It seems that 85 million American families have a dog as a pet and the saying ‘a dog is a man’s best friend’ totally applies in this case. That being said, dogs are the most popular animals in the United States of America.

Of course that many Americans have small dog breeds and it is quite impossible not to have one because they are amazing. To be more specific, these small breeds do not grow more than a foot tall can happily live in a small house or apartment, do not require high maintenance costs and can easily adapt to almost every environment. So, these are some of the many reasons small dogs are very famous. 

As you probably know, dogs will not only fill your heart with love and joy and make you feel complete, but they improve your health as well. There are many studies that show the fact that owning a dog is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and decreased triglyceride levels. Thus, taking care of a little and innocent soul can boost your overall cardiovascular health as well.

There are numerous benefits of having a dog, especially when it comes to health. For instance, they can keep you fit and active, help you lose weight, improve your social life, reduce stress and anxiety and even prevent some allergies. 

So, here are the most popular toy breeds in America that are ready to conquer your heart! Read on and enjoy it!

Border Terriers

The adorable Border Terrier is a small dog that loves to hunt and dig. This dog breed is always happy, lively and energetic. Their main personality traits are courage and kindness. Besides the fact that they are very intelligent, fearless, and ambitious, these toy breeds are also loyal to their families, loving and can get along well with other pets. The famous Border Terrier is the perfect pet for people who live in an apartment or small house and have kids because they love to spend time with children. 

Many people describe this dog breed as amazing pets because they ‘play hard and love harder’. So, if you are an active family you should definitely adopt this breed. Nonetheless, the Border Terrier does not like to stay alone and it becomes destructive when you are out for long periods.

They can learn quickly new tricks and can be easily trained. If you want to have a friendly dog, you should let it socialize from an early age, because otherwise interacting with other people and animals will be difficult at maturity.

Next, smart but stubborn?…..

Basenji

First of all, this dog breed is one of the most intelligent animals, but they can be stubborn as well. The Basenji dog can learn new things quickly, but sometimes it does not want to do what you want. They are very active and will eat everything they find around them, so make sure you keep your house decluttered. 

Even though this dog is known for not barking, the Basenji is not silent at all. Moreover, they love to play all day and grooming habits are their favorite. They are very affectionate and loyal to their family, but when it comes to strangers they become a little aggressive.

So, if you decide to adopt this dog breed you should let them socialize from an early age. The Basenji dog is a small size breed that does not require high maintenance costs.

This next breed will rustle some feathers…..

Russell Terrier

We all know that hunting was a favorite activity among men or an act of survival in the past and the popular Russell Terrier was originally trained to hunt foxes. This dog breed is characterized as a bold and athletic pet that will always be ready to conquer the world with its intelligence, determination and energy.

So, according to animal experts, this small dog breed is perfect for families who own horses, like to be active and exercise outdoors or love energetic and fearless animals. 

But if you want to adopt this toy breed you should know that they can’t be easily trained and if you do not have patience and time they will train themselves alone but will take advantage of the things around them and you won’t be so happy with the result.  

In general, the Russell Terrier is a friendly animal, devoted to his family and affectionate. This dog also has a strong personality and you should socialize and train him from an early age.

Next, all the way from China…..

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested dog is a small breed known for its elegant and graceful look. The Chinese Crested is able to smile at you when they do something bad. This dog breed is very sensitive and loves its family more than anything.

The Chinese Crested can be really friendly with familiar people, but it can actually become very aggressive with strangers. This is why you should train them and let them socialize from a younger age. Moreover, the average height is between 11 to 13 inches, so it is perfect for families who live in a small house or apartment. It loves to be around people and is always happy. 

Besides that the Chinese Crested is always affectionate with his family, this dog breed is also highly intelligent and can easily learn new tricks.

Next, we look at a house hound…..

Lhasa Apso

Many people and animal experts say that the Lhasa Apso has an interesting and impressive personality because it is always happy and playful. This dog breed is also known for its independence and determination. Even though this small breed stands 10 to 11 inches high and weighs 13 to 15 pounds, it is not as sensitive as you think, because it has a strong personality and can be an extraordinaire watchdog. 

Nonetheless, if you decide to adopt this dog breed you have to know that training and socialization are essential, especially when they are still puppies. Do you know what is the best part for people who love to spend their time at home? This dog breed is not so active and likes to stay indoors.

Next, you’ll pinch yourself if you have this breed…..

Miniature Pinscher

This toy breed is a small and elegant dog with an athletic look. Both males and females stand 10 to 12.5 inches high, which makes them perfect for people who live in a small house. 

