They're also incredibly smart, very trainable and lovey-dovey with their people, including the younger members of the family.
Good news for people with allergies or asthma who can't get enough of cute little dogs: the AMA has reported that the West Highland White Terrier has relatively low dander.
The affectionate and adorable shih tzu, which means "little lion" in Mandarin, sheds only minimally. But the time you save on vacuuming up hair will be spent grooming: a long-haired shih tzu will need daily brushing and a bath every few weeks.
Dating back some 2,800 years, this beautiful little white dog was beloved not only on the island south of Sicily for which he's named but also by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and even the Egyptians.
First seen in Germany in the Middle Ages, the standard schnauzer found favor as a farm dog in Bavaria, herding, hunting, guarding and eliminating vermin.
With a curly coat that doesn't shed and is non-allergenic, the Portuguese water dog is an ideal choice for folks who get the sneezes from pet dander.
They tend to require more veterinary care than other dogs similar their size. Veterinary visits for skin, ears, dental disease and breathing issues are common.