Happiness can come in small packages, such as a toy dog, which, in addition to being irresistibly cute, makes a loving companion. The phrase “toy” refers to a little canine weighing less than 15 pounds. They have been selectively bred to stay small through several generations.
Unlike large or medium-sized dogs, toy dog breeds do not require much space or exercise. Such dogs can adapt to various lifestyles, including apartment living, especially if they are calm and do not bark too much.
Do You Know? A two-year-old Chihuahua named Pearl holds the Guinness World Record for the shortest dog living.
Generally, toy dog breeds are very affectionate towards their owners and thrive on companionship. They are also good with the kids, and many are also hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t shed much and are well-suited for allergy sufferers.
Here are 9 toy dog breeds that will stay with you.
Toy Dog Breeds That Will Stay With You
1. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle is an intelligent and loving family dog who loves being the center of attention. They do well around children and other pets. Thanks to their small size, they are well-suited for living in smaller spaces.
These little dogs are active within the home and like going for short walks and engaging in play sessions, as mentioned by Omlet. Toy Poodles are bright, alert, and respond well to training. These playful canines become very attached to one person, so early socialization is important.
Toy Poodles cannot be left alone for extended periods, as they are vulnerable to separation anxiety. In addition, they are excessive barkers, so your neighbors might like them.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Standing around 12 to 13 inches tall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate lap dog. Their big, soulful eyes, expressive faces, and silky hair make them irresistibly cute. Cavaliers are known for their sweet disposition and sensitive nature.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids and other dogs. They are sociable, intelligent, and easy to train. Cavaliers are highly capable of adjusting to their owner’s lifestyle. These fluffy dogs do equally well with active owners as well as couch potatoes.
Their lustrous coat requires frequent brushing and regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Cavaliers do well with moderate exercise, including walks with the owner.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a small dog with a big personality. These round apple-headed dogs have erect ears and luminous and expressive eyes. Chihuahuas excel as lap dogs and make excellent companions who can adjust well to different living environments.
The American Kennel Club describes Chihuahuas as charming, graceful, and sassy canines. They are highly affectionate and form strong bonds with their family. These tiny pooches possess a loyalty and charm that is irresistible.
Chihuahuas love to run and play, but do not require extensive exercise to stay fit. They have a bit of the ‘Terrier’ temperament, so they require firm and gentle training.
4. Papillon
Papillon is a small dog breed characterized by its “butterfly ears.” Originally bred in France, Papillons are one of the smartest dog breeds that make wonderful companions and great family dogs. These little dogs can adapt to many types of households, including apartments.
Papillon gets along well with kids and makes wonderful playmates. However, they are fragile and can easily get hurt. So, teach your kids to be gentle and respectful towards them. These energetic dogs require two to three daily walks for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
They have a long and silky coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. The fur requires moderate grooming and regular brushing two to three times a week. These tiny dogs have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, so they will stay with you for many years to come.
5. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are lively, bold, and inquisitive canines. Poms are extremely attached to their owners, so if you leave them alone for long hours, they’ll develop destructive behaviors. The American Kennel Club rates them five out of five on the scale for being affectionate towards their family.
Poms are one of the dog breeds that resemble foxes in appearance. They make intelligent companions who enjoy learning new tricks.
Poms are the perky pets for families with children and love their humans, so they do not like spending alone time. They can grow into friendly and well-mannered dogs with proper training. These easy-to-train dogs respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
Fun activities for a Pomeranian include daily walks, games of fetch, and puzzle toys. Like other toy dogs, they are also prone to separation anxiety and like to stay by your side all the time, according to PetPlan.
6. Maltese
The next toy breed on our list is the Maltese. These playful, gentle, and charming companions stand only 7 to 9 inches tall. Maltese are the lovey-dovey canines who prefer staying with their favorite humans all the time. They also get along well with children and other pets.
This hypoallergenic breed has a floor-length, cloudy white coat that adds to its charm. Since they thrive on companionship, they can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Maltese do well with daily physical activity but do not require extensive exercise.
These little athletes are quite fearless, make alert watchdogs, and excel at various dog sports. Their eye-catching coat requires daily gentle brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
7. Havanese
Havanese are cute dogs with round faces and floppy ears. These intelligent, outgoing, and funny canines are the national dogs of Cuba. Havanese are known for their playful and affectionate personalities.
These good-natured fellows make lovely family pets and do immensely well with kids and other breeds. They tend to bond firmly with their owners and can develop separation anxiety and destructive habits when left alone for extended periods.
Havanese are friendly and gentle dogs and are suitable for many types of homes, including apartments. They benefit from daily brisk walks and fun playtime.
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate demeanor and tend to get along well with everyone, including kids and other dogs. With big dark eyes and a sweet expression on their face, they weigh between 9 and 16 pounds only.
These small dogs are quite sturdy and are known as “lion dogs” due to their lion-like mane. These little fluffballs love being around their humans and seek companionship and lots of attention. They make perfect “Velcro dogs” due to their friendliness.
These hypoallergenic dogs require daily brushing to maintain their luxurious coat. They love nothing more than hanging out with their humans and are susceptible to separation anxiety if left alone.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are loving and feisty dogs having the heart of an old-time Terrier. Having a tomboyish personality, Yorkies have served as the lap dogs for Victorian ladies in the past. They love being surrounded by people and will follow you wherever you go.
They require constant companionship and make perfect Velcro dogs who enjoy tons of attention. Like other breeds on our list, these super clingy canines are also vulnerable to separation anxiety when neglected or left alone.
Yorkies are long-lived and hypoallergenic dogs with a brave and tenacious personality. They are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, but can also be a bit bossy at times.
Conclusion
From the hypoallergenic toy Poodles to sturdy Shih Tzus and lovey-dovey Havanese, several toy dog breeds make excellent family pets. Their loving, adaptable, playful, and sociable personalities fill your home with warmth and laughter.
Thanks to their petite size, they are a great fit for apartment dwellers. Most toy dogs thrive on companionship and love staying by your side all the time. They can develop separation anxiety if ignored or left alone.
Remember, toy dogs are fragile! Teach your kids to treat them gently and ensure early training to avoid separation anxiety.
