Small dog breeds have their own way of grabbing others’ attention and making a place in their heart. With their expressive eyes, cute features and big personalities packed in a small size, are unable to be ignored. They are not just pets but the best tiny companions.
Moreover, in today’s era where people prefer apartment living and small houses, such little dogs are perfect to be accommodated there. Due to their size, they are easy to handle, travel conveniently, and easily snuggle in one’s lap.
Toy breeds are playful and mischievous, keeping their owners entertained for hours. Furthermore, they are not just playful but intelligent as well. However, their small and delicate frame requires careful handling. This article will explore lovable small dog breeds that are perfect for being adorable, tiny pets.
Adorable Pocket-Sized Dog Breeds: A Complete Guide
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkie is a tiny dog with a long, straight and silky coat. It does not weigh more than 7 pounds. Yorkie was originally bred in England as ratting dog to control rodents in factories. Moreover, it is bold, energetic and affectionate with the owners. Interestingly, the magic of this cute dog is that it appears to be smiling for the camera.
It is more like a huge personality in a small package. It enjoys being the centre of attention but does not thrive best in an environment where there are kids. Moreover, due to its hypoallergenic coat, it can be adopted by allergy sufferers as well. It does well with apartment dwellers by being an excellent lap dog and family companion.
Since it is a small breed, so prone to fragile bone problems. This little dog has a lot of energy; mental stimulation is a must. It also requires regular grooming to maintain its gorgeous coat.
2. Maltese
Maltese is one of the cute small dog breeds and a wonderful companion with long, flowing, white, silky hair. It generally weighs between 4 and 7 pounds. According to Britannica, it is named after the region of Malta, where it was bred particularly as a companion dog. It is gentle and amiable with the family.
This little ball of silk has a lot of energy and likes to play all the time. It gets along well with other pets and children at home. Besides, it loves to cuddle the owners and receive kisses from them. Its friendly temperament makes it an ideal friend for city dwellers.
But it has quite high grooming and brushing needs. Due to its interactive nature, it develops separation anxiety if left alone for a long period. It does not respond to harsh training.
3. Pekingese
The Pekingese is one of the tiny pups with a flat face, large dark eyes, long, thick double coat flowing on both sides of the body. Its history dates back to ancient China, where it was bred as a partner for royalty.
The Pekingese is fiercely loyal to its owners and always forms deep bonds with them. It thrives in a calm environment without hassle. It is full of personality and unaware of its small size.
According to the American Kennel Club, it has an effortless rolling gait. Additionally, it is stubborn with strangers and quite intelligent and alert to sense any change in the environment.
Due to a flat face, it is susceptible to breathing problems. It also needs training due to its stubborn behaviour. Care should be taken while playing, as it has large eyes and injury can occur to them.
4. Papillon
Papillon is one of the tiny-sized excellent companions with fine, silky, medium-length fur, feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail and butterfly-like ears. It typically weighs under 10 pounds. It was developed in France as a companion dog for aristocrats.
It is the perfect family dog in a small size that loves to make a bond with family members. It is more into running around and playing games than cuddling. It is also a quick learner and enjoys daily walks. Being intelligent, it likes to play puzzle toys. Further, its elegant appearance makes it perfect for city living.
Due to its small size, care must be taken when larger counterparts are around. It can only be kept by active families as it is active and demands daily exercise.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a little dog that belongs to the toy group with a flowing, dense long coat, short muzzle and expressive eyes. It weighs between 9 and 16 pounds. It originated in China solely to be a friend. It has an affectionate personality and is loyal towards its owners.
This pint-sized pup is happy to play but also enjoys cuddling and makes itself a perfect lap dog. Being happy-go-lucky, the Shih Tzu goes along well with other dogs, pets and kids. It thrives best in that living environment where it can receive loads of love and attention.
As a brachycephalic breed, the Shih Tzu can be prone to respiratory issues. They may also show a stubborn streak, making consistent and patient training important. In addition, their long, flowing coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
6. Pomeranian
Pom is a miniature dog with a thick, fluffy coat, fox-like face, alert eyes and a confident personality. It weighs no more than 7 pounds. It was bred in Poland and Germany as a working dog. It loves to explore and play with the family.
An interesting fact stated by PetMD is that it is the miniature descendant of the Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed and Chow Chow.
The Pomeranian forms loyal and strong bonds with its owners. Owing to its fearless personality, it acts as a big dog. It is a good learner, intelligent and can learn tricks and obedience commands instantly. Although it is a lap dog, that does not mean it does not require games for mental stimulation.
Poms can bark excessively if training is not consistent. Like other furry toy dog breeds, they also have high grooming demands. In addition to this, they may become stubborn at times. So, training with positive reinforcement methods is necessary.
7. Pug
The Pug is a small yet sturdy and muscular dog, recognized for its wrinkled, flat face and short, smooth coat. Originating in China, this breed was once treasured as a sacred companion in imperial palaces. Pugs are one of the friendliest dog breeds and a spirit animal.
This dog has a friendly, playful and sociable personality. It does not care about the place or being alone or with other pets, as it thrives well everywhere. Its fun-loving temperament makes it a perfect match for owners who like to have a lap dog. Furthermore, it enjoys playing with interactive toys.
Pugs are sensitive to heat and prone to breathing issues due to their flat face. And when it gets stubborn, then consistent training is mandatory to make it well-behaved.
Conclusion
Pocket-sized dogs are tiny creatures but have a big personality. Each tiny breed is a remarkable blend of loyalty, calm temperament and amiability. They can thrive well in apartment living or small households, as they do not require a large space.
These miniature dogs have been bred solely to be a human companion. Further, they are not just cute to look at but intelligent as well. They easily adjust themselves in homes with other pets, but they should be provided with games to stay mentally active.
Since they are adorable, they demand attention and love from their owners. They are easy to train when they become unreasonable, as compared to large dogs. Therefore, one can have any of them according to their preference and lifestyle.
