When you think about a little dog, you probably imagine something that fits in a bag and naps all day. Some of these little canines will surprise you with their huge energy and personality. We’re talking about small toy dog breeds that hike trails, are easy to train, and curl up beside you at night when you’re snacking.
You don’t always want big dogs or a rare breed, right? Some toy dog breeds are content being lap warmers, and others need real adventure so they stay happy and get along. The good news is that their compact size makes them perfect for apartment and city living. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the pocket-sized dog breeds that prove great things come in small packages!
Best Active Small Toy Dog Breeds That May Fit Your Space
1. Pug
Pug looks like couch potatoes, but they’re playful lap dogs. A few short daily walks are sometimes enough to keep them happy. You just need to remember that they can’t tolerate intense exercise and hot weather. They love being in action, but only when it’s moderate.
They have a short coat and smooth hair means you don’t have to spend hours brushing. It’s just a quick “once-over” each week. You must also be ready for some noisy nights because some pugs snore like freight trains. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to keep them out of your bedroom.
What really makes miniature pugs cute and a good fit is that they’re smart dogs and fit into apartments. While they can be stubborn, they usually want to please.
Hills Pet states that Pugs are fairly relaxed dogs who get along well with other dogs and are strong enough to be good with children. They enjoy being around people and are often very affectionate.
2. Toy Fox Terrier
Don’t get fooled by their small breed appearance, yes, they’re just 8.5 – 12 inches. They have a good nature and perfect energy per pound than most of the other dogs that have the same size.
Toy Fox Terriers have a personality that’s a mix of kind nature and sporty abilities. Their lightning-fast reflexes make them champion ratters. Fox Terriers have a smooth and easy-to-care-for routine. The coat colors come in black, white, and even tan patterns.
They’re the only toy breed originally bred in America. In the morning, they’ll wake you with insistent paw taps for breakfast. In the afternoon, you’ll have to spare some time for a little play. In the evenings, it will roam around you like other pets or the young children in your home.
According to the AKC, kids especially love this dog’s endless energy and playful nature throughout its life. However, like all toy breeds, they aren’t recommended for very young children. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, but they also enjoy exploring the outdoors.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is one of the most adaptable small dog breeds that has a mini size of 9 to 12 inches. It weighs between 12 to 18 pounds. Their miniature structure makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers.
They’re originally bred from Mediterranean Sailing little dogs, and later they were favored by the French gentry. They have white powder puffs that make them well-bred and fun-loving. They have a balanced personality.
These dogs have vibrant traits and are full of enthusiasm. If you want a highly affectionate kind of mini partner, go for it, and you’ll never be bored. They interact with humans and also help their owners stay calm during stressful conditions.
They would need to exercise for more than 40 minutes, and you can always break that into small walks and activities.
4. Japanese Chin
Their roots trace back to ancient China. In Japanese courts, this cute dog carries itself with remarkable grace. They’re small-sized dogs with a square-like proportion. Usually, they’re up to 8 – 11 inches tall. They have a delicate bone structure and have almost a porcelain-like appearance.
They have a distinctive pushed-in face and large, wide eyes. Their silky coat comes in black and white or sometimes red and white patterns. They’ve got a unique and striking appearance that matches their feisty vibes.
They’re calm dogs and full of dignity, yet super-excited. They love to climb to high vantage points. You’ll often find them perched on the back of sofas or chairs.
Small exercises and short activities help them grow better and become the perfect partner. Many Japanese Chins love to groom themselves like cats, yes!
5. Biewer Terrier
Prounounced as “beaver,” it’s a small and graceful dog and stands just 7 – 11 inches and weighs about 4 – 8 pounds. No, you don’t need to be worried as they’re appearance will make you fall head over heels with them. Their best feature is the silky tri-colored coat, which comes in blue or white and blue or gold patterns, stunning, right?
Biewer has dark and alert eyes and boasts a long double coat, making sure they’re your best partners and guards as well. They’re playful and less scrappy than most terrier dogs. They’ll always treat you with affection, and their intelligence will surely stun you.
They bark a little more than most of the breeds, but don’t worry, they settle perfectly. You just don’t have to leave them alone for long periods. Handle them gently and they’ll be friends. The Biewer Terrier offers you a rare combo of terrier charm without typical terrier stubbornness.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a dainty toy breed about 7 – 10 inches with silky hair that is white and touches the floor. Beneath their fluffy structure are dark eyes that are keen and a black-button nose that gives a sweet impression.
Their hypoallergenic single coat grows like human hair. You’ll have to brush it daily so you don’t have to spend hours untangling. Maltese need frequent small meals as they’re prone to hypoglycemia. You can go with steamed veggies and occasional fruit treats like blackberries.
They have huge personalities and are great watchdogs. To maintain their appearance, you’ll have to spend time with the little dog as it expects lots of attention. They have a sensitive nature and need a good amount of activities to stay active. But don’t worry, they’re playful dogs, and you’ll enjoy their company.
WebMD notes that because of their small size, this breed is easy to take with you almost anywhere dogs are allowed. They also don’t need much space, making them perfect for small apartments.
7. Shih Tzu
If you want a perfect dog that’s loveable, cute, and fun, a Shih Tzu is a no-brainer. The dogs have confidence and joy in their personality that helps you stay worry-free all day. They’re relatively easy to train and are fun around children as family dogs. Their good-natured and yappy presence fills your home with love.
The breed’s history stretches back over 1,000 years to Tibetan monasteries, where they were highly prized. Chinese royalty later refined them into the lap dogs we know today.
The name Shih Tzu means “lion dog”. Its size is about 9 – 11.5 inches. Their body has huge strength and comes with a good-sized head. These dogs have long, silky hair and a thick double coat that you’ll definitely love to brush.
Shih Tzu puppies need early socialization to prevent anxiety. Without it, they may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or digging in your yard.
Conclusion
When you’re choosing the best toy dog breeds, always note their activity levels, study the mixed breeds, and learn about what type of perfect match you want to have as pet parents. Norwich Terriers and toy poodles are some of the other options if you want a lovely and full-of-spirit pet for your space. Most popular toy breeds require a healthy diet which may be another factor you will have to think about before having the small dogs.
