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What Are the Smallest Dog Breeds? Toy, Teacup, Mini & Small Dogs Explained

For many pet owners, small breed dogs are the perfect companions. They’re cute, well-sized for snuggling, and can form strong bonds with their owners. 

Before you adopt a small dog, though, there are some important factors to consider. You want to make sure their personalities and activity levels align with your preferences. Their size can also make them prone to certain health conditions.

Schnauzer

This is a robust, sturdily built, heavyset dog of square proportion. They are both strong and agile, with a  quick, powerful stride. Their coat is hard, wiry, and thick, with soft undercoat. Their hallmark whiskers, mustache, and eyebrows add to their often alert, spirited expression.

Belgian Shepherd / Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is an elegant, square-proportioned dog that is alert and agile with proud carriage. This breed’s bone is moderately heavy. For dogs expected to herd for long hours, their gait is smooth, tireless, and effortless rather than driving. They have a tendency to move in a circle rather than a straight line. They have an extremely dense undercoat along with an outer coat of abundant guard hairs that are long, well-fitting, and straight. The texture should be medium-harsh, not silky, for protection. The undercoat is extremely dense in cold weather for insulation.

Teddy Bear Dog & Puppy Breeds

Reading Time: 16 mins, 50 secs. 

Teddy bear dog breeds possess adorable charisma, and their teddy-like nature is delightful. Some teddy bear dogs are purebred, like the Toy Poodle and the Shih Tzu, while other teddy bear dogs are mixed-breeds, like the Zuchon, the Cavapoo, and the Maltipoo.

Characteristics may vary, especially amongst mixed-breeds. Mixed-breed dogs may take after one of their parents, or they may be a blend of features from both of their parent's breeds. The common characteristic of all teddy bear dogs is that they are all heart-warming.

What Are Teddy Bear Dog & Puppy Breeds?

Chances are, you’ve seen dogs of lots of different breeds and mixes that brought out the “gotta-cuddle” impulse in you. And you may have also heard people talking about “Teddy Bear Dogs.”  A teddy bear dog is not a single breed. This unofficial collection of canines includes any adorable pup with soulful shoe-button eyes, a boopable nose, and fluffy or plush soft fur. They vary in size -- although when people say they are looking for a dog who makes them think of a teddy bear, they usually are envisioning a small dog who can join them on their lap.

Small Dog & Puppy Breeds

They’re cute, they’re cuddly, and they pack tons of personality into short stature. But is a small dog right for you? That depends. Small dog breeds come from a variety of backgrounds, and they vary widely when it comes to personality, activity needs and maintenance requirements.

Short Haired Dog & Puppy Breeds

Looking for a pet that may need a little less grooming? Short-haired dogs could be a great option, just keep in mind that low-maintenance coats don't always equate to a low-maintenance pet, and there are a number of considerations to take into account (like energy levels and personality) before choosing a companion.

Our list of short-coated dogs below includes some possible personality traits, as well as grooming needs, but before you check it out, consider the following: