The world’s smallest dog breed might be tiny in size, but it’s a popular dog breed that can make an ideal family pet.

This dog breed comes in two types - smooth coat and long coat.

Chihuahua - The Lively and Affectionate Companion

The Chihuahua is a playful, lively, and affectionate dog that requires minimal exercise.

Some dog trainers do not recommend the Chihuahua for families with small children and, as with any dog, children should be supervised and not left alone with a Chihuahua.

They make ideal city dogs and adapt well to apartments and condos and can be litter-box trained, if necessary.

Their small size also makes them an ideal pet to dress up in dog clothes and carry in a stylish dog carrier.

Smooth coated Chihuahuas require little grooming, while the long coats need more regular, although moderate, grooming - about once a week.

Chihuahua Training

The Chihuahua can be protective of its owner and its tiny body can pack a punch if it nips or bites. It can be aggressive and intimidating - especially towards strangers - unless properly trained and socialized.

These dog behavior problems can usually be corrected with Chihuahua Training to which this breed responds well.

Life expectancy ranges from 12 to 18 years and the Chihuahua is prone to several health problems including knee, eye, and heart problems.

Interestingly, the Pet Insurance division of a United Kingdom insurance company recently revealed the results of a survey that indicated that the Chihuahua was one of the most expensive dogs to keep over its average lifespan of 13 years when taking into account food, grooming, boarding, veterinary bills, dog clothing, dog beds, and dog accessories.

Buy from a reputable breeder and check for health concerns.

Since veterinarian fees can be very expensive for any dog and your dog’s health is always important, consider getting a free quote on dog and pet health insurance for your Chihuahua.

Companionability, adaptability to city living, and attentiveness are a plus. Over- protectiveness and potential health problems could be a minus.

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What Dog Breed Is Best For Me

To make it easier for you to find information on the different dog breeds when you’re asking yourself, “What Is The Right Dog For Me?” I’ve created a separate page entitled What Dog Breed Is Best For Me which lists all the dog breeds discussed in this series.

If you’re getting a new puppy or dog, don’t forget to request my two FREE Guides - Cool, Clever, Popular Puppy and Dog Names and The Puppy and Dog Owner’s Guide To Potty Training and Housetraining.

What Dog Breed Is Best For Me | Best Family Dog

Many people ask, “What’s the Right Dog for Me?”

While the answer to that question depends on a number of factors, there are several dog breeds that are generally regarded as the best family dog breeds - provided they come from a reputable dog breeder and they have proper dog behavior training.

Here is a short list of dogs for people who are asking themselves, “What Dog Breed Is Best For Me” or “What Is The Best Family Dog.”

Golden Retriever - The Amiable Family Dog

Bichon Frise - The Lively Toy Dog

Havanese - The Affectionate Companion

Toy Poodle - The Fun Loving Dog

German Shepherd - Brave Working Dog

Maltese - The Companionable Small Dog

English and American Cocker Spaniel - Companionable Working Dog

Miniature Schnauzer - Affectionate City Dog

Chihuahua - Lively and Affectionate Companion

Collie - Loving, Sensitive, Loyal Companion

West Highland Terrier - Active, Fun-loving Companion

Beagle

Border Collie

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In our continuing series, “What Dog Breed Is Best For Me?” we’ll talk about another small dog breed that is bright, responds well to training, and makes a wonderful companion.

Maltese - The Companionable Small Dog

The beautiful, non-shedding white coat of the Maltese - which needs daily grooming - is its distinguishing characteristic and is good news for dog allergy sufferers who want a wonderful dog as a close companion.

But it’s not only its gorgeous coat that sets the Maltese apart from other dog breeds. It is the Maltese’s good natured temperament, intelligence, and playfulness that make it a good choice as a family pet (even though it displays a reserved attitude towards strangers.)

The Maltese is a small dog breed that can adapt to small or large living situations. It fits in well with apartment or condo-style living as well as large houses in the city or country. It has minimal exercise requirements although, like any dog, responds well to regular exercise.

This dog breed can be housetrained and paper trained.

What distinguishes the Maltese from many other dog breeds is its need to be with its owner. This breed is definitely not suitable for those with a busy lifestyle who are rarely home or who don’t have time to give their Maltese time and attention.

Maltese House Training and Dog Obedience Training

Like all dogs, the Maltese responds very positively to housetraining and positive dog behavior training. (Don’t forget to sign up for The Puppy and Dog Owner’s Guide To Potty Training and Housetraining. And check out my list of Cool and Popular Puppy and Dog Names.)

It can have a tendency to bark a lot which could become a dog behavior problem if not properly trained.

The Maltese has a life expectancy of approximately 13 years and potential health problems include teeth and gum problems, kneecap dislocation, eye and hearing problems.

Good temperament, easy to train, and non-shedding coat are a plus. Daily grooming, potential health problems, and need for companionship could be a minus.

Training or Housetraining Your Maltese?
Find out about Maltese Housetraining and Behavior Training.

Labrador Dog Training
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Labrador Dog Obedience Training.

One dog breed that makes a fine family pet is the exuberant Labrador Retriever.

It gets along with children extremely well and is very friendly towards people and other pets.

They make excellent companion pets because of their loving and eager-to-please, non-aggressive nature.

The Labrador Retriever is an energetic dog breed that needs plenty of exercise.

It is suitable for owners who enjoy long, daily walks in all types of weather.

While the Labrador Retriever is probably best suited for the open spaces of the countryside, it also adapts well to the city provided it gets plenty of exercise.

Dog obedience training is important with the Labrador Retriever to ensure a well-behaved, obedient dog. Even though the Labrador Retriever is very trainable, it requires - and responds well to - Labrador training.

Potential dog behavior problems with the Labrador Retriever include destructive chewing (especially when puppies) and excessive barking. Their temperament can be fearful and aggressive depending upon breeding so your choice of dog breeder is important.

Because it is a sociable dog, the Labrador Retriever can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

The Labrador has a life expectancy of about 12 years and can suffer from a number of health complaints including eye problems, hip and elbow malformation, and heart problems.

Cheerful, fun-loving nature, and sociability are a plus. Potential health problems, size, and need for daily exercise could be a minus.

Buy from a reputable breeder and check for eye and joint problems in particular.

Begin Labrador Obedience Training early.