The Havanese is a delightful little toy dog from Cuba, one of a handful of breeds from the Bichon family. He is well-known for his outgoing personality and affectionate nature, oftentimes clowning around for the amusement of himself and his owners. The breed comes in a virtual rainbow of color options, and many individuals even change color as they age – a trait that many owners find exciting.

Havs only shed a minimal amount, however do require a lot of grooming. Their long coat can either be brushed daily to keep it free of tangles, or formed into cords (dreadlocks) for easier maintenance and a unique look. The longer the coat is kept, the more often it should be bathed (if it is kept straight and un-corded). Their hanging ears should be cleaned on a weekly basis and their eyes need to be cleaned daily to prevent tear staining if they have a light-colored coat. Don’t worry about having to shave this breed in hot weather either – coming from a hot climate, their coat keeps them insulated from the heat.

Havs are incredibly smart, very trainable little dogs. Many owners have great success competing with them in the obedience ring, as well as in other dog sports including trick training – a personal favorite of many Havs. Because they love to spend quality time with their owners, they are almost always up for learning new things! On the flip side, for the same reason this is not a breed to keep home alone while you are at work all day. Although they may look like stuffed animals, they are social creatures that require a lot of interaction. Keep the training fun and don’t use harsh corrections on them – they are sensitive souls.

Havanese are quite adaptable to many different living situations, and many owner have success keeping them in city apartments. While they will bark to alert to strangers coming to the door, they don’t tend to be unnecessarily loud which makes apartment life easier. Most Havs are tiny extroverts – they love meeting new people whether it be friends coming over or strangers on the street. This is one reason why they tend to thrive with city life unlike breeds that are more timid. The Hav tends to get along well with other pets as long as they are treated fairly by the other animals. Like other breeds, they should be socialized to other dogs and animals while they are still young in order to prevent fear or timidity. They also get along with well-behaved children.

Havanese do require some form of exercise every day – whether it be a nice walk or enough playtime inside to wear them out. If on a walk, just remember that this is a tiny breed that cannot go for miles and miles at a time (at least without a lot of working up to it), nor do they make the best jogging companions because of their size. But for those looking for a breed possessing moderate-active energy without the need to be exercised for long distances, the Havanese might make a great match! This is one of the many reasons they make a great companion for a first-time dog owner.

Many owners of Havanese admit that once you own a member of this breed, you will never be alone again! While at home you will have a constant shadow that follows you wherever you go. It should be no surprise that the breed must live in the house with people – they are far too social to thrive in any other situation. They are also lovers of comfort and often choose couches and chairs on which to “roost”, rather than the floor. Just as they were bred to be excellent companions in Cuba, they still take this job seriously today.

The Maltese is irresistible to many people, with his flowing white coat and outgoing personality. Playful and happy, this tiny breed can easily live in an apartment and can adapt to most any living situation, provided his needs are met. This said, his delicate frame and tiny size does mean that care must be taken to keep him safe. Although many are playful and love children, they can be easily hurt by a very young or rough child, and do better in families with no children or older kids.

As might be surmised by looking at the glorious coat of the Maltese, this breed does require regular grooming. The long coat should be brushed on a regular basis – possibly as much as once a day. Using a comb, all small tangles must be dealt with before they turn into bigger knots. The more time between grooming sessions, the more likely the coat will turn into a mess which will be difficult for you and possibly painful for the dog. This is easily remedied by keeping on a strict grooming schedule! As with all dogs, teeth must be brushed and nails trimmed regularly. The long hanging ears of the Maltese must also be kept clean and free of excess hair. Finally, regular baths are necessary to keep these white dogs white. The longer the coat’s length, the more often you must bathe… but also, the more beautiful the result!

Mostly because of his size, the Maltese does not require a lot of exercise. Although fairly active indoors, they are able to exercise themselves in all but the smallest of homes. This said, regular walks are great for bonding and provide plenty of excitement and stimulation – so they can still benefit from them just like any other dog. As many Maltese are also exceptionally social dogs, they usually love going outside and meeting new people! Just make sure to keep them warm if it’s a cold day – the breed tends to get chilled easily.

