Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, these loyal and energetic dogs prove that good things do come in small packages — about five pound packages, to be exact. Playful, bright, and alert, corgis are great with children. They're intelligent and willing to please, making them easy to train. They're good watchdogs and can be noisy and reserved with strangers. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, Jack Russell terriers have made a name for themselves by appearing on screen in Wishbone, The Artist, and My Dog Skip, to name a few. The intelligent workers can be stubborn and extremely energetic. Rumor has it that Teddy Roosevelt coined the name of this pint-sized terrier. Beyond being excellent exterminators (hello, city-dwellers), they're loyal, cheerful, and have a silky-smooth coat. These non-shedding dogs are known for being unbelievably happy, loving, and lovable. They require little exercise, making them ideal for apartment living. They're intelligent, although sometimes they exhibit a stubborn streak. Shih Tzus are so charming that they'll warm your heart. They're gentle and loyal, yet proud with an aristocratic temperament. They can be stubborn at times. Loyal and affectionate to everyone (including strangers), these dogs are extremely playful and always ready for a game. They're intelligent, although stubbornness makes this breed hard to train. Even though all poodles are considered one (extremely intelligent) breed, they come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The miniature variety typical weighs in at a manageable 15 to 17 pounds. As for that fancy haircut, the "poodle clip" is designed to protect the joints and organs in cold water. A longtime companion of Japanese royalty, these regal pups make a sweet and cuddly lap dog. The only downside to this breed is that you'll have to deal with the fact that they'll always have better hair than you. With their corkscrew curls and big, bashful eyes, Pumis are the cutest breed of dog that you've never heard of. These spaniels weigh slightly more than their popular American counterparts, but their merry personalities win over families just as easily. Get them outside, and they're quite the happy campers. RELATED: 50+ Funny Dog Names for Pups With Personality Basenjis originally worked as hunting dogs in Africa, prized for their intelligence and independence. Most notably, however, the "barkless dog" makes an odd chortle-like sound instead of a typical "woof." RELATED: 15 Quiet Dog Breeds That Rarely Bark Beagles have great temperaments — they're spirited and intelligent, playful, loyal, and friendly. Their keen sense of smell can sometimes make walks interesting, as they try to follow every smell they encounter. RELATED: The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the Country Plucky and happy, border terriers are known to be a tough, working breed. They will instinctively chase and hunt animals (and cars), so owners need to be especially vigilant. Affectionate and excellent with children, the Boston terrier doesn't have the fiery temperament of a typical terrier. They're dapper and intelligent and love lots of attention. A member of the toy group, these pups are alert, curious and loyal. They also come in a smooth-coated variety, called "brabancons." These upbeat, happy-go-lucky dogs tend to busy themselves with self-appointed jobs. They're feisty, especially with other dogs, and don't get along well with cats. They may need supervision around very young children. Both King Charles I and Charlotte York of Sex and the City owned these affectionate, gentle pets. Loyal and affectionate, the cocker spaniel is the perfect play pal for a child. They're intelligent with a desire to please, which makes training a breeze. With their happy, fun-loving personalities, these dogs love to play and get along great with children and other pets. Each of the three coat varieties has a slightly different personality — the smooth is the most stubborn of the trio. The smaller ancestor of the English bulldog, this breed has a big personality but requires minimal exercise. It's no wonder the big-eared pooches are becoming increasingly popular, especially in big cities. These funny and outgoing little pups are the national dog of Cuba (hence the name) and make loyal family companions. While they're quite intelligent and naturally affectionate, Havanese are also more energetic than most toy breeds and require daily exercise. |