Thursday, January 17, 2013

Original Jobs Small Dogs Were Bred to Do

By Linda Cole







Small Prey Hunters

Terriers have long been used as ratters around the home and barns. These tenacious little dogs are willing to go underground after their prey, and were bred with thick tails solely for the purpose of pulling them out of a hole if they refused to leave their prey. They were also bred to work without commands from their owner, and with the courage to stand up to prey bigger than they are. One of the best ratters around is the Rat Terrier. Other breeds are the Jack Russell, Border, Yorkshire, Russell, Norwich and Australian Terriers.

War Dogs

Dogs of all sizes have been used in war for centuries, and although small dogs weren't bred as war dogs, they did have in role to play during both World Wars. They were mainly used to provide entertainment and give soldiers companionship. But small dogs proved their worth during battle. One Yorkshire terrier, Smokey, became a decorated war heroine when she squeezed through an 8 inch drainage culvert under an airstrip 70 feet wide, pulling a communications line through it to the other side. She was also the first therapy dog.

Hand/Lap Warmers

During the Renaissance period, Miniature Poodles found a home with nobility as hand warmers. To help keep themselves warm, people put these small dogs in their sleeves, and as you can probably guess, Miniature Poodles were called “sleeve dogs.” The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was just the right size to warm up the lap of people living in damp, chilly castles. They were also used to help keep their owner warm on carriage rides.


Most companion dogs are small canines with the heart and courage of a lion, but not a lot of muscle or size to back them up. Their one and only job is to be by our side. Chihuahuas were worshiped by the Aztecs, and highly prized because of their size and intelligence. Some other companion breeds are the Bichon Frise, Keeshond, Japanese Chin, English Toy Spaniel, Papillon, Pug and Maltese.

One thing most small dogs have in common is their tenacity and attitude – they're a big dog in a little body. Because of their size, they're able to get into areas larger dogs can't, which makes them ideal to do certain jobs. Never underestimate the drive and commitment of a small dog. As far as he's concerned, he can do anything a big dog can!

Top/middle photos by Rick Moerloos
Bottom photo by tanakawho

Read more articles by Linda Cole


  1. I can vouch for the tenacity of small dogs. My Yorkie would spend all day out in the yard hunting if I let her. She still thinks she will catch a squirrel if she keeps at it.

  2. Poor little woofies, their only job should be to get cuddled! Oh and fetch me tunas.

    1. Sorry dArtagnan but dogs SHOULD NEVER just be cuddled. They need to be working and that is the key to a HAPPY SMART WELL BALANCED the DOG WHISPERER...or Google it! A dog is at it's happiest
      when it is working and doing something that pleases it's owner. A dog that dose NOTHING ALL DAY will go crazy and bad behaviors will ALWAYS appear, even in the most loving dog.


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