A newbie in the doggie market? We can sense and smell a foreigner from a mile. Don’t worry it’s not that you are too obvious, it’s just that a little birdie sent us a highly detailed letter, saying you needed our help to find a perfect pup who won’t further escalate your stress but rather comfort you on your gloomy evenings and melancholic days.
Taking a step toward pet parenting is hard but don’t feel lonely just yet, we can totally relate. Because we’ve all been here and finding your first furry friend is not an easy task. Not to mention the elaborate responsibilities these fur babies bring along with them are nothing less than daunting.
Starting with splurging your wallets by getting them ideal doggie beds, treats, toys and kibble, and ending with their countless trips to the pet salon. But the most important and challenging part is always the responsibility of raising these puppies in the right way.
Which includes early training and proper socialization, consistent exercise, disciplined mental stimulation and of course some good old playtime. But all of this requires a lot of effort, patience, energy, time and attention which most of us don’t readily have on our hands these days. (Sounds sad right, but it is the truth)
Taking a step towards becoming a pet parent is almost alike to becoming a biological parent to a human child. But what if we say that we have a solution for your stressful headaches and bursting heartrate? Get ready to calm your nerves and be surprised.
Because everyone who has ever said to you that you cannot manage or handle a dog on your own is soon going to hide themselves from your gaze. Meet the most intelligent, cute and easy to train small dog breeds who are not boisterous, aggressive, ferocious or rambunctious in any way. But rather pleasant, serene, peppy, sassy and cuddly in their temperament and gait.
Small Dog Breeds Known for Effortless Training
1. Toy Poodle
Bred for duck hunting and water retrieving these poodles got named for their love of water and at first glance you might think these dogs are way too fancy, to be easily trained or maintained.
But the truth is that these small dogs have such intuition, and intelligence that they can be used in wide array of careers from hunting and retrieving, fashion and agility, to circus performance.
These graceful pups with the most unique continental hairdos don’t only have flair and panache but these fur babies have character and substance. Renowned for the versatility and quick learning capabilities.
These toy poodles are the scientists and researchers of the dog world and if there were two precise words to describe them it would be beautiful brainiacs. Who looks like barbie dolls but are sharp as a tack.
2. Papillon
Want a spice girl in your glamorous abode? Sure, we can increase the heat, bring it on Hooman. Meet the sassy, vibrant, glamorous and fun pup who is the life of every party and will transform the dull and dismal atmosphere of your abode into an exciting and joyful experience.
Distinct from the common stockpile of canines, these peppy and playful papillons, have butterfly wing shaped ears, come with a certificate of approval from the great Marie Antoinette and all there is left to say, is “Let them rejoice this breathtaking take (of a puppy)”
Continental Kennel Club says you’ll always find these papillons dancing to the beats of their own drums and frolicking around in gardens like literal butterflies. But what you won’t expect is their wittiness, perkiness and perfect agility. Not to mention these continental lap dogs, make incredible athletes in dog sports.
Papillons need fewer training sessions due to their impeccable perception and are such smart cookies that they even perform tricks to the T without missing a step or a beat. Hence are easy to train and maintain.
3. Miniature Schnauzer
These miniature schnauzers are vermin hunters. They were originally bred in Bavaria for assisting farmers in pest control and rat hunting. This sturdy and solid schnauzers don’t only make good watchdogs, or vermin hunters. They can even guard small flocks and are tenacious and attentive.
Instantly recognized by its bushy eyebrows, thick beard and whiskers this low maintenance working dog breed is also a lively, wise and friendly pup who likes to live hard and play harder. One of our favorite breeds due to their dynamism, eager to please nature and its unique yet adorable looks.
Miniature schnauzers are ideal for new pet parents who prefer a multi-talented pooch that can work, play and enjoy the adventurous vacays beside their parents. Because these energetic dogs need regular exercise including games and tricks to satisfy their mental and physical needs.
