How You Train a Small Dog Makes a Difference

By Linda Cole

When it comes to dog training, the size of the dog does matter! It can mean the difference between being successful or falling flat on your face when trying to teach your small dog commands. In a way, its easier to train larger dogs because owners of small dogs often treat a smaller pet differently than they would a bigger dog.

Many small dogs belong to the terrier group. This is a group of feisty, high prey drive dogs with lots of energy. They are smart and not afraid to let their feelings be known. Small dogs can be manipulative if they get a chance, and can have an attitude the size of a Great Dane. Its tempting to let a little dog get away with things most owners wouldnt accept from a larger canine. His actions may not hold the same weight as a misbehaving larger dog, but a small dog can still be disruptive. If your small dog jumps up on someone to greet them, many will think thats cute, but if a Saint Bernard leaps up, your guest could be lying on their back with a drooling dog standing over them. Not as cool to some, but could be cute depending on your guests sense of humor.

Dogs can understand if they are being treated differently than others around them, and its important to treat small dogs just like you would a larger one. Training is about teaching your dog how you want him to act, but its also a good way for you to learn who your dog is as an individual. Small dogs can be stubborn. We can accidentally teach little dogs the wrong way to act if they are rewarded for their misdeeds or bad manners.

Part of our job is to instill confidence and trust in our pets. Treating a dog with respect, regardless of size, is one way of establishing yourself as their leader, and says you can be trusted. Dont give any treats or attention until your dog has all four feet on the ground.

Riley, my Terrier/Chihuahua mix, has been more of a challenge to train than my largest dog Max, a Lab mix. Riley had a tendency to jump up to grab a treat. I can understand why she did it – she was afraid one of the other dogs would get it before I got my hand down to her. Keep in mind how a small dog sees the world from their level if you have different sized dogs. Once Riley learned she didnt have to compete with the larger dogs for her treat, she settled down and became more willing to focus on the commands I was teaching, and not grab for her treat.

Finding the right treat is a consideration when training a small dog. The treat needs to be special and something that will get your dogs attention. CANIDAE TidNips™ treats are a favorite for my dogs. I like them because when treating a small dog, you want to give bite sized pieces they can handle, and I can easily break up the treat without it falling apart.

Small dogs need to learn the same basic commands as a larger dog. Sit, stay, come, and drop it are four commands that could save your pets life. Small breeds that were bred to hunt vermin and small game have a high prey drive, and their desire to chase is just as strong as it is in larger breeds. They are also quick and can be gone in a flash if off leash when outside. Dont take your pets small size for granted, and expect the unexpected just like you would with a Lab, Border Collie or any larger breed.

When training, get down to your small dogs level so he can see your face easier. When you call him to come, make sure he comes all the way to you, and doesnt go underneath a table or chair. A good command to teach a small dog is “stay calm, chill, settle, or quiet,” whichever word works for you to help keep him from getting over stimulated. Its a command that helps him control his energy. A small dog may have the attitude of a big dog, but they are still little, and that can be a bit intimidating for some dogs. Little dogs can be controlled by picking them up, but without training they wont learn how to behave, and could be at risk of developing small dog syndrome.

One mistake some owners of small dogs make is thinking their pet doesnt require exercise. All dogs need regular exercise to keep their mind and body healthy. Playing outside gets them out in the fresh air, and walking is a good way to keep your pet socialized with new people, sounds, sights, other dogs and places. A well socialized and trained dog is much easier to handle and less likely to get into trouble.

Photo by itarife

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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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Eight Easy to Train Small Dog Breeds

Yorkie

By Linda Cole

Training any dog can be hard if you arent consistent and dedicated. Small dogs, which include terriers, come with big attitudes and arent afraid to take on big jobs. These dogs are intelligent, agile and tenacious. Dogs under 22 pounds or standing under 16 inches are considered small, although there are some small breeds that weigh a little more and are taller. If you want a small dog thats easy to train, theres a nice variety to pick from, including the breeds listed below. Carry a pocketful of CANIDAE Pure Heaven treats, and these dogs will practically train themselves! LOL.

Yorkshire Terrier

This breed has been in the top ten most popular dogs for the last decade. The Yorkie may be small, but hes all terrier, with an expertise in rooting out and catching rats and other small rodents. The breed was developed in northern Englands Yorkshire County to control rodents in coal mines and textile factories. Earlier dogs were larger than the breed we know today, and fearless when it came to doing their job. It wasnt long before high society adopted the Yorkie as a companion pet, and thats when the breed was bred down to the size we know today.

Pomeranian 

The smallest of the Spitz family of dogs, the Pomeranian is descended from Northern breeds like the Norwegian Elkhound, American Eskimo Dog, Samoyed and Schipperke. Before this breed was bred down to their 3-7 pound size, Poms weighed up to 30-35 pounds. The dog was developed in Pomerania, a small province in todays eastern Germany. This compact little dog can excel at agility and obedience, or be happy hanging out in the lap of the one he loves.

