Breeds of small smooth-haired dogs

Small-sized smooth-haired dogs are ideal for keeping in an apartment, especially if it is small. Care for such a pet is minimal, they are undemanding, but they become loyal and devoted friends.

Dog hair is not only protection of the skin from weather phenomena, but also a characteristic feature of the animal's exterior. In accordance with the size of the coat and the presence of undercoat, there is a relative classification that divides dogs into three groups:

• Shorthair - without undercoat;
• long-haired - with a well-developed undercoat;
• naked - characterized by a complete lack of hair.

In addition, smooth hair, as a rule, is present in dogs with a short hairline, since they have no or very poorly developed undercoat. Such animals are most practical and most convenient to keep in urban apartments. The coat of smooth-haired breeds is short, 2-2.5 cm, closely adjacent to the body, glossy, but can be somewhat harsh to the touch. Due to the lack of undercoat, no tangles are formed in the wool, it practically does not shed.

Such animals always look neat and tidy, although minimal effort is spent on their maintenance. The coat, especially in dogs with a dark color, is shiny, shimmering in the light. The negative points include the need to put the pet in warm clothes in cold weather, since without the undercoat the fur coat does not warm the dog well. Due to the inability of short hair to protect the skin from external influences, this purpose is performed by subcutaneous fat.

Some inconvenience is caused by stiff bristles that can dig into upholstered furniture or clothes. But nevertheless, the main feature of small smooth-haired breeds of dogs is their compactness, they do not need a lot of space. Although the small size does not prevent them from perfectly playing the role of a watchman, and if necessary, protect themselves or the owner. Also, ease of care and a touching appearance play in their favor when choosing a pet.

Smooth-haired is a fairly large number of small dog breeds.

• Chihuahua - The smallest dog with smooth hair. The baby weighs from 0.5 to 3.5 kg, the color is mainly reddish or beige. Representatives of the breed are listed in the Guinness book as the smallest dogs. Despite their tiny size, they are distinguished by courage and curiosity, their character is quite calm. Stress and negative emotions have a bad effect on these pets, so it is better to protect dogs from such factors.

• French Bulldog has a compact body, flattened muzzle and erect ears. In height, it can reach 35 cm, and weight is - 8-15 kg. French suits are black, brown, beige or fawn. They are characterized by a cheerful disposition and activity. Very friendly dogs, but without hesitation rush to defend the house or owner in case of danger. Pretty easy to train.

• Boston terrier considered the perfect companion. The breed belongs to one of the most loving and affectionate, they get along great with both adults and children. The special structure of the muzzle often causes breathing problems, the eyes also need special care. In cold weather, the dog needs warm clothes.

• Basenji. A graceful dog with a unique ability - she does not know how to bark. Instead of barking, it produces sounds more like rumbling or snorting. Representatives of the breed are characterized by extreme cleanliness, they wash their paw, like cats. In height, they can grow up to 43 cm. Another feature of the basenji can be called a curled tail. Dogs are afraid of enclosed spaces and avoid water.

• Fox terrier with smooth coat may have a different color: white, brown, beige or fawn with spots of different colors. Wool is dense. Dogs of this breed have a fairly high intelligence, stamina, friendliness and hunting abilities, but are quite wayward.

• Toy Fox Terrier. Despite its miniature size, it has a well-toned and harmoniously folded body. A dog weighs from 1 to 4 kg, but a tiny head and thin limbs give the impression that the dog is extremely fragile and delicate, almost weightless. The color is mainly white, there may be spots of other colors. The breed does not tolerate cold at all, it is very sensitive to high humidity. By their nature, these crumbs are born leaders who love to dominate.

• Russian toy terrier It belongs to decorative breeds and is distinguished by its lively character and high activity. The color of the coat can vary from dark (brown, black) to beige with a light blue tint. With a height of 20-28 cm, weigh 1.3-3 kg.

• Beagle It belongs to the hunting breeds, therefore it is characterized by a strong skeleton and muscles. By their nature, they adore training and active games. Their mass can reach 12-18 kg. Representatives of this breed make very loyal and smart friends. The beagle treats children with special love and good nature; he can spend hours tirelessly tinkering with them.

• Jack Russell Terrier also a hunting breed, which is also well suited for guard and guard duty. Dogs have an independent character, which can occur with a lack of education.Children are kindly treated, they love to play with them, but they show aggression to other dogs. The color of the breed is white with spots of reddish or black.

