Small dogs are cute and compact, but they are a complete doggy package. These pint-sized pooches have enough charisma and charm to win hearts wherever they go. Whether they are entertaining you with their playful antics or trotting around with an air of royalty, they know how to make an impression.

Their small size does not mean they lack anything. In fact, these loyal and loving canines are packed with personality. They form strong bonds with their humans and become prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long.

Many of them are quite adaptable and make perfect apartment dogs. However, small dog breeds differ in personality from each other. Some are full of energy, while others are docile and laid back.

Here are the 9 most docile small dog breeds that are bursting with personality.

Most Docile Small Dog Breeds That Are Bursting With Personality

1. Pug

Pugs are incredibly smart small dogs who love to play and entertain others with their goofy antics. They make affectionate lapdogs thanks to their gentle and docile nature. Fox Terriers are known for their loving and good nature.

These lively little dogs are full of personality and form strong bonds with their owners. Their laid-back nature means they do not require extensive physical and mental stimulation. According to PetMD, Pugs are generally happy dogs having high-energy moments, but are generally calm.

Pugs have flat faces and are brachycephalic, which makes them vulnerable to respiratory issues and overheating. They are quite food-motivated, which means you can easily train them. But remember, positive reinforcement training works the best for Pugs.

2. Toy Poodle

Smallest of the three Poodle varieties, Toy Poodles are way too smart for their petite size. They are highly intelligent, affectionate, and docile personalities, and their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living.

Having a hypoallergenic coat, Toy Poodles make great pets for allergy sufferers as well.

Toy Poodles are known for being obedient and agile, and make excellent competitors in hunting trials. These sweet and loyal dogs are packed with personality and love to be the center of attention. Toy Poodles do well around children and other pets.

Poodles have a companionable nature and form strong bonds with their pet parents. They can become prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Toy Poodles are sensitive to changes in their environment and can develop gastrointestinal issues in response to sudden changes.

3. Havanese

Havanese are energetic and entertaining small dogs from Cuba. These little charmers love to please their owners and will learn whatever they can to do so. Havanese are gentle and docile dogs having an affectionate nature.

When it comes to emotional intelligence, Havanese are one of the smartest toy breeds. They get attuned to their owner’s emotions and are highly responsive to them. Havanese can be trained with patience, consistency, and love.

Packed with personality, Havanese have a nice and playful temperament. These curious little fellows are always eager to capture your attention and be held in your lap. Havanese love nothing more than warm hugs.

4. Bichon Frise

While Bichons may not be as smart as some other breeds on our list, they are capable of reading your moods and emotions. This is the reason they make wonderful companions and emotional support animals for individuals suffering from stress and anxiety.

These docile dogs compensate for their small size with their big personalities. Bichon Frises have an adaptable nature and high instinctive intelligence, which enables them to pick up on what is going on around them. They tend to learn from their mistakes and do not repeat the same error twice.

Bichons are happy little pooches with a cheerful attitude and curious nature. Thanks to their petite size, hypoallergenic coats, and moderate exercise needs, Bichons are ideal for apartment living. According to Purina, they are sociable and do well with other pets and dogs.

5. Papillon

With adorable butterfly ears, Papillons are little bundles of cuteness. They are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world and have loads of energy compared to their size. Papillons do not bark a lot but are docile and love to socialize with other pets.

One of the best small dog breeds, Paps love learning new things and are eager to please their humans, making training quite easy. Proper training and socialization are needed to turn your Pap into the most well-behaved pet.

Papillons excel in agility and obedience training and are great companions for apartment living. They form close bonds with their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety. So better not to leave your Papillon alone.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are incredibly smart and moderately energetic small dogs. They are good-natured companions with a friendly nature. Shih Tzus are very intelligent and easy-to-train dogs who get along nicely with other canine friends.

Shih Tzus are too affectionate with their owners and wary of strangers. They follow you from room to room. So always expect your pup to stick by your side and be ready to play. They have a docile nature and are quite adaptable to new environments.

Shih Tzus have a big personality, and they love their human family members, often referred to as “Velcro dogs.” They only need around half an hour of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation, explains PetPlan.

7. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are gentle and calm dogs well-suited for a range of households. They are patient, agreeable, and docile. Frenchies are sweet-natured and fun-loving canines who make a perfect pet for families, singles, and couples.

These happy dogs love being surrounded by people and don’t shy away when you have company. Frenchies are full of personality and are known for their curious nature. They tend to investigate new sounds, sights, and smells around them, but do not vocalize a lot.

French Bulldogs have a playful streak, and you have to keep them entertained to prevent them from chewing your furniture or shoes. Their affectionate personalities mean they form strong bonds with their owners, love cuddling sessions, and sitting on your lap.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular family dogs known for their gentle and docile nature. These great family dogs are patient and tolerant around kids and make wonderful playmates with them. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for active families as well as couch potatoes.

Cavaliers were bred to be lapdogs and have moderate exercise needs. They thrive on companionship and do not like being left alone for too long. Cavaliers are exceptionally good with everyone, including families and strangers.

According to PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are energetic dogs who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation every day. However, their fluffy coat is fairly high maintenance and needs daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.

9. Maltese

Maltese are affectionate and loyal dogs who form strong bonds with their human counterparts. They thrive on companionship and have an entertaining personality. Their small size and docile nature make them well-suited for apartment living.

Maltese are small white dogs full of personality. They love being pampered and getting lots of attention. However, they do not require extensive exercise for good physical and mental health. Only half an hour of daily activity would suffice. Use this dog calculator to check your pup’s exercise needs.

These clever dogs are highly trainable and love learning new tricks, but they also have a cheeky and headstrong side. Maltese dogs cannot be left alone for too long, as they are vulnerable to separation anxiety.

Conclusion

Most docile dog breeds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are highly adaptable and get along nicely with everyone, including kids and other pets. The best small dog breeds are usually lively and playful, making wonderful companions.

Their small size and loving personalities make them ideal for apartment living. Some of them are even hypoallergenic, making them excellent pets for allergy sufferers. However, many of them are prone to separation anxiety, so pet parents should be careful about that.