Schipperke

Schipperke

This breed was developed in Belgium to get around a law passed in the 14th century by the ruling French elites that wanted to assure only aristocrats could own large dogs. Commoners needed a dog to work livestock and protect homes, so the smaller Schipperke was created as a herding dog for smaller livestock and as a ratter. The Schipperke is described as “the smallest shepherd in the world, black with a docked tail.” This dog has a fondness for agility, obedience and herding ducks and chickens.

Norwich Terrier/Norfolk Terrier 

Both originated north of London in the east central region of England in a place called East Anglia. At one time, the Norwich and Norfolk were considered the same breed. It wasnt until 1964 when the Kennel Club officially separated the two dogs, giving them their own distinct breed names. The main difference between the two dogs is that the Norwich has pricked ears and the Norfolk has drop-ears. During the 1880s, Cambridge University students decided it was fashionable to own a small dog adept at catching rats. The dogs were so good, the breed ended up being named as an unofficial school mascot. These little terriers are also capable fox hunters, running with foxhounds, ready to go to ground when needed and flush a fox from his den. Both breeds love to work and do well in agility, obedience, rally and Earthdog trials.

Silky Terrier 

Often mistaken for a Yorkshire Terrier, the Silky originated in Australia in the states of Victoria and New South Wales during the 1890s. After Yorkshire Terriers arrived in Australia, they were crossed with native Australian Terriers to produce the Silky Terrier. The original job of the Silky was hunting rodents and small game. This is a daring and tough little dog, true to his terrier ways. He is an excellent watchdog. The Silky Terrier is a little bigger than the Yorkie.

Miniature Pinscher 

This dog is not related to the Miniature Doberman Pinscher or Doberman Pinscher. The Min Pin is an older and distinctive breed from the Doberman, known as the “King of Toys” because of his elegant and confident demeanor. The dog was bred in Germany to control rats and other vermin in homes and stables, and as a watchdog. In the show ring, the Min Pin delights fans with his high-stepping, self assuring gait.

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher 

This dog originated in Germany and today is considered a rare breed, but at one time, was very popular in his native country. The Affenpinscher has a unique looking face, and has the nickname “Monkey Dog” which comes from his name (the German meaning of “affen” is ape or monkey). His job in the early days was rodent control where his talents were used in kitchens, granaries and stables, and by shopkeepers. The Affenpinscher was eventually bred down in size while retaining the ability and desire to catch mice and rats.

American Eskimo Dog 

This  member of the Spitz family comes in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy. This is a very smart breed that can think for himself and problem solve. During the mid 1800s, German immigrants brought this beautiful white dog with them to America and the breed was very common in German communities. American Eskimo dogs traveled with circuses, performing tricks and delighting audiences with their agility and intelligence.

Top photo by SKimchee
Middle photo by Douglas Brown
Bottom photo by Ingunn Axelsen

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Why Do Small Dogs Pick Fights with Big Dogs

By Linda Cole

I wasnt expecting to adopt another dog until one day my neighbor came over with a tiny puppy tucked under her arm. As she explained why she was there, the pup stared at me, her bright eyes sparkling with personality that would have melted any dog lovers heart. Before I knew it, the pup was nestled in my arms, giving me kisses. Riley is a Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix, and shes the smallest one in my pack of much larger dogs, but her attitude is definitely “Dont mess with me.” One would think a small dog would show a little respect to a dog towering over her, but that would be ignoring the tenacity of most little dogs. So why do some small dogs pick fights with larger dogs?

One theory posed by vets is that a lot of small dogs tend to spend more time in their owners arms, giving them a higher position where they can view a larger dog from above. We have a tendency to be more protective of a small dog, especially if there are larger dogs in the family. To prevent small dog syndrome, I treat Riley just like my other dogs, and I don’t let her get away with doing things I wouldnt allow the bigger dogs to do. We dont pick her up and carry her around, and we let the dogs resolve minor disagreements themselves. The alpha dog in a pack isnt always the biggest dog; sometimes it is the smallest one.

Like larger dog breeds, small breeds were bred to do a specific job. Some were developed to be companion dogs, happy to lounge away their days in the lap of the one they love. But most small breeds were created to hunt vermin or prey. These little canines had to be feisty, tenacious, brave and independent. They needed a fierce attitude to stand up to sometimes larger prey, with an equal amount of attitude. As far as the little dog goes, his size has nothing to do with it. Its his super sized willingness to fight thats important.

Some small dogs were bred to be watchdogs and warn their owner of strangers or wild animals. Tibetan Spaniels, tipping the scale at 15 pounds, would lounge around on top of monastery walls where they could see vast distances with their keen eyesight. If they saw someone approaching or wild animals roaming about, they sent out an alarm to the monks below. Regardless of their size, all dogs take their job seriously.

Smaller dogs can also be a bit more nervous, and may feel scared around much larger dogs, which causes them to overreact in a defensive manner. After all, a dog is still a dog no matter how big or small he is. If we found ourselves around giants capable of pushing us around or trampling on our toes, wed be nervous and defensive, too.

Poor socialization skills add to a defensive attitude. When any size dog doesnt know how to greet another dog in a calm and respectful way, it can quickly escalate into a fight. If the dog is little, hes more likely to be the one that ends up needing to see the vet. Its important to make sure your small dog is introduced to all kinds of environments, people and other dogs or cats, so they can learn how to properly deal with situations that may arise.

