Small Dog Breeds With High Energy Levels
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Affenpinscher
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The Affenpinscher, also known as the "Monkey Dog" ("affen" means "ape/monkey" in German, and "pinscher" means "terrier"), is small but feisty, full of spunk and energy.
Find out more about Affenpinschers here!
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Australian Terrier
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The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia, as their name implies. Bred to hunt and exterminate rodents and snakes, Australian Terriers were also prized as watchdogs and companions.
Find out more about Australian Terriers here!
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Border Terrier
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This alert, good-natured dog was originally bred to assist in foxhunts, driving foxes out of their hiding places and out into the open for the hounds to chase.
Find out more about Border Terriers here!
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Boston Terrier
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Known as the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is lively, smart, and affectionate with a gentle, even temperament.
Find out more about Boston Terriers here!
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Cairn Terrier
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The Cairn Terrier dog breed is a small working terrier developed on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Farmers used them to rid their property of vermin, and they needed a dog with courage, tenacity, and intelligence — characteristics still found in today’s Cairn.
Find out more about Cairn Terriers here!
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Fox Terrier
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Fox Terriers were originally bred to flush foxes out of their hiding places during fox hunts. Today they’re primarily family companions and show dogs; although, you’ll occasionally find them in the hunt country of the northeastern United States, still performing their traditional role.
Find out more about Fox Terriers here!
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Jack Russell Terrier
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Developed in England some 200 years ago to hunt foxes, the Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is a lively, independent, and clever little dog.
Find out more about Jack Russell Terriers here!
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Lakeland Terrier
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The typical Lakeland is bold and friendly. They're described as having a "cock of the walk" attitude, but they're neither overly aggressive or argumentative. All terrier, they're curious about everything, intelligent, and entertaining.
Find out more about Lakeland Terriers here!
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Manchester Terrier
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A Manchester Terrier adores their people and likes to be with them. A social creature, they're not well suited to being alone all day — they just want to hang out with you.
Find out more about Manchester Terriers here!
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Miniature Pinscher
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There's good reason the Min Pin is called the King of Toys. They have a spirited, confident personality that both delights and exasperates their humans. They're fearless, intensely curious, and always ready for action.
Find out more about Miniature Pinschers here!
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Miniature Schnauzer
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The Miniature Schnauzer is full of life. An extrovert, they love to be in the thick of the family action. They may even run up to you while you're sitting down and throw their paws around your neck.
Find out more about Miniature Schnauzers here!
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Norfolk Terrier
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If you're seeking a lively canine companion who's fearless, yet affectionate, the Norfolk Terrier may be the breed for you.
Find out more about Norfolk Terriers here!
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Norwich Terrier
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The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest of all the terriers, but what they lack in size, they make up for in personality and drive. This active terrier is a wonderful companion for an active individual or family.
Find out more about Norwich Terriers here!
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Pocket Beagle
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Expect to give a Pocket Beagle at least an hour of exercise daily. And be warned that this isn't a breed that walks briskly. Beagles mosey, nose to the ground, sniffing out everything around them.
Find out more about Pocket Beagles here!
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Toy Or Miniature Poodle
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Despite their regal appearance, the Poodle has a goofy streak and loves to play. They're always up for a game of any kind.
Find out more about Poodles here!
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Schipperke
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Curious and clever, the Schipperke dog breed is often nicknamed LBD, for little black devil. They're fearless and devoted, always on guard to protect their family from harm.
Find out more about Schipperkes here!
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Toy Or Miniature Schnoodle
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What a pistol! Smart, active, and adorable, the Schnoodle has become a popular hybrid dog breed.
Find out more about Schnoodles here!
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Scottish Terrier
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This short-legged wonder was originally bred to hunt prey such as badgers and foxes, and they have developed into a self-directed and opinionated companion.
Find out more about Scottish Terriers here!
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Silky Terrier
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The Silky Terrier is a friendly, intelligent, spirited, and self-assured dog. True to their hunting roots, they love to chase small animals and won't back down from a fight.
Find out more about Silky Terriers here!
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Welsh Terrier
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They may look like a small Airedale, but the Welsh Terrier has their own personality. It's certainly a strong personality, and no wonder — they were bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters.
Find out more about Welsh Terriers here!