The Maltese is an intelligent breed although is often more adept at training his people than being trained himself. Toy breeds, unlike working or sporting breeds, weren’t specifically bred to take orders. This said, if training is made fun they can definitely be taught obedience, agility and other dog sports – and even do well in competition! Remember to be consistent and ignore their stubborn behaviors. Be prepared for housebreaking to take a little longer than other breeds, however.

The Maltese is a great pet for a first-time dog owner who doesn’t work long hours (they can suffer from separation anxiety). They don’t normally have aggression issues with other dogs, so can usually enjoy play dates with friendly canine neighbors of a similar size. They shed very little, provided that they are kept groomed. And as mentioned above, their size makes them easy travelers and adaptable to most living spaces. Finally, they don’t tend to be “yappy” like other dogs their size, usually barking only when guests come to the door. The most important thing for a new owner to remember is to be gentle with them and keep them out of danger from larger dogs, rough kids, and anything else that might harm them.

When in a home that doesn’t provide for his needs (such as keeping him alone all day), the Maltese can develop behavior issues such as destructiveness, problem barking or even becoming overly protective. Unfortunately, some people believe that this breed is hard to live with because of their experience with a poorly raised Maltese. Still others have had bad experiences because they met a dog that was poorly bred. Because they are so cute as puppies, this breed is often sold in pet shops – which means they weren’t bred with temperament in mind. Don’t let these bad examples fool you. A Maltese from a reputable breeder, who is raised in the right way, will become a devoted and adoring pet.

The Maltese is generally a healthy dog but like all breeds, is prone to certain health conditions. Liver shunts, patellar luxation and hypoglycemia are issues that are seen more often. Digestive disorders in general, as well as picky eating and tooth issues are not rare. As with any dog, buy from a breeder who does health tests and be prepared to visit the vet for regular examinations or if anything seems “off”. When well taken care of, most of the time these tiny dogs live 12-15 years – and remain loyal and devoted to their owners throughout!

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delightful little dog bred strictly for companionship. Playful and affectionate, they are devoted to their owners and always willing to sit on a lap! They love people of all ages (gentle with everyone from children to senior citizens), and are even outgoing towards strangers. Cavaliers are also friendly to pets, including other dogs and cats. As one might expect from such a social dog, this is not the breed to buy and then keep outside or in a kennel all day. They need companionship in order to be happy and thrive.

The Cavalier is able to adapt well to apartment living, which is one of the many reasons he is a great breed for a first-time dog owner! The biggest down-side is usually the amount of time that he requires someone to be home with him. A student who only takes a couple of classes a day would be a great match! A full-time student also working a part-time job would be a terrible match unless there was someone else there to spend time with him.

Cavaliers are intelligent little beings but do require a fair set of rules to be laid out for them. Like most breeds, they need structure and training in order to fulfill their potential. Luckily the Cavalier takes very well to obedience training. Many even compete in dog events around the world, earning high scores as they go! Just remember that obedience training and behavior modification are two different things (although they share some big similarities). A few habits that you may need to be extra vigilant about modifying… this toy spaniel likes to bark, can be prone to chewing as a puppy, and may take a little longer with housebreaking. It is important to note that this breed can be sensitive and doesn’t do well with harsh treatment.

Don’t let their love of sitting on the couch fool you, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do require regular exercise! These are active dogs that need to stretch their legs with a daily walk, or with a good romp in a medium-sized yard. Preferably, the yard should be fenced and/or they should be kept on a leash – their spaniel heritage gives them a love for chasing things that move. This exercise is not only important to channel their energy, but also to keep their hearts in good working order (just like people). This breed works out well for couples where one person wants a lap-dog but the other wants a dog that can go out and do activities – the best of both worlds!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make great traveling companions. Not only does their small size enable them to fit in the car more easily, but their friendly and amiable personality makes them welcome at any dog-friendly establishment! Plus, they are happiest when with their owner anyway, so even a small trip is a welcome adventure for a Cavalier (for a dog that thinks nothing of following you into the bathroom, he is all-the-more elated to follow you to the campgrounds). Wherever he goes, strangers will be enticed to give him treats so make sure to limit the amount of extra calories he gets – Cavaliers do have a tendency to put on weight.

