Do you have a small home but a desire to bring home a pet dog? Well, this is something you mustn’t worry about anymore. We have gathered 7 of the perfect small dog breeds that make great family dogs, have a playful nature, and get along well with everyone in the house.
These small canines are incredibly intelligent, adaptable, have less active lifestyles, require minimal grooming, and want nothing other than human companionship. These pups are ideal for people living in apartments, shared spaces, or with little space to provide for dogs.
Read on to learn more about these wonderful little dogs who make affectionate companions. Explore how you can fulfil their needs and take care of them so they don’t lose their charm.
Amazing Dog Breeds Under 22 Pounds For Small Homes
1. Affenpinscher
Goofy-looking small dog breed with a playful and amusing personality, the Affenpinscher is bold, courageous, and can be feisty at times. These little dogs are mischievous and have monkey-like expressions that can make your heart melt.
According to PetMD, these affectionate dogs make excellent pets for first-time owners. They get along well with everyone and also like interacting with children, given that they know how to behave around small dogs. Their small size makes them portable and can be taken anywhere, plus they also adjust well to apartment living or compact houses.
These entertaining companions have moderate energy levels and benefit from interactive play sessions and a short walk around the corner to fulfil their energy needs. Since they are smart canines, these dogs love to be challenged mentally; otherwise, they may end up getting bored and show unwanted behaviors.
2. Papillon
A toy dog breed with one of the longest life expectancies, Papillons are the oldest spaniels and get their name from their butterfly-like ears. They are alert, friendly, and energetic little dogs who enjoy sitting on your lap to get all the cuddles and participating in all the family adventures.
One of the best characteristics of Papillons is that they are intelligent, which makes it easy to train them as they can grasp new tricks and commands quickly. They get along well with other pets in the vicinity, even cats. They are ideal for a child-free home, but if you have older children, then it’s not much of a problem.
Papillons are surprisingly active despite their small size, which is why they need at least half an hour to an hour of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and satisfied. Because of their compact size, these lap dogs can adjust to any living situation, but a fenced yard or a lawn is appreciated, given their playful energy.
3. Yorkshire Terriers
A British toy dog breed and the smallest among terriers, Yorkshire Terriers are known for their full-blown, human-like hair, which gives them their signature and elegant look. Yorkies are small dogs with a big attitude. There is no doubt that they love getting in all the love and cuddles, but these pups do not shy away from showing other dogs who’s the boss.
Being a small breed dog, these pups have a protective nature and are not at all scared when faced with a large dog. According to Purina, these dogs love being around their pet parents, which is why leaving them alone for longer hours is not recommended. This toy breed can be a little noisy, which can be an issue in shared spaces, but with proper training and early socialization, this issue can be resolved.
Yorkies are not just cute little lap dogs; they love playing and are full of energy. They require daily exercise, play fetch, and run around in open spaces as much as large dogs. They don’t mind living anywhere as long as they have access to toileting and space to stretch their tiny legs and run around.
4. Maltese
Highly valued and one of the most expensive small dog breeds from the canine world, the Maltese is an intelligent, affectionate canine who thrive with gentle handling. They get along well with everyone, even kids, but can snap at children who are into rough play.
Though they have a petite build, they are still fearless and alert. They let out a loud bark if they feel something isn’t right. They make wonderful companions for those living in confined spaces or apartments. These dogs shed low to moderately, which makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Their silky hair needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and keep their fluffy coat in good shape.
These small dogs were originally bred to be with aristocrats, but because of their charm, beauty, and ability to form strong bonds with their owners, these pups also prove to be delightful companions. Maltese benefit from daily exercise, but it should not be a lot. A fun play session and a walk around the block are more than enough for them.
5. Chihuahua
A tiny but confident dog breed, the Chihuahua is a small dog breed with a petite frame yet a big personality. These pups love to give and receive love from their pet parents. According to PDSA, they are a popular breed because of their alertness, loving nature, and positive energy.
Chihuahuas are feisty and do not back down when it comes to defending themselves. Because they are a small dog breed, they are suitable for smaller homes and apartments. However, they do have a barking issue, which can be resolved with training and proper socialization.
Chihuahuas are clever dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement training. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but consistency and patience are key with this small breed.
These companion dogs are better off with owners who can deal with canines with an independent nature. They make good family dogs, and leaving them alone for a long time is not recommended, as they may develop separation anxiety.
6. Pomeranian
A little dog breed with a perky and friendly nature, Pomeranians are fluffy canines who are full of life. They are highly energetic and totally head over heels for their owners. Their fun-loving nature and cuteness make them a popular pet choice for dog lovers.
These pups are fearless, as if they don’t realize that they are small dogs and can think they can tackle large breeds easily. These pups have moderate exercise needs and do not need physical activity every day, as compared to other toy breeds; however, they do have a double coat that needs to be groomed regularly to ensure their charming look.
Pomeranians may be a small breed, but they are alert and bark if something does not feel right. They get along well with everyone in the house, including children, as long as they know how to behave around small dogs. Proper training and early socialization are essential for this small breed dog.
7. Biewer Terrier
Bred primarily in Germany, the Biewer terrier is a result of a cross between two Yorkshire terriers. Biewer terriers may be tiny dogs, but they have a charming and endearing appearance that makes you fall in love with them. They are lively, devoted, and fond of their pet parents.
Their small size makes them an ideal companion for confined spaces and apartment living, but they do need access to the outside world. These small dogs are surprisingly energetic but still have relatively low exercise needs. They can be happy and satisfied with daily walks and fun playtime in the park.
These terriers are social, and they thrive on human interaction, which is why leaving them alone for long periods won’t be ideal. They have a fun-loving and childlike attitude, which makes them a family favorite. These terriers are a great fit for a home with children, as they get along well with them and even other pets in your home, as long as they are socialized from an early age.
Conclusion
The canine world is filled with small dogs who make wonderful pets, but there are some who stand out as pups who are suitable for any living situation, especially confined spaces and apartments. These breeds are a sign that you don’t need a whole lot of space to fulfill your pet dreams.
All these small breeds need is love, attention, and a fun play session with their pets, and they’ll be happy and satisfied all the time. These pups have all the characteristics to make your heart melt and keep you entertained with their silly antics. So, don’t waste more time, bring home your favorite pet today!
