Small dogs are not just snuggling experts! Yes, they would warm your heart up by sitting on your lap and trying to be your emotional support after a bad breakup. They are also adventure dogs. Despite being super tiny, they are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are fast, clever, and would do literally anything to cheer you up.
Small-breed dogs are big bundles of energy. They are so agile, winning dog sports is a breeze for them. Your backyard would always have their presence, and so will your kitchen and pantry.
Can’t wait to meet these fearless dogs? Let’s dive into the article and see what these small agile dog breeds have to offer!
Small Agile Dog Breeds
1. Vizsla
Vizsla is tiny! It’s so adorable that you would want to flaunt it to your guests as soon as they enter the house. But don’t you worry!
There is no need to call your pet to make a show. This dog is so quick and agile that it would instantly sense someone coming to the house and would make an appearance.
These small to medium dogs are merely 21 inches tall, but their speed and endurance are worth praising.
Are you looking for a dog that will stay with you the longest?
Well, Vizslas, the small, tiny creatures, are one of the longest living dogs out there. They are so healthy that most of them live for as long as 10-14 years. If you have kids and you don’t want them to go through the experience of their pet getting old and sick, this is the best small dog breed to have.
Despite the fact that they are lively and love the fun that comes with playing, they are still extremely clingy!
Also known as velcro dogs, they would love following you everywhere you go.
But that’s just one part of their personality! The other part is their love for adventure, as they would happily accompany you, no matter whether you are going for exercise or a quick hiking trip.
2. Miniature Pinscher
I’ve never seen a dog as charming as the Miniature Pinscher!
You may disagree, but for me, this kind of toy is truly the pinnacle of cuteness.
But hey, they are not just adorable and the best cuddlers out there!
They are fast, agile, and super-enthusiastic. Be it their regular walk time, a dog sport, or a simple race with a fellow dog, they will showcase their abilities in the best possible manner. They crave activity, and when given a chance, they would flaunt their capabilities with incredible brilliance.
Warning ahead: Having these dogs means you need to give them enough exercise for physical and mental stimulation. You can’t keep them bored, or else they will showcase their destructive capabilities.
AKC claims these smooth-coated dogs that are merely 10-12 inches tall are not just physically active, they are also smart enough to strategise their win at various dog sports.
3. Norfolk Terrier
Yet another little dog that is super fast and agile is the Norfolk Terrier. If you are ignoring it merely because of its toyish appearance and characteristics, its confidence and fierce attitude will surely force you to give it the much-needed attention.
Closely related to rat terrier dogs in characteristics, they love adventure. This makes them the best travel partners as they are always up for a hike in the mountains.
Though these terrier group dogs would love to sit in your lap for a while or snuggle you in your warm bed, they are not quintessential lap dogs. They would soon get bored with your lap and would want to run in the backyard, chasing a squirrel.
Oh, and their agility is not useless. These dogs are known as the champions at various AKC National Agility Championships. The Norfolk terrier club claims this dog can run a 100-yard distance in merely 13 seconds!
Just like most other small breeds, these good dogs are also blessed with a long lifespan. However, extensive physical activities can sometimes lead to issues like hip dysplasia.
4. Chihuahua
One of the most adaptable dogs out there is the Chihuahua.
And do you know what helps them in being so adjustable? Their small size!
Being just 5-8 inches tall, they can adjust anywhere, similar to the toy poodles. Even if you move them from a massive house with a big backyard to an apartment with no backyard, they would happily adjust ANYWHERE. Compared to a large dog, keeping him with you while traveling is extremely convenient.
A well-trained Chihuahua, originally bred in Mexico, is also great at sports. However, you need to train them while being extremely gentle. Harsh methods of training would not work with them. To ensure their obedience, you need to keep treating them with their favorite toys and snacks.
Thanks to their little bodies, they can easily move through small spaces.
If you don’t have a backyard, you will see these toy dogs playing hide and seek in the house, where they would easily hide in small cabinets and hidden holes.
5. Pomeranian
Ah, Pomeranians, the crown wearers of agility and speed.
These dogs are one of the most agile dogs out there, and their small physical structure helps them be so snappy.
Poms also thrive on activity. They just can’t stay still. They have to move constantly, either from one room to another or from inside to outside!
With kids, these small pups showcase a gentle demeanor and love spending time with them. They are extra alert around small children. They ensure their safety at all costs, which is why they make excellent watchdogs.
Oh, and their love is not limited to the kids only. They get along with cats as well.
They weigh around 5-7 pounds and wear a double coat that is super thick! This coat also makes them suitable for extensive outdoor adventures.
They are also known to be incredibly intelligent when compared to other dogs. However, if you stay away for too long, they may exhibit separation anxiety.
6. Dachshund
If you have an active lifestyle and want a pet that will adjust with it seamlessly, you need to get your hands on a Miniature Dachshund.
These dogs have long bodies with short legs, but are super agile and fast! There are three varieties in them, including the long-haired, wire-haired, and smooth-coated dogs, and each one of them is super-agile and fast.
But, let’s clear out one fact: These dogs can’t run very long distances and swim for extensive hours owing to their small structure and deep chests.
However, in other sports, they are no less than champions!
Inside the house, they will always make their presence felt! From jumping off the furniture to playing fetch with you in the backyard, they love it all.
This fun Reddit Thread proves owning this dog is no less than an adventure! It suggests you give your dog enough hours of adequate exercise, and it will drain some of its energy.
Oh, but be cautious in terms of their training. They are stubborn. And hence, you may need to display great patience while training them.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
These toy dogs are so small, they weigh merely seven pounds!
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smallest, yet the most agile dogs out there. Despite being so small, they come with a heart of gold and love to be a part of various physical activities.
Their agility stems from their past. As per the Yorkie Collection, they have their roots in England. Rather than being herding dogs, they were bred to be hunting dogs and go after rats in mills. Hence, they are sharp and showcase great agility in every activity they perform.
They are incredibly easy to train, thanks to their sharp brains. Start their training at an early age, and they will easily mold themselves.
Super playful and inquisitive like the Alaskan klee kai, Yorkies will make a great addition to your home, especially if you have kids.
Conclusion
Small dogs are speedy, agile, and anything but boring! You can’t expect to live a dull life when they are in the house. They are super playful and make sure you stay active with them. They are bursting with energy, and to release it, they keep moving from one place to another.
Some other dogs that are also worth mentioning here are Miniature schnauzer, Miniature poodle, Jack Russell terriers, Pembroke Welsh corgi, and Border collies. But since some of them may not fall under the small dog category.
They bring joy wherever they go! So, what are you waiting for? Choose your pack of energy now and bring liveliness to your life!
