Are you obsessed with small dogs that look like puppies no matter their age and never stop having a youthful temperament? There are many such little dog breeds with big personalities that make loving pets for people living in different types of environments.
Small dog breeds are especially favored by city dwellers who live in apartments, as these pups fit perfectly in small spaces. If you want your pet to add joy and playfulness to your life, find a toy dog breed fit for your lifestyle.
From chilling next to you on the couch to bouncing by your side on short walks outdoors, these dogs can be quite versatile and entertaining. As easygoing dogs, many such breeds also make good travel companions if they’ve been given proper crate training.
This article will review seven such enchanting dog breeds that stay small forever and brighten up any home they’re in.
Charming Dog Breeds That Stay Small for Life
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahua, or “Chis,” is a feisty and spunky small breed that makes a fantastic lap dog. These pups come in a small body, an apple- or deer-shaped head, and expressive, round eyes. Chihuahuas bond deeply with their favorite humans and tend to suffer from separation anxiety if they’re left alone for long periods of time.
Chihuahuas can feel intimidating to adopt to some due to their gremlin-like demeanor, but these pooches can be very loyal and loving. They make good family dogs as long as no one in the household is roughhousing them (especially children).
They’ve been called “purse dogs” due to their compact size and make wonderful companions for apartment living. As they love to run around, they can burn off their excess energy within your apartment or home. These pooches might need some extra care if they’re living in a cold environment, according to the AKC.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranian might look like a fuzzy, stuffed toy, but this lively little dog will always make its presence known with its regal but playful nature. These pooches are descendants of spitz-type dogs and have little fox-like facial features. Other than their profuse coats, their triangular ears and expressive eyes help them stand out.
Poms are one of the smartest dog breeds and are well suited for pet parents who want small pups with an alert nature. They can be nice watchdogs (they tend to bark at strangers) if they’ve been given proper and early training. A properly socialized Pom can coexist well with children as well as other dogs in the household.
Pomeranians can be quite bouncy and energetic little pets that enjoy short walks and indoor games with their human family members. They do have a stubborn streak, but as clever dogs, they can learn to do tricks as well as cues and commands pretty well.
Fun fact: Pomeranians have had many famous owners, like Mozart and Sir Isaac Newton, according to Orvis.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
When it comes to the best small dogs that never stop looking like puppies, it’s impossible to leave out Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies bring lots of love and playfulness in a small package and make wonderful family dogs as well as pets for solo owners.
This dog’s gorgeous silky coat, perky ears, and an adorable “pleading” face immediately make us fall in love with it. Originally bred as a rat- and vermin-catching dog for Scottish weavers in English mills, this breed soon got the status of pampered lap dog for Victorian ladies. They’re still one of the most popular companions for urban dwellers, though they also live happily on farmhouses.
Yorkies’ small bodies are covered with a luxurious coat that keeps growing unless you regularly trim it, which can be a good idea; for one thing, they look lovely in a “puppy cut”. For another, it can save you some time in their coat care, though they’ll always need some regular grooming.
For allergy sufferers, Yorkies make valuable pets as these pooches are hypoallergenic dogs and shed very little. They can also live amazingly with children and other pets; it’s important to supervise these tiny dogs with kids and large dogs so they don’t accidentally get hurt.
4. Maltese
Maltese is one of the prettiest compact dogs, with a long, fluffy white coat that cascades down its little body. This breed makes an excellent family pet due to its lively and playful temperament and is an ideal pet for people living in tight spaces. This pooch’s exercise needs can be easily met within your small apartment or a small fenced yard.
Maltese is an ancient dog breed with origins that can be traced 2500 years back (or more) and has been named after the Island of Malta, according to Britannica. Small but elegant, the Maltese moves with grace and makes a good participant in dog sports, like agility.
Friends to allergy sufferers, Maltese shed minimally but need daily brushing and occasional bathing to stay clean. They’re playful enough for a dog this size and stay healthy with some short daily walks and indoor play sessions.
These pooches get along well with everyone in the household due to their affectionate temperament, but are still watchful when around strangers. If taken good care of, they can be nice pets for first-time pet parents and solo owners.
5. Papillon
While the Papillon’s adorable face and distinct, butterfly-like ears make it unforgettable, this breed’s charm is in more than its looks. This spunky dog is more than a fashion statement, with its happy-go-lucky and fun-loving nature and its intelligence.
Their small size makes them one of the best pets for people who live in shared apartments and dorms, as long as they’re receiving enough playtime and mental stimulation.
As small dogs, Paps stay manageable even through their adulthood and adapt well to both warm and hot climates. They grow only to 8-11 inches in height and weigh no more than 10 pounds. Their feathered coat needs frequent brushing (a few times a week) to stay dirt- and tangle-free.
They’re also better suited for active families who engage their dogs in activities like walks in the neighborhood and playing fetch.
Due to its love for human companionship, the Pap is a breed likely to suffer from separation anxiety and can become a velcro dog. Make sure to give this pooch positive reinforcement training and allow it to spend some alone time.
6. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are the tiniest variety in this breed; smaller than both Standard and Miniature Poodles. These stuffed-toy-like canines are just 4-6 pounds in weight and no taller than 10 inches. As one of the most intelligent dog breeds, these pooches entertain their humans with the tricks they learn with ease and also enjoy playing with puzzle toys.
Toy Poodles have the trademark curly Poodle coat that can be harsh and requires regular brushing and frequent professional grooming. Other than their grooming needs, these pooches also require some mental stimulation, though as small dogs, their exercise needs can be met with some short walks and fun games.
Toy Poodles are one of the low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs that can make lovely pets for people with allergies.
As small and sensitive dogs, these pooches can get stressed if there is some unexpected change in their surroundings. If they get bored, they can start engaging in some destructive activities and also start barking more.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese is a small dog breed with a royal background, as these pooches have lived in the companionship of Chinese emperors. They’re famous for their “lion-like mane”, as their long coat covers their tiny but sturdy body.
Pekingese can weigh up to 14 pounds and grow up to 6-9 inches tall. As they’ve lived closely with their human owners in luxurious palaces, they can still develop deep bonds with their pet parents and live a cozy life in apartments.
Pekingese, or “Peke,” are generally affectionate and even-tempered, but can also be strongly “opinionated” and independent. They can grow to be well-behaved pets with early, consistent training, and respond well to reward-based, positive methods.
These pooches can be quite kid-friendly, but live better with older children who’ve been taught not to roughhouse with these tiny pups. Pekes can enjoy an easygoing life indoors, but will also enjoy participating in some dog sports. As a flat-faced breed, they need to be kept indoors when it’s too hot or humid outdoors.
Conclusion
These charming little dogs don’t grow a lot in size, but their love and loyalty for you will definitely grow if you’re taking good care of them. Whether they’re easygoing or surprisingly energetic, these pooches will help you add more joy and peace to your life.
