There’s something magical about those Little dogs who do not outgrow your laps but provide you with long-lasting companionship. Any passerby or dog lover can melt after seeing these little cutie pies with tiny paws, round eyes, and luxurious fur.
These dogs with their never-ending charm have made a separate place in the dog world and the hearts of their favorite ones. For many of us who are seeking small, adorable, and appealing dogs, this comprehensive list of breeds is just like a dream coming true.
Their ease to fit into the lifestyle and sharing a mutual bond with their people and make them more special, an emotional partner. Whether it’s travelling, or management, these dogs go along side by side but need time and training to adjust, as sometimes their size may fool you.
Fun Fact: Dachshunds are small dogs but have surprisingly loud barks, and we can take advantage of their instincts by training them as watchdogs.
Small Dog Breeds That Keep Their Puppy Size
1. Toy Fox Terrier
A relatively new small dog breed, the Toy Fox Terrier hails from North America as a hunting canine. This dog, with its compact size and entertaining personality, makes a wonderful companion in family settings, with proper socialization and training.
Toy Fox Terrier is a low-energy canine, and thrives in the laps of its favorite ones. These dogs bond strongly with their humans and make excellent watchdogs, without being aggressive. Although these pals have a constant interaction with their favorite ones, they also enjoy their alone time.
Toy Fox Terrier is intelligent and eager to please, which is why training becomes a breeze for pet parents. According to WebMD, do not go for this small breed if your children do not know how to interact with dogs, as they are skittish and may bite them if anyone crosses their boundaries.
2. Papillon
If you want a dog who looks like a butterfly with a sassy personality, a Papillon suits you more than any other small dog breed. These toy dogs were originally bred as companions for noblewomen, as well as favored by the European courts as lap dogs, as mentioned by the AKC.
Today, these small dogs prove themselves as the epitome of companionship, beauty, and athleticism. These happy-go-lucky dogs’ average weight is around 5 to 10 pounds, and they can easily fit into an apartment living. Papillons’ long silky coat comes in different colors that need regular grooming sessions.
Though they are tiny in size, they do not like to be couch potatoes for hours, but rather go for a game of fetch or other dog sports for physical and mental stimulation. They are smart dogs with a strong desire to please their owners. Paps are affectionate dogs and get along well with kids and other pets.
3. Maltese
Charming and playful Maltese dogs are renowned for their long history that ranges over two thousand years. These dogs are bred in the small Island of Malta, from where it got its name and personality. Today, they are famous for having long coats and an adaptable and affectionate nature.
Maltese were once used to catch rats, but today they enjoy spending time with their beloved owners. These lively dogs not only stay small forever but also live long years, up to 12 to 15 years, says PetMD. Additionally, their white coats do not shed much, and they make proud hypoallergenic dogs.
With a manageable size and low exercise needs, these family dogs are capable of living in small spaces as well. If one is suffering from dog allergies and wants to experience a tiny companionship on four legs, the Maltese is one of the best small dog breeds for such kind of home.
4. Bolognese
A fluffy small dog, the Bolognese is an Italian dog breed whose history dates back to the 11th century, and also adored by the royalty of Italy for companionship. This member of the Bichon family carries low energy, but is remarkably intelligent and clever.
Bolognese forms strong bonds with their people but remain reserved around strangers, making good watchdogs thanks to their alert nature. These are often termed as lap dogs since they do not need much exercise, a perfect breed for people of all ages, including older ones.
These dogs stay happy in small apartments, but are prone to separation anxiety, which is why people with 9 to 5 working hours should avoid these affectionate dogs. Bolognese has a dense cotton-like coat that sheds less and needs relatively less grooming and baths.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Though they come in petite sizes, but with huge personalities. Yorkshire Terriers, specifically bred for catching rats in the textile mills of England, but they originally hail from Scotland. Yorkies bloom when they are provided with proper attention, love, and quality time, no matter how small the home is.
Currently, this popular dog breed is enjoying its status as a lap dog in many homes with a maximum weight of 7 pounds. But, some unethical breeders are producing teacup Yorkies that weigh less than 4 pounds, which is not an official size of this toy dog breed.
Being a small dog, a Yorkie needs just 15 minutes of physical and mental stimulation that can be met easily in a living room. They also display a bossy and brave nature, which may lead to some problems if not provided with training and socialization during puppyhood.
6. Chihuahua
Let’s meet the world’s smallest dog breed, named Chihuahua, which also holds the most Guinese World Records for having a long life expectancy. Their generations had come from ancient cultures, and modern Chis still retains the old DNA in its genome that is about 4%, according to A-Z Animals.
Chihuahuas are the official dogs of Mexico, and are blessed with two different coat types; long haired and short-coated. Terrier-like grace, expressive eyes, and confident disposition ofthe Chihuahua make it a famous, adorable breed in families.
Do not underestimate their sizes, as these dogs are full of high energy, which means they demand ample play time and physical activities as compared to other tiny breeds. Chihuahuas are easy-to-train dogs and make a good choice for novice pet parents.
7. Pomeranian
Curious and bold Pomeranians had a magnificent royal history, and back in the past, their average weight was about 30 pounds with a lion-like coat. When they came to North America, Poms got their smaller size and fluffy appearance, but with exceptional intelligence and an alert persona.
Pomeranians have a double coat, which is irresistible but also requires regular maintenance as it sheds a lot. Their spunky demeanor often reflects a confidence much like a larger dog. These fragile dogs are not well-suited to the families where younger kids are present.
Their activity levels are a bit higher than those of other small dogs, but can easily be fulfilled by running around the home or taking short neighborhood walks. Pomeranians need early training sessions to grow into well-behaved and friendly adults; they become destructive and hyperactive.
8. Biewer Terrier
A newcomer in the world of dogs, Biewer Terriers typically weigh 4 pounds and came from Germany in 1984. Their cheerful and endearing demeanor makes them wonderful pets for families. These devoted and lively little dogs have signatured pony tail.
Biewer Terriers are elegant dogs but have child like attitude. Despite being obedient dogs, Biewers often become mischievous, making their socialization and training important. They can also be taken to dog shows due to their luxurious coat that comes in three colors, and they have a friendly temperament.
Since they thrive on constant human interactions, these sensitive dogs should not be left alone for a long time. They are also well-suited to allergy sufferers due to less shedding. Biewers remain gentle and calm in the presence of children and other pets if their energy levels are channeled well.
9. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are the smallest variety of the Poodle breed, which also includes the Standard and Miniature sizes. Although originally bred as hunting dogs, their intelligence, friendly nature, and adaptability led to widespread popularity.
Today, breeders recognize and produce Poodles in three distinct sizes, with the Toy Poodle being the most compact.
Toy Poodles are affectionate and calm dogs who need their humans and love spending time with them. This size of Poodle is a playful companion while also making a great lap warmer. They are eager and athletic dogs and love participating in different activities of family.
Toy Poodles can be trained and socialized well with positive reinforcement methods, as these intelligent pups learn basic commands with ease. They do not mind bathing at night because of their coats that repel water. These hypoallergenic breeds are perfect for apartment dwellers.
Conclusion
While their tiny frames are undeniably appealing, these mall dog breeds come with responsibilities, too. They demand proper nutrition, gentle handling, and routine veterinary care. Their compact size and low exercise needs make them ideal for indoor living and travel.
These furry friends rely heavily on their owners for safety and comfort. For pet parents who value close companionship and manageable care routines, these pals can be an excellent choice, who can bring affection, devotion, and charm without overwhelming others.