A canine with small dog syndrome is sending a signal to his owner that hes nervous, scared, not sure how to react and not sure who his leader is. He does whats natural to him and lashes out with aggression, thinking hes on his own and has to take care of himself. The best solution for avoiding problems with small dog syndrome is to treat a little dog as if hes the size of a Great Dane.

Its important to understand what small dog syndrome is – it has nothing to do with being jealous or protective. If your small dog sits on your lap snapping at other people or pets, is constantly jumping up on your legs, or whines and barks to get your attention, those are signs of small dog syndrome.

One of the best ways to protect your small dog and keep him from picking fights with larger dogs is to make sure he sees you as his leader, and follows your commands. Teaching your dog basic commands, and rewarding him with his favorite CANIDAE treat, will strengthen the bond between you. Positive reinforcement also builds trust and respect. Most dogs, regardless of size, just want to be a dog, without the responsibility of leadership.

Photos by Out.of.Focus

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Terrier Dog Breeds Big Attitudes in Small Bodies

Airedale Terrier

By Linda Cole

The terrier group of dog breeds is an interesting mix of canines, bred to do a variety of jobs from hunting prey to keeping rats at bay. They are feisty, energetic and small enough to fit into any home. This is a group with a variety of distinct personalities, but all have a “big attitude in a small body.” Digging is common in terriers because they were bred to go underground after their prey. Terra is the Latin word for “earth,” and terriers are certainly “earth dogs.” The American Kennel Club recognizes 29 different terrier breeds. Here is brief information on nine of them:

The Airedale Terrier holds the “King of Terriers” crown; they are the largest and most robust of the group. The Airedale is considered an all purpose dog, and was used during wartime as a guard dog, to run messages, control rodents, and as a hunting dog. Hypoallergenic; they stand 22-24 inches and weigh 40-64 pounds.

The Australian Terrier was the first breed recognized in 1868 as native to Australia. His job was to work alongside his owner in the Australian Outback to keep vermin and snakes in check. He was also a watchdog, and helped with livestock. Hypoallergenic; they stand 9-11 inches and weigh 12-16 pounds.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier could easily be mistaken for a lamb because of his woolly, curly coat. The breed was developed in a mining shire in Northumberland, England, and thats where its name comes from. The miners used the Bedlington to control vermin, and because they had excellent speed and endurance, miners also raced them. Hypoallergenic; they stand 15-18 inches and weigh 17-23 pounds.

The Border Terrier can get into most any size hole, and can race across different types of terrain after his main prey, the fox. The Border was bred as a working dog and protector of his owners livestock. In the old days living on a farm, this little dog had to be a good hunter because he had to hunt down his own supper. Hypoallergenic; they stand 11-16 inches and weigh 11-16 pounds.

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier takes its name from rock dens called “cairn” where fox and badger live in the Scottish Highlands. The breed originated in the highlands and the Isle of Skye. Toto, Dorothys little dog in “The Wizard of Oz” was a Cairn Terrier. One of the oldest of the terrier breeds, the Cairn was bred to control vermin. Hypoallergenic; they stand 9-13 inches and weigh 13-18 pounds.

The Cesky Terrier originated in the Czech Republic, and is considered one of the countrys national breeds. The Cesky (pronounced chess - key) was bred to work in packs to hunt fox, ducks, pheasants, rabbits and wild boar. This breed is so revered in its native homeland that it has been featured on postage stamps, TV, in books and in a movie. Hypoallergenic; they stand 10-13 inches and weigh 16-22 pounds.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier definitely has a big dog attitude packed inside his low and long body. This breed was recorded as a distinct breed as far back as 1700, and made his home with rich people and gypsies. Bred to hunt otter and badger, he has a reputation as a skilled hunter, able to go to ground after his prey. The breed was named after a character in a Sir Walter Scott 1814 novel, “Guy Mannering.” Hypoallergenic; they stand 8-11 inches and weigh 18-24 pounds.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is native to Ireland, bred to control vermin on farms, and hunt fox and badger. This breed has remained pretty much the same today as it was 100 years ago. This dog was also designed to do a rather unique job: they were used to turn a large wheel called a turnspit. As the dog paddled the wheel, it turned a spit over a fire, earning them the nickname of “turnspit dogs.” They stand 12 ½ inches and weigh around 35 pounds.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an all purpose working dog, bred in County Kerry, Ireland in the 1700s. Their name comes from the area they were bred in, and their coat color. They were used to hunt small game and birds and retrieve them from water and land. The dog also herded cattle and sheep, guarded homes and did police work. Peasants used the Kerry to hunt silently within a noblemans hunting grounds. The Kerry Blue is born black, and his blue coat doesnt appear until hes between 9 months to 2 years old. Hypoallergenic; they stand 17-20 inches and weigh 33-40 pounds.

The rest of the terrier group includes the American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier.

Airedale Terrier by Lulu Hoeller
Bedlington Terrier by Pets Adviser  
Cairn Terrier by Living in Monrovia
Kerry Blue Terrier by pw95

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