3 Small Breeds of Dog with Big Personalities

All dogs have their own unique personalities which their owners help to shape. Some large breeds tend to be on the shy side and others are known to be gentle giants. Then there are the small breeds that are unaware of their size and as such they have big personalities being fearless even though they are tiny in stature. Four breeds that really have lovely, fun and larger than life personalities are the Beagle, Miniature Schnauzer and Boston Terrier.

Beagle

Beagles are lovely dogs, not too big but not too small either and they boast long life spans when correctly cared for which can be up to 15 + years. They are moderate shedders and are generally known to be a healthy breed. When it comes to personality, Beagles are fun-loving, mischievous and very social by nature, they absolutely thrive in a home environment which is why they have remained popular family pets. They have masses of personality and love being involved in things that go on around them. They are also highly skilled escape artists and very adept at digging their way out under garden fences.

Because they thrive on human contact, Beagles hate it when they are left on their own for any length of time preferring to be with their owners or other pets in the home. As previously mentioned they do make wonderful family pets, but are better suited to households where the kids are slightly older rather than homes with toddlers.

When it comes to training, a Beagle's education must start early and it's essential to put a lot of emphasis on the "recall" command from the word go. The reason being that Beagles were bred to track scents, a job they are highly skilled at doing so if they don't obey the "recall" command, a Beagle might just be tempted to follow their nose and wander off rather than go back to their owners when called.

For anyone who loves spending loads of time in the great outdoors with a fun-loving, mischievous and intelligent canine companion at their side, a Beagle might fit the bill perfectly, more especially as once they get home, these charming dogs are happy to curl up and relax with their families.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is another charming dog that's not too small yet not too big. They may be smaller in stature, but they boast having big personalities paired to charming looks and loads of character. They are minimal shedders and most dogs remain healthy throughout their lives although the breed is known to suffer from a few hereditary and acquired disorders. They enjoy long life spans which can be up to 15+ years when properly cared for. Miniature Schnauzers are not only adorable looking, but they have masses of personality loving nothing more than being involved in everything that goes on around them.

Intelligent yet a little stubborn, they are better suited to families with older children who know how to behave around energetic, fun-loving dogs. Miniature Schnauzers can be clownish which guarantees to keep their families entertained. However, they are known to be a bit vocal which is something that needs to be gently curbed when a Miniature Schnauzer is still young so it does not turn into a real problem further down the line.

Although loving and loyal to their families, Miniature Schnauzers are wary around strangers until they get to know them. Their training must start early and it's important not to spoil a dog because they may just start to show a more dominant side to their natures which could end up with a Miniature Schnauzer thinking they are the alpha dog.

Anyone who works during the day and who would like to share their homes with a small dog that boasts a big personality, the Miniature Schnauzer could be the perfect choice because not only do they have lots of character, they don't mind too much being left on their own, bearing in mind that no dog likes to spend too much time alone.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are real clowns and being so clever, they know just how to keep their owners entertained. They boast long life spans which can be anything up to 15+ years when correctly cared for. They are another breed that's not too small nor too big which makes them a great choice for people who live in apartments. They do not shed excessively and most well-bred dogs remain healthy throughout their lives, although the breed is known to suffer from a few hereditary and acquired conditions.

Intelligent and good around the children, the Boston Terrier thrives in a home environment too and loves being involved in everything that goes on in the home. Being so lively and fun-loving, these dogs can be a little wilful at times which is why their education must start early and it has to be consistent throughout their lives.

They can be a little territorial and protective at times which is particularly true of male Boston Terriers. They are also known to form strong ties with the person who trains them although always affectionate and loving to other members in a household. The downside is that Boston Terriers really do not like to be left on their own for any length of time and if they are, dogs can quickly develop separation anxiety. As such they are better suited to families where one person stays at home when other people are out.

Although loving and loyal to their families, the Boston Terrier tends to be wary around strangers, but once they get to know someone, they are generally fine around them. Anyone wanting to share their home with a small dog that boasts a ton of character and personality, choosing to do so with a Boston Terrier could be the perfect choice.