Tiny dogs can be as small as a pocket, but the personality of these dogs is much larger than their size. These small friends are admired because of their loving characters, their mobility, and their adaptability to various lifestyles.
Regardless of where you live, whether it is a small apartment or a big house, most pocket-sized dog breeds can fit anywhere. All they need in return is their family’s love and affection.
They are very small in size and can be carried around anywhere. Some of them are active entertainers, while others are quiet lap dogs that love to be near their favorite people. Their histories are equally interesting, as most of them were initially trained to serve royal courts, hunt small pests, or work with humans.
These seven toy breeds should definitely be a part of your list if you are looking for small breeds to bring home as pets.
Precious Pocket Dog Breeds: A Complete Overview
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog recognized in the world, typically 5 to 8 inches tall and weighing around 2 to 6 pounds. It is bold, confident, and always aware despite its size. The Chihuahua can become particularly attached to one member of the family and likes to spend much of the day with them.
The average price for a well-bred Chihuahua is $800-$2500. The particular dogs from champion bloodlines usually cost more. They can enjoy a long lifespan of 14-17 years if properly cared for, making them one of the longest-living dogs.
These adaptable dog breeds are very small and do not need a lot of exercise. They are satisfied with about 20 to 30 minutes of walking and indoor games. They tend to use their energy quickly and are best served with high-quality small-breed foods that are broken up into two or three measured meals throughout the day. Protein-rich food, which is also combined with healthy fats, promotes muscle growth.
Brushing them a couple of times each week is ideal for long-coated Chihuahuas, but short-haired ones do not need much grooming. It is important to take them for dental checkups regularly, as they tend to build up plaque and lose teeth.
2. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is an active toy breed that stands 6-7 inches tall at the shoulder and tips the scales at 3-7 pounds. Despite the small size of today’s Pomeranian, its ancestors were larger dogs of the Spitz family, as stated by PetMD.
The price of a purebred puppy is typically $1000-$3500, depending on the breeder and the dog’s pedigree. The average life expectancy for a Pomeranian is 12-16 years. These dogs are famous for their double coats and should be brushed three to four times a week to minimize shedding.
Although small, Pomeranians are quite energetic dogs compared to other pets and larger breeds. Taking walks, indoor games, puzzle toys, and trick training are necessary for their mental and physical well-being. They love to learn and do very well in obedience and agility competitions.
Pet owners should give them measured amounts of high-quality small-breed food that has lean protein, omega fatty acids, as well as necessary vitamins. Be sure not to overfeed these pups as obesity can put extra strain on their joints.
3. Maltese
Malteses have been regarded as beautiful companion dogs for thousands of years. Adult dogs stand 7 to 9 inches tall and weigh less than 7 pounds. They are known to be well-suited to apartment living, which is why they are some of the most popular pets among apartment dwellers.
Puppies will typically range between $1000 and $3000, while dogs with exceptional bloodlines will have a higher price tag. The average lifespan for these smart puppies is 12-15 years. These playful pals have a silky white coat that needs to be brushed several times a week. Many pet parents opt for a “puppy cut” that is much easier to maintain.
Maltese dogs possess high energy levels, which can be a perfect match for people with active lifestyles. They need short bursts of physical activity like a short walk or indoor play sessions. These pups enjoy the company of people and can face separation anxiety if left alone.
It is advised to give them meals rich in lean protein, which can help in muscle growth without causing a lot of weight gain. Always make sure to provide fresh water throughout the day, as small dog breeds can become dehydrated quickly.
4. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds on the planet. They are less than 10 inches tall and weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. These pocket-sized dog breeds require less space to fit in. Usually, the price of a Toy Poodle ranges from $1500 to $4000, depending on the pedigree. These affectionate pups also get to live long lives, i.e., up to 14-18 years.
These pups shed very little, which is a win-win for people with allergies. They can be brushed at home every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent matting, or they can be taken to a professional groomer, which is always a preferred choice.
Toy Poodles have a very active mind. They love to be a part of interactive games, puzzle mazes, scent games, and trick learning. They stay physically fit and do not get bored with about an hour of exercise each day. Early socialization can also be a part of their training to make them safe around younger kids and pets.
These dogs need to be fed with high-quality dog food that is high in both protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are a crucial part of their diet as they help support this pup’s kidneys, heart, skin, and joints.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as a Yorkie, is a diminutive dog with a big heart. Adults are 7-8 inches tall and weigh approximately 7 pounds or less. The Yorkie was originally bred in England to hunt rats in textile mills but is now more widely known as a loyal companion.
The average price for a Yorkie puppy is $1000 to $3500, depending on the breeder responsible for breeding dogs and the dog’s bloodline. The breed can attain a long life of 13 to 16 years with good care.
They have a long coat with silky hair that is more similar to human hair than a typical dog’s fur. The longer the coat is kept, the more brushing is necessary to prevent tangles. Regular grooming by professionals every 6 to 8 weeks will also help maintain a healthy coat.
Yorkies are small dogs with lots of energy and curiosity. They exercise for about 30 minutes a day and play games to keep themselves physically fit. They are also very intelligent and want to please people. They love to indulge in obedience exercises.
These dogs should be fed high-quality toy breed food that is high in protein, healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins. Eating small meals throughout the day helps balance their energy levels, particularly in younger puppies that could suffer from low blood sugar levels.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a breed that was developed centuries ago to be a companion for the nobility in China. It is still one of the world’s most popular pets today. Its average height is 9-10.5 inches when the dog is an adult, and the average weight is 9-16 pounds.
They’re slightly bigger compared to other toy breeds and pocket-sized dog breeds.
A well-bred Shih Tzu will range from $800-$3000, with show-quality puppies fetching a higher price. Their lifespan is 10-16 years on average. As per Orvis, they have a luxurious double coat that needs to be brushed regularly in order to avoid knots and mats.
Many owners opt for the puppy cut, which significantly decreases the amount of maintenance the dog requires daily and keeps it comfortable.
They are affectionate, calm, and people-oriented. They like taking short walks, playing indoors, and being near their families. They typically require only 20-30 minutes of daily exercise, which is not as much as high-energy toy dog breeds usually tend to require.
A small balanced diet helps maintain healthy skin, coat, joints, and digestive function. It is important to practice portion control as obesity can creep up with less activity.
7. Papillon
Because of their peculiar, erect ears, the Papillon is known to have “butterfly” ears. This beautiful little dog is 8-11 inches tall and 5-10 pounds in weight. The average Papillon puppy price is $1000-$3500, depending on the pedigree. Many live 14-16 years with proper care, and among the healthiest and longest-living toy breeds.
Their silky coat sounds high-maintenance but is actually very easy to maintain. Regular brushing two or three times a week is generally enough to maintain their smooth coat and to prevent tangles since they do not have a heavy undercoat.
The Papillon is well-known for its intelligence and athleticism, as vouched by the American Kennel Club. They are a good choice for agility trials, obedience trials, rally, and tricks training. They need to be kept active, with around 30-45 minutes or more of exercise each day. They also need to be provided with mental stimulation.
They are a high-energy dog breed that thrives on a good, high-quality small-breed food with good protein and healthy fats. Ideal weight is maintained throughout adulthood with fresh water and measured meals.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds may fit in your pocket, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require effort. There’s more to picking the right breed than just falling for its looks. Grooming needs, activity level, diet, health problems, and temperament are all important considerations to help you select what is best for you.
With good care and love, each of these breeds can be a good pet. When considering adopting a small breed, you’ll need to do some research to make sure you can accommodate both the needs and the personality of the dog. This will contribute to having a successful and rewarding relationship with your pet for many years.
