The 10 Most Popular Small Breed Dogs

Bichon Frise puppy

By Linda Cole

Small dogs may come in small packages, but many have a confident and tenacious attitude. These dogs dont think of themselves as “small,” and some of the jobs they were bred to do required a dog with attitude. A small dog is defined as a breed under 22 pounds, and dog owners have made 10 the most popular.

Bichon Frise

No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but the Bichon Frise is a good choice for people with allergies. A smart, independent, courageous, affectionate, confident and playful cotton ball of a dog, the Bichon Frise weighs 7-16 pounds and has a life span of 12-16 years or longer. With an easy, sensitive and happy personality, this is a good family dog that gets along well with other pets.

Boston Terrier

The largest of this group, the Boston Terrier is an American made breed that weighs 10-25 pounds. This easy going, muscular, compact and well mannered canine is often referred to as the “American gentleman.” The Boston Terrier is smart, good with the entire family, easy to train and sensitive to our tone of voice. This breed is susceptible to heatstroke because of their pushed in nose, but can live 15 years or longer.

Chihuahua

The smallest breed at 2-6 pounds, this dog definitely thinks hes a “big dog.” Intelligent, graceful, loyal, lovable, brave, adventurous, agile and strong willed, the Chihuahua makes a good family pet as long as he understands you are his leader. They can be short tempered with children and wary around strangers. This alert breed is a good watchdog, and can be extremely protective of his home and family. Many Chihuahuas are fond of cats, and can live up to 15 years or longer.

Maltese

This breed was a cherished companion to kings and queens for centuries. Maltese have a life expectancy of 15-18 years and weigh 4-6 pounds. They are gentle, well mannered, obedient and very loving, with a playful side. They are likely to find a mud puddle and jump in it, just for fun. These dogs are good with children and other pets. This breed goes back almost 3,000 years when Roman poets honored them in verse, and special tombs were built for them in Greece.

Miniature Dachshund

Miniature Dachshund

A member of the hound group, the Dachshund can be standard or miniature. The standard size is 16-32 pounds, and the miniature is 11 pounds or less. This is a fearless breed, bred to hunt badger above and below ground. In Germany, their country of origin, the name means badger dog. The Dachshund is a confident hunter with a great nose. Hes energetic, bold, loyal, curious, independent and good with older kids and other dogs. One health concern is back problems because of their long spine. Its important to make sure they have a quality dog food, like CANIDAE, to keep them at a proper weight. Lifespan is 14-17 years.

Parson Russell Terrier

A Parson Russell is essentially a long legged Jack Russell Terrier, and weighs in at 13-17 pounds with a life span of 13-15 years. The Parson and Jack Russell are two different breeds, and the PRT is AKC registered. Bred to hunt fox, above and below ground, this is a tenacious breed with a fierce confidence in doing his job. Smart, strong, alert, athletic, feisty, outgoing, independent and bold with a high prey drive, the PRT is a happy and energetic dog that needs lots of exercise.

Pekingese

Sacred in China, their country of origin, these dogs belonged only to Chinese royalty. Anyone stealing a dog was put to death. Common people had to bow in the presence of a Pekingese. When an emperor passed on, his dog was sacrificed to provide protection for his master in the afterlife. This is a sensitive, independent, brave, very affectionate, alert, opinionated and happy breed. Their ideal weight is under 14 pounds, and their life span is 12-15 years.

Pomeranian

These dogs were originally much larger, and used as herding and sledding dogs. Englands Queen Victoria fell in love with the Pomeranian and began breeding the dog to the small size we know today. Weighing 3-7 pounds, with a life span up to 15 years, this is an intelligent, alert, loyal, happy, proud and active dog.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

This hypoallergenic breed lives 9-16 years and weighs 9-16 pounds. In America, we pronounce Shih Tzu as sheet-sue, but the Chinese translation is sure-ds, with the ds sounding like the “ds” in words. The original translation is from Chinese Mandarin which means “lion,” hence the nickname of the lion dog. Playful, happy, alert, courageous, clever, spunky and affectionate, theyre good watchdogs and good with kids and other pets.

West Highland White Terrier

Another hypoallergenic breed, the Westie was originally bred to hunt fox, otter, badger and rats. Weighing 15-22 pounds with a life span of 15+ years, this breed is a friendly, lively, strong willed, spunky, happy, assertive, determined, confident and loyal dog. Westie’s excel at agility, obedience and conformation. They are good with kids and other dogs, but will likely chase cats.

Bichon Frise photo by Jonathan Day
Miniature Dachshund photo by Howard Young
Shih Tzu photo by Sadie Shih Tzu

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What can a DNA test tell you about your mixed breed dog

The results are IN!
Rudys DNA test results have come back.

Lets see what a DNA test can tell us about this mixed breed dog.

What you thought he was
We asked you all to place your bets on what mix of breeds he might contains, and boy did you come to the party! Heres what the poll results say YOU think he is:

The Other category included suggestions of: Collie, English Foxhound, Irish Setter, Galgo, Super cute curly tail hound (!), Glamour dog(!), Borzoi, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Pomeranian and German Shepherd.