Dog owners prefer these schnauzers because they excel in various dog sports are good at agility training, AKC rally, barn hunts, obedience and even earthdog trials. Hence highly trainable and happy dogs that can fulfill a variety of your needs (multi-talented maestros and Chic!!)
4. Bichon Frise
Hiding in the sea of stuffed animals you cannot pinpoint the poofy white bichon Frise, famously known as the curly white lapdog. This beloved of the French kings and European aristocracy is a sturdy dog, with a merry temperament, plumed tail and inquisitive expression.
So, fluffy with a powder puff appearance, Orvis mentions that the bichon Frise is an irresistibly plush puppy, with the most dazzling deep dark eyes. If you are big love of teddy bears this lively, playful spirit will be a dream come true for you.
Born with the cutest drop ears and an off-whitish cream fur, these lovable buggers are a highly emotionally intelligent breed. With the most intriguing breed characteristics, Bichon’s love their people like their life depends on it, and you’ll go look all dogs love their humans (yes they do, you idiot!!) But this bichon not only loves their homies, they cherish em, celebrate them and cheer them like their biggest fans.
They bring in those heartwarming, soothing vibes and are pretty proud of their Velcro status. Bichon frises even make incredible circus performers, have a patient nature and are extremely intelligent. Hence they win every small dog contest.
Adaptability and resilience is their second name and obedience training is a cake walk for their owners. Hence the moment you see a listing for these lil superstars on you for you page, book these cuddly nuggets and make a run for it.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Meet the most trainable breed on the doggie planet, this cavalier king Charles spaniel is everything you are looking for. Graceful, well balanced and a lover of the great outdoors and its human companions. A highly intelligent dog that not only excels in dog sports like agility, tracking and competitive obedience.
These Cavs are food motivated, sweet, easy going, bubbly, sporty and all things unique. Getting this cavalier is like buying a subscription to better help but this time you get it completely free. Hence, what more can you ask for after free therapy??
Not convinced, gosh you are too greedy. Okay you also get a puppy eyed-social butterfly, a motivating trooper, with floppy ears, that swish and flick in the wind, and an eager-to-please listener for your childhood traumas and past life history.
Literally named after royalty this king Charles spaniel is a fiercely loyal, quick learner that catches on and learns new tricks in a few repetitions, builds a special bond with its owners and doesn’t even need a whole lot of physical exercise. You won’t find a more delightful, humble and down-to-earth royal than this cavalier.
Not to mention this small breed is a mood booster, hence you also get a gullible doting friend in this puppy.
6. Boston Terrier
More gentlemanly than the American gentleman, born wearing a dapper tuxedo coat this always prim and proper handsome pooch has muscles, a swoon worthy body and a personality to die for. Tender, responsive and attentive this dog has a more interesting storyline than a typical reformed rake.
This Boston terrier was used by coachmen of wealthy residents in pit fighting purposes, and you would not believe. But this smooth and sleek charmer is the first iteration of a cross between an English bulldog and an English white terrier.
But when dogfighting became illegal and unpopular this Boston terrier transformed into the most ideal companion animal. The Boston terrier stands as one of the few all-American breeds, that is iconic, lively and clever. These small muscular canines get along with just about everyone are tender, chivalrous and plain awesome.
Not to mention training sessions with this Boston are effortless, and a literal piece of cake. (Hint: Just bring in positivity, affection, praise and some dog treats or its favourite cuisine and you’ll have the most well-behaved gentleman in the entire neighbourhood).
7. Shih Tzu
Want a dog full of surprises? Meet the Shih Tzu who has connections to the mighty Himalayas, Imperial dynasty of China, and the spiritual Dalai Lama. Curious to know more? These petit, laid-back extroverts are true gems of the canine kingdom.
Their development began in the high, and isolated autonomous region of Tibet. History quotes that the Dalai Lama gave a Lhasa Apso to the Chinese emperor in the 17th century. The dog mated with the Pekingese of the palace and the first litter of Shih tzu puppies arrived shortly after.
