Do you know what the best part about having a miniature dog is? You can take them with you EVERYWHERE, without disturbing others. Also, they are super-adorable. They would run around the house with the speed of light, and when they are tired, they’ll simply curl up in your lap and sit there for hours.
Oh, and they are not aggressive! There are numerous small sog breeds that won’t keep barking till your head starts spinning. Rather, they would showcase a gentle behavior around the house and would steal your hearts with their cutesy actions effortlessly.
In this article, we shall talk about some small dog breeds that are too charming and adorable to ignore!
Gentle Miniature Dog Breeds
1. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small balls of energy that are squishy and charming. Their weight ranges between 4 to 6 pounds, which makes them diminutive.
These toy dogs have an appearance similar to that of a fox, as per Britannica. Their alert features, erect ears, and fluffy coat make them look like foxes. However, compared to them, they are known for their love for humans.
They are gentle. With a confident persona, they interact with the guests in the house without causing any chaos when they see a new face.
However, this doesn’t mean they are submissive in nature. These little lions are bold and may, at times, bark to alert you about a demand they want to make.
Poms are absolute lap dogs! This Quora question suggests this dog breed is a great choice if you want a lively, gentle, and small dog in your house.
2. Poodle
Poodles don’t come in a single size; rather, there are three varieties in size, including standard, miniature, and toy. The miniature poodles are 15 inches in height only!
These dogs are even-tempered. You’ll never see them being harsh with kids. They adore small humans and become their friends instantly.
Some people have a misconception that toy poodles are high-strung! Well, that’s not true. With early socialization and training, you can easily and successfully alter their behaviours and make them adaptable to the situations.
Whenever this dog barks, it is definitely because it wants to alert you about something. Once you give them the attention and resolve the problem, you’ll notice they will calm down!
However, one thing you need to be careful of with these dogs is their health issues. It’s very common for them to get dental problems or even ear infections.
Super social and friendly, these dogs are affectionate companions that thrive on love and attention.
3. Bichon Frise
This gentle dog is small, friendly, and affectionate. Pet parents adore them for their portability and the fact that they can be taken absolutely ANYWHERE without any hassle!
Bichon Frise is a cheerful dog. Compared to most other dogs, this one is not a grumpy companion that would detest changing situations. Rather, AKC mentions it is super adaptable and would be a part of all your adventures with an open heart.
Whether it’s a small apartment with no backyard or a massive house, this dog would love running around all the time.
Oh, and it is a low-shedding dog that is super convenient to own!
This small dog comes with a big energy reserve and an even bigger personality. Hence, you need to give it regular activity to ensure it gets proper mental and physical stimulation.
This apartment living dog loves kids, and thanks to its gentle nature, pet parents trust it to be a good companion for their children.
Owing to its coat type, it is a hypoallergenic dog and sheds very little.
4. Brussels Griffon
Known as a velcro dog, the Brussels Griffon is a gentle dog that loves to stick to its owners for as long as it can!
This little dog is not only tiny but also super gentle and friendly.
Though it can be a bit anxious around new people, if you give it adequate socialization opportunities early in life, it will be able to deal with new situations comfortably.
Yes, they are adaptable dogs, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. To ensure your training efforts ripe fruit, you should opt for positive reinforcement strategies and lots of treats.
Griffs are mostly happy. The only time they appear sad or anxious is when the pet parents go away for some time. This is because they have separation anxiety and can’t stay away from their favorite people for long!
They are great family dogs but have some moderate grooming needs. If you’ve got the budget, take them to a professional groomer and they will give them a neat and tidy look!
5. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a miniature dog with a weight of around 13 pounds. With its small size, it gets most of its tasks done efficiently.
For instance, it can easily go behind critters, the job description it originally had when it was bred.
But this true terrier is in no way submissive. PetMD says, despite being gentle, it has a personality of its own. You need to give it appropriate and timely training that will mellow down its personality a little.
They are great companions for kids. Thanks to their playful nature, small children get really happy around them, getting engaged in various fun activities. What makes them so friendly with other dogs is also their pack mentality.
Double-coated and covered with super soft and silky hair, this is a great cuddle buddy.
Fun Fact: Did you know the famous Toto from ‘The Wizard of OZ’ was actually a Cairn Terrier?
6. Papillon
With a weight of merely 5-12 pounds and a height of 8-11 inches, the Papillon is a fun, small dog with a gentle temperament.
This dog is a good-natured pet that loves being close to its family members. It is affectionate and cheerful, adding a lot of joy to the house.
These low-maintenance dogs have impressive energy levels. As they are super alert, they work great as watchdogs. They will efficiently alert you whenever there is something that needs your attention.
Spending time with their family members is their favorite activity. As a pet parent, you can’t do anything alone, as this dog will remain close to you at all times! They are not fearful. Hence, they can be made a part of all the activities you perform.
This Reddit Thread further suggests having these dogs in the house is a great choice, especially when you have kids. Even for seniors, they are handy and easy to manage.
7. Japanese Chin
Hailing from Japan, this dog with an upturned nose is a gentle creature that loves following its favorite human in the house with a wagging tail.
They weigh around 4 to 11 pounds, making them some of the smallest dog breeds out there!
Japanese Chin dogs have a standard muzzle that gives them a distinctive appearance. Also, their coat is super silky, which gives them a luxurious feel. This velvety feeling makes one want to cuddle this doggo all day long.
This royal dog is a wonderful lap dog. It is graceful, charming, and gentle. You will never see it showcasing a high-strung attitude, which is common for small dogs.
Conclusion
These sweet and calm dogs are worth keeping in your home, especially if you have small kids. They become their best friends, playing all day round and performing various activities with great joy. These adorable dogs also watch the house efficiently as they are always alert and vigilant.
Apart from the dogs mentioned, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Pinscher, Bolognese Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Biewer terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Dachshund, and French Bulldog are also great companion dogs that are small and gentle!
