Tiny in size but overflowing with charm, some dogs are the perfect travel partners to tuck right into your handbag. These petite pups don’t just turn heads with their adorable looks—they also bring big personalities wherever they go.
Whether you’re strolling through the city, meeting friends, or simply running errands, these small breeds make every outing more delightful and glamorous.
There are many reasons to love pocket-sized doggos; they can live in your apartments and dorms like kings and queens. While big dogs are amazing housemates and have many perks, some pet parents just want cuteness in a compact size.
Tiny dogs aren’t just very manageable if you have a busy lifestyle (well, most of them), they are also your companions for a long time. If your pooch is bred well and is being taken care of, it can live longer than most large dogs, as smaller dogs have a longer life span.
If you want a dog that won’t give you trouble while traveling due to its size and looks like a cute little toy, here are 9 dog breeds to consider.
Best Small Dog Breeds To Carry In Your Handbag
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a little egghead of a dog that’s not always the best fit for an inexperienced owner. Small but spunky, the Chihuahua is a great pet for apartment living if you can give it enough attention and consistent training.
This pup has distinct batlike ears and big, round eyes that you just can’t miss. Their personality glows just like their eyes; they’re also often nicknamed as tiny Napoleons, as per Purina. This purse dog needs a lot of attention from its owners, and due to its short coat, it should be kept inside if it’s too cold outside.
There is a long-coated variety of this breed, though, which can shed moderately, just like the short-haired one. As compact dogs, they should be monitored when they’re playing with kids who might end up giving them rough treatment.
2. Toy Poodle
One of the most popular toy breeds, Toy Poodles are little dogs we can’t help but adore. They might be small, but they are one of the most brainy toy dogs and might shock you with how good they are at learning new tricks.
While their curly, hypoallergenic coat makes them water-friendly and great doggos for allergy sufferers, their joyful nature entices all age groups. They love to play but don’t need vigorous daily exercise; some short walks and games of fetch will suffice.
With their energetic and independent personality, Toy Poodles thrive with owners who enjoy game sessions with their pets. These pooches are also prone to separation anxiety, and need mental stimulation to stay at their best behavior.
3. Havanese
Havanese make fun-loving and adorable companions who love receiving attention from humans and stay happy in social situations. These tiny canines are easy to take along on car rides, bus, or air travel due to their outgoing personality and small size.
These elegant toy dogs aren’t just a joy to have in your lap, but also love to entertain people with their clownish tactics. Their silky coat needs some moderate upkeep; they look gorgeous with a little professional grooming.
Havanese are actually the national dogs of Cuba and are related to Maltese dogs and Bichon Frise. As per WebMD, they’re the only dog breed native to Cuba… definitely makes them special.
As small dogs need to stay at a healthy weight, it’s important to give your Havanese a balanced diet and some play sessions.
4. Maltese
Maltese, with their fluffy white coat and sprightly personalities, are one of the most loved tiny doggos.
Maltese are… well, from Malta, and according to Britannica, originated around 2500 years ago.
Dogs as small as the Maltese need some taking care of, like making sure they don’t encounter predators and don’t get trampled under somebody’s feet. These charming little dogs come with all the perks small dogs present, though, like being able to exercise and play in tight spaces.
As these pups have long coats, they need regular brushing and bathing, as we don’t want their hair to become dirty and full of tangles. Using a good conditioner on their beautiful coat will keep it looking even silkier and glamorous.
5. Papillon
Papillon is a toy breed hailing from France that will impress you not only with its butterfly-like ears, but also with its intelligence. They might be portable, but they’re not dumb; Papillon can be really active and alert pooches who stay aware of their surroundings.
Papillons are not just great doggos for people who love to show off their pets on Instagram, but also adapt well to a first-time pet parent. Their size and temperament make them fabulous travel companions, though they stay more than happy at home.
As even-tempered little dogs, they get along well with other pets in the home, especially if they’ve been given socialization training as puppies. They can’t handle a lot of roughhousing, as they need to be watched around kids or larger dogs who can hurt them.
6. Pomeranian
Curious and charming, Pomeranians are toy dogs that possess a spirit and courage larger than their bodies. They can easily be mistaken as plush toys if you aren’t paying attention; their thick double coat needs frequent brushing and bathing to stay awesome.
Poms need a lot of early training; as smart dogs, they can be great in different dog sports like agility and obedience. They need on-leash training, as well as not to jump around a lot, as their tiny joints and bones are prone to injuries.
These travel-friendly pooches are loved worldwide for their huge personalities and unique appearance. Some of the famous Pomeranian fans include Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, Martin Luther, and, in the modern era, celebs like Kate Hudson and Paris Hilton.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
When it comes to dogs that can fit in your handbag, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed we cannot leave out. One of the most loved lapdogs, Cavs have received a seal of approval from British royals like King Charles I and II.
Cavs are outgoing and calm pups that love to interact with people, but also enjoy playing indoors in tight spaces. If you live in a shared living space, Cavs are the best choice as they will get along well with everyone, even with the grumpy flatmate!
All good things need some work; while Cavs come with naturally silky hair, they do need some brushing and bathing to maximize their good looks and cleanliness.
Cavs are not lazy dogs and do need some frolicking in the dog park or fenced yard; make sure they’re not left off leash, though.
8. Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terrier is a very beautiful breed that stands out due to its compact size, pointed little ears, and colorful coat that often comes in tan markings. And yes, before you ask, “Biewer” is pronounced as “Beaver”!
Also called “BT,” this pooch is all about being close to you! They enjoy snuggling up into your lap as well as bouncing around you as you try to get some chores done. They can become velcro dogs, especially if they aren’t receiving enough attention or happen to be anxious.
They are quite intelligent dogs and can learn to do little tricks and follow commands and cues if they’re properly trained. Some moderate daily activity is a must, despite their small size; games of fetch and on-leash walks will do the trick.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu or “little lion” is one of the fan favorite small breed dogs, known for its silky long coat and self-assured nature. Their small stature doesn’t hold them back from enjoying a life full of fun and games with their humans.
As brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced), Shih Tzus are prone to some issues like snoring and difficulty in breathing. While their long coat will need regular brushing, they’re quite adaptable in nature and can live well in a home with multiple pets, as long as they’re being taken care of.
An ignored Shih Tzu can suffer from separation anxiety; as they’ve been the companions of Chinese aristocrats, these pooches enjoy a lifestyle where they’re close to their owners.
Conclusion
These small doggos are great for people who travel a lot or have to take buses often to somewhere with their pets. They’re also ideal companions for people living in small homes or apartments who don’t have a lot of time to exercise their dogs outdoors.
The dog breeds mentioned above are friendly and affectionate house companions who do not need extensive outdoor activity and are happier while staying indoors with little play.
So, if you’re in search of a loving pet companion with minimal requirements, you may opt for one of these dogs as they are low-maintenance and best-suited for busy people.
