogs, there are breeds that are distinguished by the smallest sizes. The fashion for miniature pets is growing rapidly nowadays, which is explained by the compactness of dogs and the ability to not part with them throughout the day. The descriptions of the smallest dog breeds with photographs presented below will give an idea of ​​the characteristics of some popular breeds and the rules for handling them.

The height of the Prague rat is only 23 centimeters. This is a peace-loving, affectionate, responsive dog, devoted to its owner, an obedient, balanced and unobtrusive dog originally from the Czech Republic. The rat is distinguished by its devotion to its owner, loves praise, and is well trained. The dog is particularly sensitive to the owner’s moods, so dissatisfaction can be used as a method of education.

The Prague Ratfish requires careful handling, as its body is quite fragile and the risk of fractures and other injuries is high. The breed is quite active, so it needs a diet rich in protein.

The Russian Toy Terrier is a miniature dog (20-28 centimeters in height) with an elegant build. The Russian Toy is unpretentious in maintenance, easily trains in the litter tray, and does not require a lot of time for grooming. You can usually feed your dog food: boiled or half-raw meat, cereal porridge, stewed vegetables.

The dog must be taught discipline, otherwise it will constantly bark, demonstrating guard qualities. The dog does not tolerate rough treatment and gets very upset, but you cannot indulge your pet’s pranks.

The American Lo-Shi Pug is a compact, affectionate dog, ideal for the role of a companion and pet. She gets along well with other animals, is easy to train, and loves children. The dog loves to bark, but not without reason, but only to warn about the arrival of guests or to satisfy its own needs.

Caring for the breed is not difficult: brushing once a week, bathing once every 1-2 months, cleaning the ears, eyes and teeth once a week. In terms of activity, the dog adapts to the owner’s lifestyle: plays with him when he is active and lies next to him during his rest.

Breeds of small kind dogs

It is impossible to divide dog breeds into good or evil, since the character of each of them depends not only on their genetically determined temperament, but also on upbringing. But there are breeds that are particularly peaceful and kind towards their owners and strangers.

Photos and descriptions of such babies are presented in this section. Breeds of small, kind dogs are particularly friendly towards family members and even everyone around them, they love affection and praise.

The Bichon Frize (curly-haired Bichon) is a miniature dog with curly snow-white hair and round black, surprisingly kind eyes. The dog is playful, cheerful, loves affection. But raising a breed is not an easy task and requires patience and perseverance.

Caring for a Bichon's luxurious coat is quite difficult. It must be thoroughly combed every day and then treated with a slicker. The length of the fur on the face and paws is regulated by periodic haircuts.

The rabbit dachshund was bred in Germany for hunting purposes, but is now most often kept as a companion and pet. The dog is good-natured, balanced, without a drop of aggression. This dog can play the role of a real clown, as it has a good sense of humor.

If raised incorrectly, a rabbit dachshund can become rowdy and stubborn. It must be trained calmly and respectfully.

The beauty of the Maltese's coat is the main factor in the breed's attractiveness. A cute dog no more than 25 centimeters tall, with long snow-white hair, looks luxurious and rich with proper care. It is no coincidence that this breed has always been a favorite of royalty.

The dog is good-natured, flexible, loving and gentle towards its owners. The breed's luxurious coat requires careful care. The breed has poor health, so it needs to be properly fed, walked and shown to the veterinarian in a timely manner.

The Pomeranian is the smallest variety of the dog group of this breed. The baby's height is only 23 centimeters. Weight no more than three kilograms. It's special popular breed among socialites and creative personalities.

By nature, the Pomeranian Spitz is sociable. A cheerful and extremely good-natured dog. He is obedient and neat, so he is ideal for living together even in a very small apartment. The baby Spitz will be an ideal companion for adults and children.

The character of the Border Terrier is characterized by some duality. On the hunt, he is a ruthless and passionate dog, but at home he is an affectionate, friendly, loving pet. Many representatives of this breed can smile, exposing their teeth.

This sweet-natured dog is used in Western medical settings as a “therapy animal.” Border Terrier owners visit nursing homes and hospitals with their pets, providing psychological support to sick people.

Small smart dog breeds

When choosing a future pet, we often limit ourselves to looking at descriptions of small dog breeds with photographs. Meanwhile important criterion choice are the dog's intellectual abilities. A smart dog easily remembers commands, learns the rules of behavior and is the most obedient. Among small dog breeds, there are several species that differ most high intelligence.

