Small dog breeds up to 10kg

Discover small dog breeds up to 10kg in adulthood ????

Depending on the breed, we can get an idea of the animal that can best adapt to our lifestyle and family environment. 

We know that over time breeds have been selected and developed in order to acquire a certain look or enhance a certain personality attribute. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that each animal has a unique personality and that no animal can be summarised by its breed description.

The following list is a short summary of some of the most common small dog breeds (up to 10kg in adult age) so that you can learn a little more about our four-legged friends.

List of small dog breeds up to 10kg:

• Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise originated in the Canary Islands and were brought to Europe by sailors, later becoming very popular with the European nobility.
These small dogs reach 3 to 6kg in adulthood and live between 12 and 15 years. They are docile and playful animals and adapt well to flat life. Their coat requires some care, such as regular brushing and grooming, but has the advantage of being hypoallergenic.

• Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshires (or Yorkies) were developed in England, in the Yorkshire area. The reason for their origin is unclear, with some theories saying that they were bred to hunt mice and enter fox and badger dens.
With an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years and weighing up to 3kg in adults, they are very active and somewhat dominant dogs. Because of this tendency, they should be brought up from puppyhood, as they are known for barking a lot, not hesitating when faced with larger dogs and even being a little stubborn.
They deserve special care with their coat, which is hypoallergenic because it looks more like human hair than dog hair. They need to be brushed and can be clipped. Yorkies’ mouths also deserve special attention, as it’s not uncommon for their milk teeth to fall out, causing oral problems.

• Poodle

The Poodle was developed as an aquatic hunting dog, but became famous among the French aristocracy as a companion dog due to its personality and coat.
It’s a very diverse breed, as it can go from 2 to 28kg as an adult, depending on the variety, but miniature and toy poodles reach 9 and 3kg respectively.
They have a fairly long average life expectancy, which can reach 17 years in smaller varieties. They are animals that require a lot of care, as their fur has a tendency to knot and so they should be brushed almost daily. Extremely sociable and highly adaptable, they are excellent companion dogs, but they must be brought up from an early age, as they are also quite possessive.

• Chinese Crested Dog

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There is no evidence that these dogs actually originated in China, despite their name, but they may have been present in the Han dynasty as treasure guards and hunting dogs.
There are two different varieties: one with a hairless body except for the head, tail and feet, and one covered in fur (the Powderpuff variety). The hairless variety arises when the animal receives a copy of a dominant gene that gives it this characteristic. They can weigh up to around 5.5kg and live between 13 and 15 years. They are very affectionate and spoiled dogs. Although they are hairless, this doesn’t mean they don’t need grooming. In fact, due to their exposed skin, they should be protected from direct sunlight and exposure to the cold. The Powderpuff variety needs frequent brushing.

• Shih Tzu

There are various theories about the origin of this breed, but it was largely developed in China.
With the introduction of communism in China, the breed came close to extinction, but with the survival of a few European specimens, it has managed to survive. Their name means ‘lion dog’, but it’s not because of their size, as they only reach 8kg as adults.
They are good pets for any home, as they do well both outdoors and in a flat, but they don’t do without human company. They are extremely friendly and easy to train, but this should be done from an early age, as they have a tendency to bark in the face of anything unexpected.
Their coat can be a bit of a chore if kept long. It should be brushed daily and well groomed, but it can also be clipped and kept short.

• Chihuahua

The first references that are thought to be related to the Chihuahua are to the ‘techichi’, dogs from the Toltec civilization in the region of present-day Mexico.
The techichi were companion dogs and were believed to attract happiness. The name Chihuahua is related to the area of Mexico where they were discovered. They are excellent companion dogs, as they have always been selected for this purpose: they like attention and are loyal to their owners, but they tend to be dominant and temperamental dogs, which can make them react to larger dogs and strangers and they should be educated from an early age.
Weighing between 0.5 and 3kg as adults, they are quite fragile dogs: a fall from a lap or even a sofa can have consequences, especially in puppies.
There are two varieties: short-haired or long-haired, neither require any special grooming other than regular brushing if they are long-haired. These dogs have a fairly long average life expectancy, which can reach up to 18 years (on average).

• Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso has existed in Tibet for thousands of years and was considered a sacred animal.
Raised in temples and palaces, they were given as gifts to honoured guests. In China they were used in the development of the Shih Tzu and the Pekingese.
Bred as guard dogs, the Lhasa Apso is an attentive dog with a strong personality and a high-pitched bark that serves as a warning. They can be aloof with strangers, but affectionate with those they know and trust.

