what type of small dog breed is the best?

Question

i was thinking of a maltese but not so sure

Answer 1

The Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a rich and varied background as an all-around farm dog. Traditionally more of a type than a breed they share much ancestry with the tough little mixed breed dogs known as 'feists.'
My dog is multi color and only weighs 7 lbs. She is confused with the Jack Russell breed. But when you look close you can see the Whippet in her. She has long thin legs.
She is tri-colored (black, white and orange), has an intelligent look about her, and her errect ears give her a very alert expression. Her tail has NOT been traditionally docked to about 2-3 inches but is long with a white tip.
Because she is often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, I'd like to explain that the Rat Terrier has a different profile and a very different temperament. Rat Terriers are finer of bone and have a more refined head. They always have a short single coat--never wire coated. Rat Terriers tend to be less aggressive than Jack Russells; while they have a definite terrier personality they also have an "off switch" and love lounging on the sofa or your lap as much as tearing about the yard. Rat Terriers are normally cheerful dogs but they tend to be more sensitive than Jack Russells to changes in their environment, owner's moods, or to unexpected noises, people, and activities. The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with.
They need to be socialized (with other dogs) early in their life because of their "big dog thinking".
Her breed most likely developed from crosses among the extinct English White Terrier, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and Whippets. After the 1890s, as the breed type became popular in America, other breeds were added to the mix. Beagle, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, and Chihuahuas were likely used to add scenting ability, speed, and smaller size.
She is small but thinks she is big, has a beautiful coat, is too smart,does not fetch but keeps my other two dogs (a Dalmation and a Border collie) in line.
Note: she has too much Beagle in her and likes to run. It has given me some terrible moments as I live at the edge of a forest. So far I have been very lucky.
She is a great companion!

Answer 2

There is no “best.”

Each and every small breed brings something different to the table. There are super active small breeds, and mellow lap dogs. Really smart small breeds who need a lot of different kinds of stimulation, and not-so-smart ones who will be happy with fetch day after day. Loving small breeds, and more independent, aloof small breeds. The “best” depends on what you’re looking for in a dog.

Answer 3

all dogs are great, but you need to ask how much maintenance you are prepared to give it, as far as grooming and walking. some are yappier than others, and some will bite kids, because small dogs feel threatened more easily. Check with breeders for dogs with the traits you want.

Answer 4

It depends on you're life style, my dog is great for us, we have a miniature pinscher, she is playful and fun, a great family dog, they can be a little hyper, but they are very sweet and are easy to train.Go on www.puppyfind.com you can look up any kind of dog and it will have information on any breed and you can see what will be best for you!!!!!

Answer 5

depends on what you're looking for...
cavalier king charles spaniel is an all around good pick for most people... pugs are stubborn and shed a lot, but they're great little dogs... french bulldogs are delightful if you can find one... as are japanese chins.


http://www.akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm

Answer 6

Any breed can have issues that will need your attention.. Learn about the Pack Mentality from this man:
http://cesarmillaninc.com/tips/index.php

Answer 7

Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties).

Answer 8

toy poodles are the best!
no shedding, very quick to learn, lap dog.

Answer 9

chineese pug is the best small dog

Answer 10

best for what ?? depends what you want them for your living situation , what kind of grooming/ maintence etc you want to do with your dog , temperments etc