This dog will become a devoted friend to all family members. Will be able to adapt to any rhythm and lifestyle of the owners. The Papillon will be equally happy to run around the apartment with the children and lie calmly on the sofa with the owner.

This dog remembers all commands literally the first time. She understands not only the words of the owner, but even reacts to the intonation with which he speaks. Once you give your voice a stern tone, the Papillon understands that his actions are not acceptable. Communication with a Papillon is a real pleasure.

Not a single dog show is complete without representatives of this breed. The Continental Toy Spaniel has a bewitching appearance: a dog 25 centimeters tall and luxurious long hair looks like an expensive plush toy.

The toy spaniel is a very smart dog, but also prone to dominance. During the training process, the owner will need to be able to outwit the pet and turn the execution of commands into reflexes. For each action performed, the pet should initially receive a treat, praise, and affection. Proper execution commands are encouraged by a response in a gentle voice, and disobedience is encouraged in a stern tone.

toy poodle

The Toy Poodle is a charming, curly-haired dog with high intelligence. This breed can often be found in the circus performing incredible tricks. The toy poodle adores its owner and is ready to please him with obedience.

Positive motivation of the pet contributes to the rapid assimilation of commands. This little one loves to be praised. Your pet's pranks cannot be ignored. Any hooliganism left unpunished will certainly be repeated.

The Alaskan Klee Kai, like all huskies, is not only beautiful in appearance, but also very smart and independent. Unlike the stubborn Siberian Huskies, their miniature counterparts are more cat-like in behavior. They are affectionate towards their owner and even wash their faces characteristic movements paws

Another incredible ability of the Alaskan Klee Kai is the ability to make sounds similar to human speech. A set of guttural, howling, gurgling sounds is really similar to a conversation, so communicating with a pet can bring real pleasure.

The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent dog, restrained in emotions, with an unusually developed intellect. He is able to perform the functions of a watchman, notifying the owner of the appearance of uninvited guests. But the Tibby won’t bark just like that.

As a true intellectual, the Tibetan Spaniel needs to be left alone from time to time, so the pet needs to be given a cozy nook in the house. Otherwise, keeping the breed in the house requires standard procedures on grooming and organizing walks.

The smallest dog breed in the world

In the group of small dog breeds, there are dogs that are distinguished by the most miniature sizes.

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Dogs of this breed usually weigh from 0.5 to 3 kg, and their height is from 10 to 23 cm. Chihuahua Boo Boo has a height of approximately 11 centimeters, weighs about seven hundred grams and is the smallest dog living today.

The Chihuahua is a kind, obedient, but at the same time extremely vulnerable and touchy dog. Such a miniature pet requires careful and very careful handling. You need to prepare for the appearance of a dog in the house: remove objects that it can knock over, limit access to places where the dog can climb and get stuck or fall.

Fenech is a restless, curious animal, 18-22 centimeters tall and weighing no more than 1.5 kilograms. This is a dog with large ears, about 15 centimeters long, which give its appearance a very funny look.

The domestic fennec fox has very poor health. The dog must be kept in almost greenhouse conditions, otherwise it will certainly catch a cold. The peculiarity of this dog is its nocturnal lifestyle, so the owner needs to take this into account before buying a puppy.

Small smooth-haired dog breeds

Smooth-haired dog breeds are most convenient for keeping in an apartment, since caring for them does not require much time and the hair does not scatter throughout the house during shedding.

This breed looks like a miniature Doberman. This is a smart, energetic dog that can become a reliable friend to the whole family. The Miniature Pinscher will be an ideal companion for an adult or a child over 9-10 years old.

The Miniature Pinscher is perfect for living in a city apartment. Caring for your pet consists of brushing once a week, alternating with wiping with a damp towel. For walks, you definitely need to buy clothes and shoes, without which it is not recommended for your dog to walk even when it’s slightly colder.

The Manchester Terrier is distinguished by good health, longevity and unpretentiousness in maintenance. This is a cheerful, energetic, cheerful dog about 40 centimeters tall, with short, smooth hair.

