Our Pets
The Portable Pooch
By Duane Wells

May 1, 2007

Stars like Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and Ashley Judd love to travel with their pets.  And Dame Elizabeth Taylor reportedly refused to visit her native England for years because she couldn't bear the thought of placing her beloved pooch, Sugar, in quarantine upon arriving in UK soil.  But you don't have to be a celeb to desire a four-legged travel partner.  In fact, if you've ever wanted a pet who travels well, nowadays there are more than a few breeds from which you can choose.

With the American Kennel Club's recent announcement of the Yorkshire Terrier's rise to the second most popular purebred dog in America, small dogs have gained more attention than ever before. As summer approaches, more and more travelers are packing up their four-legged friends in addition to their sunscreen as they make vacation plans.
Yet even with the Yorkie being big in the news, and the steady presence of popular pets like Chihuahuas and Maltese in pop culture, there are still many other small dog breeds that are overlooked. The AKC registers more than 30 small breeds -- those weighing under 20 pounds -- and reminds dog lovers looking that owning a pint-sized pooch can be ideal for people with busier lifestyles.

Here are some lesser-known breeds that make wonderful travel companions according to the AKC :  

-- Affenpinscher -- Portable, spirited and distinguished. Although it may be less well known in this country, the breed is popular in France, where it is called the diablotin moustachu or the "mustached little devil."
 

-- Chinese Crested -- Alert, elegant and graceful, there are two varieties -- Hairless and Powderpuff. As the name implies, the Powderpuff has a light-colored, fluffy coat. Sunscreen and adequate shade is a summer necessity for the hairless variety of this lively companion.  

-- English Toy Spaniel -- A compact dog, with a silky, flowing coat and distinguished head -- a charmer who is affectionate and willing to please. Its plush, chubby face has an air of refinement.  

-- Havanese -- Centuries old, this breed is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean. The Havanese became popular among wealthy Cubans in the 1950's and is now the national dog of Cuba and its only native breed. This is a happy, outgoing dog and is an excellent candidate for obedience training.
 

-- Japanese Chin -- Chin means royalty in Japanese. This is an ancient toy breed, whose main purpose is to serve as a companion. It is intelligent, sensitive and very affectionate with its owners.
 

-- Norfolk Terrier -- Having originated in England in the early 1900's, the Norfolk is a fearless companion with a good temperament and keen sporting instincts. This compact canine has a wiry coat and can be red, wheaten, or black and tan colored. The Norfolk is similar to its Norwich counterpart, with the exception of the ears, which drop over to the corner of the eye.  

-- Norwich Terrier -- Weighing in at just 12 pounds, these wiry working terriers are able-bodied outdoor dogs, thanks in part to their virtually weatherproof coats and pointed tip ears, which stand upright when alert. They are very adaptable and make ideal family companions.
 

-- Silky Terrier -- The Silky Terrier is an old Toy Breed, developed around 1900 from a cross between Australian and Yorkshire terriers. The coat is straight and silky in texture and presents a well-groomed appearance. The Silky Terrier has a keenly alert air and is quick to respond to its owner.  

-- Tibetan Spaniel -- Referred to by the Buddhists in the 17th century as "little lions," a "Tibby" is regarded as a highly intelligent canine companion, weighing between nine and 15 pounds.  

-- Toy Manchester Terrier -- The smaller of the Manchester Terrier breed (there are two varieties, Standard and Toy), this sleek, elegant dog has a black and mahogany coat, and is very alert and keen on pleasing its owner.  

-- Toy Fox Terrier -- The Toy Fox Terrier is truly a toy and a terrier and both have influenced his personality and character. A lithe, muscular and athletic breed that is highly adaptable to different situations, the Toy Fox is courageous and animated.  

Size aside, potential dog owners should not however operate under that misguided assumption that smaller dogs require less work or attention.  

"As appealing as a tiny dog can be, they are as much of a responsibility to own as any other dog," warns AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Before selecting a small breed as a pet, make sure to do your research and find a breed that suits your lifestyle. And remember that small dogs live longer, sometimes upwards of 15 years, so be prepared to commit to your new pet for the life of the dog."

As the popularity of small dogs increases, so does the amount of travel people do with their canine companions. According to AKC research, the "AKC 21st Century Dog Owners Study" states nearly half of dog owners surveyed stated that they look for hotels, motels and other travel accommodations that permit them to bring their dogs. Additionally, 47% consider Fido when buying a car to take that family vacation in*.

For more canine-friendly travel tips go to www.akc.org/public_education/travel.cfm;