Unless you have a particular type of dog in mind, it can be hard to decide which breed to purchase. The first step is to think about what size dog you prefer. Is your house big enough for a large dog? Or do you only have a courtyard? Small dogs can be a great source of friendship. And there are a lot of different types of small dogs, very different in both temperament and appearance. Whilst toy dogs are amongst the most well known of the small dogs, there are others that are similar to their larger cousins.

I’ll run through 3 breeds in this article – welsh terriers, brussels griffons and whippets.

Brussels Griffons

The large eyes of the brussels griffon are thought to have been part of what led George Lucas, of Star Wars fame, to create the Ewoks. Looking at these cute dogs, you can see the kinship.

Brussels griffons are extremely sensitive and devoted dogs who will be more closely bonded with one person than others. They should be socialized when they are young pups. Their sensitivity and one-person nature mean they aren’t suited for families.

One of the great things about the brussels griffon is that they get along well with cats, as well as other dogs, although you need to be careful they don’t challenge for dominance with a bigger dog.

The Welsh Terrier Breed

Welsh terriers have been described as calm for a terrier, but maybe not as calm as other dogs. They have a sturdy look, and quite a big personality, particularly the boys. They are curious, affectionate, extroverted, joyous, and fearless.

Used to control rats and other vermin, and as a result welsh terriers love to chase things – including cats. So,, if you have cats, this may not be the ideal pet for your family.

Great with children,  welsh terriers need a backyard where they can’t escape as they do love to dig, and may thus escape. When walking a welshie, be sure he stays on the leash, because his road sense when distracted by fun is not very good.

Welsh terriers need quite a bit of time from their owners. They have to have grooming regularly, and get bored if left by themselves for the normal workday. They probably suit someone with a part time job rather than a full time job. When they’re bored, they can cause destruction around the house.  

Whippet Information

Whippets belong to the family of dogs known as sighthounds, which are named because they hunt by using their keen eyesight and great speed, instead of using smell like scent hounds. These elegant looking dogs are petite, ranging in height from 18.5 to 20 inches for male whippets, or 17.5 to 18.5 inches for female whippets. And the whippet dog breed look just like small versions of greyhounds!

Whippets have been described as being like toy dogs in temperament, liking nothing better than curling up on your lap. These are very loyal dogs, bonding with their owner strongly, though still good natured around strangers and children. The whippet dog breed are very gentle, so much so that they have been used in aged care homes.

Whippets need to be kept indoors. Their coats don’t keep them warm enough outside, and they have a strong bond to their owners. If you’re prepared to exercise them regularly, whippets are great for apartment living.