Small Archives - The South Africa Dog Guide

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers were originally bred for pit fighting and ratting in the 19th century before becoming friendly companion dogs.

Small Toy Dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small, Toy Dogs /

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred as a companion dog for European royalty and aristocrats.

Hounds Small

Dachshund

Hounds, Small /

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other small animals that lived in burrows such as rabbits.

Small Terriers

Fox Terrier

Small, Terriers /

Fox Terriers were originally bred in 18th-century England to assist with fox hunting and to control vermin on farms.

Small Utility Dogs

French Bulldog

Small, Utility Dogs /

French Bulldogs were bred in England but became famous in France during the Industrial Revolution.

Small Toy Dogs

Italian Greyhound

Small, Toy Dogs /

Italian Greyhounds have a history that stretches back 2,000 years and were bred as a companion and skilled hunter.

Small Terriers

Jack Russell Terrier

Small, Terriers /

The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred as a hunting dog, especially for fox hunting in England during the 1800s.

Small Utility Dogs

Lhasa Apso

Small, Utility Dogs /

The Lhasa Apso originated in the palaces of Tibet, where it served as both a cherished companion and an indoor watchdog.

Small Toy Dogs

Pekingese

Small, Toy Dogs /

For centuries, Pekingese were companions of Chinese emperors and were rarely seen outside the royal court.

Small Utility Dogs XSmall

Poodle

Small, Utility Dogs, XSmall /

Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, helping hunters retrieve ducks and other waterfowl.

A fawn-colored Pug standing on a grassy lawn in a sunlit garden. The dog has a curled tail, a wrinkled face with a black muzzle, and is looking directly at the camera, with flowers and foliage softly blurred in the background.

Small Toy Dogs

Pug

Small, Toy Dogs /

Pugs were originally bred in ancient China to be companion dogs for emperors and wealthy families as far back as 400 B.C.

Medium Small Working Dogs

Schnauzer

Medium, Small, Working Dogs /

Schnauzers were originally bred in Germany as versatile farm dogs that helped hunt small animals and keep farms rat-free.

Herding Dogs Small

Shetland Sheepdog

Herding Dogs, Small /

Shelties were originally bred as hardworking farm and watchdogs on Scotland’s rugged Shetland Islands.

Small Utility Dogs

Shih Tzu

Small, Utility Dogs /

Shih Tzus were originally bred to be loving companions and bring good fortune for royalty and monks in ancient China.

Small Terriers

West Highland White Terrier

Small, Terriers /

West Highland White Terriers, often called Westies, were originally bred in Scotland to hunt small burrowing animals.