Quite a unique love story, isn’t it? A spiritual watchdog meets a stubborn, and hard to get royalty. They puppies were brought up in a loving environment and kept hidden inside the palace walls until the communist revolution which resulted in the mass killing of these beauties.
Nowadays the shih tzus you see in America are the descendants of 14 shih tzu puppies that were fortunately saved by enthusiasts and became the base for all shih tzu generations to come. These hypoallergenic dogs make great companions for those who prefer silence, and solitude.
They aren’t like any other dog breed you have ever seen; they don’t make a mess, chew, dig or chase behind fast moving objects. Shih tzus are much more sophisticated, and gentle than their rambunctious cousins. Relatively easy to train, these shih tzus are highly responsive to training. They are intelligent pups that demand attention and affection for learning commands and tricks.
8. Maltese
Almost near the big 30 but still in love with soft toys, plushies and all things cute. Hey! there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Especially when you are holding these snow-white beauties that feel so soft and give you the feeling of touching fluffy clouds.
These big bundles of energy are known for their playful, affectionate and outgoing personalities. Small in stature but big in sass, charisma and ethereal beauty these hypoallergenic BFFs are quite light on their feet with unique flowing yet jaunty gaits and lively performances.
Also flying sky high on the trainability parameters. All you need to take care of is to start early and establish and foundation for learning from the moment your fur baby is a small puppy. Mainatin consistency, use a ton of positive reinforcement in the form of treats, praise and affection. Keep the training sessions short and be patient.
Because the use cases of these head turners don’t end. PetMD states these live plush toys can even be used as your miniature alarm systems, fashion accessories and affectionate hand warmers. Thus, if you want to hype the coziness and comfort in your abode or need a charming cheerleader to empower and cheer you on your low days. These low shedding forever happy pups will the perfect choice for you.
9. Brussels Griffon
Described as a pup that is full of self-importance, sensitivity and requires a helluva lot attention these curious and alert floofs, demand mature adults who’ve got their shit together to be their parents. (Wallowing in self-pity, crying for messy and rattled man Childs aren’t allowed people!!! No offense to the Man-child’s)
A small dog in size but a big grim and serious professor in looks. These puppies with a fringe and Mustache display almost human like expressions and have that purposeful and adorable trot. (One that adds to their already dashing swag)/
Wanna know a secret? The Queen of Belgians, Henrietta Maria loved also loved these buggers. (Hence what excuse do you have Patrick?) Known for their massively Velcro personality, these vermin hunters were prized by Belgian coachmen who used for capturing rats in their stables.
On the Trainability Parameter, these descendants of the Smousje, English Toy spaniels and belgian brabancons fit on a very high ranking. Due to their energetic, eager to please, intelligent and agreeable demeanour. A constant part of many Belgian peasant household, these plucky and endearing charmers have a lot of working potential. They make great watchdogs, confidantes, and ratters.
Brussel griffonss live a longer life and are effortless in training (Just bring in a few dog treats and boost their confidence with appreciation and any stubbornness or independent resistance they have will go out the window.
Conclusion
Starting the pet parent journey is in itself a big decision, but starting it with choosing your pet to be a dog is like choosing a whole other level of tough to be a part of your life. Because keeping these puppies happy is a challenging mammoth of a task, these dogs completely rely on us.
They are highly social creatures that require constant human presence, attention, and interaction. Not to mention, we are also responsible for the way they interact and behave with other members of our community. Hence, training them is another important job to handle, which adds a cherry on top.
Thus, you know by now that becoming a parent to a dog requires a mountain of patience and a truckload of luck.
You can carry them around, play with them, and love them without worrying about them bouncing off the walls or harming someone. Some of them might be prone to zoomies and some destructive behavior but if you are a good consistent and attentive pet parent, you have nothing to worry about.
