Gifts for Small Dogs

Gifts for small-sized dogs don't have to be "small." Their personalities are all about spunk, spirit and smarts. Gifts for them should reflect the same flair. Give the prancer breeds hair bows and scented shampoos. Pamper them with clothing and other gift items in personalized goody bags that can store important items. Give a gift of canine comfort and care.

  1. Dog Bows

    • Hair bows provide the finishing touch after grooming.

      Dog bows do more than simply keep hair out of the eyes of small dogs like the Maltese, the Yorkie or the Shih Tzu. Dog bows should be constructed with latex-free bands. They also should also fit the dog in size and style. A large bow, for example, would look out of proportion on a small Maltese.

      Bows made with quality materials and embellishments, including Swarovski sew-on rhinestone crystals, are a thoughtful gift. Bows that coordinate with leads or outfits can be gift-wrapped together. Consider the color when giving a dog bow. Making the right choices in color will complement the dog's coat and generate compliments.

    Dog Clothing Goody Bag

    • This dog is dressed to enjoy a dog show.

      Prepare a goody bag, although the gift doesn't have to be a bag at all. A trendy bucket matching the color theme you are following can morph into a welcome goody "bag" when personalized with the dog's name. Use a low-temperature glue gun to spell the dog's name out of gems on the side of the bucket. For male dogs, use a large permanent marker, or glue on large rhinestones.

      Fill the bucket with a new outfit, dog mints, a lavender-scented sachet to place under the dog's pillow for better sleep and some coordinating lavender-scented dog shampoo. Lavender will relax the dog and offer a pampered feeling.

    Dog Bedding

    • All small dogs enjoy comfortable beds.

      Recuperative sleep is important for all dogs. A dog bed, a blanket or a comfortable pillow are all hits for small dogs. Dogs enjoy having a bed of their own for naps or quiet contemplation. Choose a machine-washable, chew-resistant bed. Older small dogs may enjoy heated beds in the winter and cooling beds during hot months. Comfortable beds help prevent irritability and body aches.

    Charitable Donations

    • The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation trains dogs to help the world.

      On April 19, 1995, a bomb exploded outside of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Wilma Melville and her search dog, Murphy, were deployed to the scene to help recover victims from the rubble and save time for firefighters. At that time, only 15 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Advance Certified disaster search dog-handler teams existed in the U.S. Melville founded the National Search Dog Foundation to train more dog-handler teams to prepare for future disasters. As of March 2011, there were 67 teams.

      A donation gift in the name of a friend's small dog to the Search Dog Foundation or another charitable organization, such as Puppy Mill Rescue or your local shelter or humane society, can prove beneficial to many.