Small in size but big on brains — these tiny dog breeds prove that intelligence doesn’t come in large packages. Don’t let their pint size trick you!
These tiny dog breeds will prove that intelligence comes in small size, too. Whether it’s the first time you’ve owned a dog or you’re a pro at training one as a pet parent, these little cuties are sure to delight you with their talent for learning so quickly and their deep desire to please.
These little pressure cookers soak up the same old commands from “sit” and “stay” to more detailed tricks, especially when treats are involved! Not all dogs want a mansion, these small breeds are also best suited for apartment living, fit perfectly onto your lap as well as in your heart.
Still dreaming of such a little tail-wagger who will not only love you unconditionally but also always listen to you carefully? You are at the right place. Let’s meet the brainiacs of the dog world – the ones who have made training a piece of cake!
Highly Trainable Tiny Dog Breeds
1. Poodle
Don’t let those fancy pomp-pom haircuts fool you. Beneath that is some brain that can compete with even Einstein (not in a literal way). Miniature and Toy Poodles are a trainer’s dream. These dogs are eager to please, affectionate, and a highly intelligent dog breed.
Fun Fact: Poodles were originally bred for retrieving water. So, yes, your 7-pound Toy Poodle has a fancy French name and dreams of being a rugged duck hunter.
Purina says that Miniature and Standard Poodles belong to the Non-Sporting group, while Toy Poodles are classified under the Toy group.
Poodles are social dogs that thrive on human interaction. They respond well to enjoyable, positive reinforcement techniques and, being energetic by nature, they need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
These furry companions need mental stimulation, just like working dogs. Thus, “sit” is just the beginning of what they can do. Agility training courses, puzzle toys, or even canine freestyle dance are perfect to showcase their talent.
Poodles also have a hypoallergenic coat and a friendly nature, meaning they don’t shed much, making them a perfect choice for people with allergies.
2. Papillon
Next, we have Papillon, that little dog with beautiful pointy ears, sailing like those of a butterfly wings with an attitude that ‘I might be small, but I can rule the house.” Papillons are the powerhouses of intelligence and sass.
These furry friends are affectionate and loyal companions, adapting well to both apartment and house living. They make good watchdogs due to their alert nature.
These dogs often dominate training sessions and get a trick faster than one can say. Pappilon are active, alert, and quick-witted, making them an excellent choice for someone wanting a little dog to carry in pocketbooks, and that too looks pretty.
Pro tip: Keep the training sessions short and fun. Papillons are mighty smart, but if they sense that you’re preparing to bore… they’ll hop on other exciting pursuits like chasing imaginary squirrels.
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise looks like a walking cloud. These teddy bear eyes tell you they are not dumb, cuddly wonders. This small breed is easily recognized by its fluffy white coat and dark, expressive eyes.
These pups are social butterflies who love learning new tricks. They are also known for their cheerful, people-pleasing personality, which makes training not just easier but downright joyful. If a Bicho Frise could talk, it’d probably say, “I came. I saw. I sat. Now give me a treat.”
Bichon makes good family pets due to their gentle and calm demeanor. They enjoy short walks and interactive games, but they are also content to cuddle and lie on the couch all day long.
They get along well with children and other pets. Their happy-go-lucky attitude and non-shedding coat make them a popular choice for first-time dog parents as well as allergy sufferers.
4. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a lively, small dog breed known for its fluffy double coat and fox-like appearance. These fluff balls are just as confident as a lion and full of energy like a double shot of espresso.
Weighing between 3 to 7 pounds, Pomeranians are compact but big on personality. They have a thick double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, and cream. This toy breed is intelligent and can be a good watchdog.
Don’t be surprised if your Pom quickly figures out new commands after a few tries, though they are sharp, sassy, and surprisingly obedient. They are highly trainable breeds and thrive on mental stimulation, but they don’t require an extensive exercise regimen.
Loyal and affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their owners. Socialization is important for the development of a Pomeranian puppy, just as it is for all dogs. PetMD notes that without adequate socialization and training, they may develop issues like excessive barking, reactivity, separation anxiety, and hyperactivity.
Warning: They love hearing their own barks, so it’s advisable to teach them early some quiet cues.