The Manchester Terrier is friendly towards other animals and children, loves noisy games and long walks. The character is generally flexible, but sometimes the terrier shows stubbornness and disobedience. You can feed your pet traditional dog foods, but experts recommend starting the morning with sour milk.

The English Toy Terrier is a small black dog with characteristic red tan markings on its face, paws and chest. The dog's coat is smooth, lies tightly to the body and does not require special care. It is enough to stroke the English Toy Terrier once a week with a special rubber mitten.

The breed is flexible, friendly, gentle and playful. The toy terrier's energy is in full swing, so he needs active walks, games and exercises, close communication with the owner and all family members.

The Lancashire Heeler is a squat dog with short but muscular limbs. The breed's coat is straight, smooth and shiny, complemented by a dense undercoat in the winter. There are no difficulties in caring for the Lancashire Terrier: it is enough to comb it once every two weeks. We recommend bathing your dog only twice a year.

The breed is friendly, playful, easily remembers commands and willingly carries them out. The Lancashire Terrier loves walks, but can easily do without a long stay outside. Therefore, such a pet is suitable for calm, busy at work and elderly people.

Small dog breeds for children

Most small dog breeds are suitable exclusively for families with older children who follow the rules of handling animals. This is mainly due to the fragility of miniature dogs and some intolerance of many of them to rough treatment. At the same time, there are some breeds of small dogs that are quite suitable for families. Where there are small children.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a decorative breed of indoor dog about 25 centimeters tall with long, thick hair of absolutely any color. This playful, friendly dog ​​has excellent contact with children of any age, easily remembers commands, and is never capricious.

The Russian colored lap dog loves people, always strives to be in the center of attention, and loves to entertain guests. One of the main skills of the breed is the ability to adapt to the mood of the owner.. She always feels when she needs to just lie next to a person, and when she needs to play and chat with him.

Bolognese (Italian lapdog) is a dog about 30 centimeters tall, with thick, wavy hair, giving it a rounded shape. The breed is incredibly focused on companionship with people: affectionate, ingratiating, and cannot tolerate loneliness.

This breed can be owned by families with small children. But communication small child and dogs need to be controlled. For children over 7 years old, the Bolognese dog will be an ideal friend and play partner.

The American Eagle Dog just loves it funny Games with kids. She is smart, ready to please the representatives of the whole family every minute. The breed is smart and easily learns commands, enjoys participating in dog competitions and loves long walks.

Volpino Italiano – rare breed small dogs originally from Italy. This is a devoted family and owner, playful and smart dog with luxurious white fur. Volpino Italiano loves active and fun games with children and never harms them.

The dog is distrustful of strangers and always announces the appearance of strangers in the apartment with a ringing bark. It is necessary to train a dog persistently and patiently, since it is restless and willful.

Other small dog breeds

In addition to the breeds that have been listed in this article, there are many other small dogs. We invite you to get acquainted with some of them in photographs.

Norfolk Terrier in the photo

Australian Terrier dog breed


Pictured is an American Toy Terrier

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier


Boston Terrier dog breed

Brussels Griffon pictured


Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Smooth Fox Terrier breed


Photo. Italian Greyhound

Cairn Terrier dog breed


The descriptions of small dog breeds with photographs presented in this article provide only general information about the characteristics of each of them. Before making the final choice, it is worth studying in more detail the character traits and rules of keeping each breed, so that spending time together brings true pleasure to the owner, the pet and all family members.

Small dog breeds have been very popular for a long time, and every year it increases more and more. These tiny, toy-like dogs, in addition to their charming appearance, also have a wonderful friendly character and are fluent in the art of communicating with people. Abroad, they are even used in therapeutic practice, and this is not surprising, because such a positive creation will certainly have a healing effect on a person. An important argument in favor of representatives small breeds is their “portability” - you can always take the crumbs with you, placing them in a small handbag. Miniature dogs do not require much space and do well in small houses and apartments.
In this collection we will talk about the 27 smallest dog breeds. In compiling the rating, we primarily took into account the average body weight of dogs of each breed, as well as height at the withers (withers is the place on the spine between the shoulder blades, the most high point dog's body).

27th place: is one of the most ancient dog breeds, originating in the vastness of Tibet. At the beginning of the 20th century, they were forbidden dogs, belonging exclusively to the family of the Chinese emperor. According to breed standards, the height of a Shih Tzu should not exceed 28 cm, and weight can vary from 4 to 7.25 kg. This beautiful dog has a very independent character, sometimes it can be proud and arrogant, but at the same time it is very brave, gentle and loyal to its owner.


