Although dogs of all sizes are adorable, there is something special about puppies. Only pet parents of large dogs can understand the feeling of seeing their pup grow older and getting flashbacks to when they were puppies.
These little dog breeds can curl up in the palm of your hand and adjust even in compact homes. They are perfect travel partners and don’t ask for much space. Yes, they are tiny in size but not in personality.
Apart from this, they have charming features that melt your heart. These little dogs are perfect for someone who doesn’t want hyperactive dogs that require 2 hours of exercise, because they are happy with just a long walk around the block.
We have listed the 9 small dogs that stay small forever in this guide. Although they are all small, some of them have a high-shedding coat, while others have a low-shedding coat. Plus, they also differ in their grooming needs and training.
Best Small Dog Breeds – They Truly Stay Tiny
1. Maltese
Maltese is a sweet, playful, gentle, and affectionate companion that was bred in 2,000 years ago on the island of Malta. This little pup has been the favourite lapdog of Greek, Roman, and even Egyptian royals.
Don’t underestimate them because of their size, because they are brave and love to be the center of attraction. Honestly, they look more like a walking, smiling cloud with their white coat.
Maltese is perfect for families with kids, as they love cuddles. They don’t need a lot of exercise, so a short walk and some indoor playing is more than enough for their mental stimulation. You can easily train Maltese with treats and rewards because they learn quickly.
With that being said, they have a beautiful floor-length silky coat that does not shed, but they are obviously not 100% hypoallergenic breed. But they need frequent brushing and grooming to maintain their coat and prevent tangling.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranian is a curious and bold dog full of life. This fluffy little dog was bred in Pomerania after downsizing the large sled-pulling dogs, as the AKC shared. They were intentionally bred to be smaller after Queen Victoria loved them.
Honestly, they often act much bigger than they actually are. Pomeranians are extroverted, so they love to talk to their owners, and yeah, they bark. Apart from this, they are perfect for families and apartment life because they prefer staying home after their energy needs are met.
That being said, they are active but get tired easily, so they can accompany you in watching series. You don’t have to worry about taking them for exercise because a few short walks are their happy pill.
This little dog breed is smart and a bit independent, so you have to be consistent when training them. Pomeranians have a fluffy double coat and lion-like mane that moderately sheds throughout the year. So you have to brush them a few times a week.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a sassy, alert, and quite protective dog breed toward their owners. Yes, they are small, but with a huge personality. Chihuahua is affectionately called Chis, and they come from Mexico.
This small dog is famous because of their loyalty and strong bonding with one person in the family. The Chihuahua is recognizable due to its apple or deer head. Apart from this, they are wonderful family companions, but often bark when they feel nervous.
Like many other little pups, this charming pup also needs a short walk to exercise. They are smart but can be stubborn, so praise them or use treats.
Chihuahua has two types of coat, such as smooth (short) and long coat. They do shed moderately, and grooming needs vary depending on the type of your dog’s coat.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese is a calm, loyal, and affectionate dog breed that is perfect for quiet homes and apartment living. They are also known as the sun, sleever, and even lion dog that come from ancient China.
You may be surprised, but they were special back then, and only the Chinese Imperial Palace was allowed to have them. They are not high-energy dogs, so a short stroll around the block is enough for them.
Pekingese are smart, but you have to be patient when training them due to their strong-willed nature. They have a long, thick double coat that sheds moderately and need daily brushing with regular baths after 1 to 2 months.
5. Papillon
Papillon is a happy, friendly, and energetic breed that is also known for being one of the smartest pups. These little dogs originated from Europe, and they were the favourite companions of queens for years.
Their name translates as “butterfly” from French, as per PetMD, and you can clearly guess the reason after looking at their erect ears and wispy hairs that give the illusion of wings. Plus, they have also served as therapy dogs due to their friendly nature, so Papillons make a wonderful family pet.
They enjoy long walks, and their eager-to-please nature makes the training much easier. With that being said, they have a silky single coat, so they moderately shed. You may have to brush them a few times a week to maintain their famous butterfly ears.
6. Cesky Terrier
Cesky Terrier is a relaxed, sweet, and family-oriented dog breed that was bred for hunting purposes first in the Czech Republic. However, they soon became family pets due to their calm and playful nature.
They are clever and perfect playmate for kids. Cesky Terrier is extremely loyal to their family but can be reserved toward people they don’t know.
They are short but study and adjust well to apartments. Apart from this, these little dogs have moderate energy levels and need a daily walk for mental stimulation.
Cesky is actually eager to please, so they respond well when you train them. With that being said, they have a slightly wavy coat that does not shed much. But they require frequent grooming to maintain their signature look, where professionals trim all of their hair except around the face and under the stomach
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are a brave, determined, and very energetic dog breed with a big personality. They are also known as Yorkies, but were not always that pampered lapdog. They were actually bred to hunt rats in textile mills, and even worked in coal mines, as per Purina.
This little playful dog is smart, super affectionate, and loves to stay close to the people they love. Their small size and adjustable nature make them a perfect pet for apartment dwellers. Honestly, they try to act like a boss, but they just need clear training and love from their owners.
You can train them easily with positive reinforcement despite their independent nature. The Yorkshire Terrier is quite active and loves playing fetch games with you. That being said, they have floor-length silky hair that barely sheds but requires daily brushing and frequent grooming.
8. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is the most adorable pup with a curly coat, high intelligence, and lively nature. They do whatever you are doing and are all set to follow you all around the home.
They were originally bred in Germany to hunt ducks, but their small size and cute features soon made them family pets. This small dog doesn’t need much exercise, but you have to keep them busy with brain games. Toy Poodle learns quickly and is actually one of the easiest breeds to train.
They have a dense curly coat that is said to be hypoallergenic, but it’s not 100%, though. However, they require professional grooming every 4 to 6 months to trim their curls.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu means lions, but they are lovers, not hunters. This little dog is famous for being super affectionate, happy, and outgoing. They were originally bred in Tibet, but soon became lapdogs of the royals in China.
So, they actually lived a luxury life and don’t have any prey drive, which is quite a good characteristic in a family dog. The Shih Tzu is a generally peaceful and calm dog that likes to meet everyone. These low-energy pups are happy with a short walk and playing indoors.
They are smart but can be stubborn during training, so you use the treats. That being said, they have a long double coat that does not shed much but requires a lot of upkeep. So, pet them only if you are ready for commitment.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds are all small and stay the same forever, but they differ in their coat types. Some of them have coats that do not shed much but require a lot of grooming, while others don’t need much.
Some are stubborn, while others are easy to train and perfect for families. So, make sure to read the details and pet the only pup you can actually take care of and the one that meets your lifestyle.
