Guide · Choosing a puppy
A small dog for the family: what really matters before you choose
“A small dog for the flat” is one of the most common wishes. Yet size is rarely the most important question. Time, temperament, care and how the dog fits your daily life matter far more.
Small doesn’t mean simple
Small dogs need less space, are easier to carry and fit better in the car. But they need exercise, occupation and training just as much. A small dog that never experiences anything isn’t happier – just easier to overlook.
With small dogs people tend to let things slide – “but it’s so tiny”. That’s no favour to the dog: clear rules give it security.
What really matters
- Time: how many hours a day would the dog be alone?
- Exercise: who walks it, when and for how long?
- Coat: little shedding (but a groomer) or an easy short coat?
- Children: how old are they, and are there clear rules?
- Home: stairs, lift, thin walls, landlord’s permission?
- Budget: food, vet, grooming, insurance – for many years.
Puppy or adult dog?
| Puppy | Adult dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | You shape its habits from the start | Temperament and size are already known |
| Effort | House training, education, lots of time in the first months | Often less work, but possibly old habits |
| Suits | Families with time and patience for the first months | People who want a “ready-made” companion straight away |
Your first dog
For a first dog, a cooperative breed and a breeder who stays in touch after handover are worth a lot. Puppy classes nearby and a vet you trust matter at least as much as the breed.
Small dogs and health
Small dogs often live long lives but have their own weak spots: teeth that need regular checks, joints that are sensitive to jumping and, in some breeds, the back. A vet who knows your dog from the start is invaluable.
With Poodles the main concern is falls in the small sizes; with Dachshunds it’s the back: see Back, stairs and exercise.
Poodles and Dachshunds
We breed two very different small companions: the Poodle, clever and cooperative, with a coat that hardly sheds; and the Dachshund, brave and independent, with a smooth or long coat. To see which suits you, read Poodle or Dachshund?.
Frequently asked questions
Which small dog barks least?
That depends more on training, activity and the individual dog than on breed. Poodles are alert and Dachshunds very watchful – early training helps with both.
Keep reading
Any questions?
Message Gianni or Aldo directly on WhatsApp. Tell us how you live and what you are looking for.
Our only location is Barletta, Italy.