7 Small Dog Breeds with Big Hearts: Tiny Paws, Lots of Love

Big love doesn’t always come in a big size. Many small dog breeds with big hearts are full of love and loyalty. They may be overlooked, but these tiny pups are full of life. Totally recommended if you need loads of love in your life!

It doesn’t matter if you live in a small apartment or a big house with other pets. These pooches are perfect for any home. They will be happy just by being close to you.

In this blog, we will look at little dogs that prove love isn’t just about size. These pups are perfect for families and anyone who wants a great companion in a small body.

Small Dog Breeds With Big Hearts

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the sweetest small dog breeds with big hearts. They love people and always want to be close to your side. They are full of love and great with kids and seniors alike. They are even used as therapy dogs.

Cavaliers don’t need much space. A short walk or a little play is enough for them. They can do well in smaller spaces and city living.

These dogs are beautiful as well. They have big, loving eyes and floppy ears. Their coats come in four different colours: black and tan, brown and white, cherry and tan, and solid ruby.

They follow their owners around and love being involved in everything. They quickly form strong bonds and show their love every day. This is why they top our list!

2. Havanese

The Havanese is a cheerful and loving pooch. The American Kennel Club states that it is the only dog breed that comes from Cuba. People love it for their playful and friendly nature.

These pups are small but strong. They have soft, floppy ears and bright eyes that show how happy they are. They have a double coat that is long and smooth. It comes in many colours like black, red, silver, and gold.

You need to brush their coats regularly. The good thing is that they are hypoallergenic dogs! That means they have low-shedding coats. This makes them suitable for people with allergies.

People call them “Velcro dogs” because they love to stick close to their owners. They enjoy cuddles and will stay on your lap for hours on end. They can also sense how you feel. Whenever you are sad, they will stay by your side and comfort you. These little dogs really are big hearts in small packages.

3. Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small but proud dog. Purina mentions that it was once Chinese royalty and was seen as sacred. Today, it still walks with that same royal charm.

This breed is brave and very loyal. It often picks one person and sticks by them for life. They love human companionship but also enjoy time alone. It surely is an affectionate dog, but doesn’t like too much noise. The Pekingese does best in quiet homes. It needs a calm space and a gentle owner who understands its needs.

These dogs are clean and love to be brushed. Their coat needs regular grooming, but for dog lovers, it is worth it! Their thick fur makes them look bigger than they are. They have a “lion-like” mane and a cute flat face with floppy ears and wide eyes.

Despite their royal past, this affectionate breed is full of love. They enjoy sitting beside their owners. They will cuddle you when you are sad, and they will stay close by your side whenever you need them the most.

4. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is calm and full of charm. It’s a small dog with a big personality and a royal past. This breed was once a royal gift in Japan and China. Even with its noble roots, this dog is playful and sweet. It acts a bit like a cat. It’s like perching on furniture and cleaning itself. It’s quiet and gentle, which makes it great for calm homes.

They are small and graceful. Their bodies are slim and elegant. They have floppy ears with silky hair and large, dark eyes that show emotions.

Their coats are smooth and come in pretty colors. Some are black and white. Others are red and white or a mix of three. Their tails fan out and curl gently over their backs.

They are smart and learn fast. They enjoy human companionship and often follow their favorite person around. They are great with older kids, seniors, and people who live alone.

5. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is small but full of life. This little dog is bold and always ready to explore. They may be tiny, but their hearts are huge. They became famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Since then, many dog lovers have fallen in love with their charm.

Cairn Terriers weigh less than 20 pounds. But don’t let their size fool you. These dogs are brave, smart, and love being part of the family. They enjoy being around people and love to play. They fit right into family life and want to be included in everything. From games in the yard to nap time on the couch, they’re always there.

They do best with lots of mental stimulation and activity. Puzzle toys and fun games help keep their minds sharp.

6. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big heart. It was once loved by Chinese royals and still enjoys being the center of attention. This breed loves cuddles and brings joy to every home.

Their small size makes them great for apartment living. They don’t eat much and are easy to care for. But the only problem is that they might bark or dig more than some other pets.

Their faces are flat, and their eyes are big and round. Their soft, floppy ears and long hair make them look adorable. Shih Tzus come in many coat colours. You can keep their hair long or cut it short, it’s your choice! Their fluffy tails curl over their backs and give them a proud look.

These pooches belong to the brachycephalic group. This means they have short snouts. So they may snore or need extra care in hot weather.

7. Maltese

NutriCanine mentions that the Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world. They have been loved for their beauty and sweet nature for thousands of years. They were once the pets of royals in Egypt and Rome.

Today, they are still well-known for their charm and cuteness. These tiny pups are loving and full of joy. You might consider them small, but they are brave and confident. They are perfect for apartment living and small homes. They love being around people and do best in a loving home.

Maltese have long, white coats that shine. Cherry on top, they have floppy ears as well! These give them a very sweet look. Many owners tie their hair in a topknot to keep it neat.

They require regular grooming, but allergic people can cheer up! These adorable pups are hypoallergenic and don’t shed much, making them ideal for people with allergies.

Conclusion

These small dog breeds with big hearts show us that love isn’t measured in pounds. It can be the loyalty of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the calmness of a Japanese Chin, or the boldness of a Cairn Terrier. Then there are other dogs! From the sweet Cocker Spaniel and cheerful Boston Terrier to the spirited Yorkshire Terrier and clever Miniature Schnauzer, these dogs are full of love and personality!

All they need is love, care, and a loving home. And in return, they will give back even more! So if you are looking for a perfect pet who offers big love in a small size, one of these breeds might just be the one for you.