What the DNA test says he is

Not surprisingly, Rudy has been identified as having come from a line of mixed breed dogs. 

We know that he was picked up as a stray in a very rural/bush area as a four month old puppy. In that location, its likely he was bred to be a hunting dog, and was bred from a line of dogs very similar to him. Both of Rudys parent have been identified as being mixed breeds. This has meant the DNA test is not just a clear cut simple cross between two breeds, but a bit murkier to decipher. 

What we expected

We always knew there would be sighthound in the mix! Fortunately, one grandparent on each side (e.g. his mothers mother and his fathers father) have been identified as being a single breed. So the test says that Rudy is identified as one-quarter Scottish Deerhound and one-quarter Greyhound. This makes sense and fits with his physical appearance.

(Photo: source)

(Photo: Sue Muir)

Part of Rudys DNA test results report

What we werent expecting

Because of Rudys muddled up mixed breed lineage, the DNA test results offer us a further five breeds that have been identified as "the 5 next best breed matches which appeared in the analysis of your dogs DNA. One or more of these breeds could have contributed to the genetic makeup of the ancestors indicated by the mixed breed icon. The breeds are listed by the relative strength of each result in our analysis with the most likely at the top of the list". This is definitely where the fun starts!

*Drumroll*

With the highest relative strength (undefined and unclear if this is supposed to be % of total dog, or % of the 50% unaccounted for, or some other strength) of 10.86 (again, 10.86 units of what, or out to a total available number of ##, is unclear) - is... 

The Dobermann! I find this plausible. Dobermanns are certainly not unusual in Australia and I can see inclusion in a line of hunting-purpose dogs making sense to someone at some point, way back when. Rudy also has a wonderful mate whos a Dobe, so now theyre totes cousins.

Dobermann reportedly represented in Rudy with strength of 10.86

Now, our first surprise... coming in with strength of 10.55 - the Shetland Sheepdog! Ha! I would have been more convinced by a Rough Collie I think, but who knows, maybe Rudys great great grandma was a house dog sheltie? It would explain those neck flares... This is nothing compared to the next couple!

Shetland sheepdog reportedly in Rudy with a strength of 10.55

Oh hi there Puli, with a strength of 6.64. In a million blue moons, I would never have picked you in this line up! There are not that many Puli breeders in Australia, and to think that one was used to contribute to a farmers hunting line seems... odd. But then, my personal favourite is still to come....

Puli reportedly in Rudy with strength of 6.64

...but well save it for last. Coming in with the second lowest strength of the five mixed breed contributors identified, we have the Irish Wolfhound. I know most of you thought this was going to be a leading contributor to Rudys make up, but whatever strength represents, 3.28 doesnt seem like much of it. So now my favourite....

Irish Wolfhound identified in Rudy with a strength of 3.28

Basset Hound. I guess Rudy gets his leg from the other side of the family, right?! With a strength of 1.63, its the final and lowest reported strength identified in Rudys report.

Basset Hound reportedly in Rudy with a strength of 1.63

Part of Rudys DNA test results report

The science behind mixed breed DNA tests

So how did the results end up like this? DNA tests for mixed breed dogs vary between providers. We used the Australian Advance/Waltham test which is powered by Wisdom Panel, validated against Australian dog populations. This test examines the 321 markers from the DNA against a database of DNA markers for over 200 representative (NB: not comprehensive!) breeds of dogs and a computer program evaluates and returns a probable pedigree tree reaching back three generations. Every possible combination the computer program arrives at is scored and the tree with the highest score is deemed most probable and presented in the report.

An important note about this kind of test is that 321 markers are not that many. Other canine research (genotyping for whole genome analysis) can use 170,000 markers. Human ethinicity testing relies on 20,000 (to determine caucasian/non-caucasian) -700,000 markers. 

321 markers provide a reduced scope of DNA marker testing, and they are comparing an unknown dog against a bank of typical groups of alleles that representatives for breeds, so the robustness of the test results should definitely be considered as a suggestion, more than an absolute truth. 

Another way to think of it

The best analogy (that may be over simplified, but I think is still useful) that I have been able to come up with to help explain this test in relation to mixed breed dogs is to think of dogs as colours. 

By this, I mean there is a broad spectrum and range, all able to be mixed together in various combinations, over time. Weve applied some values to the range (such as when blue becomes green, or orange moves into red) which we can think of as breeds. 

Image: Dean Russo

So consider Rudy as being a light brown colour. The DNA test is essentially trying to determine the combination of colours that arrived at that shade of light brown. Its pretty sure theres some red and green in there, perhaps some yellow too. But because hes such a mixed up colour, its harder to work out if theres also been orange  (or was it a certain shade of red with a different shade of yellow?), white, a darker brown or even some bright blue included, and when they might have been mixed into him. 

