Adopting a dog for your home isn’t as easy as it seems. You need to focus on various things like your lifestyle, living space, budget, and many other things. The most important factor to consider is the size of the dog you’re adopting, especially when bringing home a small dog breed.

Small dogs are adorable, but with them comes the great responsibility of keeping them safe and caring for them. We have gathered 9 dog breeds that stay small forever but have different traits, characteristics, and temperaments that differentiate them from each other.

Read on to learn more about each breed and choose your toy companion dog wisely. This guide not only focuses on small dog breeds but also on different ways you can provide for them. Let’s get started.

Adorable Dog Breeds That Stay Little Forever

1. Chihuahua

These tiny dogs have a huge personality in a small body and are also known to be the oldest breeds in the US. Chihuahuas are the national symbol of Mexico, as noted by the AKC.

These dogs remain small even when fully mature. Chihuahuas have erect ears and full, luminous eyes, which give them their highly expressive faces.

Though Chihuahuas are healthy little beasts, they still need to be cared for. These dogs are alert and highly intelligent. Don’t let their small size fool you, they can easily scare away other dogs or pets double their size if they feel threatened.

2. Havanese

Havanese, the National dog of Cuba, are compact pups who not only make great family pets but are also known for their high energy and alert nature, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

A fully mature Havanese dog retains its petite stature, which makes them the perfect companion for people living in apartments and small houses. Havanese have a beautiful, silky coat and a curled-over tail, which makes them extremely attractive.

These dogs have small, sturdy bodies, an adaptable nature, great social skills, and the instincts of a classic clown. These are real people pleasers because of their extroverted personality, which makes them the best companion dog breed for pet parents.

3. Maltese

These gorgeous, snowy balls of fur stay little forever and maintain their toy dog charm even when they are fully mature, making them the perfect lap companion dogs. Malteses are loving pets and would do anything to make their favorite human smile.

Pawlicy Advisor mentions that these ancient dogs of Malta are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions. Despite their small size, they are a hardy breed that stays alert and is fearless, making them excellent watchdogs.

Regardless of their long coat, these are low-shedding dogs, so you don’t have to worry about buying a heavy-duty vacuum for your house. Maltese are long-lived and adjust with everyone quickly and are friends with people of all ages.

They can be stubborn at times, but nothing that a reward-based positive training can not resolve.

4. Papillon

Always alert and protective, the Papillon maintains its compact, petite form as it grows. These dogs are small enough to be carried anywhere and are always full of energy.

Their medium-sized coats may shed frequently, but can be fixed with regular grooming, at least every 3 weeks, to ensure they maintain their charming look.

Though these dogs are tough and gusty, they need to be looked after and cared for, especially on the stairs or around furniture in your home, and with large animals, because they might end up hurting themselves.

Regular vet checkups are recommended to ensure these small dogs stay healthy.

Papillons are friendly pets who are ideal for those families who enjoy happy and energetic dog breeds. Their playful, affectionate nature makes them a popular breed in various homes.

5. Shih Tzu

Known as the “lion dogs”, these pooches are an excellent match for anyone living in apartments or lacking outdoor space. These tiny dogs are playful, but they don’t mind staying inside for a fun or relaxed time with you.

This dainty and charming breed loves being a lap dog and is especially affectionate around children; however, supervision is required so they don’t get hurt.

These cute, dainty dogs have an outgoing, happy, friendly, and trusting personality. They love being around their owners for most of the time and may get unhappy or anxious if left alone for a long time.

Shih tzu’s require regular brushing and a bath every 3-4 weeks to keep their coat clean and charming.

With proper training and socialization, a Shih Tzu turns into a well-adjusted and well-mannered companion dog.

6. Pomeranian

While these family dogs are fun-sized and stay like this all their life, Pomeranians are active pups with a protective nature and are always on the lookout, making them excellent guard dogs.

Pomeranians are popular toy dog breeds because of their glorious coats, smiling, fox-like faces, and vivacious personalities. According to Wikipedia, the Pomeranian became famous because of Queen Victoria, who fell in love with its beauty and stature.

Pomeranians are an alert and intelligent breed that stays small forever. These perky little pets are perfect for fun-loving families and children who are old enough to differentiate between a toy and a dog.

These puppies look like “miniature lions” because of their fluffy coat around their neck.

7. Chinese Crested

This small dog breed is known for their unique hairless appearance, elegance, and graceful nature. These sweet-tempered pups stay small forever and retain their miniature form even when fully mature, making them great for apartment living.

These dogs are also great travel companions because of their small size. These happy and alert dogs tend to be friendly towards everyone. Their eagerness to please people helps them form strong bonds with their family.

These small and cute dog breeds crave attention and may become needy and sad if not provided with enough time and attention. Either these dogs are hairless, or they are powder puffs with long hairs that need to be groomed.

8. Yorkshire Terrier

These pups are protective small dogs, but are alert when it comes to sensing dangers that might be coming their way or their pet parents. This trait makes them the perfect guard dog breeds.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact toy-sized dog breed that is feisty, brave, and might show a bossy attitude at times. They benefit from moderate exercise and short walks at a steady pace.

These small dog breeds are eager to please humans around them. They should be given training and socialization at an early age so that they are used to strange situations, people, and other dogs or pets around them.

9. Affenpinscher

These cute little dogs maintain their average weight and height when they fully mature, making them the perfect little couch companions for you and your family.

This almost-human-like toy small dog breed is loyal, curious, and famously amusing. These dogs are generally healthy but can experience breathing problems during hot weather.

It is better to consult a vet regarding this situation so you can get tips and guidelines on how you can help them.

These pups have a spirited terrier-like personality and an almost money-like face, which gives them their nickname, The Monkey Dog. Their quirky attitude complements their looks, which makes these dogs seem bold, confident, and animated.

Basic obedience training should be given to these affectionate pups. Prepare short training sessions with an experienced trainer to ensure they follow and understand all commands.

To ensure you make the perfect little cozy space for these small dogs, you can use our dog crate size calculator for proper guidance.

Conclusion

These small dog breeds are a true joy for all pet lovers who are on the lookout for a compact companion dog with a big heart of gold. From their playful, affectionate personalities to their manageable size, these small dogs bring endless love and comfort to your house.

Whether you live in a cozy little apartment or just adore the presence of these miniature pups, these 9 breeds are a great option for you. So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect little pups for yourself that get along well with you.