The Cavalier’s coat requires a moderate amount of care, and they do shed. The coat is easiest to groom when a routine is established and the dog is brushed once or twice a week. This will keep any big knots from forming, as small tangles can be worked out easily with a comb. The ears have some of the longest hair and therefore need the most brushing, especially during shedding season. The dog should be bathed anywhere from every 2 weeks to every 2 months, depending on how clean the owner prefers the coat. Like any dog, the nails need to be clipped back regularly but otherwise there is no special trimming or clipping that he requires.

As with any breed, the Cavalier does have some health problems that show up somewhat regularly. These include a couple of eye issues (cataracts and retina problems), heart disease (mitral valve disease) and slipping patellas to name a few. There are health tests that reputable breeders will do to minimize the risk, so always buy from a breeder who puts forth this effort.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred down from sporting spaniels in order to make lap-sized pets, but many do still retain a hunting drive, albeit much reduced. Chasing birds can be a favorite activity, which can either be amusing or frustrating for their owner depending on the living situation. Some owners who also possess birds find it difficult for both their pets to cohabitate. Keeping the bird in a cage while the Cavalier is roaming the house may be required for high-drive dogs. Also related to their hunting ancestry, many Cavaliers have natural retrieval instincts! While it is unlikely that this toy breed will make an actual hunting dog, it is nice to understand why he does the things he does.

The Chinese Crested comes in two rather distinctive varieties – the hairless (naked except for a mane around the head, as well as on the legs and tail) and the powderpuff (long silky hair all over the body). Bred since ancient times for companionship, this delicate little breed exhibits grace and elegance in their movement. That said, this is a loving and playful breed that enjoys entertaining his family with his oftentime-silly antics. Cresteds are affectionate and love being around their people – many of them becoming little shadows to their owners. Some can tip into being needy and prone to separation anxiety.

It is a good idea to have an escape-proof fence with this breed, as Cresteds are known for being little escape artists! They can jump surprisingly high for their height, and are apt climbers and diggers. If the owner is out in the yard with them, there is usually no reason to worry. These guys prefer to stay near their owners. But if they are left alone in the yard… especially if they can see the owner through the fence… they may try to escape. A secure fence will solve this problem.

The breed has been described as “cat-like” in many ways. For example, they enjoy high places and can often be found perching on the back of a couch or a table – keeping an alert eye on “their kingdom”. They use their feet to grab objects and pull them closer. Clean and quiet like a cat, they make great companions for apartment-dwellers. Although this tiny breed has a medium-high energy level, they have no problem calming down when the family is in “relaxed mode”. While they enjoys walks, they don’t require a ton of exercise (although they should be given a coat if being walked on a cold day)

Although not always seen in obedience competitions, Cresteds learns quickly and can be trained to do many things. Intelligent and enthusiastic, they enjoy pleasing their owners and learning new commands. This said, they may take longer to housebreak and some have a big stubborn streak. Because of their sensitive nature, they don’t do well with harsh training and learn better with fair, positive-based methods. 

Being sensitive, the Chinese Crested will not put up with rough handling of any sort. Therefore, families with young kids generally don’t make a great match. The same thing can be said for other dogs – Cresteds usually get along very well with even-tempered dogs but can become overwhelmed with rude, pushy ones. Following this trend, these little toys love strangers… as long as they’re polite. It is highly recommended to socialize a Crested while still a puppy to avoid excessive shyness. Under-socialized members of the breed are extra cautious of everyone and everything.