26th place: - another dog breed that originated in Tibet. The breed has long been very popular with Buddhist monks, who trained these dogs to spin prayer wheels. This dog actually does not belong to the true spaniels and is named so only because of its external resemblance to the European spaniel. The Tibetan Spaniel's height is 25 cm, and body weight fluctuates within 4.1-6.8 kg.

24th place: – a popular decorative dog breed, represented by two varieties: hairless and powderpuff, covered with soft hair all over the body. Her weight is 4.5-5.9 kg, and growth - 23-33 cm. Chinese Cresteds are active, cheerful, graceful and very loyal animals to their owner.

23rd place: – a small dog breed that originated in Germany in late XIX century. At the withers the dog can reach 25-30 cm, and its weight ranges from 4 to 6 kg. Representatives of this breed of dogs are very capricious and independent animals, but with proper training, the miniature pinscher will grow into an excellent guard-companion.

22nd place: – a small breed of dog of French origin from the group of lapdogs. Dogs of this breed were frequent companions of sailors, who happily took these excellent rat catchers and simply cheerful companions with them on their travels. The growth of the French Bichon varies between 23-30 cm, and the weight starts from 3 and up to 7 kg. He can be described as an intelligent, sensitive and playful dog that loves human company. With proper training, a Bichon will grow into an obedient and intelligent companion.

21st place: King Charles SpanielEnglish breed small dogs, bred back in the 16th century. The first representatives of this breed were favorites of English lords and were used for hunting. The height of an English aristocrat varies from 23 to 28 cm, and the weight is 3.6-6.4 kg. This cheerful companion dog is very devoted to its owner and, despite its miniature size, is always ready to help him. This breed should not be confused with the slightly larger Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

20th place: – a breed of decorative dogs bred in the vastness of Cuba. Cuban babies can weigh between 3 to 7.3 kg, and their height is 21-29 cm. The Havanese Bichon has an energetic, friendly and curious disposition, making him a wonderful companion. This affectionate and playful dog with a high level of intelligence is easy to train and gets along well with children.

19th place: - a dog breed bred on the island of Madagascar. Loyal to the owner, quick-witted and obedient dog, gets along well with other animals in the house. The height of these dogs 22-28 cm, weight from 3.5 to 6 kg.

18th place: is a miniature variety of pinschers, bred in Germany at the beginning of the 17th century. The height at the withers is 23-30 cm, and weight can vary from 2.9 to 6 kg. With their wonderful personalities and keen intelligence, Affenpinschers make truly ideal companions. They are also very playful, independent, resilient and sensitive animals with a very brave heart.

17th place: Pekingese- a very ancient breed of decorative dogs, which was bred in China more than 2 thousand years ago for royal families. Pekingese weight is 3.2-6.4 kg, and the height is 15-23 cm. Representatives of this breed are characterized by stubbornness and self-confidence, which can create some difficulties in the process of education and training. Pekingese do well without physical activity and are not at all picky about care.

16th place: – the most miniature breed dachshund, whose weight fluctuates within 3.6-5 kg, and the maximum growth is 12-16 cm. Due to his short legs The rabbit dachshund is the dog with the shortest average height at the withers, but it's enough heavy weight does not allow her to take a higher place in our ranking. Dachshunds were originally used for rabbit hunting, but today they make excellent companion dogs. Rabbit dachshunds They have a very gentle character, they are smart, obedient and inquisitive, easily adapting to each family member. These tiny dogs are hardy and easy to keep, but their upbringing requires a special approach.

15th place: – a dog breed whose history began in Australia at the end of the 19th century. These terriers can weigh from 3.5 to 4.5 kg and have height from 23 to 26 cm. Despite the fact that he was bred as a companion dog, he has a well-developed hunting instinct, which is typical for terriers. They have a sharp mind, cheerful temperament and an inexhaustible supply of energy. Despite its excessive mobility, the Australian Terrier is balanced, obedient and very trainable.