They are longer than they are tall, weight between 4 and 8kg and live on average between 12 and 14 years. They have a slightly shortened muzzle, but what distinguishes them best is their long, smooth coat, which should be brushed regularly.

• Pekingese

One of the oldest breeds in the world, it originated in China. Popular dogs in the Chinese imperial palace, they were later transported to England during the occupation of Peking by the British and a specimen was given to Queen Victoria.
Very attached to their owners, but also very independent. They are great alert dogs, as one of their characteristics is that their bark is louder than their size. Pekingese weigh between 3 and 6kg in adults and can live between 13 and 15 years. Their coat should be brushed frequently and the folds of skin on their muzzle should be cleaned regularly.

• French Bulldog

At the beginning of the 19th century, small English bulldogs were taken by labourers going to France to be kept as companion dogs and to scare away rats. The size of this breed varies greatly, with both small and medium breeds weighing between 8 and 14kg. They are well adapted to life in the city, in homes with large families or just one person. They are very affectionate and intelligent, but also show some stubbornness.

They can live between 9 and 11 years. Their fur doesn’t need much grooming, but their skin folds should be cleaned regularly. Because of their snout, they tend to snore and may have difficulty breathing. In these situations, a vet should be consulted, as some surgical corrections may be necessary to minimise their breathing difficulties.

• Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier originated in the Boston area, as a result of crossing the English Bulldog with the Bull Terrier or White English Terrier.

They are great companion dogs, being very docile and playful. They come in several classes, determined by their size. Some don’t exceed 7kg and others can reach around 11kg. They don’t need any special care, but you should be aware that due to their brachycephalic nature they may have problems breathing and regulating their temperature.

• Jack Russel Terrier

The Jack Russell lives for around 13 to 15 years and weighs between 6 and 7kg in adults.

Their name comes from the reverend who developed the breed at the beginning of the 19th century for fox hunting. Having always been developed for hunting, this instinct remains to this day, even when they live in an apartment.
They are extremely energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise and long walks. Intelligent and affectionate, they are good companions and easy to train.
They don’t require any major care, as long as they get enough exercise.

• Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany and although some may think it is the miniature of a Dobermann Pinscher, the two breeds are not linked other than by their land of origin.
A restless dog, always on the move, they love toys and more toys. They can weigh between 3 and 5kg and live to be 14 years old, with relatively simple maintenance.

• Pug

Originating in China, Pugs were reserved for emperors and were later secretly transported to Europe by Dutch navigators. The Dutch royal house’s fascination with this breed was such that it was announced as the official dog of the House of Orange in 1688. It is said that the motto of these dogs is ‘multum in parvo’, which means ‘a lot in a little’.

They can weigh between 6 and 8kg, but are quite robust, as well as loving food and having a tendency towards obesity.
They are very self-sufficient and don’t tend to bark a lot. Specific care requirements for this breed include their eyes, which are quite prominent and more prone to injury, and their skin folds, which should be cleaned regularly. These dogs can live between 12 and 15 years.

• Miniature Schnauzer

The Schnauzer originated in Germany at the end of the 19th century and comes in three different sizes. Miniatures were obtained by selecting small specimens of the medium-sized Schnauzer and reach between 5 and 7kg and can live up to 14 years.

They are known for being very obedient, quick to learn and attached to their family, making them great pets. They are known as hypoallergenic dogs because they don’t shed, but they need frequent brushing and grooming.

• Teckel / Dachshund

Teckels were developed in Germany for badger hunting, and their name means ‘badger dog’.

They exist in two sizes: standard and miniature and reach a maximum adult weight of 9kg. They are brave and curious dogs, but also playful and affectionate. Due to their length, they are prone to back problems, so stairs and jumping onto furniture and the floor should be avoided.

• West Highland White Terrier

Originating in Scotland, they were developed to hunt invaders (rats and foxes) and because they were white they were easier to spot in the countryside.

Westies live between 12 and 14 years old and can weigh between 6 and 10kg. They are intelligent, independent and a little stubborn. They are a good watchdog and an excellent hunter.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed, recognised only relatively recently, originated in England and is highly prized by royalty.

They have an average lifespan of 9 to 14 years and can reach between 6 and 8kg. With a very affectionate expression, they are indeed a docile, playful and intelligent dog. They love laps and are very easy to maintain, requiring only a few brushes.
Unfortunately, they are predisposed to certain heart diseases and should therefore be monitored.

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