Every home has its own vibe and the perfect dog to match it. While some families dream of giant fluffballs taking up half the couch, others want a pint-sized pooch who fits right into their lap (and maybe their purse, too).
Sure, all dogs are perfect in their own way, but if you live in a cozy apartment or just want a tiny companion with a big personality, a small dog breed might be your ideal match.
Thinking about adopting a little canine cutie but can’t pick just one? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best small dogs to help you find your perfect furry fit!
Active Pocket-Sized Dog Breeds
1. Papillon
The very first dog on our list of small dog breeds is the Papillon. Papillion is a French word that means butterfly, and looking at a Papillon will help you understand why Papillon has been given this name. They have some really cute ears that are covered with silky hair that just looks like the wings of a butterfly. Who wouldn’t want a small dog this beautiful?
Talking about a Papillion’s physical features, although small, it surely doesn’t look like a butterfly. PetMD notes that these puppies come in an extra small size, ranging from 8 to 12 inches, and only weigh up to 5 to 10 pounds, making them look like a toy.
They’re lively and intelligent pups who love interactive play with their humans. Indoors, they’ll happily chase after a small ball or toy, and a Papillon will quickly catch on to the game of fetch, eagerly bringing it back for another round.
2. Shih Tzu
If you talk about a small dog that is not only friendly and energetic but also catches the attention of every sight that’s laid on it, then the Shih Tzu is the one you can go with. Shih Tzu is an exotic breed that is thought to have originated in China and even got its name from there.
In Chinese, “Shih Tzu” means lion dog, and it is said that they were crossbred to make them look like Lions from old Chinese artwork, can’t say if they have succeeded so far, can we?
Shih Tzus are not just the cutest, but also one of the newest and most popular dog breeds that have been recently added to the American Kennel Club in 1969. When it comes to qualities, Shih Tzus aren’t only famous for their small size, but also for their friendly demeanor, and a hyperactive lifestyle, making them a perfect fit for a house full of kids.
Shih Tzus enjoy short bursts of play and daily walks, but they’re just as content lounging around the house. Because of their short snouts and long coats, they’re sensitive to heat, so it’s best to avoid outdoor exercise on hot or humid days.
3. Maltese
Talking about dog breeds that are small, alert, and active? Don’t forget to mention Maltese in it. Maltese is a happy family dog that is always ready to play and can keep you and your kids busy all day long. These dogs are loved by everyone due to their cute looks, and what’s even more interesting is that they know how to become the centre of attention.
Maltese are known to be a bit stubborn and intolerant regarding some aspects, and they surely know how to keep you occupied in almost everything related to them. So, if you have a Maltese around, you are surely going to have some very busy days.
Having a Maltese can be a bit problematic sometimes because you always have to keep your energy as high as a Maltese to be ready to keep them engaged. This exercise is important to ensure proper venting of its playful energies, which otherwise can lead to excessive barking and a bit of aggressive behaviour. In terms of size and weight, Maltese can be 7 to 12 inches high and can weigh up to 4 to 8 pounds.
4. Biewer Terrier
The next cute dog on our list that is no less than a powerbomb is a Biewer terrier. The Biewers, often pronounced as Beavers, are dogs with a friendly nature that are quite energetic and can become the next member of your kid’s playing team.
These dogs have long silky hair on their body that gives them their famous elegant look. If trimmed in a timely manner, these little dogs can have hair longer than themselves, which makes them look more charming.
Biewer terrier is a small breed that is quite playful and develops strong bonds with their pet parents. These are quite energetic, and proper physical exercises are required to give them a proper energy release to keep them stable. These high-energy dogs can have sizes of 7 to 11 inches and can weigh up to 4 to 8 pounds.
5. Japanese Chin
The next furball on the list is the Japanese Chin. These dogs make great companion due to their joyful nature and friendly behavior. Talking about their origin, some people say that they came from the royal court of China about 1,500 years ago, and some claim these toy breeds were originally raised in Korea and were then migrated from there. Although the origin is not sure, one thing that everyone is sure about is that these dogs have the most majestic look a dog can have.
Features of a Japanese Chin include having a flat face, long hair, and a lapdog that is generally quiet. The most remarkable feature of this loyal companion is that they can climb high places like cats. They are of a short size, ranging from 8 to 11 inches, and a weight of 4 to 11 pounds, as per the AKC.
The Japanese Chin is a playful, easygoing companion that loves being the center of attention. While they’re intelligent and quick to learn tricks, they’re best suited for adult homes or families with older kids, as they can be delicate around small children.
6. Bichon Frise
These are small yet playful dogs that are super energetic and can develop a nice bond with kids and other dogs at your house. Their curly and silky hair can be white, cream, grey, or apricot in color with a plummed tail at their back.
Bichons aren’t big dogs, and they have a unique body type where their length is a bit longer than their height. They have medium-sized heads as per their body proportions, with ears that always remain drooped.
Bichon Frises are cheerful, energetic pups who love to play and learn. While they don’t need intense mental stimulation, they do thrive with plenty of indoor playtime and fun training sessions to keep their curious minds engaged.
7. Pug
The next dog that can become your next play partner in your small apartment is a Pug. Unlike most dogs mentioned above, pugs have a distinctive feature of wrinkles on their face, which gives them their cute look. These dogs have a gentle demeanor and are always excited to make new friends. These dogs require less space and can live up to 12 to 15 years with regular exercise, as Britannica notes.
Out of all the dogs mentioned above, Pugs are the most muscular ones that have big, round black eyes, a relatively large head, droopy ears, and the iconic curled tail, giving it the iconic look it is famous for.
Pugs are lively and playful, enjoying moderate daily exercise like backyard playtime or walks. However, they’re sensitive to heat, so it’s best to keep them cool and avoid too much outdoor activity on hot summer days.
Conclusion
In the canine world, every dog breed has its own breed characteristics that make them different and unique compared to other pet dogs. For anyone who wants a short-legged pup that can keep them occupied, having small dog breeds like Papillons, Pugs, Japanese Chin, or the other breeds mentioned above can be a good option.
So always do deep research about a dog’s size and weight before you think about adopting one to make sure you choose the most suitable partner for your small home.