14th place: – a small decorative breed of dog, named after its place of origin – Brussels, Belgium. The growth of these cute animals begins from 18 and up to 25 cm, and the weight fluctuates from 3.5 to 4.5 kg. Brussels Griffons are cheerful, active, curious and charming companion dogs with good watchdog qualities. Representatives of this breed have a huge kind heart, but at the same time they are very sensitive and stubborn, which sometimes creates difficulties in raising and training.

13th place: – a breed of dwarf Spitz that is currently very popular in the USA. Its height can vary from 23 to 30.5 cm, and the weight is 2.7-4.5 kg. This breed of dog is characterized by exceptional intelligence and excellent watchdog qualities. They are also very energetic, loving and playful companion dogs that require a firm leader to raise and train them.

12th place: - one of four types of poodles, a small decorative dog bred in England in the 18th century. Its weight can vary from 3 to 4 kg, and growth from 24 to 28 cm. The Toy Poodle is a calm, elegant and beautiful dog, a wonderful companion and devoted friend. In addition, this dexterous and obedient little one is considered one of the smartest and easiest to train breeds.

11th place: – one of the oldest dog breeds, originally from the central Mediterranean. The growth of this snow-white baby varies within the limits 20-25 cm, and weight - 3-4 kg. The Maltese's wonderful character and calm temperament make it an ideal companion. Dogs of this breed are very cheerful, loyal, intelligent and easy to train. Despite their tiny size, they are distinguished by courage and fearlessness.

10th place: – a miniature breed of dog, bred in Italy and named after the Italian city of Bologna. The growth of Bolognese varies from 25 to 30 cm, and weight – from 2.5 to 4 kg. Representatives of this breed can be described as reserved, affectionate and smart dogs who learn quickly and respond well to training. And their inherent cheerful and kind disposition makes Italian lapdogs excellent companions.

9th place: – an ancient decorative breed of small dogs, bred in the 16th century and getting its name from the French word “papillon”, which means “butterfly”. According to one version, their homeland is Spain, according to another - Belgium. Breed standards state that Papillons should weigh between 2.3 to 4.5 kg, and the height can vary from 20 to 28 cm. They are very funny, affectionate and active animals that love to run around the perimeter of the house and scare away rodents and other small creatures. They take 8th place.

8th place: – a miniature dog bred in England in the 19th century. According to Kennel Club standards, dogs of this breed should weigh between 2.7 to 3.6 kg, and their growth can fluctuate within 25-30 cm. Most English Terriers are attractive, friendly and playful dogs that are endlessly loyal to their owner. At the same time, they have a unique character, and some overly “characteristic” representatives require serious training.

7th place: – a decorative breed of dog, previously very popular in the Chinese and Japanese imperial courts. The weight of this small, long-haired dog can range from 1.8 to 4 kg, and the height is from 20 to 27 cm. The Japanese Chin is a playful, sociable and cheerful dog with a calm temperament and excellent character. She learns very quickly and easily, is able to master a lot of complex commands with minimal effort.

6th place: Toy Fox Terrier (American Toy Terrier) is a small dog that is directly descended from the large fox terrier. Representatives of this breed can weigh from 1.5 to 4 kg, and their height varies within 21.5-29 cm. Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent and active dogs that are highly trainable and can easily learn to respond to a large number of commands. They are very cheerful, loving and endlessly loyal animals, truly ideal home companions.

5th place: - the tiniest representative of the Spitz, named after Pomerania, a historical region of Germany. Known as the favorite breed of Queen Victoria of England. Representatives of this breed, descended from large sled dogs, today have the height 13-28 cm, and weight 1.9-3.5 kg. The Pomeranian Spitz is an intelligent, friendly, sociable and loyal baby, who will protect his owner without fear. His small size successfully compensates for his exceptional intelligence, thanks to which he lends himself well to training. The Pomeranian is ranked 23rd in the.

4th place: - a small breed of dog that was bred in the Czech Republic in the 9th century. In those distant times, representatives of this breed, along with other rat catchers, protected the property of their owners from rodents. Nowadays, rat dogs are mainly used as companion dogs, but they have not lost their agility and hunting instinct. The ideal weight for a tiny rat catcher is 2.6 kg, and the height is from 20 to 23 cm. They are very smart, playful, obedient, humane, easy to train and get along well with children.