5. Maltese
Very elegant and delicate, this is probably a dog breed that deserves a velvet pillow, but there is a sharp mind that is eager to impress behind soulful eyes. Weighing between 4 to 7 pounds, the Maltese is a lively, small dog breed known for its silky, white coat and charming personality.
Maltese are affectionate, responsive, and desirous of learning; they need consistent training. They are known to be stars in packs, as obedience, agility, and lap warmers.
The Maltese is an intelligent breed that is easy to train, though early socialization is important for this breed to prevent excessive barking and timidity.
Their coat requires a regular training routine. With their affectionate nature and adaptability, the Maltese dog makes a wonderful pet for families with children and other pets.
6. Bolognese
It may sound delicious, but Bolognese is a fluffy white treasure of Italy and not what you are having for dinner. Bolognese is a rare dog breed known for its white, fluffy coats, which need regular grooming. These dogs are just gentle and loyal and stick to your side like Velcro dogs.
Bolognese has a small, study body with dark, expressive eyes which complement their gentle nature. This breed is quite intelligent and affectionate, forming close bonds with their owners.
According to the AKC, they may be initially shy around strangers, but with proper socialization, they tend to warm up quickly.
Most of the time, the bolognese is very easy to teach because they just exist to make the masters happy. They don’t have the fierce sassiness of other little breeds, but their quite intelligence is compensated by their eagerness to serve their humans as a tiny shadow. They are perfect for people who appreciate having a dog that does not just obey but loves training.
Pro tip: Teach them tricks and give them lots of praise, and maybe avoid yelling, or they’ll look at you like you just broke their tiny, fluffy heart!
7. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are confident, independent thinkers, practically born ready to solve mysteries and dig up treasure. Literally, they love digging.
Cairn Terriers are full of energy and love to explore their surroundings. They are extremely affectionate and loyal to their owners, but they are fiercely independent and stubborn at times.
Their coat requires regular grooming, but they are low maintenance as compared to other terrier breeds. Very intelligent, they learn fast, still, they are stubborn too. So, in a way, training a Cairn is a bit like negotiating with a tiny, fuzzy CEO who is considering your suggestions
As per WebMD, this breed doesn’t typically get along well with smaller animals, so it’s important never to leave them unsupervised with your other, smaller pets.
Cairn Terriers are alert, adventurous, and full of personality, making them delightful companions for active households and individuals alike.
8. Brussels Griffon
If your dream dog is a little professor who accidentally turned himself into a dog, the Brussels Griffon is for you. These square-foot little philosophers, with their human-like expressions, charm, wit, and the right amount of drama.
Weighing between 8 to 10 pounds, this breed comes with two coat types: rough (with the wiry, bearded look) and smooth (short and glossy).
They thrive on companionship and don’t do well when left alone. For this, they are often referred to as velcro dogs.
Brussels Griffons are extremely smart and form a close bond with their humans. That bond makes training a bit easier, for they care deeply about what you think of them and how many treats you have in your hand.
9. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich terrier is one of the smallest terrier dogs, known for its affectionate nature. Norwich terriers are incredibly intelligent, and with the need to be busy, training becomes fun if you can keep up.
Bold and fearless, somewhat mischievous, imagine your charming overachiever who, sometimes, just has to go chase that squirrel.
Norwich are quick learners, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. Regular exercise, physical and mental stimulation, keep them happy and well-behaved. Their water-resistant coat needs weekly brushing and occasional grooming.
Socializing is very important, training needs to begin early, using positive reinforcement to stop, and yes, they will show off in front of your friends for snacks. With their adventurous spirits and loving nature, they make excellent pets.
Conclusion
Picking the right breed means matching it with your lifestyle. Whether they are herding dogs, fighting dogs, working breeds, or lap dogs, all of them require good dog training and some consistency with their training methods to excel in obedience and agility competitions. Keeping these energetic breeds in dog sports or within the same training routine is the best way to keep them sharp and happy.
Though not high on the list, Toy Fox Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shetland Sheepdog are among the small dog breeds that show trainability and intelligence. All of these breeds, with their personalities, will learn quickly and become the best buddies you could ask for.
