The second part of this article on small dog breeds covers small dogs in the non-sporting, toy, terrier, and herding groups.

Terrier Dogs

Terriers were bred for the hunt – foxes, rats, rabbits, and even badgers, otters, and river rats. Instead of the hunters of old, most terriers today are bred as pets. And with their loyal and affectionate temperament, they make lovely pets. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that they are dogs with strong personalities, and they need equally strong willed owners. This is even true of the small, toy terriers – they don’t see themselves as small dogs. Terriers also have a lot of energy, so will need their exercise. Their coats are wiry, and they have special grooming needs in order to maintain that characteristic wiriness.

There are many small breeds in the terrier grouping. They are: the Irish Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Border Terrier, Australian Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Norwich Terrier and Norfolk Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Bedlington Terrier dog breed, Scottish Terrier and Sealyham Terrier.

Toy Dogs

Toy dogs are amongst the most well known of the small dog types, due to their popularity with both people and celebrities. There are actually toy dogs in some of the other dog categories as well. Many large dogs have in fact been bred down to toy dog size.

Toy dogs are friendly, though they can be fierce and angry as well. They do make great lap dogs, however, and are often cherished members of the family, akin to a child. Toy dogs include: Miniature Poodle, the Papillon, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and the Pomeranian dog breed.

Non-Sporting Dogs

“Non-sporting dogs” is like a general classification for those breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club but don’t fit into any other group. They have different colors, ancestry, coats, sizes, and temperaments. Small breed dogs in this category are: the bichon frise, Boston Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Schipperke, and the French Bulldog.

Herding Dogs

Herding dogs are a relatively new classification in the American Kennel Club. The dogs in this category were part of the working group. In fact, in many countries they still are a sub-catgory of the working group. The dogs registered by the American Kennel Club are usually bought as pets, although herding (and working) dogs are still used worldwide on farms, cattle stations, and ranches due to their abilities to herd livestock. They are able to be trained to respond to whistles and commands, and are very good at their job. In families as pets, herding dogs may try and good naturedly herd their human family, particularly the children.

Small dog breeds in the herding group are the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Border Collie, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and the Shetland Sheepdog.

Miscellaneous Dogs

This category is for dog breeds not fully accredited by AKC. There aren’t any small dogs in it currently, however.

Be Sociable, Share!

•