3rd place: – breed miniature dogs, bred by Russian dog handlers in the second half of the twentieth century. There are two varieties of these companion dogs: long-haired and smooth-haired. The height of the Russian Toy varies from 20 to 28 cm, and weight - from 1.4 to 3 kg. This breed is characterized by an extremely playful and friendly disposition, is very devoted to its owner and gets along well with all family members, regardless of their age.

2nd place: - a small decorative dog breed that originated in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England. The weight of a Yorkie, according to breed standards, should not exceed 3.2 kg. Growth does not exceed 23 cm. Despite the fact that the smallest living dog is a Chihuahua named Boo Boo, Yorkshire terrier Sylvia is recognized as the smallest dog in history. She died in 1945 at the age of 2 years, her height at the withers was 6.3 cm, length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail 9.5 cm and weight 113 grams.
Affectionate, energetic, inquisitive and brave Yorkies are ideal for keeping in a city apartment. Thanks to their quick wit and intelligence, they easily learn and remember new commands at above average speed.

1st place: - the smallest dog breed in the world, discovered in 1850 in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, after which it was named. Dogs of this breed usually weigh between 0.5 to 3 kg, and growth can vary from 10 to 23 cm. Chihuahua named Boo Boo is 10.16 cm tall, weighs 675 grams and is the smallest living dog..
Chihuahuas are different great variety color and coat types. Dogs of this breed are very kind, obedient, cheerful kids with a real character watchdog, but at the same time very vulnerable and touchy.

Decorative dogs give a person the opportunity to have not a working dog, but a four-legged friend, as they say, “for the soul.” Most often, representatives of these breeds are compact in size and are perfect for apartment living. But it is worth remembering that many of them did not immediately receive the status of an ornamental breed and the blood of their more active ancestors flows in their veins. For example, not everyone can become the perfect pet for a child, will be gentle and peaceful, or will begin to tremble, sensing danger. Not all of them are flexible and require attention and an individual approach.

This is a harmonious dog, which is a mixture of two breeds - pinscher and griffin. From the latter they got a funny, flattened face with rich facial expressions.

The dog is small, which does not prevent him from being hardy, courageous, and physically developed. Once upon a time, these animals helped farmers get rid of hordes of large and arrogant rodents, but today they are family favorites, cheerful, perky and cheerful. In addition, they have not lost their working qualities, and to this day they can perfectly catch rats and mice.


A dog with an elegant name, in appearance and character reminiscent of a delicate and airy dessert - marshmallow. Like most lapdogs, it has curly fur and comes in one color – white.

The Bichon Frize is considered an ideal apartment pet, a family pet that becomes a friend. The ancestors of these dogs caught rodents, but their descendants are exclusively decorative individuals. They need attention, do not like loneliness and are happy to be close to family members.


Tiny dogs of this breed have come a long way - from rat exterminators in mines and stables, to salon, aristocratic beauties, stars of social events.

Today the breed is at the peak of its popularity, and this is, to some extent, due to the fashion for small dogs and tiny sizes. But experts warn that such a small pet requires special care. The terrier should receive a lot of affection and attention, and its silky long coat needs regular treatments.


Another decorative pet, not devoid of the temperament of its ancestors and externally reminiscent of larger Dobermans. The Miniature Pinscher has pronounced security qualities, he is wary of strangers, has increased activity and endurance, compared to other decorative counterparts.

The character of these dogs is considered complex; the pet is capable of cunning, stubbornness and manipulation. Therefore, the little dog needs a firm hand and compulsory education. In this case, the pet will become a cheerful member of the family, ready to cheer you up.


The spaniel is compact in size, capable of performing certain hunting functions inherited at the gene level from its ancestors. However, when breeding the breed, another goal was pursued - to get a beautiful, obedient and affectionate pet. The dog turned out to be tame, cute and inquisitive.

Cavaliers love to play, show good results in sports competitions and are kind to all family members. People who have no experience in dog breeding can have such a four-legged friend.


These original dogs, which may have or have little or no hair, are believed to have originated from Africa. They are somewhat larger than most decorative breeds, but are exclusively family pets. They are not aggressive, inquisitive and very loyal to their owner and all household members, without choosing whom to love more.

She has a hard time with rudeness and neglect directed at her, she sensitively senses a person’s mood and does not impose her communication. It is difficult to endure separation and loneliness, and feels good if there is someone in the house. It is recommended to keep such a dog with other animals, so it will be less bored and worried.