The skin of the hairless Crested needs regular care and protection from the sun. They can – and do – get sunburned! Dogs who have lighter skin, or have not yet built up a tan, are more likely to burn. For this reason, sunscreen and/or protective clothing is necessary if they are going to be outside in the sun for a long period of time. Giving them access to shade is another precaution that can be taken. If the dog does burn, a bit of aloe lotion can help soothe the skin. Just like humans, hairless are also prone to acne! Acne can be prevented by bathing the dog once a week with a quality shampoo and conditioner. If needed, many acne products made for humans can be used for dogs as well – but consult a vet first.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the coat of the Powderpuff must be brushed regularly to avoid mats and tangles. Although the hair furnishings should be brushed on the hairless variety as well, obviously it is much less work! Both varieties need to have regular teeth brushings and inspections since dental disease is more common in Cresteds (and toy dogs in general). Ears should be cleaned every other week or so, and nails must be clipped regularly. Powderpuffs often have their faces and ears shaved for a cleaner appearance. The breed sheds very little and is hypoallergenic (for some people).

Cresteds are a long-lived breed, often living 13-18 years. They are generally healthy although it is recommended to buy a dog from a responsible breeder who health-checks their breeding stock. Make sure the breeder checks for PRA and PLL (eye disorders) and patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps). The breed is sensitive to anesthesia and some medications, so find a vet that is familiar with treating these sensitive dogs. It is also recommended to space apart vaccinations from each other and not give every vaccine to the dog on the same day. This is good practice for any dog – purebred or mixed breed – but smaller breeds are extra susceptible to over-vaccination issues.

The Boston Terrier is an American breed well-known for being a devoted companion to people of all ages. They fit in with large families just as well as with single senior citizens. They are prized for their versatility and adaptability – up for just about any challenge but equally able to fill the role of playful companion. One big exception however… they don’t do well with infrequent human contact. Bostons need time and attention and should never just be left at home by themselves all day, every day. Nor are they outside-only dogs as they can’t handle temperature extremes of either hot or cold.

It is a mixture of their amiable temperament and their distinctive coat pattern reminiscent of a tuxedo that has earned them their nickname of “American gentleman”. It should be noted that black & white, brindle & white, and seal & white are the only actual recognized colors of the Boston Terrier, despite less-than-reputable breeders selling puppies in a rainbow of colorations. While a few breeders of off-colors care about temperament and health, many others only care about selling a rare version of the Boston and making money. Because this breed is popular (and therefore in the hands of many disreputable breeders), it is essential that a puppy buyer thoroughly research the breeder and make sure that all breeding dogs are health tested. Rare colors can be a possible red flag.

Bostons are smart and learn very quickly. This is good because obedience training is necessary to keep them from developing behavior problems. It normally takes only a little bit of training and a consistent enforcing of the rules for these little tuxedo-clad dogs to become well-behaved. This is one of the reasons why the breed makes a great choice for novice owners! This isn’t to say that they can’t be occasionally stubborn… they can, but a good trainer will work the dog through the stubbornness.

The Boston Terrier is an active little guy and will keep you laughing as he races around the house! Under-excercised or under-trained dogs might develop bad behaviors such as jumping up or possibly even nipping out of excitement. These behaviors usually come out because they aren’t being stimulated enough physically or mentally. It is beneficial to remember that, although they are small, they still need training and excercise just like bigger dogs! With a moderate amount of exercise, they shouldn’t be obnoxiously active. The Boston is a good choice for apartment-dwellers as long as he is given daily exercise. He doesn’t tend to annoy close neighbors either as he is generally a quiet dog. 

Bostons are affectionate and loyal, and make great lap dogs. Some people have even labeled this breed as one of the best companion dogs of all time! Their love of play and often clown-like nature have made people all over the world fall in love with their unique temperament. Rarely skittish or aggressive, they are brave yet still friendly. Most tend to be reliable overall. Combine this with the fact that they are easy to care for, shed very little, and are simple to transport yet very athletic, and it is easy to see why owners of Bostons are so infatuated with them!

