Active companion

Affenpinscher
Brussels Griffon
Miniature Pinscher
Silky Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Allergies

(from study in July-Aug 2011 issue of American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy)

Chinese Crested (hairless variety is best but even powderpuff has no fluffy undercoat)

Havanese (minimal shedding and nearly odorless)

Italian Greyhound (minimal shedding and odorless)

Maltese (coat resembles human hair, minimal
shedding )

Shih Tzu (has hair rather than fur)

Toy Poodle (very minimal shedding)

Yorkshire Terrier (beautiful coat)

Apartment or Condo Dweller

Your neighbors should be OK with
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Papillon
Pekingese
Pug
Shih Tzu

Your neighbors may petition to evict you with your
Miniature Pinscher
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Toy Poodle
Yorkshire Terrier
if you can't control their barking or hyper activity

Cats

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Havanese
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Papillon
Pug
Shih Tzu
Toy Poodle

Family with older children
{No Toy dog is recommended for
very young children)

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Papillon
Pug
Shih Tzu

Avoid: Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, Pekingese, Pomeranians

Hot climate

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Italian Greyhounds love the heat

Pomeranians are another good choice although they will shed heavily

Lapdog wanted

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Papillon
Shih Tzu

Avoid: the active companion list above

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Papillon

Avoid: Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, Pomeranian

Other pets

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Papillon
Shih Tzu

Avoid: Chihuahua

c
Shedding minimum

Affenpinscher
Chinese Crested (hairless)
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Maltese
Silky Terrier
Toy Poodle
Yorkshire Terrier

Avoid: Pomeranian, Pekingese, Pug, Spaniels

Watchdog
(barking only!)

Affenpinscher
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Maltese
Miniature Pinscher
Pekingese
Silky Terrier
Toy Poodle
Yorkshire Terrier

Work all day
(but leave Fido a Kong toy filled with peanut butter and have the radio on)

English Toy Spaniel
Pekingese
Pug


Avoid: Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier

Please keep in mind the most important aspects of a successful dog/human relationship:

1) the characteristics of the breed,

2) the temperament of the individual dog,

3) the training provided by the owner.

Decide on the breed, get a puppy/dog that matches your personality and then train him!

You'll have many wonderful years with your canine companion.