This oldest breed, which, according to research, originated in Ancient China and only later appeared in Malta. Its representatives are small, funny dogs with long, silky, snow-white fur.

A good-natured, affectionate dog who, in case of danger, will rush to protect his owner. This pet will not let you get bored, and at the same time it is unobtrusive - he already understands from the intonation of a person that he is not yet in the mood for communication.

A lapdog can be owned by people who have no experience in dog breeding, and also if there are already pets in the house - the Maltese is able to establish friendly relations with everyone, including those of its own kind.


This butterfly dog, with upright ears reminiscent of the wings of graceful insects, leaves no one indifferent. The breed was bred so that its representatives would be a delight to the eye, kind and affectionate pets for noble people. Naturally, this was reflected in their character - Papillons are aristocratic, neat dogs, distinguished by good manners.

Dogs of this breed do not have working qualities and require affectionate attention from the owner. By making such a four-legged friend, a person practically acquires a child, vulnerable and sensitive.


Representative of the most ancient Chinese breed, with an original appearance and narcissistic character, which is not surprising if you know the history of the breed. by nature they are phlegmatic, do not like fuss and noise, and respect the measured pace of life.

These pets are jealous, capricious and love themselves. Due to their flat muzzle, they often snore heavily during sleep. What then, besides appearance, attracts people to these dogs? Pekingese are fearless, unpretentious and suitable for inexperienced dog owners.


A variety of decorative griffon originally from Belgium, unlike other types, has shorter hair. Once upon a time, Petit Brabançons were the favorite dogs of noble Belgian nobles, and certain time There was even a ban on their breeding by ordinary people.

In addition, history is replete with various stories when these little pets saved their owners from trouble, so they were compared to guardian angels. Today the breed is rare, which further fuels the interest of fans of such unusual dogs.


Several versatile dogs of various sizes that can be used as working dogs or wonderful companions. Their intelligence is equivalent to the development of a 3-year-old child, they do not shed and do not have a specific smell. Naturally, this makes poodles an attractive option for apartment living.

The largest of them are royal dogs, capable of mastering any discipline, and dwarf dogs are most often just favorites.


Representatives of this decorative breed are the result of selection work of Russian dog handlers. They were breeding exported toys from Great Britain and at the same time forming a new breed. The existence of Russian toy terriers in the world became known only after the lifting of the Iron Curtain, and since the representatives of the breed were numerous and of the same type, they were officially recognized almost immediately.

Despite its miniature size, the Russian Toy remains a terrier - it is distrustful of strangers and displays protective qualities. Otherwise, this is an affectionate, responsive pet that adores its family members.


If papillons are butterflies, then their relatives, phalaenas, are moths. These dogs are one of the varieties of continental toy spaniels, and they got their name because of their drooping ears. The breed is quite old, over 700 years old, and this is confirmed by multiple images of these dogs on the frescoes of those times.

Modern owners are attracted not only by the pretty appearance of falens, but also by their easy-going character. They love to communicate, they find mutual language, both with people and animals, are unobtrusive, do not require long walks and are clean.


This ancient breed developed by itself, without human intervention. Maybe that’s why its representatives are balanced, brave dogs, with a stable psyche. They do not tolerate injustice and are distinguished by their activity and self-esteem.

Such a dog is quite touchy, and if you frighten him, he will begin to tremble. loves to play with children, but they can accidentally injure the baby, so it is not recommended for children to interact with such a pet, and it is also worth protecting it from the company of rowdy children.


These beautiful animals are called chrysanthemums, “Buddha’s dogs” and even lions. Shih Tzus have an attractive appearance and luxurious coat, but this is not all of them positive traits. They are distinguished by friendliness, balance, calm temperament and devotion.


Representatives of the breed are native Japanese and have a rich history. These dogs are descended from spaniels from Tibet, its relatives are Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles spaniels. In ancient times, they were a delight for the emperor, decoration of the palace, protection from dark forces and misfortunes.

Decorative dogs are one of the most famous and numerous breed groups. The variety of types, sizes and colors of decorative dog breeds is amazing. Most of them have a centuries-old history: they saw the reign of ancient Chinese and Japanese dynasties, enjoyed success at the courts of the kings of the Middle Ages, and successfully survived the 19th and 20th centuries with their wars and revolutions. Nowadays, the definition of “decorative dog” is most often used in relation to small and dwarf breeds such as Chihuahua, Toy Terrier, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, different kinds lap dogs, etc. (although some classifications classify not at all “small” chow-chows, poodles and Afghan hounds as decorative).

