Are you looking for a small bundle of joy that never grows up? Some breeds thrive on puppy-like behavior, whether it’s their desire to be constantly held in arms, their love for snuggling under the covers, or their dramatic expressions.
These furry friends require tons of attention and follow you from room to room. They only want to be the center of your world. Research shows that dogs have a brain of a two-year-old human toddler. Probably, that is the reason why some dogs love being rocked like a baby.
Man’s best friend and partner in crime not only behaves like little kids, but sometimes it also looks like them. Their big eyes, round faces, and cute expressions are as adorable as a human child. These cute fellas make wonderful playmates.
Here are the top 9 dog breeds that love being rocked like puppies.
Dog Breeds That Love Being Rocked Like Baby Puppies
1. Dachshund
Dachshunds or Doxies come in two sizes: Standard and miniature. They are often known as wiener dogs or sausage dogs. Their long bodies and short legs look irresistibly cute. Plus, their loving and energetic personalities bring in tons of fun.
Dachshunds are a good choice for households with kids, especially if they are brought home as puppies and raised with your children. Doxies love attention and do best with positive reinforcement methods. They are quite sensitive, so you should avoid harsh comments during training.
Just like a child bonds with his mom, Doxies often attach themselves to one person who feeds them or spends the most time with them. However, Dachshunds have a tendency to bark and can be a bit stubborn, so training is a bit challenging.
2. Pomeranian
These pint-sized pooches almost look like teddy bears with their bright eyes and button noses. According to the American Kennel Club, Poms weigh no more than 7 pounds and stand only 6 to 7 inches tall.
Poms are the cute little puffballs who stay small forever. These lively and energetic doggos have a fox-like appearance. Pomeranians are feisty, sassy, and love to be the center of attention. Sometimes they are playful, and other times, they are the yapping dogs.
Their fun-loving and affectionate nature makes them an ideal choice as family pets. Pomeranians want to be surrounded by their loved ones all the time. These curious mutts love exploring the yard, short daily walks, belly rubs, and lots of snuggles.
3. Papillon
Hailing from France, Papillons are eager to please dogs who bond firmly to their people. Their “butterfly-like” fluffy ears are cute enough to cuddle forever. These small doggos are the lap warmers and can be happily carried along wherever you go.
Papillons are hardy dogs with an alert and friendly demeanor and are true companions at heart. They are well-suited for families with older children who know how to handle the pet gently. Paps thrive on human interaction and are vulnerable to separation anxiety.
Like little puppies, they want consistent care and attention. Papillons have moderate grooming requirements. Their long, silky fur should be brushed a few times a week. According to WebMD, they are also called “Continental Toy Spaniels.”
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are playful and fun-loving buddies originating from France. These little white dogs love being pampered and like nothing more than spending time with their people. Bichons are cheerful and intelligent canines who relish being the center of attention.
These gentle pooches make good friends with kids who treat them nicely. Bichon Frise thrive on social interaction and love pleasing their owners. They can happily spend the entire day lounging with their loved ones and require moderate exercise to stay healthy.
Their fluffy hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming and is complemented by their bright eyes and baby-doll face. Bichon Frise are people-friendly and do well with first-time owners. Their small and manageable size makes them ideal for apartment living.
5. Shih Tzu
A fully grown Shih Tzu is no more than 11 inches tall. This toy breed looks like little puppies throughout their life. Their soulful eyes, floppy ears, and charming personalities will steal your heart. Shih Tzus are known for showering their humans with lots of love and affection.
Shih Tzu puppies are too small and fragile, so they are not well-suited for homes with little kids. However, adult dogs are sturdy and do well in households with children. Shih Tzus make wonderful playmates for gentle kids.
Shih Tzus must get regular exercise of at least an hour daily. Lack of physical and mental enrichment can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and barking. If you are looking for an ultimate lap dog who cuddles when you sleep and follows you everywhere, choose a Shih Tzu.
6. Beagle
Beagles are medium-sized dogs that were originally bred to hunt rabbits. Amazing sense of smell and excellent tracking abilities are the hallmark of this breed. These lovable hounds tend to follow their noses like a mischievous puppy, and it might get them into trouble.
These naughty pups will unzip backpacks to take out lunches and steal snacks from the kitchen counter. Beagles are friendly, affectionate, and loving pets—they are good with kids and other pets at home. These energetic, optimistic, and carefree doggos are ideal for active families.
According to PetMD, these curious pooches have a short attention span when it comes to training. These strong-willed dogs have an independent streak, which makes training a bit difficult. Beagles are vocally expressive and have a tendency to bark and howl.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are delicate, cute little mutts with a luxurious steel blue and tan coats that instantly grab attention. Yorkshire Terriers are gorgeous, hypoallergenic dogs that have earned a reputation as adorable companions.
These little yappers would be more than happy to accompany you on a shopping trip. They want lots of attention and want to be carried along in purses, like little puppies. Yorkies are playful dogs who love to cuddle but can be a bit bossy at times.
These intelligent dogs are eager to please and possess bundles of energy. Yorkshire puppies are very curious and love exploring their surroundings. They love being engaged in short play sessions interspersed with naps.
8. French Bulldog
Frenchies are popular city dwellers with low energy and big ears. They can be the cutest roommates one can ever have, and cherry on top, they never leave dishes in the sink. Frenchies are the smaller version of kid-friendly bulldogs.
These compact yet heavily built mutts make friendly and playful companions for kids and interact with other dogs respectfully. They do not bark much, but their alertness makes them effective watchdogs. As curious as a puppy, Frenchies enjoy games and love being the center of attention.
According to Petplan, they need no more than an hour of exercise every day. Their short muzzles make them prone to overheating and breathing issues. So, you should never over-exercise your French Bulldog.
9. Cairn Terrier
You might remember the character Toto from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Â The role was played by a skilled Cairn Terrier named Terry. Cairn Terriers are so small in size because they were bred to wriggle into burrows and rocky passages after critters.
Despite their small size, they are quite sturdy and always up for games and lots of fun. A well-trained Cairn Terrier behaves nicely with kids, but due to their high prey drive, they cannot be trusted around cats.
Cairns are curious and alert dogs who need space to dig and explore. These inquisitive and bold fellows have an independent streak. Training a Cairn terrier requires some treats, lavished praise, and lots of patience.
Conclusion
While some dogs grow into gentle giants or ferocious guardians, others tend to stay small forever. These little fluffballs often exhibit a puppy-like demeanor and make loving family pets.
If you are an apartment dweller or a person who cannot take out much time for exercising your dog, you can choose one of these breeds as a pet. These little paws will fill your home with lots of love, laughter, warmth, and joy, just like a cute puppy.