• Dwarf pincher or miniature pinscher Belongs to German breeds. Initially, the dog was bred for catching rats and small animals, today these nimble and smart dogs serve as companions for long walks or amateur hunting. Brownish-red or black-tan shades predominate in the color. An adult pincher weighs an average of 4.5-5 kg ​​with a height of 24-30 cm. Dogs are sensitive to high and low temperatures, so in summer they must have access to water, and in winter - warm clothing.

• Pug characterized by a compact, dense physique of a somewhat square shape, a wide forehead with folds and a firm gait. The tail of the animal is tightly twisted. Shiny "fur coat" can be black or beige with a black face. Pugs weigh 6-10 kg, due to their low activity, they are prone to obesity, so the dog's nutrition should be controlled. The breed is characterized by undemanding care, characteristic laziness and passivity, but at the same time the animals are very loving and good-natured.

• Dachshund belongs to burrowing hunting dogs, thanks to its short legs and long body, it is ideal for such a role. The animal is extremely energetic, independent, with a sharp mind and even character. In relation to the owner shows incredible devotion and fidelity, demanding in exchange for communication. The head of the dog is elongated, with hanging ears, the body is long, with wide, squat limbs. Wool can be of different colors: from all kinds of shades of brown to black with tan.

• Prague rat or ratlik - Czech breed of dogs with dark short hair. On the head of the animal, the coat is somewhat less and shorter than on the rest of the body. The dog is very active, fearless and at the same time very friendly. The breed competes with the Chihuahua for the title of smallest. The coat color is brown, red and black with tan marks.

• Italian greyhound, or small Italian greyhoundIt has a thick, dense, but extremely soft coat. Characterized by a playful, reckless character, adores attention to himself and communication. Weight varies within 5 kg. The color is dominated by gray, beige and black colors, as well as their shades.

Small-sized smooth-haired dogs are ideal pets for city apartments. They do not need a lot of space, special care, and they are characterized by unlimited devotion and love for the owner. Animals with short hair are very clean, do not need special care. Many of the smooth-haired dogs do not like long walks, they may well get accustomed to the tray. .

Especially for families with small children suitable:

• Jack Russell Terrier;
• Beagle
• Boston Terrier.

Active people are better off choosing the following breeds:

• fox terrier;
• Russian toy terrier;
• Beagle
• dwarf pincher;
• dachshund;
• Italian greyhound.

But pugs are more suitable for those who do not like noise and unnecessary fuss. Despite its miniature parameters, all breeds of small dogs are quite capable of protecting the house and owner without hesitation. They are characterized by such character traits as courage and fearlessness. Whichever breed you choose, the animal must be healthy. Wool should not have bald spots, the main sign of normal coat is soft texture and silkiness.

Caring for small house breeds is somewhat different from keeping dogs larger in size. This is due to the fact that they have an accelerated metabolism. Because of this feature, they need food that contains a large amount of protein. Due to their physiology, crumbs cannot wait for a long walk, for this reason it is better to have a tray at home. In cold weather, smooth-haired dogs must be worn for a walk, because they freeze fairly quickly and can easily catch a cold.

For small dogs there are no developed training techniques, but still basic knowledge is better to learn. An important feature in the maintenance of mini-dogs is the amount of food. The stomach of such dogs is tiny, so they don’t need a lot of food, even if the pet is begging. Overfeeding them is not worth it, most breeds are prone to being overweight. You need to give food twice a day, but clean water should be constant.

After walking, the pet needs to wash its paws. Tidying up a smooth-haired small dog is much easier than any other. Ears and teeth should also be inspected regularly and do not forget to brush. Wool should be combed out about once a week. A rubber brush or silicone mitten is well suited for this. When the dog molts, it is better to comb out every day, in addition, this procedure has massage properties and improves the condition of the coat. After that, you can wipe the animal with a piece of soft tissue in the direction of growth of the villi - thus the coat is polished and shine appears.

Smooth-haired dogs are very clean, so they do not need to be bathed often, it is enough 3-4 times a year with the use of special shampoos. If you need to clean the wool, just wipe it with a damp towel. A short coat dries very quickly and without a hair dryer. Having chosen a smooth-haired crumb as a pet, you never regret it - it is impossible to find a more faithful and loving friend.

About the features of the pug breed in the video below.