Just because you live in a small home or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. There are many small and toy breeds that make excellent pets for small homes. But even small dogs like variety and exercise, so it is important that you are prepared to spend time with your dog, take her for walks and ensure that she gets the best care. Once you have made that commitment to yourself, you can choose which breed of dog is most suitable to you and your lifestyle.

Small dog breeds make the cutest puppies, and one of the cutest small dog puppies around is the Maltese. This popular small dog breed generally grows to no more than six or seven pounds in weight, and has a beautiful white coat. The Maltese is a very ancient dog breed and has a strong constitution, though it should not be kept in very hot areas, due to the thick coat. The Maltese enjoys walks and is very playful. A great companion if you want a lively little pet and will enjoy the grooming chores.

Another delightful long haired small dog breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This lovely small dog is as courtly as its name and weighs about twice as much as a Maltese. The King Charles is a friendly and sociable small dog, well known for giving a lifetime of loyal attachment. This is the ideal dog if you prefer to lead a quiet life.

Top of the line in long haired small dog breeds is the Lowchen, as long as you enjoy spending long hours brushing, and don’t mind the hefty price tag. The beautiful `Little Lion’ dog can cost around $1000. A true indoors dog, the Lowchen is no exercise fanatic but owners have reported `separation anxiety’ to be a problem, so don’t get this dog breed if you are away for long hours every day.

If you want a pet with a shorter coat, try the Miniature Fox Terrier. This lively little dog will need lots of exercise, and appreciates having a collection of toys. Fox terriers can be yappy, so your pet may need to go to obedience school if she annoys the neighbors. This is a healthy and low maintenance dog breed, suitable for the owner who just wants to enjoy having a pet without all the grooming fuss.

A more sleek and elegant short haired pet is the Italian greyhound, and if you want a pet that enjoys exercise, this is the dog breed for you. Owners report that the Italian greyhound is a very well behaved dog, but prone to stress, so it is not a suitable pet where there are small children. This dog breed grows to a height of about 15 inches but is very lightweight – around 5 pounds.

The Welsh corgi is one of the classic small dog breeds, and very popular with Queen Elizabeth II of England. They will be popular with you, too, if you want a playful, affectionate pet. The Welsh corgi comes in two breeds, the Cardigan and the Pembrokeshire. The Pembrokeshire is smaller and more popular than the Cardigan, but both make faithful pets for small homes.

Finally, there is the ultimate small dog breed for apartment living – the toy poodle. Naturally popular in Europe, the toy poodle is somewhat high maintenance regarding its fluffy coat, but a surprisingly undemanding pet. Toy poodles love to play and appreciate having their own toys, but they are easy to train and adapt to their owners. Like most pets, the toy poodle prefers company to being left alone, but if you spend a lot of time away from home, perhaps you should think twice about getting a pet anyway!

Summer is a good opportunity to spend quality time with your family and pets. However, summers can be dangerous for your pet especially if you have a dog at home. In summers, your animal friend could suffer from problems like sun burn, dehydration and stroke. Therefore, it is important that you take special care of your pet during summers.

Make sure you give your companion with plenty of fresh water to keep your pet hydrated during summers. Provide your pet with a bowl of fresh clean water both outside and inside your house. If you are planning to take your dog for a long walk or for any other outdoor activity, make sure you carry water for your companion. When you take your pet outdoors make sure you check for signs of dehydration. Some of the signs of dehydration in dogs include lethargy, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy and sunken eyes.

Avoid leaving your dog in the car in summers as it can get very hot quickly. Even if you go out for a few minutes, take your pet with you. The car can be too hot for your pet even after you have rolled down the windows. At times, the heat in the car can cause sun stroke. If you cannot take your dog along with you, it is a good idea that you leave them at home rather them leaving them unattended in your car.

Most people are under the impression that all dogs can swim which is not true. If you are planning to take your animal companion for a walk near the pool, make sure you supervise them. If you have a pool at home, make sure you put a fence around the pool.

It is common for dogs to suffer from the problem of ticks and fleas during summers. To protect your pet from getting them, you must talk to your vet. Your pet may suggest products that you must apply at least once a month. Avoid using over-the-counter products as not all products are safe.

During summers, your dog is more likely to suffer from heartworm disease. This disease is usually carried by mosquitoes and could cause death of your pet if not treated on time. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heartworm disease, take them to your vet immediately.