If an idea of fur babies with diminutive frames has ever enchanted you, this comprehensive list of small dog breeds that stay small forever will open another realm of dog world for you. These dogs fit seamlessly into any lifestyles they were bred for human companionship.
Do not be fooled by their toy sizes, because these furry friends are wrapped with spunky personalities who will definitely surprise you, making the moments fun and memorable. What most dog lovers love them about is not only their irresistible looks but it also includes their temperament filled with adaptability, love and calmness. They can easily make excellent option for novice pet parents as well.
Fun Fact: Tiny size does not limit intelligence, personality and confidence of a pup, due to strong backgrounds, as many of small dogs were originally bred to serve royalty as companions, alert dogs and hunters.
Dog Breeds That Remain Small – A Lifetime of Cuteness
1. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin displays feline like traits and make wonderful companion dogs for families. These cute dogs groom themselves on their own, and love watching people and lounging in high places. As the name reflects, they came from Japan and are considered symbol of health and happiness.
Japanese Chin is celebrated for its silky fur, and lively personality. These little dogs crave human companionship and get along beautifully with their kids and other pets. They need moderate exercise such as daily walks and play sessions with their favorite ones.
Japanese Chin develops separation anxiety if left alone for longer time span. They are highly trainable companion dogs with positive reinforcement methods, thanks to their eager to please and smart nature, though sometimes you may come across with their stubborn nature just like a cat.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranians just weigh around 3 to 7 pounds and 6 to 7 inches tall. These dogs’ delightfully dainty appearance, and affectionate personality make them popular canine friends world wide. Ancient poms were originally bred for herding purpose, says Pet MD.
Known for its historical Pomeranian royal patronage, this breed was favored by Queen Victoria and Queen Charlotte, contributing in the popularity of their smallest sizes as companion dogs. Today’s Pomeranians have big personalities in their cute little bodies.
Smartness in Poms lead them to enjoy training sessions and brain related activities. Regardless of their pint size, these dogs still carry energetic and alert nature and can be trained for watch dogs. These great family dogs enjoy making new friends, and bond strongly with their favorites.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Silky blue and tan colored Yorkshire terrier specifically bred to hunt rodents in text mills, and still this small dog breed can be your excellent family dog offering himself as a watchdog and rat catcher for your house. Usually their average weight is 7 pounds, but teacup yorkies weigh only 3 pounds.
This cute dog breed, with its tiny size and loving nature makes a cuddly companion for apartment dwellers. Yorkshire terriers are ranked among the smallest terrier type dogs, and also considered calm and gentle when compared to other terriers.
For a peaceful apartment life, they should be socialized and trained well as they tend to bark excessively, displaying their terrier characteristics often. Though Yorkshire terrier is a remarkable intelligent breed, it is not easy to train dog. Keep training sessions fun and engaging for best response.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih tzu is toy dog, whose name means little Lion dog. It is an Ancient Asian dog and originally bred to look like lions and watch over the families of Buddhists. Chinese royalty loved them due to their friendly and curious temperament.
Shih tzu bonds strongly with their family members and are exceptionally loyal dogs, with good watchdog traits. Being a small breed only weighs between 9-16 pounds, and is generally a healthy compact dog, mentioned by AKC.
Their high adaptable nature make them great choice for active and laid back households as new family dog. Shih tzu loves being a lap dog of its favorite human and also enjoys company of children and other pets in the house. This small companion dog thrives in both an indoor play and short outdoor exertions.
5. Pekingese
Pekingese were originally bred as small dog breed and reach their adulthood quickly but stay small forever. These ancient dogs were also remained a treasure of Chinese nobility due to their looks, temperament and size.
According to Hill’s Pet, this toy dog has long double coat and carries aloofness in their temperament, and a loud bark bigger than its size to be a great watch dog. while their maximum weight reaches up to 1 4 pounds, they are prone to obesity as well. Make sure they are meeting their daily dose of exercise.
Pekes are brachiocephalic dogs which means pet parents should be aware of their respiratory and over heating related health issues. Their smallest size’s weight is no more than 6 pounds. In past Pekingese were easily be carried in the sleeves of Nobel women and called sleeve dogs.
6. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy fox terrier was originally bred to hunt small game to control vermin and rat population in USA. This small dog breed is unique blend of terrier and lap dog’s temperament. As a pint sized breed, its average weight ranges between 4-9 pounds.
Regardless of their stature, Toy fox terrier dogs are quite active and sturdy. They are extremely alert and devoted canines, and love being involved in outdoor adventures as well. These dogs need proper socialization and training to behave well around kids and other dogs of the families.
Toy fox terriers are smart dogs and eager to please their owners, making trainability easier. Always use rewarding based methods, as these independent thinkers get bored due to repetitions. Their true terrier behavior reflects when they chase after a fast moving thing or living being
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahua has won the status as World’s smallest dog breed, and is officially the national dog of Mexico. Despite having reputation of a very small breed in dog world, Chihuahua is blessed with spunky, bold and enthusiastic personality.
Chihuahua loves being the limelight of every family activity and gathering. They make excellent companions for families offering loyalty, love and long years of companionship. Since this dog breed that stays small forever, can easily be carried to anywhere either trips or errands.
This diminutive breed’s average weight is about 6 pounds only. Daily walks and short play session with their humans are enough to stay healthy and happy. Since Chihuahua craves human companionship, it does not be left alone for longer time span.
Conclusion
Small dogs are just tiny in size, but when it comes to their personalities they often think themselves as big pooches. They are not over demanding than other larger dogs, whether its food, space or grooming. The only thing they want from their pet parents is their presence, and care. Remember, these tiny cute dog breeds bursting with character and love always need your special attention, and gentle handling. A right dog with diminutive frame will definitely bring fun, entertainment and joy into your coming years of life. Our list is ended, but breeds that stay small forever are not, such as Cavalier king Charles spaniel, miniature dachshunds, Alaskan Klee Kai, Pug, Toy poodle, and Boston terrier.
