When it comes to dogs, some pet parents prefer a partnership full of adventure and vigor, while others want to live a cozy, easygoing life with their pets. Small dogs have many perks, but with today’s urban lifestyle, the biggest benefit is that these pooches can fit anywhere.
Do you live in a dorm or a shared space? You don’t need to worry about not having a big yard or a large lounge for your doggo to play in; you can always adopt a petite dog that will live happily with you. Apartment living comes with its own quirks; you have to be mindful of your neighbors while making sure your dog can stay happy in your small space.
Petite dogs aren’t just amazing for a small living, they can adapt to different living conditions, and don’t need a lot of vigorous exercise.
If you’re ready to bring home a cute cuddle buddy, here are 9 breeds you can pick from.
Petite Dog Breeds Perfect for Small Living
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas have quite a reputation for having a feisty personality, and their perky ears and big, clever eyes confirm that. Though not always for inexperienced pet parents, Chihuahuas are wonderful small dogs if well-trained.
These pooches also have a name of endearment, aka, “Chis,” and they make loving lap dogs, once they’ve bonded with their humans. Speaking of bonding, Chihuahuas love staying close to their favorite person and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone, as per PetMD.
There are so many perks to adding this small dog breed to your family. They’re so small, they can live literally anywhere, and don’t need a lot of food to stay healthy. They’re also quite watchful, so if you have roommates, you’ll have fewer stealing-related worries.
Chis do make good family dogs, but they might not be well-suited if you have small kids. These pups need their boundaries respected, and can get annoyed when it’s not the case. They’re also very fragile and can get hurt if subjected to rough-housing.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
We know terriers tend to be sprightly, and the Yorkshire Terrier is a breed that carries that trademark temperament. Owners of Yorkies know these small dogs are huge in personality and love for their humans, which makes them one of the most ideal family pets.
Yorkies are often deemed one of the most popular dogs in several cities in the USA, as per the AKC. It’s no wonder that city dwellers love these lively little dogs, as they can bring a high-spirited vibe to the small, urban living.
While their compact size makes them great companions for people living in apartments, Yorkies’ hypoallergenic coat makes them one of the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers. Fond of playing fetch and other small games indoors, Yorkies do need some regular daily activity.
Yorkies have long, floor-length, silky coats that can be trimmed short or tied up in a knot to make them look even cuter.
3. Maltese
Maltese is an ancient dog breed named after a Mediterranean island (Malta), and is popular for its gorgeous, white coat. Popular among people who adore toy dogs, the Maltese is one of the best small dog breeds with many quirks. It’s a tiny dog with a big heart as it keeps an eye out for anything suspicious in the surroundings, while being your adoring companion, as per Purina.
It’s hard to believe that this gorgeous breed has seen the ups and downs of Maltese history over around 2,000 years. It’s believed to have been brought to Malta by the Phoenicians, spent time with the Romans and the Chinese breeders, and eventually, in 1877, made its appearance in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Nowadays, you’ll see Maltese strutting around with their owners on sidewalks and dog parks. These pooches can adapt to small living spaces with their human partners and enjoy indoor play. They’re great at learning obedience and agility, and follow cues and commands happily.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small fluffballs with quirky and clever personalities that make us fall in love with them. With their long, fluffy coat, Poms are dogs with a tendency to be stubborn and bossy unless they’re trained properly.
One of the best small dog breeds for apartment living and urban lifestyles, Poms are loyal companions with an alert nature. If you live in a smaller living space or a shared apartment, you need to watch out for their barking habits. Poms can be quite vocal as they love to keep you alert to anything out of the ordinary that they’ve noticed.
These pups adore their humans and bond closely with them, which can make them velcro dogs. Make sure to adopt a Pomeranian only if you already have some level of experience with doggos.
These gorgeous doggos have been favorites of royalty and many other historical figures (like Marie Antoinette and Mozart). They can make lovable lapdogs, but also need some level of daily playtime and exercise.
Poms have a thick coat that can make it hard for them to deal with hot weather; make sure to keep them cool and preferably indoors during hotter days.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are “little lions”, bred to have a lion-like appearance, with their long, silky hair and adorable faces. These pooches are great for apartment living as they can play and live happily in small spaces with their humans.
Shih Tzus are dogs that prove that small doesn’t mean dull or cowardly, as they will always alert their owners with a sharp bark when something’s off. These pups have lived luxuriously with Chinese aristocrats, and still enjoy cozying up next to their owners on the couch.
Playful and friendly, Shih Tzus can make great pets for families with children, as long as they’re not being manhandled. These pups tend to have a sociable nature; they will get along well with other dogs and pets.
6. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles may be the smallest Poodles, compared to Standard and Miniature Poodles, but they carry the typical Poodle energy levels. These intelligent dogs love to learn tricks and go to dog parks and on daily walks with their pet owners.
Toy Poodles’ manageable size makes them well-suited for people living in small apartments, as long as they’re getting enough daily physical and mental stimulation. Poodles have been duck-hunting dogs in Germany for decades; these water-friendly pups are great pets for people who enjoy swimming.
Huge personalities in small packages, Poodles are pups with working dog history; being dull or lazy is not for them. Toy Poodle is an entertaining furry companion you’ll have in your apartment; these doggos have even historically been preferred as circus dogs.
Poodles are hypoallergenic; you might need to take your Toy Poodle to a professional groomer off and on to get their thick double coat managed.
7. Pekingese
With a smooshed face, round, beady eyes, and a fluffy coat, the Pekingese is one of the most lovable little dogs. This ancient breed was bred for Chinese aristocrats, and nowadays is a good fit for people who love small and friendly doggos.
Pekingese makes a gentle and loving companion to its owners and forms a deep bond with them. If you travel a lot or plan to move to another city, a Pekingese will be a companion to keep off the blues and adapt to your new lifestyle.
Great pets for small apartments, if you want to keep your Pekingese occupied indoors, puzzle toys are a great tool to keep them happy. Some time under the sun is always a good idea for any dog; take your pup outdoors for short walks or playtime in the park.
Pekingese are seasonal shedders, and their thick coat does need regular upkeep. Once a week, brushing and occasional bathing are essential in keeping their hair matt-free.
8. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin is a graceful, long-coated toy dog that makes for a generally quiet pet for an easygoing lifestyle. They’re a good match for you if you live in a small apartment or close quarters, as these low-barking pups won’t disrupt the peace for you and your neighbors.
Originally bred for Chinese royals, this breed got famous as a breed when a Chinese emperor gave a pair of these doggos to a Japanese emperor, as per Britannica. Nowadays, they’re a popular choice among dog lovers who love quieter, small dogs with a distinct look.
With a curious look in their dark eyes, these pooches will make their way straight into your heart and become the most affectionate indoor pets. Their long, white, and black coats are comparatively easier to maintain, as they need only weekly brushing and occasional brushing.
9. Bichon Frise
If you live in a small apartment and have children or other pets at home, a Bichon Frise will adapt wonderfully into your life. Gentle and calm, Bichons are watchful but quite sociable pets who accept the company of strangers easily.
From cuddling in your lounge to playing in a small yard, the Bichon is all about adapting to small living. They learn easily, especially with positive reinforcement, and prefer staying close to their human family members.
Bichons need a moderate play and exercise routine; they’re prone to rest after staying active for a while. These smart little dogs need socialization and obedience training as puppies, which helps them grow to be well-mannered doggos.
Conclusion
Compact dogs aren’t just wonderful for small spaces; they are full of affection for their human families. These pooches can live happily in different types of living environments, as long as you know how to keep them safe and healthy.