There are both advantages and difficulties in keeping indoor dogs of a decorative breed. The advantages include, first of all, their size: decorative dogs are ideal for living in a small apartment, and the amount of food eaten by such a dog is several times less daily norm nutrition of its medium and large counterparts. Traveling with such a dog is also very convenient: it easily carries the road in the arms of its owner or in a special handbag, without creating problems for neighbors in a train compartment or airplane cabin. Some breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, do not have an undercoat, which is why this dog is not dangerous for allergy sufferers.

All these advantages, along with the charming appearance of most decorative dogs, have led to their high demand and even a kind of fashion for them these days. It is not surprising that you can often buy a decorative dog only by appointment at a kennel, and the cost of puppies of some breeds is equal to 1-2 salaries of an average office worker. As a result, the pages of newspapers and online publications for the sale/purchase of animals are full of advertisements like: “I will buy a decorative dog inexpensively,” “I will accept it as a gift, for good chihuahua hands”, “I’ll take a toy terrier puppy for free”, etc. However, the high price for these dogs has its own logic and justice, protecting them from the risk of ending up with a person who cannot provide the pet with proper care. After all, keeping a pet dog has its own characteristics that require additional time and financial investments.

Difficulties that arise for the owner of a decorative dog usually include:

- effeminacy: these dogs are very fragile (for example, a toy terrier can break its legs simply by jumping off the sofa); they are very sensitive to cold (and therefore need both winter and summer clothing); Most small dogs have delicate stomachs, requiring extremely careful selection of commercial food or nutritional products. natural nutrition. There are often cases when food that a mongrel dog or a dog belonging to unpretentious herding or sledding breeds eats with pleasure causes other disorders in a decorative dog. Quite typical for small indoor dogs and various kinds allergies.

Difficulties with breeding: due to their small size, many representatives of dwarf breeds have problems during pregnancy (strict weight restrictions for bitches suitable for mating) and childbirth (for example, Chihuahua puppies are born with the help of caesarean section, which implies additional costs for anesthesia and the services of a veterinary surgeon).

The need for constant care of coat and appearance: a decorative dog, whose purpose is to decorate the house and attract attention to the owner, must always look impeccable. Breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, etc. require significant expenses for caring for their coat, eyes, etc. As a rule, it is the owners of decorative dogs who are regular customers of pet salons. Thus, financial investments in maintaining the exterior of a decorative dog at the proper level often “balance” the savings on its nutrition

Lack of necessary qualities for protection and protection: due to their size, most decorative dogs, if necessary, are unlikely to be able to seriously protect their owner and his property (although in their innate fearlessness and the ability to bark loudly, they are not inferior to many other breeds:) At the same time, If such a dog is not raised, it can quite seriously bite family members, including children.

Myths and misconceptions about decorative dogs:

Myth one: Pet dog no need to walk

Indeed, a Chihuahua or a dwarf Spitz can be trained to do its business in the litter box at home, just as cats do. However, unlike cats, dogs remain dogs - to maintain health and good physical, as well as psychological state they need a daily walk 2 or 3 times, during which the dog can run, play and get acquainted with new interesting smells.

Myth two: Any small dog gets along great with children

Despite their harmless size, some decorative dogs have a far from harmless character. For example, Pekingese and lapdogs can be quite capricious and self-centered; they will not allow a child to treat them familiarly, and in response to direct rudeness they may bite.

Myth three: Decorative dogs cannot be trained

The result of this misconception was great amount small dogs that are completely unbearable. They do not obey their owners, yelp and rush at everything that moves, crap houses, spoil things, bite and act up. However, contrary to another common myth about the stupidity of small fry, many decorative breeds are very smart and amenable to training (remember poodles - one of the most popular “circus” dogs). If the owner does not know where to start training a decorative dog, he can turn to professional instructors - currently, many kennel clubs offer mini-OKD courses specifically for small breed dogs, where kids successfully master basic commands. In any case, whether a decorative dog will be an easy-going companion or an uncontrollable “room terrorist” depends only on the owner.