The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is an extremely clever, alert, and obedient herder dog from Scotland’s remote and rugged Shetland Islands.
Shelties bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie. Bright and keen, Shelties are easy trainers but they are also sensitive and affectionate family dogs, highly in tune with the mood of the household. If you do happen to live in a small apartment, you will have to take them for regular walks.
The Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos are small dogs with big personalities. They are a cross between Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles and are known for their high energy and their love of playtime. These guys can be pretty vocal, so keep that in mind as you’re searching for the perfect breed. Yorkipoos, who are also sometimes called “Yoodles,” are fiercely loyal to their owners, but aren’t particularly fond of strangers.
They can be stubborn, but they are very intelligent and easy to train once you’ve gotten past that. Yorkipoos are great for those that live in smaller environments.
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier, also known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” was a watchdog and companion in ancient Buddhist monasteries. A profusely coated, small-to-medium-sized dog with “snowshoe” feet, this breed is affectionate, sensitive, and clever.
Their name only gets it half right: Tibetan Terriers are Tibetan, but they’re not true terriers—not by blood or temperament. The name “terrier” was carelessly given to this typically Asian dog, and it stuck.
Toy Poodle
Despite their tiny size, Toy Poodles stand proudly among dogdom’s aristocrats. Beneath their curly, low-allergen coat lies an elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons.
Forget the old stereotypes of Poodles as pampered dogs. Poodles are eager and incredibly smart dogs of remarkable versatility.
Australian Silky Terrier
Small but not weak, feisty but not yappy, pretty but not sculpted, Silky Terriers are 10-inch-tall energetic dogs, animated by curiosity and high spirits.
They are a charming member of the Toy Club, Silky Terriers are compact and glossy-coated, but still a true terrier of lively spirits. The Silky, a native of Sydney, Australia, is larger than his close cousin, the Yorkshire Terrier.