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.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog
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.
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.
Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terriers are fearless dogs named after their hometown in England. The old cliché “a big dog in a small package” was coined for breeds like the Norwich, who can be unaware that they are just 10 inches tall.
Happy-go-lucky, fearless, and sometimes even bossy, Norwich Terriers are energetic enough to play all day but affectionate enough to enjoy hours of lap time with their favorite human.