If you look back to the very end of the 1800s, there became two distinct types of dogs in the UK. Working dogs \u2013 who earned their living doing a specific job \u2013 and companion dogs who were much more suited to a life of luxury. This was, in many cases, due to the influence of Queen Victoria \u2013 so I guess we shouldn\u2019t be surprised some of the small dog breeds she introduced into the UK liked life on a chaise longue far more than they did life on a farm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Queen Victoria was a huge animal lover \u2013 and she brought many companion dogs from the courts of Europe into the country. From there, they became popular with those who wanted to emulate the monarch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Queen was particularly fond of Dachshunds, Pugs, Pomeranians, King Charles Spaniels, and Pekinese amongst others. And at one time she had over 100 dogs in the royal household! She also did more than anyone to popularise the idea of dogs (and cats too) living in the house as companions rather than outdoors as working helpmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just an understanding of this history can easily start us wondering if these small dog breeds are far better suited to life with most owners than the often higher maintenance working breeds – who require lots of exercise in all weathers, bring the great outdoors back indoors, and need plenty of enrichment<\/a> along with outlets for their natural desire to do their “job.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n All dogs need to get outside for a walk every day. It breaks up the boredom of the day, gives them a chance to explore, sniff, and investigate new and interesting places, and is a perfect form of enrichment that’ll keep them healthy and happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike working breeds, however, small companion dogs are generally happy with a couple of half hour walks a day \u2013 even if those are on lead. Although some will do far more if given the opportunity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about how much exercise dogs need<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While some small dog breeds have large coats, these come in a smaller package and so there is less to groom. Plus, bath times are far less stressful than coping with a huge, wet canine dripping everywhere\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about how often you should wash your dog<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a time when we want our dogs to be able to come everywhere with us, having a dog that doesn\u2019t need a huge car or loads of space \u2013 and you can pick up and carry if needs be \u2013 has huge advantages. Often you’ll find hotels, cafes, pubs etc (and their non-dog loving clients) far more welcoming of small dog breeds than of larger ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See tips on travelling on public transport with your dog<\/a><\/em> and getting your dog pub ready<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all of us live on a country estate or have easy access to fields, forests and moors to ramble across. And with many people downsizing, living more urban lives, or just living in smaller properties with limited access to parks and outdoor spaces, a small dog fits far better into many people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We get dogs for company and to have a canine best friend. Small dog breeds like nothing more than being beside (or more likely, on!) their person all the time. Companion breeds were created to do exactly this \u2013 and this was their \u2018job\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of small dog breeds<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Less exercise<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Less to groom<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Portable<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Better suited to smaller living spaces<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Social<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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