Dogs are just adorable despite their coat color, size, breeds, and build. But we sometimes find ourselves stuck somewhere when they were just babies. You probably have seen videos online where pet parents share pictures of their dogs from being a baby to a fully grown big dog.
Yeah, those NOSTALGIC reels that brought a smile to your face.
But let’s admit that somehow we also love them as puppies. They kind of lose their innocence, expressive puppy eyes, and overall vibe after growing up.
No one actually wants to MISS that, and that’s what makes a smaller dog breed a perfect choice.
They take up little space on your couch but a LOT in your HEART. These little dogs are ideal if you live in an apartment, travel frequently, or just prefer a pet that won’t accidentally knock over your coffee table.
These dogs also have relatively fewer tantrums in terms of exercise and training compared to big dogs that just get scary or get out of hand sometimes. We have shared 10 such dogs that just stay small forever, along with their exercise, grooming, and training needs.
Incredible Dog Breeds – Tiny and Stay That Way
1. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are alert, active, affectionate, and curious dogs that love to be right in the middle of whatever you are doing. They are one of the smartest dog breeds, as per PetMD, and were originally bred as water retrievers.
Their small size makes them perfect travel companions, and they also adjust well to compact homes. Toy Poodles don’t require a huge yard to be happy, but they require a moderate amount of exercise, including a daily walk.
These little dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train. They pick up commands faster and obey them 95% of the time, but keep training sessions short and fun to keep them engaged. That said, their curly coat doesn’t shed but requires daily brushing to prevent mats.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are bold, feisty, and lively little powderpuffs that were downsized to become companions for royals. These tiny fluffballs are affectionate, loyal, and bond deeply with their owners. Poms are also alert and vocals which makes them good watchdogs.
These small dogs typically weigh between 3 and 7 pounds and stand about 6-7 inches tall. They require moderate exercise for mental stimulation, including interactive play sessions and brisk walks. Poms are smart but also stubborn.
They require firm, consistent, and positive reinforcement for proper training. That said, their teddy bear signature look requires a lot of attention. Pomeranians are moderate to heavy shedders and require brushing 3-4 times a week along with regular professional grooming.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are famous for having a big dog personality in a tiny frame. They are loyal, alert, and often share a special bond with their family. However, they can be a bit sassy, aloof toward strangers, and often rule your house like little Napoleon, as per the AKC.
Chis are high-energy dogs and require a lot of playtime, including short walks to burn off their energy. These little dogs also get zoomies quickly and respond best to gentle and firm training due to their strong-willed nature.
That being said, Chihuahuas have smooth or long-haired coats, so their brushing needs also differ, though they shed moderately. Brushing once a week is usually enough for short-haired dogs, but you may have to brush 2-3 times a week for long-haired dogs.
4. Maltese
You may know them by nicknames like cotton candy, walking cloud, or marshmallow. Yeah, we are talking about Maltese. These little dogs are affectionate, devoted, and known to be lively, fearless, and highly expressive.
These small dogs don’t need miles of hiking to burn their energy, but a couple of short walks a day with some indoor playtime is usually enough. Maltese are easy to train due to their willing-to-please nature, but they can also be a bit stubborn.
They respond best to gentle and patient handlers. That said, these white pups are famous for their floor-length coat, which is considered hypoallergenic. You can opt for a full coat or just trim it for a puppy cut to reduce the daily brushing to 2-3 times a week.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are bold, inquisitive, and highly affectionate dogs that were bred to chase rodents in mills and coal mines first. However, they became lapdogs over time for their loyal nature. Yorkies are vocal, so they make excellent watchdogs.
The world’s smallest ever dog was a Yorkshire Terrier that was only 6 cm high, Purina shared.
These small dogs require a moderate amount of exercise and puzzle toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Although they are intelligent, but are are easy to train always due to their stubborn nature.
That said, Yorkies adjust well to small apartments, compact homes, and urban life due to their small size. They have glossy and low-shedding coats that grow continuously and require daily brushing to prevent mats and knots.
6. Papillon
Papillons are named after the French word for “butterfly” due to their fringed ears. They are outgoing, happy, highly social, friendly, and active dogs. Papillons love spending time with their family and giving kisses, as per the Papillon Club.
These are athletic little dogs and require a moderate amount of exercise for mental stimulation. That said, Papillons are quite easy to train due to their eager-to-please nature. They are also among the smartest dogs and pick up commands quickly.
That being said, they have a silky coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and require brushing 1-2 times a week to keep it clean. Make sure to pay attention to the fringe behind their ears and on their hind legs to prevent tangles there.
7. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are affectionate and sensitive to their owner’s emotions. These calm little dogs are famous for their cat like demeanor because of their quiet, clean, and love for climbing to high vantage points.
These are low- to moderate-energy dogs and often require a daily walk around the block with some indoor playtime. Chins are intelligent, eager to please, but they also have that superiority complex a bit. So make sure to be gentle and patient when training them.
That said, these small dogs have a single long silky coat that is actually low maintenance. They do shed but don’t mat because they lack an undercoat and require brushing once or twice a week to prevent tangles and give them a clean look.
8. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are also known as “Monkey dogs” or “Ape terriers” because their faces resemble a monkey, and honestly, their personality as well. They are unpaid comedians that always make you laugh with their little tricks and acts.
They are fearless, funny, and fiercely loyal dogs with amusingly serious expressions. Methew Mulin, director of ACA, described them as “a big dog in a little package”. These small dogs have moderate energy levels and enjoy brisk walks with indoor playtime.
In addition, Affenpinschers learn quickly but also have an independent streak, so keep training sessions short and fun. They have a wiry or shaggy coat that does not shed much but require brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent mats.
9. Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terriers are merry, affectionate, and easygoing pups that were bred for companionship. These dogs have a highly social, relaxed, and whimsical attitude. Biewers’ small size makes them an ideal choice for apartment dwellers.
These dogs also require a moderate amount of exercise in the form of walking, hide and seek, and fetching to burn off their energy. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, but are relatively less stubborn than other terrier breeds.
However, make sure to train them with positive reinforcement, praise, and treats. Biewer Terriers have a unique, long, silky tri colored coat that sheds a little but requires frequent brushing with a pin brush or metal comb to prevent mats and tangling.
10. Miniature Dachshund
Miniature Dachshunds are brave, independent, clever, and naturally vigilant dogs. They are instantly recognizable for their long back and short legs. These little dogs don’t require an excessive amount of exercise but do need enough for mental stimulation.
However, make sure not to let them jump because their backs are prone to IVDD. They are smart but were bred to hunt, so they also own that independent streak and require gentle and consistent training sessions with treats to engage them.
That being said, these small Dachshunds also have smooth, short, long, and wire hair, so their shedding and brushing needs also vary. The smooth coat requires a quick wipe down once a week, and wired or long-haired coats require frequent brushing.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds are all SMALL and stay the same forever. They have moderate exercise requirements and also adjust well to apartments if their energy needs are met. However, they differ in their training needs and coat types.
Some of them may require experienced owners, while others may have long coats or short coats. So, read the above details if you are choosing a tiny pup for your home.
