Imagine coming home after a long, exhausting day, only to be greeted by your dog barking like you’re a total stranger. Not exactly the warm welcome you were hoping for, right? While not all dogs act this way, some small breeds have earned a bit of a reputation for being… well, a little loud and sassy.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of pint-sized pups out there who are total sweethearts! In this article, we’ll explore some of the friendliest small dog breeds that bring big love into your home, minus the noisy drama.
Friendliest Small Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The first one on our list is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which has a name way longer than itself. This small sugar pup is a cute dog that is famous for its playful spirit and friendly nature.
AKC states they’re among the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet; always full of love for their family and quick to make friends with other dogs, kids, cats, and even complete strangers. To them, a stranger is just a new buddy waiting to happen!
These dogs are full of energy and will stay ready to play all day long. Cavalier puppies are quite affectionate, and they surely know how to be the nicest lap dogs when their energy is released properly. So, don’t forget to give them the proper exercise they need to make sure you bring out their friendly side.
2. Bichon Frise
If you are looking for a dog that is friendly and also stays charged all day long to keep your young kids entertained, a Bichon Frise will be a brilliant option. This small furball is full of energy and also knows how to keep his loved ones happy.
Bichons are small dogs that have short legs and are lightweight, making them a perfect option for a lap dog, as per PetMD. Bichons are cheerful, adaptable companions who get along wonderfully with kids and other dogs.
They’re alert and curious, making them charming little watchdogs, though their hearts are full of love, not toughness. Thanks to their confidence and compact size, they’re perfectly suited for city life.
3. Havanese
Havanese is a small breed dog that is going to be your next playful partner. Purina notes that this dog is of gentle disposition and surely knows how to make friends. Due to their joyful demeanor, these fur balls easily attract the affection of everyone who sees them.
Havanese pups have a short and sturdy stature that is covered through and through in a super silky double coat of hair. These dogs are quite active and intelligent, and can easily be trained to be more social with proper training.
Havanese dogs also tend to have a low prey drive, which means they can usually get along with cats; just be sure to introduce any new pets slowly and thoughtfully. To keep your Havanese feeling cheerful and energetic, give them some moderate daily exercise. A short walk or a fun play session with the family, indoors or out, is all it takes to keep them happy and healthy.
4. Shih Tzu
Dogs are often kept as loving companions, and a Shih Tzu fits that role perfectly. These playful pups have affectionate personalities and form strong bonds with their caretakers. PetMD adds that Shih Tzus especially enjoy playing with toys and can become delightful playmates for young children, bringing plenty of joy and energy to the household.
Bred as a tiny dog to spend most of their day inside royal palaces, Shih Tzus make great pets for apartment living or homes without a big backyard.
Shih Tzus are friendly dogs known for their beautiful, long coats, with silky hair that can even touch the ground. Originally bred in Tibet, they’re often called “lion dogs.” Their short, floppy ears add to their iconic and charming look, capturing the attention of everyone who sees them.
5. Pug
Our list of the best small dog breeds would be incomplete without mentioning our wrinkly-faced friend, the Pug. These small and sturdy dogs are super friendly dog breeds that know how to put a smile on your face with their affectionate nature and clumsy behavior.
Pugs are quite short in size, with an average height of 10 to 13 inches. They have thick coats that are sometimes tan and sometimes black, with a flat face. Pugs are often considered high maintenance because they’re a brachycephalic breed, meaning they can have breathing and respiratory issues.
Behavior-wise, they’re pretty laid-back; they sleep a lot and don’t bark much. Plus, their small size and calm nature make them a great fit for apartment living.
6. Maltese
If you’re obsessed with dogs that have long, silky coats flowing past their little bodies, a Maltese is definitely a dream come true. These charming pups turn heads everywhere they go with their elegant fur, and they’re just as lovely in personality: super friendly, affectionate, and full of love.
The Maltese dog makes a perfect lapdog; snuggling one feels just like holding a fluffy cotton candy! This small breed loves playtime and enjoys bonding with their favorite human through games and toys. If you’re thinking about bringing a Maltese home, don’t forget to grab a good hairbrush to keep that beautiful, silky coat smooth and tangle-free.
Maltese dogs are super smart and, after centuries of being close companions to humans, they’ve gotten really good at getting what they want from their people. That’s why consistent training is key to keeping them happy and well-behaved.
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers were originally bred in Boston. Although that was quite obvious, the one thing that you must know about these cute terriers are also known as American gentleman due to their lovely demeanor. These lively little dogs carry the most formal looks among all other pet dogs because of their black and white coats.
Boston terriers are quite charming dogs that have an enormous amount of energy, which helps them keep playing all day long. These dogs are friendly and are good at obeying commands, making them ideal for first-time dog owners.
Boston Terriers are smart and eager to please, which makes training them a breeze. They love mental challenges, so keeping their minds busy helps make learning fun and easy for both them and their owners. But always make sure you don’t over-exhaust the dog because it can cause them health issues.
8. Papillon
The Papillon is a well-known dog breed that makes a fantastic family pet and is admired for its stunning appearance. They get their name from their ears, which look just like butterfly wings—“Papillon” means “butterfly” in French!
The breed is known for being great with children, though playtime should always be supervised by adults. Thanks to their gentle and friendly nature, Papillons are a perfect match for people of all ages, including first-time dog owners.
Papillons have small, delicate bodies topped with large, butterfly-like ears that sport long, wispy hair. Their silky coats come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and red sable, often with matching patches. They have a small head and a body that’s slightly longer than it is tall, giving them a charming, graceful look.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers know exactly how to win your heart with their social nature and expressive eyes. Don’t let their small size fool you — these little pups aren’t typical lapdogs. Their boundless energy and curious spirit make them more like tiny explorers than couch potatoes.
Yorkshire Terriers make fantastic indoor companions. They’re friendly, playful, and thanks to their unique coats, they don’t leave fur all over your home. Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them perfect for apartment living and ideal pets for seniors looking for a lively, loving friend.
Confident and alert, Yorkies will keep you on your toes all day long. They’re famous for being vocal, barking at anything they think you should know about. Plus, their long, silky coat needs regular grooming and vet checkups to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Conclusion
Different dogs come in different sizes and personality traits. Some dogs are known to be aggressive, some protective, and some are quite famous for being known as playful sociable companions. So, if you are going to adopt well-behaved, loyal companions for your older children who are also friendly in nature, you can easily choose one from the ones mentioned above. Because these small-sized dogs are definitely going to make the new best friends of your small children.
