Been feeling lonely during the quarantine? Don’t worry, it’s not just you. Some people are turning to furry friends to keep their spirits up. So which small dogs are the best companions?
#1 Chihuahua
I’ve owned Chihuahua’s for years. Right now, I have two of them, Nori and Airess. Nori is a long-haired chihuahua, and Airess is a teacup chihuahua. I had Pepito for 15 years. I was heartbroken when he passed, but eventually, I missed not having his companionship, so I decided to get a new puppy, my little Nori.
I quickly realized she needed a friend so we got her sister Airess. Now I couldn’t imagine my life without them.
The Chihuahua is a saucy little pup, and not just because of their association with a certain fast-food Mexican restaurant.
They’re renowned for being one of the world’s smallest dogs, but they may well have the world’s biggest personality stashed inside that tiny body. That larger-than-life persona makes them appealing to dog fans from all walks of life.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s easy to love and to live with, chihuahuas and chihuahua mixes are your best bet! Not only are they loyal and fun, but they are also affordable and low-maintenance. Chihuahuas are small, affordable, fun, loyal and easy to care for pets. Check out these 10 reasons why Chihuahuas make a great pet! With their small heads, big eyes and perky ears, Chihuahuas are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a Chihuahua:
Chihuahuas are Loyal. Chihuahuas are known for many things and being loyal to their pet parents is one of them. Chihuahuas enjoy spending quality time with you whether it’s sitting on your lap during your leisure time or taking a ride around town with you.
Chihuahuas Have Fun, Playful Personalities. Though chihuahuas are loyal and affectionate with their owners, they are anything but dull and love to play! However, no two chihuahuas are the same, so if you have a friend with a chihuahua, your pet is likely to be quite different and unique.
Chihuahuas are Smart & Easy to Train. Most dog breeds are bright, but some are brighter and easier to train than others. Chihuahuas in particular are a bright breed and are, in turn, easy to train for obedience.
Chihuahuas Generally Don’t Mind Playing Along. One thing pet parents love doing is dressing their fur babies up for special occasions or just to keep them warm and cozy. Being the loving, loyal, and easy to train pets that they are, chihuahuas have no problem wearing clothes whether it’s a cozy sweater and paw-protectant booties or a Batman costume for Halloween.
Chihuahuas are Great Guard Dogs. Because they are loyal and animated, chihuahuas make great guard dogs. They are a vocal breed and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, your chihuahua is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
#2 Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
Toy and Miniature poodles are so beyond cute. Yes, they do require a lot of maintenance when it comes to their hair, but it’s so worth it! My mother has owned toy poodles my whole life. Besides their cuteness, they are loyal and a lot of fun!
Although Poodles seem to epitomize a life of leisure and luxury, make no mistake: These are real dogs bred to do real jobs. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters.
The Poodle is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in America. Poodles are highly intelligent, adaptable, and have a remarkable sense of humor. They come in three sizes, many colors, don’t shed, and are tolerated by many allergy sufferers. With so many wonderful qualities, it is easy to understand why the Poodle has so many admirers.
According to breed scholars, the Poodle’s origin is most likely Germany, where it was known as PUDELIN (meaning “to splash”) because of its love of water. It was the French, however, who honored the dog – at home, in court circles, and on the battlefield, thus earning the dog the popular but incorrect title “French Poodle.”
THE TOY POODLE
Of the three varieties, the Toy is the smallest. It is popular with apartment owners, retired people who enjoy traveling with their pets, and those who prefer a very small dog. According to the “Breed Standard,” the Toy Poodle should not be taller than 10 inches at the shoulder.
THE MINIATURE POODLE
The Miniature Poodle is the medium size variety. Ideally falling between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder, this sturdy size is small enough to suit apartment living and large enough to be a rough and tumble child’s companion.
DON’T BUY ON IMPULSE
Buying a dog should not be done on impulse. Learn as much as you can about the breed in which you are interested. Every breed has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Owning a Poodle:
- Three sizes from which to choose.
- Highly intelligent and adaptable.
- Delightful, clever temperament.
- They are people oriented.
- Non-shedding.
- Breed of choice for many allergy sufferers.
- Many colors from which to choose.
#3 Yorkshire Terrier
If you can afford their hefty price tag the Yorkshire Terrier is a great choice. The Yorkshire Terrier, aka the Yorkie, seems quite confident, and why not? With their silky coat and perky topknot, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most glamorous representatives of the dog world, sure to attract attention wherever they go. Because they’re so small, they often travel in style—in special dog purses toted around by their adoring parents.
Yorkies are such popular dogs and make such good pets for several reasons. Here are a few:
- They’re small: Their size makes them easy to carry around, walk on a leash, or hold in your lap.
- They adapt happily to apartment living: Just about any size living space is big enough for Yorkies, and you can potty train them to go indoors or outdoors.
- They’re easier to travel with than larger dogs: Yorkies usually fit within the weight restrictions placed on pets. They’re also usually less expensive to board than larger dogs.
- They require less food than larger dogs: A half to three-quarters cup of kibble a day is usually enough to keep your Yorkie well-fed, which makes them cheaper to maintain.
- They’re loving, devoted, and very affectionate: This makes them great personal companions and good family pets. They love the interaction with their humans.
- They’re hypoallergenic. Because of the type of coat they have (no undercoat), they don’t shed as much as many other breeds: So, Yorkies can be a good choice for people with allergies.