Dog breeds weighing under 22 pounds are usually considered small. Small dog breeds are a hot commodity due to their manageable size and loving personality. These canines have been bred little, as per their working or hunting history.
Some small dog breeds were meant to serve as companions. Thanks to their portable size, you can easily carry them wherever you want. They are highly adaptable and adjust well in a variety of homes, including apartments and small spaces.
Despite their tiny stature, small dogs make loyal companions for families. They need moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Only a few short walks around the block and indoor play sessions would suffice for them.
Have a look at some of the best dog breeds under 22 pounds for families.
Best Dog Breeds Under 22 Pounds for Families
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient and tiny dog breed hailing from Asia. Often known as ‘lion dog,’ these sturdy dogs are loved for their short muzzle, smooth coat, and floppy ears. Shih Tzus may be small in size, but they have big personalities.
They make loyal and loving companions for families with children and other pets. The American Kennel Club describes Shih Tzus as playful and outgoing dogs with an affectionate nature. They were meant to live inside royal palaces.
These highly adaptable dogs adjust well to a variety of environments. Shih Tzus are moderately energetic and require minimal exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They are one of the best small dog breeds for pet parents who prefer apartment living.
Shih Tzus are smart dogs with an eager-to-please nature. They are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement-based methods.
2. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small non-sporting dog breed loved for their playful and affectionate personality. They love their humans and tend to be great around kids. Bichons are sociable companions who adapt well to family life.
Bichon Frise warm up to new people easily and make gentle and loving pets. They thrive on affection and attention and do not like being left alone. A bored or neglected Bichon can develop separation anxiety or exhibit destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing.
Bichons make ideal lap dogs and can spend hours resting in their owner’s lap. These smart and highly trainable canines learn quickly due to their eager-to-please nature. Bichons need moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Their white and curly coat is hypoallergenic and requires plenty of grooming to stay free from mats and tangles. PetMD mentions that they shed minimally and make ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
3. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are lively and affectionate dogs with an amusing personality. These small dogs make loyal and curious companions. Their name literally translates to ‘monkey dogs.’ Affenpinschers have an alert and inquisitive personality.
WebMD explains that Affens are highly portable dogs who are comfortable in apartments and are eager to travel with you. They have moderate exercise needs. Due to their small size, they can get adequate stimulation by just playing with toys around the house.
Their wiry coats are hypoallergenic and need moderate grooming to stay free from mats and tangles. Affenpinschers are brachycephalic. Their flat faces make them prone to breathing problems. So make sure you do not over-exercise your dog or take them out in hot weather.
Affenpinschers are lively and affectionate dogs. They get along nicely with children and are a good choice for first-time dog owners.
4. Pomeranian
These little bundles of joy are full of energy and personality. Pomeranians are the smallest of all Spitz dogs. They were originally bred as much larger sled dogs, but were reduced in size through selective breeding.
Pomeranians are adaptable dogs who make loving companions for many families. They thrive on social interaction and love getting and receiving attention. Poms make great lap dogs, but they also love their independence.
So, do not be surprised if they prefer walking on the ground sometimes instead of being carried in your arms. Despite being a small dog breed, Poms are full of energy. They enjoy regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a positive reinforcement training method
Their dense double coat makes them look much bigger than they are. However, it requires lots of regular grooming to stay free from tangles.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving and affectionate small dog breed that was originally bred to warm the laps of British royalty. Thanks to their small size and moderate exercise needs, Cavaliers make great apartment dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are highly sociable dogs who get on well with everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers. Their gentle demeanor makes them ideal family dogs. Cavaliers are very adaptable dogs.
They do equally well with active families as well as shameless couch potatoes. Cavaliers are smart dogs with an eager-to-please nature. They pick up on new commands quickly and excel at a variety of dog sports, including obedience training, rally, and agility.
Cavaliers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for long periods.
6. Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terrier is an elegant and long-haired toy dog breed. Having a charming and whimsical charm, they are incredibly loyal to their family members and friendly towards strangers. Biewer Terriers are hearty and athletic dogs that were bred to hunt vermin.
Biewer Terriers have a lively and playful temperament and are highly devoted to their pet parents. Despite their small size, they are surprisingly energetic and require regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
These mellow and easygoing companions are an ideal fit for first-time dog owners. They enjoy daily walks and indoor play sessions with their favorite human. Biewer Terriers make wonderful family pets.
Their silky tricolored coat is single-layered and needs regular grooming to stay free from tangles and mats.
7. Havanese
Hailing from Cuba, these cheerful little dogs weigh no more than a few pounds. Havanese are loved for their fluffy coat and loving personality. This highly affectionate and playful breed is very intelligent and good-natured.
Havanese are much sturdier compared to other small dog breeds. These high-spirited canines have an outgoing personality and get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other dogs, and even strangers. Their gentle and kind demeanor makes them well-suited for family life.
Havanese have moderate exercise needs, so they benefit from brisk daily walks or fun playtime with their owners. They have an eager-to-please nature and are very sensitive. Make sure you do not use harsh training methods to train your Havanese.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds usually weigh under 22 pounds. Their small size means they have moderate exercise needs and adaptable personalities. They enjoy short daily walks and indoor play sessions with their humans.
Thanks to their loving and loyal temperament, they make ideal family pets. These pooches thrive on human interaction and love to stay by your side all the time. Leaving them alone for long periods makes them prone to separation anxiety.
Remember, every dog breed requires regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit, regardless of its size! So, exercise your dog regularly to prevent destructive behaviors.
