Owning a dog can truly be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs give you so much! They are loyal companions when you feel down and never fail to cheer you up. Dogs play a key role in maintaining mental health. Some are used as therapy for those in hospitals or care homes since the benefits of petting and connecting with canine friends are widely recognized.
Petting and engaging with dogs calms anxiety and promotes feelings of well-being and contentedness, so it is no surprise that more people are choosing to share their lives with these furry friends. If you have limited space in your home but are anxious to get a dog, here are several small breeds that may just be the perfect fit for you and your family.
Beagles
Although not the smallest breed, Beagles are a great medium-sized dog choice. They love company but require a fair bit of exercise, so if you enjoy staying active, a beagle will be a great buddy. They also have a strong hunting instinct.
As with most pedigree dogs, Beagles are prone to specific ailments. It’s a good idea to research the breed thoroughly before you commit to getting one so you are fully prepared for what to expect. The guys over at https://woofbarkgrowl.co.uk, for example, provide vital information about different breeds and how to care for them. It’s wise to ensure you have all the appropriate equipment, food, and health supplements for your new friend’s needs.
Purebred Beagles are usually short-haired, so maintaining their coat is pretty straightforward. A weekly brush will be sufficient to keep your Beagle looking fresh and groomed.
Yorkshire Terrier
If an outgoing Beagle is still too big for you to handle, why not think about a cute Yorkshire Terrier? Sometimes referred to as a ‘toy dog’, the YT is far more than being a doll to dress up. For a small dog, Yorkies are surprisingly energetic and full of curiosity. They require consistent training and a firm hand. As emphasized at royalcanin.com, Yorkies are a bunch of contradictions; small but vocal, intelligent but self-willed. Yorkies are naturally curious, so they will need inventive ways to challenge them.
Yorkies are known for their silky, smooth coat which makes this breed high maintenance for grooming. Their small Yorkie’s hair can become tangled and matted without proper care. Daily brushing and regular trips to the dog groomer are necessary to keep their coat in tip-top condition.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds are lovely little dogs. They are hound dogs, so like the Beagle, they enjoy lots of exercise and stimulation. They’re very playful and enjoy learning new tricks and pleasing their humans. These dogs have been around a long time; there are records as far back as the 15th century, so these little fireballs are part of our heritage.
Dachshunds can be tricky to train due to their ‘hound’ nature. Being firm early on is vital to help your dog settle into the family. Always be cautious when letting these little dogs off their leash. Their prey instinct is strong and could lead them into dangerous places. Be sure you teach them appropriate commands and trust them to return to you before letting them off.
These gorgeous little bundles of joy are generally excellent with children and other dogs, making them a great choice as a family pet. As always though, make sure they are supervised when around small children as they can occasionally be unpredictable.
Pomeranian
Owning a Pomeranian is like having your very own moving and breathing teddy bear. Pomeranians are famous for their extremely fluffy coat. Poms are very pretty dogs. Queen Victoria bred them from large sled dogs to make them smaller and able to fit into a bag. They are very easy to carry around but probably won’t protect you from intruders unless you count ankle nibbling.
Poms are great family dogs and love attention. They’re really good with other pets and tend not to be aggressive. They also love playing with toys and will be happy chasing a ball or squeaky toy for hours. Although they look tiny and fragile, Poms are usually quite robust and suffer few health problems. They also have an unusually long lifespan; many Poms live between 15-20 years!
Apart from obvious grooming requirements, Poms are relatively easy to have around; however, they do take their watchdog duties very seriously and will alert you if anyone comes near your house. They are definitely vocal and prone to yapping so if you live on a road with a lot of through traffic, then a Pomeranian may not be the best choice.
Whatever breed or crossbreed you decide, be sure you have done your research and are ready for the challenge. When you own your own dog, you have truly invested in one of life’s beautiful things – a companion who may turn out to be your very best friend.
