Dune

With long bodies and short legs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has the nickname “dwarf dog” for a reason. They may be small, but the Pembroke has personality for days. These dogs like being in charge, keeping an eye on the house, and most of all, having fun. Full-grown, they typically weigh 24-30 pounds and stand 10-12 inches tall.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are good with kids as long as they’re respected. Pembrokes also can get along well with cats and other pets if they’re socialized at a young age, but they’re not usually fond of other dogs and may be domineering over nearby Corgis. They're fairly vocal dogs that bark regularly.

This breed has endless energy and needs more exercise than their size may indicate. Pembroke Welsh Corgis enjoy long walks, running around the yard, agility training, and playing catch with Frisbees. They shouldn’t be allowed to jump too high because it’s not safe for their long back and short legs. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a long, thick, water-resistant outer coat of hard, straight hair and a short undercoat. They can be red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, all with white markings on the legs, chest, muzzle, or blaze (vertical line between the eyes). Pembrokes also may have a “fairy saddle” of hair on their shoulders pointing in a different direction than the rest of the coat. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Pembrokes are small enough for apartment life, but they enjoy homes with spacious yards too. They like being outdoors, but they prefer to split their time between life inside with the family and playtime in the yard. They are fairly easy to train.

The Shih Tzu is small, popular, and friendly, so what more could you ask for in a companion dog? Their intelligence and loyalty, along with their independence, will have you cuddling up with this bunch of cheerfulness in no time. Full-grown, they typically weigh 9-16 pounds and stand 9-11 inches tall.

Shih Tzus are generally excellent with children of all ages. Shih Tzus are indoor dogs who get along with other pets very well and love to cuddle in your lap, making them great family companions. You would never want to limit these small dogs to just the outdoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Shih Tzu need short, daily walk but should also occasionally be exercised indoors. They do not adapt to hot weather very well, so they must be a primarily indoor dog. Care must be taken not to over or under exercise them as well. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Shih Tzus' long coat is somewhat high maintenance and requires everyday brushing to prevent tangles. These dogs should be taken to a professional groomer every couple of months. They are usually easier to maintain when their coats are clipped short, but you can't argue that those who have the long, dreamy coats are dramatic and eye catching. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Shih Tzus are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Shih Tzus are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Since they are small, this breed can adapt to apartment living or a big house. Shih Tzus are indoor dogs who get along with other pets very well and love to cuddle in your lap, making them great family companions. They are fairly easy to train.