Are you looking for a small dog breed that stays tiny forever?
When adopting a dog, you need to consider various factors, and size is the most important. If you live in an apartment or prefer urban life, a small dog may be the best companion for you.
Small dogs are loved for their petite stature and adorable looks. They are easy to transport and have lower food and medication costs compared to some large dog breeds. Many of these little pooches make excellent lap dogs.
However, every small dog does not necessarily make a good lap dog. Some have an independent personality and prefer walking on their own. These canines need minimal exercise. Only a few short daily walks and indoor play sessions would suffice for them.
Have a look at the 7 best small dog breeds, forever tiny companions.
Best Small Dog Breeds – Forever Tiny Companions
1. Chihuahua
Originally bred in Mexico, Chihuahuas are graceful and sassy little dogs with lots of attitude. They are instantly recognizable by their ‘apple’ head, luminous eyes, and erect ears. Thanks to their compact size, Chihuahuas make ideal city pets.
Chihuahuas are quite adaptable, but are too small for roughhousing with kids. They love to run and play, but can get enough exercise in a confined space, explains the American Kennel Club. Short and slow walks every day help keep them healthy.
Chihuahuas are highly intelligent dogs with an eager-to-please nature and respond well to positive training methods. They have an alert nature and tend to be protective of their owners. Chihuahuas may be wary of outsiders and make excellent watchdogs.
Having a bit of a terrier temperament, Chihuahus are exceptionally loyal dogs. They excel in various canine sports, including obedience training.
2. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers, also known as ‘little black devil dogs,’ are compact dogs best known for their expressive face, short muzzles, and round eyes. Their monkey-like face has earned them the title of ‘monkey dog.’ Even with their small frame, Affenpinschers have an adventurous nature.
Affenpinschers were bred as companion dogs. They are naturally stubborn and independent, not having a desire to follow commands like some working breeds. So obedience training is a must for these little pooches.
Bold and confident, their personality is as quirky as their looks, explains PetMD. Affenspinschers are lively and affectionate dogs who make an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. It is a moderately energetic breed that enjoys playtime and short walks, but is also happy to relax at home.
They have a curious temperament and can be trained using positive reinforcement training methods. Their wiry coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
3. Dachshund
Dachshunds come in two sizes: standard and miniature. Miniature Dachshund is a small hound dog breed that stays small forever. They can be easily recognized by their elongated bodies and floppy ears. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers by digging into their dens.
Within the cute little bodies hides a bold and athletic canine. Mini Dachshunds are small, but do not expect them to sit calmly all day long. They need moderate daily exercise to strengthen their elongated backs and prevent obesity.
Remember, Dachshunds have a high prey drive, so keep them on leash or in a securely fenced area when outside. This small dog breed is quite smart but has an independent streak, which can make training a bit challenging.
They thrive on affection and companionship and make excellent watchdogs. Their compact size and adaptable temperament make them suitable for various people, including apartment dwellers, singles, and couples.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Loved for their long and glossy coats, Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with a playful personality. These versatile pooches have been serving as companion dogs, watchdogs, and rat catchers for several decades. Yorkies are feisty canines with typical terrier characteristics.
Yorkies resemble Biewer Terriers a lot in appearance and personality. However, the main difference lies in the coat colors of the two breeds. Biewer Terrier has three coat colors, while Yorkies feature only two. Their silky coats need frequent grooming to stay free from mats and tangles.
Yorkshire Terriers are quite adaptable and adjust well in variety of environments. These little doggos love to spend time with their owners, make good cuddly companions, and watch dogs. Yorkies do well with daily short walks and mental enrichment.
According to Purina, Yorkies are better suited for owners who don’t mind noise and enjoy grooming their pup. Apartment dwellers and homebodies are ideal Yorkshire Terrier owners.
5. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are famous toy dogs loved for their delightfully dainty appearance. Despite their small size and delicate physique, Poms are packed with personality. Their fluffy coats make them look much bigger than they actually are.
Poms are full of energy, but do not need extensive exercise to stay healthy and content. Only a few short walks around the block or play sessions with their loved ones provide adequate stimulation. The smallest of all Spitz dogs, Poms are a great fit for many homes.
Pomeranian royal patronage dates back to Queen Victoria’s era. Their history is also reflected in their big dog attitude. Poms are clever dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. Be sure to keep the training sessions consistent and fun.
They need plenty of grooming to keep looking beautiful. Routine trips to a professional groomer can help maintain the coat.
6. Toy Poodle
The smallest of all three Poodle variants, Toy Poodles are highly trainable companion dogs. This hypoallergenic breed is loved for its high intelligence. One of the cutest dog breeds, Toy Poodles tend to stay small forever.
This popular small dog breed is self-confident and agile. Despite their small size, Toy Poodles are quite athletic and active. They need plenty of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Toy Poodles also excel at various dog sports, including obedience and training.
Poodles are excellent water retrievers. They enjoy activities like dock diving and retriever hunt tests. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Poodles are quite people-oriented. They love to please their owners and spend time with them. Toy Poodles make loving lap dogs.
7. Shih Tzu
If you love to snuggle your furry friend, a Shih Tzu can be the best choice for you. This small breed is loved for its hypoallergenic coat and adorable looks. Thanks to their small size and minimal shedding, they make ideal companion dogs for apartment dwellers and allergy sufferers.
Due to their small size, Shih Tzus do not need extensive exercise for physical and mental enrichment. Short walks and indoor play sessions would suffice them. They love spending time with their owners and form strong bonds with them.
Shih Tzus have a loving and gentle nature. They make great family dogs and are adaptable to a variety of environments. Shih Tzus get along nicely with kids and other pets. However, these ‘little lions’ need an ample amount of grooming to look good.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds are loved for their petite stature and big personalities. Due to their small size, they have lower food requirements. They may be full of energy but need only moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Small dogs are loyal and affectionate to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Many of them are hypoallergenic and make ideal pets for allergy sufferers. They also make good companions for city dwellers and individuals living in apartments.
