Small dog breeds are loved for their manageable size and adorable looks. These little dogs weigh no more than a few pounds and are selectively bred to be small. Reason: their size either benefited their working or hunting ability.
However, these little canines make up for their petite size with their big personalities. Small dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. These gentle and playful dogs do not need extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Only a few short walks and indoor play sessions would suffice for them. Their tiny tummies also need little dog food. Small dogs are also generally healthy. It is worth mentioning that not all small dogs make great lap dogs.
Here are 7 tiny pocket dog breeds that make great companions.
Tiny Pocket Dog Breeds That Make Great Companions
1. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small dogs with big personalities. These loyal canines have an affectionate nature and make loving companions for families with children and other pets. Shih Tzus are mischievous little dogs with a playful personality.
Shih Tzus were originally bred for companionship and still take their job seriously. Thanks to their lively and adaptable personality, they make great family dogs for many households. Shih Tzus are fairly low-maintenance dogs in terms of exercise needs, according to Purina.
These smart canines have an eager-to-please nature and learn commands quickly. Their small size, high adaptability, and minimal exercise needs make them perfect companions for apartment dwellers and first-time dog owners.
Shih Tzus’ fluffy coat is hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. However, it needs plenty of regular grooming to stay free from matts and tangles.
2. Pomeranian
Smallest of all Spitz dogs, Pomeranians pack a huge personality in their tiny bodies. This toy breed is sassy and spunky, having the attitude of a much larger breed. Poms are lively and energetic dogs who are incredibly loyal to their families.
Poms love being held in arms and spending time with their humans. Having a gentle nature and enthusiastic approach to life, they make perfect companions for many types of pet owners, including families, singles, and older adults, explains PetMD.
Pomeranians are highly intelligent dogs who enjoy learning and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. These tiny dogs love their independence and prefer walking on the ground sometimes, instead of being carried in arms.
Their fluffy coat makes them look much bigger than they are. It needs frequent brushing and regular grooming to keep looking good.
3. Russian Toy
Once used as companions for Russian aristocrats, Russian Toy Dogs now make affectionate and playful pets. They were originally bred as rat fighters and watchdogs and are among the smallest dog breeds. These little charmers have a courageous personality.
Russian Toy Dogs thrive on human companionship and will let you know when they are feeling neglected. These moderately energetic dogs love to run, play, and go on walks with their humans. They also enjoy snuggling in their owner’s lap.
Thanks to their compact size, they need only minimal exercise for mental and physical stimulation. Russian Toys have an agreeable and eager-to-please nature. Their silly antics and outgoing personality make them excellent candidates for agility and trick-dog competitions.
However, they are still terriers at heart, so they can be a bit stubborn. The American Kennel Club recommends puppy training and early socialization for them.
4. Japanese Chin
Originally bred for royalty, Japanese Chins are loyal and affectionate toy dogs. These charming buddies are fun to be around and like entertaining their owners. Japanese Chins form strong bonds with their humans and can develop separation anxiety when neglected for too long.
These compassionate and energetic doggos make great pets for individuals who prefer indoor living. Japanese Chins are quite people-oriented and prefer staying by your side all the time. They don’t bark a lot, but will let you know if there’s a stranger nearby.
Chins are very intelligent, but this does not make training a breeze. They give off an air of serenity and superiority. Positive reinforcement methods work the best when it comes to training your Japanese Chin. They enjoy learning new tricks and short daily walks with their humans.
Their luxurious coats are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs. Make sure to brush the coat once or twice a week to prevent mats and tangles.
5. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are big personalities packed in small packages. This small dog breed thrives on human companionship and is well-suited for pet owners who like to spend a lot of time with their dogs. They are considered ‘Velcro dogs.’
Brussels Griffons do not like being left alone for too long and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. They are moderately energetic and need little exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
These fun-loving and happy companions are very smart and can be easily trained using positive reinforcement methods. As with many toy breeds, Brussels Griffons also have a sensitive nature, and they do not respond well to harsh corrections.
Brussels Griffons have two coat types: smooth and rough. The coat length affects their grooming needs. Their short and glossy coat can be kept clean with occasional baths and regular grooming.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are playful, affectionate, and sometimes bossy canines with lots of energy. These cute dogs can be easily recognized by their silky floor-length coat. Yorkies are one of the most popular small dog breeds in the U.S.
These energetic little dogs are quite adaptable and adjust well to a variety of new environments. They need moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. These traits make Yorkies well-suited for apartment living.
They also make great companions for people living alone, older adults, and homes with older children who know how to interact with a small dog. Yorkies are eager to please dogs who learn new tricks and commands quickly. However, they can be slow to housetrain.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese is a loyal and wonderful companion with an affectionate personality. These little dogs can be identified through their distinctive lion-like mane. Pekingese are pretty laid back and happy at home, but are very alert at the same time.
They have a much louder bark compared to their size and make great watchdogs. Pekingese also make excellent apartment dogs due to their compact size and minimal exercise requirements. Their high brain power makes them easily trainable.
However, they may be a little strong-willed and learn best with positive reinforcement training methods. Pekingese have a beautiful, thick, and shiny double coat that needs to be brushed at least once a week to look good.
Conclusion
Tiny dogs are loved for their adorable looks and loving personalities. Despite their compact size, they are full of life. Small dog breeds make loyal and loving pets for many households due to their adaptable nature.
They are usually low maintenance is terms of exercise needs. Only a few daily walks and indoor play sessions provide them adequate stimulation. however, some may have long coats that require regular grooming to stay in top notch condition.
