Beginning Your Search
Each of the dogs described here has a dedicated following of fans who believe their small dog stands head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. When you check out the AKC link to a breed's parent club or conduct your own online search, you are bound to come up with plenty of Web sites devoted to each breed. You'll find lots of adorable photos, too!
Don't little dogs tend to be nippy?
As far as nipping goes, small dogs do feel more inclined to protect themselves because of their size. People tend to overwhelm and intimidate them, clamoring to pick them up and cuddle them. Children look upon them as stuffed toys that don't need batteries. If small dogs are allowed to get to know people before being picked up and passed around, and if they are raised to be self-confident, they will be far less inclined to nip their admirers.
Of course there are also numerous dog breeds from around the world and here in the United States that are not recognized by the AKC. Two such up-and-coming small breeds to add to our list are the Coton de Tulear, a dog from Madagascar that is similar to the bichon, and the Bolognese, a toy-size fluffball from Italy.