Despite their ancestors being used as fighting dogs, Bostons today tend to get along very well with other dogs. Over a hundred years of breeding has transformed their formerly ornery distaste for other dogs into something else entirely! Occasionally, some males will have issues with other dogs coming onto their properties so proper introductions in a neutral environment will be required. The breed also gets along great with cats and other pets.

Like many of the bully-type breeds, Bostons can be prone to flatulence, snoring and drooling. They can also be prone to overeating – and although they should naturally be stocky and well-muscled, they should never be fat. Food should be given at mealtimes throughout the day rather than keeping a constantly filled bowl down all the time. Most owners consider these shortcomings a small price to pay for a great companion dog that will delight for years to come!

The Lhasa Apso is a small breed with a lot of courage and spunk – originally used as a watchdog in the mountains of Tibet! These dogs have dignified temperaments, but when they are feeling silly, they will show their mischievous senses of humor. Aloof with strangers, the Lhasa’s true personality shines through when at home with the people whom they love! There is a certain “old wisdom” in the breed, combined with joy and love for life. These dogs are sensitive and extremely human-like in certain ways – each with its own individual personality.

The Lhasa Apso is very independent and cat-like, and doesn’t tend to worry too hard about pleasing his owner. This means that although the breed is sensitive and loving, he doesn’t necessarily see the point of obedience training. He can be trained… but it won’t come as naturally as other breeds. The Lhasas that have been trained successfully in agility, obedience and other dog sports were done so by owners that had a lot of patience and consistency. These factors are key to training the breed! It is also important to make the training fun, and to be mindful of manipulation tactics used by the dog. Lhasas that have zero rules or training are prone to “small dog syndrome” and will try to run the household. Remember their guardian background – these dogs are often fearless and take-charge leaders. Even though tiny, an untrained Lhasa Apso can be frustrating to live with.

Lhasas are only a moderately active breed, although as puppies they have a lot of energy. Their size makes them easy to keep in smaller living spaces such as apartments and they don’t require a lot of time outdoors. In addition, they don’t need much exercise, although many enjoy going on short excursions with their owners just for the joy of spending time with the people they love. Another perk for apartment dwellers – although this watchdog will bark at strange sounds, they often learn what constitutes “normal everyday sounds” and “unusual sounds” and will differentiate between the two. They aren’t apt to cause noise complaints.

Some owners find that housebreaking a Lhasa can be a slower process than with other breeds, partly because they take longer to mature. The slowness to mature does have a flip side, however. They are longer-lived than many other types of dogs. Living to 15 is very common, with some individuals living to 18 or even 20! Most older Lhasas don’t look their age, and generally stay very healthy throughout their lives. Another quick note about housebreaking… once fully housetrained, they aren’t the type of dog to ask to be let outside. They just assume that their owner will let them outdoors throughout the day. For some people, this can take some getting used to.

Their centuries-old watchdog abilities are still present, and most Lhasas are suspicious of new people coming into the house. It is vastly important to socialize this breed from a young age to keep this trait from turning into something bigger and more problematic. At its worst, some owners find that they cannot let anyone new into their house at all – and this can usually be stemmed to zero or no socialization of the dog. This suspiciousness of strangers is usually confined to the dog’s house and property, however. Most Lhasas do not have a problem meeting people outside of “their” territory.

The Lhasa Apso can get along with children if raised with them, although normally doesn’t seek them out. Most (but not all) will seek out the calmer, more mature adults to hang out with. Very young children, such as toddlers, are often too rough and don’t make the best companions for a Lhasa. The breed’s tiny size makes them delicate and easily hurt, and it is never fair to expose the dog to a situation where they can be injured. Lhasa Apsos are great for adults, however, and make particularly wonderful companions for people who work longer hours since they don’t crave constant human contact. As long as their basic needs are met (including a comfortable living area and toys to keep them busy), many are often fine with being alone. Separation anxiety is not common in the breed.