The Miniature Pinscher is a very confident, fearless, always curious and active dog. It always surprises its owner with its intelligence and ambition. Many people describe this dog as an excellent watchdog and it could also be called a detective due to its vigilance and its great spirit of observation.

Of course that the Miniature Pinscher is very affectionate and loving with its family. It can get along well with other animals and likes to spend time with children, but you have to socialize it from an early age.

If you have this next breed, pour yourself a scotch…..

Cairn Terrier

It is a cheerful, active, lively and extroverted breed that can be trained to get along well with other animals or children. However, they must be socialized from an early age to accept cats and other domestic animals, because otherwise, they will hunt them when they grow up. The Cairn Terriers can become independent and stubborn and this is why gentle but steady training is essential.

Cairn Terrier may suffer from various hereditary diseases of the eyes, as well as hip and knee dysplasia (conditions of the joints that can be painful and can lead to mobility problems). Therefore eye check ups and evaluation of the hips of dogs before mating are very important. It is a breed that is full of energy and must have time to run and play – at least one hour a day.

Next, short legs, big heart…..

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Although it is a small breed, the Welsh Corgi Cardigan dogs are considered fierce animals in a small body. They are friendly with other animals and these dogs can be left confidently around children as well. Even if they are able to think independently, they want to please people and love their families. 

The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is highly intelligent and can be easily trained, but just like other dogs, it needs early socialization. In terms of health, this toy breed is generally healthy, but it can be prone to develop hip dysplasia and ruptures in a spinal disc because they have long backs. Well, you have to keep in mind that it does not mean that all dogs will have those problems, but these are the most common health issues encountered in this breed.

Next, time for a second scotch?…..

Scottish Terrier

One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when you decide to adopt a Scottish Terrier is early socialization because they are designed to dig and can be very aggressive to other dogs and strangers.

So, if they are properly socialized when they are young, you do not have to deal with these things at maturity. If you are an active owner, the Scottish Terrier is perfect for you because it is always energetic and needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. 

According to animal experts, these toy breeds are not recommended as jogging companions, because they have short legs and can develop some health problems. It is able to love its family more than anything and this is why it can’t live outdoors. Besides that they are very smart and ambitious, the Scottish Terrier is also affectionate and loving.

If you have this next breed, give yourself a pap on the head…..

Papillon

This dog breed loves to be around humans, but if it lives with a family that does not have enough time for it, the Papillon will get very depressed. Both males and females stand 8 to 11 inches high and weigh 4 to 10 pounds. In addition, the Papillon is always happy, alert, active and one of the friendliest dogs ever. As you probably know, these dogs like to cuddle and are very clever; so this is why they can be easily trained.

Most of the time, their personality can be influenced by the socialization process. In other words, if you train them from an early age, they will be more curious, playful, friendly and affectionate. Otherwise, they can’t get along well with other animals and can be aggressive with strangers. 

In general, this breed is super healthy, but some dogs may be prone to developing certain health problems, such as patellar luxation or “slipped stifles”, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea and progressive retinal atrophy. As I said before, it does not mean that all dogs will have these health problems, but these are the most common diseases encountered in this breed. So, do not worry!

This next breed will frise your heart…..

Bichon Frise

Many people describe the incomparable Bichon Frise as the pet that ‘loves to be loved’. First of all, we have to admit that this dog breed adores to be the center of attention and due to its charming personality it has enchanted everyone.

Even though the Bichon Frise is an independent dog, it does not mean that it likes to be alone. In addition, this toy breed loves its family and can get along well with other dogs and even with children. If you decide to adopt this dog, make sure that you have time for it, because they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They are also very intelligent and can be easily trained.

Next, take a long bow…..

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is originally from Japan and is the smallest dog breed originating from the land of the rising sun. Due to its strong and bold personality, it may take a long time to train the Shiba Inu, but if you start the socialization process at a younger age you will succeed.

Moreover, this dog breed is very affectionate and loyal to its family and loves to be around children. But you have to pay attention when a stranger trespasses on your property because they can become aggressive. In addition, the Shiba Inu can be very territorial and tends to guard its food, so try to keep your kids or strangers away from its food or toys.

Finally, a breed to malt your heart…..

Maltese

The Maltese dog is one of the friendliest and most popular breeds in America. They have a lot of friends because they consider everyone they meet as a loyal friend. They are highly intelligent and can be trained easily. It is extremely social and it can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. Just like every dog, the Maltese should be socialized earlier.