Want a family dog, but size is a concern?
Here are 10 fun-sized dogs that can fit easily into your heart.
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10.
Havanese
The Havanese is a born companion dog.
This intelligent, outgoing and funny little dog is the only native breed of Cuba.
With a gleam in their big, brown eyes, these vivacious and sociable companions are becoming
especially popular with American city dwellers.
Their small but sturdy bodies of only 10-16 pounds, adaptable nature, and social skills
make the Havanese an ideal city dweller, but they are content to be anywhere that they
can command the attention of admirers.
Havanese are smart and trainable extroverts with the comic instincts of a born clown,
and are natural trick dogs, making them fun for the whole family.
9.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are dogs belonging to two different breeds of the spaniel dog type:
the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel, both of which are commonly
called simply, Cocker Spaniel.
Both make great family pets.
Today, the Cocker Spaniel is primarily a loving companion dog breed, though it remains a capable
bird dog at heart.
The Cocker Spaniel is a people pleaser and is never happier than when it is with it is
with its favorite people.
It’s happy to snuggle on the couch or a romp in the yard with the kids.
The Cocker Spaniel has a sweet temperament.
It is affectionate and cuddly and loves to participate in family activities.
The Cocker is a playful, high energy dog and needs a good amount of exercise, but its willingness
to play makes getting that exercise in rather easy and at 24-28 pounds it doesn’t require
a lot of space to do it.
8.
Whippet
Some caveats with the former breeds is that they require a lot of grooming and brushing.
That’s not so much the case with the Whippet.
The Whippet, a Greyhound in miniature, is a playful and affectionate and calm family
companion.
Sometimes called the “Poor man’s race horse” the Whippet is lightning quick!
But it’s more than happy to spend most of the day lounging on the sofa, enjoying the
role of a loving and loved companion.
Whippets rarely bark.
And, despite the Whippet’s elegant looks, the breed is a robust, low-maintenance dog
perfect for a home of almost any size.
7.
Pug
Charming, loving and a bit mischievous, it’s hard not to love the adorable Pug.
Once the companion of Chinese emperors, and later the mascot of Holland’s royal elite,
the small but solid Pug is today adored by millions of adoring fans around the world.
Pugs live to love and to be loved in return.
The Pug packs a lot of personality into a compact package.
Its large round head, its big, sparkling eyes, and its wrinkled brow give the Pug a range
of human-like expressions—surprise, happiness, curiosity—that have delighted owners for
centuries.
The ideal house dog, Pugs are happy in the city or country, with kids or old folks, as
an only pet or in a pack.
And packs of Pugs well, there are not adequate words to describe
the cuteness.
6.
Beagle
What is it about the Beagle that constantly has it ranking among the top family dogs?
Is it the cute pleading expressions or its happy-go-lucky personality.
No matter the reason, this friendly, curious and merry little dog fills the hearts of millions.
A breed described as “merry” by its fanciers, Beagles are loving and lovable, happy, and
companionable—all qualities that make them excellent family dogs.
Beagles are active companions for kids and adults alike.
They do require a significant amount to playtime, which can be a plus at keeping both kids and
dog occupied.
5.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s name implies, this dog spawns from royalty.
But despite the royal roots, Cavaliers gladly descend from their royal throne for a backyard
frolic.
The smallest of the Spaniel breeds, the sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from
large, round eyes is a breed hallmark as is being gentle, affectionate and graceful.
Adaptable and sociable Cavaliers do equally well with active owners and homebodies—they
can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes, depending on the owner's lifestyle.
4.
Basset Hound
Among the most appealing of breeds, the endearing and instantly recognizable Basset Hound is
a perennial favorite of dog lovers all over the world.
Although they may not be wildly giving with their affections, they are a steadfastly,
loyal breed.
Charming, patient, and lowkey, the Basset doesn’t have the in your face presence of
many other breeds, but they love everyone from strangers to children.
Its exercise needs are low and the Basset is happy just lying around most ot the day,
which makes the Basset a good choice for not so active families.
3.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a born companion dog.
And as the city name suggests, this breed is ideal for city living.
Bostons are sturdy but portable, people-oriented, and always up for a brisk walk to the park
or to the outdoor cafe.
The dapper Boston Terrier wears a tuxedo coat and a stylin’ attitude.
It is friendly, portable and enthusiastic in everything it does.
Bostons get along well with kids, other pets and pretty much everyone they meet.
All in all, they are fantastic little companion dogs and willing to grace your living room
with their love.
2.
Poodle
With an Einstein brain mixed with a Three Stooges sense of humor, the Poodle keeps its
family entertained.
With boundless energy and a sunny disposition, the Poodle makes an excellent family dog,.
Standard, Miniature, or Toy?
Take your pick, Poodles come in all sizes from 5 to 55 pounds.
You can fit a Poodle into any household.
Poodles tick all the boxes when it comes to choosing a family pet.
They are kid friendly, dog friendly, stranger friendly, apartment friendly… they’re
just friendly, although they can be a bit territorial.
Many a family has overlooked the intelligent, funny Poodle, thinking it’s prissy.
Still, the Poodle is one of the more popular breeds in the world.
Poodle lovers know the dogs for their intelligence, ease of training, low-shedding curly coat,
and love of family.
Before I get to number one, what are your favorite family pets?
Let us know in the comments.
1.
Mutts
Let’s not forget the humble mutt.
In fact, we’re giving the mutt the number one spot.
The common definition of mutt is a dog of unknown ancestry.
Available in all sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns, a mutt can be and more often than
not is a loving, family companion.
And as the ultimate family dog, the mutt often excels where the purebred sometimes fail.
Drawing from a broader, more diverse gene pool, the mix breed’s intensity is softer
than its pedigreed counterparts
The Mutt’s loyalty, warmth, and deep desire to please, however, remain as fiercely intact
as any dog.
The truth is, heritage matters very little when choosing a dog.
You'll get along well with your dog because you love dogs, not because a piece of paper
says it comes from a long line of dogs originating on the coast of France.
And your kids won’t care, they just want a loyal friend, not a Certificate certifying
that their dog is registered with a Kennel Club.
In the end, it’s the love that you get from your dog, and the love that you give it that
matter and what makes a dog a great family pet.
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