Bringing the right dog breed home not only ensures you a four-legged friend but also makes sure that your home is full of love, laughter, and peace. These small dogs thrive in care, love, attention, and cuddles, and in return, they would become the best loyal companions ever.
We have gathered 7 of the most popular small dog breeds that have an affectionate nature, calm demeanor, playful energy, and become wonderful companions.
These pups may be small in size, but have big personalities. You will never have a dull moment around them. Their high adaptability allows them to live in small apartments or large homes.
As long as they are getting enough human companionship, they are comfortable in any living space. Read on to learn more about who these small dog breeds are and how they promote a cozy living environment.
Fantastic Small Dog Breeds For Cozy Living
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet nature, melting facial expressions, and big eyes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred to be lap dogs. These two dog breeds are loving and affectionate companions, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
According to PetMD, the American Kennel Club ranks them as the 14th most popular dog breed in the US. This small breed is known to be tolerant and patient, which not only makes them ideal pets for family life but also makes them great for hanging out with children, other pets, and dogs in the house.
Cavs have moderate exercise needs, so a fun play session and a 20-30 minute short walk is more than enough to make them happy little dogs. Once their energy needs are met, they wouldn’t mind lounging with their owners on the couch calmly.
2. Shih Tzu
Known as the Chinese lion dog, Shih Tzus are famous in the religion of Buddhism and were given as gifts to Chinese royalty by Tibetan monks. Because of their outgoing nature, playful energy, and gentle temperament, these pups are the best toy dog breed in the world.
They’re playful and like to stay active, but can easily settle down on the couch with their pet parents when it’s time to relax and lie down for the day. Shih Tzus get along well with unfamiliar people, other dogs, and other pets in the house easily.
Though not a good protector, this fierce small dog breed sure is a great watchdog who quickly alerts their pet owners if something seems amiss or if someone is approaching their house. These small dogs don’t require a ton of exercise as long as they are getting enough cuddles, love, and attention from their owners.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
A famous toy dog breed that is known for their flowing, silky, human-like hair, the Yorkshire Terriers are a small pup with a big personality. These small dogs are curious, lively, and like being involved in everything their owners are doing. Owners should get used to these little pups following them everywhere.
According to Purina, Yorkies love human companionship and do not like to be left alone for a long time. These tiny dogs love getting cuddles and attention, which helps to form strong bonds with their owners. They are, however, very protective of their territory and will guard it valiantly.
These pups are great apartment dogs and can easily live in small spaces as long as they get easy access to the outdoors for walking and peeing. Yorkies need regular exercise to stay healthy. They may be lap dogs, but they love to run, play fetch, and go on short walks to feel happy and satisfied.
4. Chihuahua
Small dog breed with a big dog personality, Chihuahuas have a loving and calm demeanor towards those with whom they are close and also bond closely with them. Other than being a cuddly lap dog, they also make excellent companions for pet owners.
Chihuahua’s have a lively and confident personality. This toy breed is easier to take along anywhere and everywhere. They can be a little feisty at times and may bark at new faces, but with the right training and socialization, they can become a great furry friend.
Though they are a small breed and are also well-suited for apartment living, these dogs need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A fun and interactive play session, along with short walks and mental stimulation, keeps these small dogs well-behaved. They are great with new faces, children, and other pets if socialized from an early age.
5. Pug
An ancient dog breed from China, Pugs were a royal favorite and are now one of the most popular pups, great for apartment living. Pugs are a friendly dog breed that like to stay close to their pet parents. They thrive in human attention, are total people pleasers, and like to be included in activities going on.
Pugs are a great small dog breed for first-time owners and also make amazing family pets. They love spending time with kids as long as children are taught how to behave around them. This small dog breed thrives with patient owners who understand their needs and are fully involved in their well-being.
This small dog breed is low shedding, but you need to brush their coat weekly to keep it in good condition. However, they do shed a lot in spring and fall, so you need to be prepared accordingly.
Pugs are generally couch potatoes, but may have short bursts of energy throughout the day. They are satisfied with a short walk and a 15-20 minute exercise session.
6. Maltese
Dark eyes, along with a silky and long white coat, Maltese dogs are robust little pups who stay active, alert, and trusting as long as they are well-bred and socialized. This small dog breed forms strong bonds with their owners and likes to follow them around everywhere.
According to Hill’s Pet, Maltese dogs are great family pups. They are playful, vigorous, and enjoy learning new tricks from their owners. These small-sized pups with fluffy coats are not excessive barkers, but they may do so if they feel like something is off. They have a charming personality and get along well with everyone.
Maltese are suitable for indoor living and small spaces, which makes them ideal for apartment dwellers. Regular grooming is recommended to ensure these pups don’t develop matts. Their eyes should be cleaned every other day to prevent tear staining on their beautiful coat.
7. Poodle
Known for their intelligence and ease of training, Toy Poodles are the best dogs for living in an apartment. They are active, fun-loving, and goofy little dogs who thrive on human attention. As long as their energy needs are met, they like to cuddle up in cozy spaces and are ideal dogs for a relaxed lifestyle.
Though they have a gentle demeanor, they tend to be aggressive towards new faces and other pets. Poodles are protective of their family and home, thus this behavior. They maintain an affectionate temperament with their owners and are extra friendly with kids.
These small dogs require mental stimulation and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Pet parents must avoid giving them a lot of treats, as they are prone to obesity. They love mental and physical challenges like puzzle toys, and also excel in dog sports.
Conclusion
These small dog breeds for apartment living not only adjust well to small spaces but also bring in a lot of love and pawsitivity in your life. Though they have a compact size, they have the personalities of big dogs, are alert, and would bark their heart out to alert if something seems off.
These pups, just like many small dog breeds, thrive in human attention and do not like being left alone for a long time. These pups must be trained and provided with early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved dogs. So what are you waiting for? Bring home your four-legged small friend today!
