Choosing a Dog Breed: More Small and Mixed Dogs

I love old movies with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. In ‘Shall We Dance’, Fred and Ginger sail across the Atlantic on the Queen Anne. Ginger stops at the ship’s busy kennel and takes the dog out of it. As Fred, Ginger and her dog are pacing the deck, the dog steps on her sleeve and ruins her sweater. How nice! Standing by the railing, Ginger holds her fluffy-faced dog as Fred sings “I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck.” Can you guess the breed of dog? My personal opinion is that this cute dog is a Maltipoo rather than a Havanese or Bichon Frize. Pass? There are many wonderful small dog breeds. Some of the best small dogs are not purebreds, but mongrels technically called crosses. Before buying or adopting a small dog, it’s a good idea to research the different breeds to find out which dog is right for you.

Half-Blood (Mestizo)

Maltipoo- The Malti-Poo is a crossbreed because it is a cross between 2 different purebred dog breeds: the Maltese and the Poodle. This adorable little dog often has a fluffy, backward-turned tail. The characteristics of mixed breeds are less predictable than those of pure breeds. Be sure to consult a reputable breeder or shelter about the qualities you are looking for in your dog before purchasing a mixed dog. The Maltipoo is an active and affectionate pet. They do well with other pets, but not with small children. They require regular grooming. Maltipoos make good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise.

Morkie – Also called the Yorktese, this dog is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. The Morkie is very small, affectionate and loyal. With training they can get along with other pets and older children. They need regular grooming. The Yorktese can be an apartment dog as long as he gets regular exercise. They are better watchdogs than Maltipoo’s.

Puggle – The Puggle is slightly larger than the Maltipoo and often has the wonderful features of beagles and pugs. Puggles are good with children and other pets. They like human interaction and lots of exercise. These dogs require regular grooming and are alert watchdogs.

Cockapoo – These dogs have adorable faces framed by curly, fluffy ears. They are half cocker spaniel and half poodle. Poodle crosses are often popular because poodles don’t shed, making them good for people with allergies. The Cockapoo needs regular grooming, but it is a dog that sheds a lot. Very playful and affectionate, this dog is a popular pet. They are good with children and other pets. Like poodles and cocker spaniels, the cockapoo is highly intelligent. They really like exercise. An apartment can be fine as long as the Cockapoo is walked frequently.

Shih-Poo – Little Shihpoo has the cute eyes and face of the Shih Tzu with some curly hair of the Poodle. They are better with older children and can get along with other pets with training. Loyal and affectionate, they make good little watchdogs. The Shih-Poo requires regular grooming. This dog likes attention and does very well in an apartment.

Goldendoodle – These dogs are a cross between golden retrievers and poodles. They can be small-medium to large in size. Consult a quality breeder about their sizes. They are usually a beautiful cream or gold colour, although they can be found with red coats. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and versatile dogs just like poodles and golden retrievers. They do well both indoors and outdoors. They require some grooming and exercise, but much less than golden retrievers. They are usually low drop. Goldendoodles are good with children and other pets.

Westiepoo – These beautiful dogs are a cross between a West Highland White Terrier and a Poodle. They are similar in appearance to the Maltipoo except they are larger, being almost a medium sized dog. Also Westiepoo 50/50 sticks will have coats that are just white. They do well with older children and other pets with training. Regular grooming is recommended. Very low shedding, they are good for allergy sufferers. They also like a lot of attention, which means they don’t like to be left alone. The Westiepoo can live in an apartment with regular exercise.

Maltipom: These very small dogs can resemble fluffy white stuffed animals. A cross between a Maltese and a Pomeranian, they can also be found in other colors. These dogs are energetic and loyal, making them good little watchdogs. The Maltipom does well with older children and can get along with other pets with training. They like attention and do very well in apartments. They need regular grooming.

Pure Breeds

Havanese: Another lovable little dog with a tall, fluffy tail is the Havanese. They often have longer coats which give them a shy look. The National Dog of Cuba, this breed is becoming more popular in the US and around the world. They make great family pets because they are good with children and other pets. They require regular care but shed little, so they’re good for people with allergies. The Havanese can be an apartment dog as long as he gets regular exercise.

Lhasa Apso – These distinctive dogs are often seen with long fur that hangs to the ground on all sides. This breed comes from Tibet where they guarded Buddhist monasteries. They are playful and affectionate dogs, but are wary of strangers making good watchdogs. They are not good with small children and generally not with other pets. The Lhasa Apso requires regular grooming. This breed prefers to be an indoor breed and can be an apartment dog.

Bichon Frise – These dogs are beautiful and small with a face that is often framed by fluffy white hair. This breed was often a favorite of French and European royalty. They are playful, cheerful dogs that make wonderful family pets. This breed gets along well with children and other pets. They can be apartment dogs if they get enough exercise. Their only drawback is that they require daily grooming.

Fox Terrier – The Toy Fox Terrier is the smallest variety of this breed, while the Smooth Fox Terrier is larger but could still be called a small dog. They are mostly white with dark markings on their heads and have distinctive high, pointed ears. They are loyal dogs, but do not do well with small children. The Toy variety is better with other pets, though only with training. These dogs only need minimal grooming. If he exercises regularly, he can be an apartment dog.

Papillon – These distinctive little dogs have a white blaze in the middle of their foreheads and large, winged ears. This beautiful breed is energetic, yet affectionate. They are better with older children. The Papillon may be an apartment dog, but he likes to exercise outdoors. They require regular grooming.

Miniature Bull Terrier – This dog has the big, long face of Spuds MacKenzie, but is the smaller version. These dogs are energetic and protective. They are not good with small children and at least a small yard is recommended. Grooming requirements are minimal, but daily exercise is recommended.

Sealyham Terrier – These handsome dogs have a solid coat and a distinctive beard. Usually white in color, they are an energetic breed, but they are quiet for a terrier. They do well with older children and make good watchdogs. This breed requires regular grooming. They can be apartment dogs with regular exercise.