- The Shih Tzu is a small, haired dog in the toy group. A Shih Tzu will grow to 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 9 to 16 lbs. The Shih Tzu does not need a lot of exercise, and they are a true lap dog, with a friendly and outgoing disposition.
- There are several good choices in the terrier group, from the smallest like the West Highland White, Border, Cairn, Silky, Norfolk, Welsh, Boston, Wirehaired Fox, Soft Coated Wheaten and Scottish to the largest like the Airedale, Australian, Bedlington and Kerry Blue. Terriers are feisty but loyal dogs and have a variety of coats. Most have a short, curly coat while some, like the Boston, have a very short, straight coat and others like the Silky have long, flowing coats.
- The miniature schnauzer can grow as tall as 14 inches and weigh as much as 15 lbs. They love people and usually get along well with other animals. The schnauzer has a medium coat with very distinctive bushy eyebrows, a beard and a mustache. The schnauzer is very energetic, loves to play and needs a lot of exercise.
- The poodle comes in all sizes and is the most famous of the dogs that do not shed. The poodle was originally bred to be a hunter and the short, curly coat was to protect it from the brush. The poodle cut was devised not as an appearance thing, but to protect the most vulnerable parts. Poodles are also good water dogs. They range in size from 10 inches to 15 inches for the standard.
- The Irish water spaniel is one of the larger dogs, reaching a height of as much as 24 inches and weight of as much as 65 lbs. The Irish water spaniel is full of energy, is inquisitive and needs a lot of exercise. They make great guard dogs, are devoted to their families and only bark when something is wrong. Their coat is long and curly, except for the face and tail.