Grooming a Lhasa is a definite commitment! Unlike many breeds, their hair grows non-stop rather than reaching a set length and then ceasing to grow. This means that the coat will need to be kept brushed out on a very regular basis or it will tangle and form mats. Mats aren’t just unsightly – they can pinch the skin and become very painful to the dog if allowed to get bad. For this reason, a Lhasa needs to be brushed before tangles form – not after! Even dogs which are kept shaved will still need to be brushed (depending on the length of the shave). Dogs with a full (long) coat should never be brushed with a dry coat. Spritzing the coat with water or conditioning spray, or giving the dog a bath first, will keep the hair from breaking off when brushed. Full-coated Lhasas are often bathed and brushed out once a week.

Photo By Lhasaapso

The Miniature Pinscher is not a “mini Doberman”, although the two breeds are in the same family of pinschers and schnauzers. It is actually the older of the two breeds, and has a far feistier temperament. In fact, the Min Pin (as he is affectionately known) can be incredibly mischevious and cunning. His personality is far larger than his diminutive size! These active little dogs are always moving, and their curiosity combined with pure fearlessness means that they are often getting into trouble. Ever alert and quick to bark should something seem amiss, the Miniature Pinscher makes an excellent watch dog. He is wary of strangers and doesn’t tend to trust people whom he’s never met. If he feels the need, he may try to attack although his tiny size obviously doesn’t do much damage.

Their curious nature makes the Miniature Pinscher an incredible escape artist, so it is important that their fenced yard be safe and secure. They can squeeze through tiny openings in (or under) a fence. Inside the house, they find ways to get into everything – even stuff left on the table! It is important that owners don’t leave things out that the dog can get into, especially if the object could be a safety hazard. Food, medications, and small choke-able objects are all potentially dangerous items. Think of it like childproofing – except unlike a child, most Miniature Pinschers don’t really ever grow up. Their knack for getting out combined with their talent for “being up to no good” means that the MinPin is decidedly not a breed for a beginner. It is also worth noting that the breed can be difficult to housebreak.

Min Pins get along with well-behaved children but aren’t suited to living with toddlers or kids who are rough. Their tiny size does make them more delicate than other breeds and therefore more likely to get hurt. If injured, they will either run away or fight back – and it is not fair to put them in this situation. It is recommended that families with children get a Min Pin as a puppy so that they can raise and socialize the young dog from the beginning. Some Min Pins get along with other dogs, while others most definitely do not. Socializing early helps to ensure good behavior. Most Miniature Pinschers will go after small animals, however. Pet mice, rats and hamsters need to be kept safely away from this breed. Cats may or may not be an issue.

Because they are incredibly smart, the Miniature Pinscher has the potential to do well in competitive obedience. On the other side of the coin… they have a big sense of humor and are also prone to “changing things up” in the obedience ring. An owner never knows on which day the dog chooses to dazzle all the spectators… and which day to make them all laugh. Min Pins also tend to learn a little differently than other breeds, which leads some owners to have difficulty training them. As with all dog training, the method of training needs to jive with the individual personality of the animal in order to work. This is probably the reason why Min Pins have been labeled both “easy to train” as well as “difficult to train”. Ease of training aside – this breed needs some form of structure and order in his life because otherwise, he could become bossy and demanding.

His smooth coat is very easy to groom, and requires little care. He also barely sheds, making him low-maintenance in that department. He will, however, need a coat when going outdoors on cold days.

The Min Pin is well-suited to living in an apartment, but he should receive regular walks so his energy doesn’t become insane (and he doesn’t become even more destructive). Luckily, his diminutive size means that he can get a lot of exercise with just a short amount of human-walking. When not in a fenced area, he should be kept on-leash. This breed is known for darting away when outside (he is also skilled at door-darting).

Photo By LEONARDO DASILVA