Instructions
Examine your own lifestyle, and determine the traits in a small-breed dog that will best match it. People who live by themselves in small apartments may find the energy levels and need for companionship of a toy terrier to be a poor fit, for example, while a family with several children may be able to provide the terrier exactly the lifestyle it needs to be healthy and happy. Consider things such as the amount of space you have, how frequently someone is home, the presence of other pets and how often you'll be able to simply go out and play with your dog to be sure it gets enough exercise.
Determine what you do not want in a dog. Certain breeds can become very protective of their families and, as such, will bark constantly at what they perceive as intruders. Other factors to consider are the increased grooming requirements for dogs with longer hair, the adaptability to training that some breeds have over others, the size of the breed at its largest and the negative effect that some breeds have over people who suffer from allergies.
Research small dog breeds. Odds are very good that several breeds could be a potentially great match for you and your lifestyle, but it's critical to first understand key differences in breeds before you go out and start meeting animals that you may be interested in adopting.
Visit your local animal shelters to meet the dogs (see Resources). Pay attention to things such as the dogs' assertiveness, playfulness and age. A puppy may be cute, but it will require much more training to prevent it from chewing on furniture and urinating indoors, while an older dog will typically have outgrown or been trained to avoid these behaviors.
Ask any questions you may have, and express your needs to the personnel at the shelter so that they will be able to help you select the perfect small-breed dog.
Select your new pet, and take him home.
How to Adopt a Small-Breed Dog
Adopting a pet is like adding another member to your family. Dogs, in particular, are lovable, affectionate and famously loyal to their owners, all of which make them ideal for a wide variety of individuals. But dogs can also get quite large, with equally large needs for food, companionship and play. For this reason, adopting a small-breed dog is a much better decision for many people, either due to the presence of small children in their household or a lack of sufficient outdoor space. But with all the breeds to choose from, adopting your new pet is a big responsibility.