Everyone deserves to feel the love and affection that a dog provides at least once in their lifetime. It is the kind of unconditional love that you have never experienced before. And a small apartment doesn’t have to stop you from living your furry dreams.
These small dogs make amazing family pets due to their active lifestyle that can be accommodated by the pet parents indoors as well.
These breeds have sassy personalities and high energy, and despite those traits, they can be very low-maintenance and allow you to enjoy the quality time you spend with them.
All they need is the affection of their owners; these good-natured breeds are also hypoallergenic dogs despite often having a silky and long coat.
We can go on and on about their ease and convenience, but let’s take it one breed at a time in this guide.
Energetic Playful Small Dog Breeds
1. Jack Russell Terrier
History
The Jack Russel Terrier was developed in England in the 19th century for hunting foxes above and below ground.
It was named after Rev. John “The Sporting Parson” Russel. He was an enthusiastic hunter who developed the breed, according to Britannica. Bull Terriers and Beagles are breeds believed to have been used in their cross-breeding.
Personality
These are small dog breeds, but they have a demanding exercise routine. They love to go on hiking trails, enjoy outdoor activities, and regular exercise. They require, unlike other dogs of a smaller size, several hours of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
They enjoy fetch games and have boundless energy that is ideal for active families. It is an inquisitive breed, and with the other traits, this can cause them to wreak havoc if they aren’t trained well, especially if they are expected to live in a small space.
An occasional bath and brushing once or twice a week is all they need in terms of grooming.
2. Papillon
History
The Papillon’s history dates back to the 1300s, at the very least, originating from the ancient toy spaniels in Europe.
Bred to provide companionship for the European nobility, their name means “Butterfly” in French, inspired by their ears. The court of Louis XIV was especially fond of them, and so they were developed further in France and Belgium.
Personality
The Papillon is generally an affectionate lap dog with expressive eyes and big personalities due to their royal heritage. PetMD describes this as a good dog for apartment dwellers. Their energy can be exerted with indoor games and a walk in the park.
But due to their short legs, make sure you keep your speed moderate for them to be able to keep up with you and not get dehydrated.
They need brushing a few times a week to avoid tangles and dust. They like having access to a fenced area, but once they’ve burned off that energy, they would love to lounge with their favourite humans. With positive reinforcement, this intelligent breed can be an ideal companion.
3. Miniature Pinscher
History
The Miniature Pinscher was developed in Germany over 200 years ago as ratting dogs, to chase away or catch and kill rats. Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound are its known ancestors, despite the name and their look resembling a Doberman Pinscher. It was brought to the United States in 1919.
Personality
The Min Pins are commonly referred to as “lap dogs”. Most of them love attention; they are very friendly and also very affectionate. They have a lively, “big dog” attitude in their tiny little dog body. It has a high prey drive towards other animals, is aloof towards strangers, and is very devoted to its family.
They don’t have extensive exercise routines; up to half an hour every day is more than enough for this toy dog. Due to their energy, however, they are ready to play at any time and are exploring at every given opportunity.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
History
Originating in Germany in the late 19th century, the Miniature Schnauzer was bred to catch rats, vermin, and such rodents on the farm. Cross-breeding of breeds like Affenpinscher and Poodle gave way to this pup.
The Miniature Schnauzer gained popularity as a companion and lap dog very quickly after its development.
Personality
These ideal family pets are ranked really well compared to other breeds of their stature, as noted by the AKC. They are highly affectionate to their family and behave well with children. These are friendly dog breeds and are eager to please their owners.
These traits ensure they are highly trainable too, especially when we couple this with the fact that these are intelligent dogs.
Their outgoing personality makes them ideal family pets and daily companions. They have a charming, human-like expression that is always a great icebreaker. The Miniature Schnauzer is muscular, fearless, and energetic enough for you to take them out and trust that they will be fine.
5. Toy Poodle
History
The Toy Poodle was developed in France in the late 1900s. The Miniature Poodle was bred even further down to develop this even smaller, companion dog. It was bred for retrieving waterfowl. The name “Poodle” comes from the German word meaning “to splash out”.
Personality
The Toy Poodle is suitable for new dog owners. This is because this is a very elegant-looking, tiny dog that is also clever and loyal, along with being a hypoallergenic dog.
They require some basic training, but this small breed doesn’t really pose a threat to its surroundings, making them easy to handle for their pet parents.
They really enjoy daily walks for at least an hour or half every day. Their larger cousins were originally bred to hunt. Larger breeds automatically mean tougher upkeep and typically more extensive grooming, which these small dogs do not require.
6. Pomeranian
History
They acquired their name by association with the area known as Pomerania. The Pomeranian descended from the German Spitz. Originally, it was a larger herding dog used for pulling sleds. They were among the few dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
Personality
Perky and very friendly little dogs who often tend to overestimate their size and stature. They tend to tackle or try to, at the very least, they threaten larger dogs, too. They are smart and adorable, do well in obedience competitions, and have a small independent streak.
Hill’s Pet claims this little lion needs more or less 20 minutes of exercise every day. They were a favourite of Queen Victoria, who used her dogs to breed the larger Pomeranian to the small size we see today.
7. Cairn Terrier
History
They originated in the Scottish Highlands, likely in the early 15th century. It was originally known as the “Short-haired Skye Terrier”. The Cairn Terrier used to hunt vermin like foxes, otters, and badgers. They were named after rock piles, were tiny, and had unusual feet.
Personality
This is a tenacious worker that you will find around in the United States today. They are happy to be apartment dogs or live in suburban houses as happy as they are living as farm dogs. Because of their small size, they thrive almost anywhere.
These fox-like dogs are really chatty, have small legs, but are strongly built. They have hard coats and are very cheerful. Their liveliness means they are also very alert. They have high energy levels, so they require a moderate to high amount of daily exercise to stay fit and happy.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds that have high energy mean you get the fun of having a larger dog, but with half (or less) the amount of effort and even less of the upkeep at times.
Some other breeds that can be added to the list are Chihuahuas, Pugs, Maltese, Alaskan Klee Kai, Yorkshire Terrier (or the Yorkie), Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Miniature Dachshund, Brussels Griffon, Toy Fox Terrier, and even Norfolk Terrier.
As pet parents to little dogs, you are in for the ride of your life with these breeds. Little companions that bring little joys daily into your life with every bark and every sprint.