The computer program has presented his report with one possible combination of colours that arrived at his shade of light brown, but its not the only possible combination to get there. And when I consider where he came from and the likely uses and sources of his forebears, I can be fairly sceptical about some of the results (Im looking at YOU mop dog!).

For example, I would probably have believed fox hound over basset hound. Or rough collie over sheltie, and Im not confident how well 321 markers can discriminate between low levels of these breeds in comparison to each other by using the database of typical representatives. As time goes by and the databases are expanded, these tests become more reliable. For example, the test conducted this year is likely more correct than one done five years ago. If they extend the number of markers examined to 1,000 in the future, this would improve the accuracy again.

So - what is Rudy?

He is our dog. Much-loved family member, silly goose, and constant source of delight to our family. His breed heritage is not so important to us. We knew he was sighthound mix type of dog when we adopted him, and he still is. When I next get asked (as I always do!) "What IS HE?", I can now reply with a slightly more informed "Hes a mix, mostly deerhound and greyhound, with little bits of a few other things in there too". He is certainly a dog.

Look forward to any comments and questions you might have,

Mia

Further reading:

van Rooy, D., Arnott, E. R., Early, J. B., McGreevy, P., & Wade, C. M. (2014). Holding back the genes: limitations of research into canine behavioural genetics. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 1(1), 7.

Hedrick, P. W., & Andersson, L. (2011). Are dogs genetically special?.Heredity, 106(5), 712.

McPhee, C. G. (2011). Advances in canine genetic testing—And what these tests mean for you. Veterinary Medicine, 106(12), 608.

© 2015 Mia Cobb | Do You Believe in Dog?

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Doggone Safe Nominated for Classy Award

Doggone Safe has been nominated for a CLASSY Award in recognition of its efforts in the running the International Dog Bite Prevention Challenge. The CLASSY Awards recognize the top philanthropic achievements by charities, businesses, fundraisers and volunteers from across the country. The winners receive national exposure and more than $150,000 in cash & prizes for their cause.

Please visit this link to read our story and click the Like button. We need 100 likes by June 29 in order to advance into the next stage of the competition.

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Canidae Large Breed Dog Food – Its a Big Deal!

The sponsor of this blog, Canidae Natural Pet Foods, announced its new Large Breed formulas for adults and puppies just last month. They report that the response from both large breed pet owners and retailers across the country has been tremendous. In fact, Frank Hon, the companys Vice President of Global Sales (and large breed dog owner) said, "It may be the most successful new formula we have ever launched!"

What is all the fuss about? Well, there are several things that make Canidaes new large breed formulas different from anything else out there – features that really hit home for large breed dog owners. Lets take a look.

First, the Canidae Large Breed dry formula for adults and Large Breed dry formula for puppies both feature delicious duck meal. Whats so special about that? Duck has higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids compared to chicken alone. (Chicken is the primary protein in most other large breed formulas on the market.) These high levels of Omega 3 play an important role in reducing inflammation within the body, including within the joints. Good joint health is very important when it comes to these large breeds.

These formulas also contain yummy lentils! Lentils are a great non-grain source of carbs which help satisfy the big appetites of large breeds who sometimes want to eat too much. Lentils are so satisfying because they are low-glycemic, releasing energy into your dogs body more slowly than some other ingredients. This "slower release" helps to satiate big appetites and provide healthy all-day energy.

Proper weight control is important for large breed dogs, which is why Canidae made their formulas with low protein and fat levels. This helps large breeds achieve and maintain optimal weight and appropriate growth.

But Canidae didnt stop there.

These new foods also have the right calcium and phosphorous levels, along with vital amino acids from duck meal, to support the ideal development of bones and joints – especially critical for large breed puppies.

What about glucosamine and chondroitin? These are important for adult large breed dogs joint health, which is why Canidae included high levels of both in its adult formula.

Have you ever heard of L-Carnitine? Canidae includes that too, because it helps large breed dogs burn fat for energy. Combined with the great amino acid profile found in duck meal, these formulas help build fit and lean muscles.

Did you know large breed puppies have special nutritional needs when it comes to cognitive development? Its been shown that DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) – which is a special type of Omega 3 – when present in the diet of large breed puppies helps them develop key cognitive capabilities, getting them off to the right start in life. Its brain food!

And of course, like all of Canidaes dry foods, these new Canidae Life Stages Large Breed formulas have HealthPLUS Solutions in Every Bite™ – a powerful trio of nutrition Canidae adds to every kibble after cooking to ensure potency. This trio includes: Probiotics (like those found in some yogurts) for healthy digestion, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and of course Omega 6 and 3 for a beautiful skin and coat.

Canidae also created matching canned formulas to go with these great dry foods which feature chicken, duck, lentils and brown rice.

Several of the Canidae office staff have large breed dogs, including a couple of beautiful adult Bernese Mountain Dogs who love getting the dry formula for breakfast and dinner, with a can of the wet food for a mid-day snack!

Most Canidae retailers across the U.S. and Canada are receiving their first deliveries now, so be sure to ask your local retailer for yours today.

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