We all love puppies for their cute appearance and adorable antics, no matter what breed they are. While dogs are like babies to their pet parents even when they grow bigger, some people adore small dogs that keep looking like puppies throughout their lives. These tiny doggos are forever youthful when it comes to their playfulness and temperament, and make wonderful pets for apartment living due to their size.
Dogs with a tiny size and adaptable temperament are becoming widely popular as they can live in different types of environments. These small dog breeds are often big dogs in small bodies when it comes to cleverness and playfulness.
Even small doggos can have different temperaments and needs, and it’s important to get to know each dog as a pet parent. If you want a lovable pooch in your house that stays small throughout its lifetime and brings joy into your household, go through this review of seven such amazing dog breeds.
Dog Breeds That Stay Small, a Lifelong Joy
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is the ultimate small dog with a big personality that is widely loved by fun-loving pet owners. These gremlin-line pooches have been categorized as “purse dogs” due to their compact size, and are known to have a little aggressive behavior. Despite their reputation, they are one of the dog breeds with a very loving nature, and they tend to bond deeply with their humans.
Chihuahua is the national dog of Mexico and is one of the oldest dog breeds in America, according to the AKC. Their adorable faces and big eyes immediately capture hearts. Chihuahua or “Chis” is no taller than 5-8 inches and tends to be up to 6 pounds in weight; this tiny pup can live well in small living spaces and shared apartments with ease.
As Chihuahuas are quite sensitive little dogs, they can become uncomfortable around strangers or new situations and are prone to barking. They also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Give your pooch daily indoor play sessions and train it to play with toys so it can spend time on its own.
2. Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is a small and rare dog breed with a distinct, monkey-like face which has earned it the nickname “The Monkey Dog”, according to PetMD. These shaggy little dogs were originally bred in Germany, where they were used to catch rats and other vermin. Their spunky and entertaining tactics helped them work their way into homes as family dogs and beloved pets.
Affenpinschers can weigh between 7-10 pounds, with a height range of 9-11.5 inches. These munchkins pack a big dog personality in a smaller body and are famous for their funny and brave demeanor. This breed isn’t for the faint of heart and needs experienced dog owners to handle it well.
For the right owner, these pooches can make the most fun-loving and loyal companions that live wonderfully in apartments. Though they’ll enjoy playing indoors, it’s nice to give these pups some moderate exercise or short daily walks outdoors to keep them healthy.
This dog’s harsh, wiry coat needs regular grooming, at least twice a week, to stay in good shape. It tends to have hair on its nose bridge, which should be trimmed so this little dog can see the world clearly.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are among the most popular toy dogs, known for their affectionate nature and their long, silky coat. These doggos started off as rat-catching companions for Scottish weavers during the 1800s, and soon became cherished lap dogs for Victorian ladies.
Whether your Yorkie is long-coated or you choose to trim its gorgeous hair short, it’s always going to be an attention-grabbing little diva. This adorable pooch tends to be quite sociable and lives well with other dogs, as well as children.
Yorkshire Terriers can weigh up to 7 pounds and stand 7-8 inches tall. Their size makes them quite portable little pooches while traveling, and they can be kept easily in hotel rooms. Their playful nature, as well as curiosity and confidence, makes them good urban pets, but they also need some physical and mental stimulation, even if it’s through indoor play sessions.
Though their companionship will keep off sadness and dullness from your life, Yorkies have grooming needs that must be met. From regular coat care to occasional professional grooming, make sure these pooches are receiving the diva treatment they deserve.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are regal little dogs with a profuse, fluffy coat and fox-like facial features. As adaptable dogs with a sweet nature, Poms make one of the best family dogs and wonderful pets for apartment dwellers.
Poms can weigh between 3-7 pounds and stand 6-7 inches tall. This small breed is a descendant of spitz-type dogs, and its name originated from the region of Pomerania, where it was developed, according to Orvis.
Poms are small but quite sturdy and enjoy being a lap dog, as well as a companion for small strolls by cafe sidewalks. These stylish pets are wonderful for city living as they can live comfortably in small spaces. Though they form deep bonds with their favorite humans, Poms can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak due to their self-assured personality.
With early socialization and consistent training, these pups can become quite well-rounded pets. They can even make decent playmates for kids, but need supervision as they don’t appreciate harsh treatment. These high-spirited little dogs are also quite alert and will bark to inform you when a stranger arrives.
5. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles were bred down from their larger variety, the Standard Poodle, and come with all the fascinating traits. These pooches can be up to 10 inches in height with a weight range of 4-6 pounds. Despite being small, Toy Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds that learn cues and commands fast and can be taught to do many tricks.
With a lively personality and can-do attitude, Toy Poodles are great pets for owners who love playful and active dogs. From indoor games like playing with puzzle toys to outdoor activities like playing fetch, these tiny dogs enjoy some medium physical activity with their pet parents.
These pooches aren’t just great pets for limited spaces; they’re a hypoallergenic dog breed, which makes them great pets for allergy sufferers. Since these pups shed very little, their thick, curly double coat keeps growing and needs regular grooming, as well as professional grooming to stay mat- and tangle-free.
6. Shih Tzu
When it comes to compact dogs with big personalities, the Shih Tzu is one of the breeds that belong at the top of the list. These sweet-faced toy dogs got their name (“lion dogs”) due to their gorgeous, lion-like mane. Their royal temperament is quite understandable, as they were bred by Imperial rulers who kept them as alert little companions.
These pooches have been loved by royals and commoners alike and are still one of the most cherished small breeds. Apart from being apartment-friendly, Shih Tzus can adapt to the lifestyles of their pet parents, from homebodies to outdoorsy owners, though they can live and play happily indoors.
These pups weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand 9-10.5 inches tall. As playful and spunky dogs, training them requires consistency and reward-based, positive reinforcement methods. Other than giving them regular coat care (like daily brushing), make sure to also schedule their vet visits regularly. Though Shih Tzus are healthy little dogs, like all breeds, they’re prone to some health issues like hip dysplasia.
7. Maltese
If you love white dogs, Maltese is a small doggo you should consider adopting. This dog’s shiny, cloud-like long white coat is one of its distinct features, and its small size makes it a desirable city pet. This ancient breed is loved for its charming and adorable antics and needs little space to live happily in.
This dog’s hypoallergenic coat needs regular upkeep to stay clean and tangle-free. It’s not taller than 7-9 inches and weighs no more than 7 pounds. Though its small size means it doesn’t need a lot of physical exercise, some daily walks and indoor play sessions are still recommended to avoid weight gain.
These pooches enjoy receiving love and attention from their human families and are prone to separation anxiety. A bored or lonely Maltese can become an excessive barker. They are smart dogs, though, and with early training can learn all the basic cues and commands with ease.
Conclusion
These small doggos are great pets for people looking for compact pets with a fun-loving nature and gentle temperament. While these pooches are adaptable and loyal, make sure to get in touch with a reputable breeder known for ethical practices, or your loyal rescue shelter, to adopt your dog.
