7 Cute Small Dog Breeds that are Gentle and Affectionate

Every living creature in this world is beautiful, and so are dogs. Choosing the cutest pup of all breeds seems to be a difficult task. However, some small dogs match the real definition of cuteness.

Whether you are looking for a canine companion to stay by your side or a playmate for your children, small dog breeds are a great fit. According to AKC, some small dogs love snuggling in your lap while others have a personality as tough as a nail.

Do you know? A four-year-old Chihuahua living in Florida holds the Guinness World Record for the shortest dog living. It is only 3.59 inches tall.

Small dogs are popular for their compact and manageable size. They are easy to train and have lower food requirements than most other large dog breeds. Have a look at 7 popular miniature dogs that are good companions for you and your family.

Cute Small Dog Breeds

1. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkie packs worked in Victorian factories to keep them pest-free. Soon, they earned fame as adorable companions in elite circles. Their small size allowed them to squeeze into tight spaces while chasing after rodents. The Yorkshire terrier is a hypoallergenic dog.

Now, the Yorkshire terrier or “Yorkie” is famous as a lap dog. Like many other dogs, teacup Yorkies are prone to hypoglycemia and need careful monitoring, especially as puppies. Yorkies do not need much exercise to stay active.

Yorkshire terriers are playful, affectionate, and full of energy despite their small size. Due to their sweet temperament, these little fur balls make wonderful pets. Yorkies make excellent watchdogs and make you feel their presence by barking all around the house.

Do you know? A Yorkshire terrier reaches a maximum weight of 7 pounds in their life. Due to this, they look like puppies throughout their life.

2. Pug

The word “pug” means “little cutie.” The loyal and affectionate pugs can melt your heart with their expressive eyes. Squished faces, droopy ears, smooshed up muzzle are the defining characteristics of this breed. Originally bred in China, they were called Fu dogs and served the Chinese royals as lap dogs.

Pugs are very energetic and playful. If your kids want a dog who is always ready for a game, consider adopting a pug! These are super smart dogs, but they are a bit stubborn, which makes this breed hard to train.

Do you know? A pug once saved its owner’s life! In 1500s, when Spanish soldiers came closer to Prince of Orange, William the Silent’s tent for an assassination attempt, its pet pug barked so loudly that it saved his master’s life.

3. Pomeranian

Also known as Poms, Pomeranians are the puffballs with tiny feet and little barks. Poms are the little dogs with an average weight of 3 to 7 pounds. Originally bred as herding dogs, poms later gained popularity as toy dogs.

Pomeranians have a constantly smiling face. This miniature variety is affectionate and loving. Hill’s Pet explains that Poms are good watchdogs and are friendly around children. However, they can be a bit stubborn, but consistent training makes them behave well in various situations and around other pets.

Pomeranians have low exercise needs. Even 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise is sufficient to boost your Pom’s heart rate. These family dogs enjoy play sessions, short walks, and mental stimulation. According to the American Kennel Club, if you start early, you can train a Pomeranian to walk on a leash and teach it to come when called.

Do you know? Out of the 12 dogs that aboard titanic, only three survived. Two of them were Pomeranians who escaped the sinking ships in life boats with their wealthy owners. This miraculous escape adds a new chapter to the history of this dog breed.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a small companion dog. Due to their close resemblance to a lion, these cute dogs are named Shih Tzu, which means “little lion” in Mandarin. With a flowing long coat, they often sport a ponytail on top. Pet parents looking for a cuddly canine should adopt a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzus are the lap dogs that stay small forever. They are often seen taking part in dog sports, particularly agility. Shih Tzus’ intelligent, friendly, and protective nature makes them wonderful pets. They exhibit aristocratic behavior and a charming personality that wins hearts.

Do you know? The earliest Shih Tzus were developed by Tibetan monks, possibly by crossing Pekingese with Lhasa Apso.

5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the shortest members of the herding dog breed. Pembrokes are one of the two types of corgis. They are excellent at dog sports and need an hour of exercise every day. If you provide corgis with an adequate amount of exercise daily, they make great apartment dogs.

Corgi is an intelligent breed that can be easily trained and are always willing to please. Pembrokes are friendly with their family, but get noisy and aloof with strangers.

This breed is often associated with pulling fairy coaches and herding fairy cattle in stories. This playful pup needs a lot of attention.

Do you know? Queen Elizabeth had an unmatched love for Corgis. She had around 30 of them in her lifetime.

6. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is an irresistibly cute canine with a perfect contrast of curly white hair with black eyes and nose. You have to follow a regular grooming routine to keep their fluffy coat looking its best. Schedule regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer every four to six weeks for your Bichon frise.

Pet parents love Bichon Frises due to their affectionate and playful personalities. They are curious, friendly, and always eager to please. That is why they are easy to train in fun activities and basic commands. These cute dogs are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Do you know? The name Bichon Frise originated from old French word “biche” for female dog. Some people also believe that it is a short form of term “barnichon” which means “small poodle.”

7. Maltese

One of the friendliest tiny dogs, Maltese are as sweet as Maltesers. The ancient Greeks and Romans went crazy about the cuteness of these miniature pups. This buddy has a straight, sweeping, hypoallergenic fur.

Maltese are loving and loyal companions who enjoy sitting in your lap. PetMD suggests you should give enough attention to your pup, as Maltese are likely to develop separation anxiety.

This breed has relatively low exercise needs as compared to other breeds. Only 30 minutes to an hour of exercise will suffice.

Do you know? Just like other teacup breeds, Maltese are prone to dental problems such as tartar build up. Therefore, brush your pups teeth regularly and take them to the vet in case they need professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Popular small dog breeds that make wonderful pets are mentioned in the article. Several other dog breeds, such as Jack Russell terriers, miniature pinschers, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, miniature poodle, and cairn terriers, are also popular for their cuteness.

Any pet enthusiast will love adopting these breeds. But what is more important is to take proper care of these little dogs so that they stay healthy and playful.