Most of you will be surprised to learn that several small dog breeds live longer than large dog breeds. Micro dog breeds are the tiniest members of the canine world and typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds.
These small dogs are perfect for apartment living and busy persons, as they can fit anywhere. These adorable pups often keep a puppy-like appearance, no matter their age.
These extra-small versions are below standard size and are not officially recognized by the AKC. Several small dog breeds with manageable size and irresistible looks are a popular choice for first-time dog owners. However, these pups are also known to have different health issues.
To be the parents of these small breeds, you must know about ethical breeding. In recent years, when compared to other dogs, they have become hot commodities that have led to unethical breeding practices. To avoid such issues, consulting a professional veterinarian is crucial.
Best Micro Dog Breeds Who Thrive Indoors
To their owners, these dogs may be tiny, but they mean everything. Let’s step further into their world to get more about them.
1. Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny dog breed, loved for its long, silky white coat and lively, playful nature. The miniature stature of the Maltese portrays balanced and elegant motion. This small dog breed originated from the Mediterranean (Malta) approximately 3,000 years ago and is one of the oldest dog breeds.
Maltese don’t need a lot of exercise. Short walks are enough to keep them happy, and they do very well in apartments or city homes. They are loving companion dogs who enjoy being close to their families, whether that’s going for a walk, playing indoors, or just cuddling on the couch.
This invaluable dog costs around $600 to $2,000, according to PetMD. With a tiny frame and low energy, they become a good choice for people who want tight cuddles from these snuggle partners. This breed can also be a good watchdog due to its fearless and bold attitude.
Maintaining the Maltese’s long, silky coat is challenging for the owners, as regular grooming is necessary. Clipping the coat every six weeks can make it manageable. They are known for low shedding due to the presence of hair instead of fur.
2. Chihuahua
This precious, smallest breed has a smooth and glossy coat in different colours. Chihuahua has a terrier-like presence with bright and expressive eyes. Some Chihuahuas enjoy safe, shallow water play, but not all are natural swimmers. They do not enjoy retrieving activities; however, they amuse themselves with interactive toys.
Chihuahuas don’t need a big yard, but they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and active. It loves running, barking, and playing. Because they’re so small, Chihuahuas need gentle handling and close supervision indoors.
Chihuahuas can be a bit stubborn and independent, which makes training a challenge. But they’re smart dogs and, with patience, consistency, and positive rewards, they can learn to be well-behaved.
Mini Chihuahuas with the trait of excessive barking always alert their families. With short walks and quick play sessions, they become a good option for seniors without any risk.
With its calm demeanor, it becomes well-suited for apartment living. They love to show their affectionate nature to their favourite human only. Chihuahua is famous for its smooth and short coat with low-maintenance fur.
3. Papillon
This dainty and elegant breed, with its plumed tail, can be spotted a block away. They thrive in any season. AKC states that Papillons are magnificent sport dogs, and they enjoy outdoor adventures when given outdoor space. They can learn any trick in no time and are good partners for less ambitious pet parents.
They are comfortable in both apartments and larger homes. Even though they’re energetic, their small size means indoor play, like fetch or other games, is often enough exercise. Their silky coat is easy to care for and only sheds a little, so cleanup isn’t too hard.
Papillon word is derived from the French word meaning butterfly, which depicts the beauty of Papillons. They look like wings of a butterfly with big ears and long, soft hair. Backed by history, these butterfly spirits served as companion dogs with a friendly nature.
They are naturally curious and smart. Obedience training for Papillons is important since they exhibit pack leader behaviour towards humans and other pets. With an athletic nature, Papillons need more exercise than other small dog breeds.
4. Japanese Chin
With its calm demeanour, the Japanese Chin is an ideal option for indoor living. They are famed for their wide eyes, flat face, and feathered and set high ears. Japanese Chins are true indoor dogs, bred to be close companions. They love being with their families and can become unhappy or anxious if left outside or alone for too long.
Interestingly enough, the Japanese Chin displays cat-like behaviour, often sitting on elevated surfaces to observe. They quickly learn how to use the litter box and are perfectionists in grooming. This even-tempered breed is also known for its ability to climb.
Purina highlights the history of the Japanese Chin; this noble-looking dog is given as a diplomatic gift among royal families. Favoured by Chinese royalty, they were brought to Europe in the 17th century with the arrival of Portuguese traders.
5. Shih Tzu
Small and mighty with the look of a little lion, the Shih tzu was bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet. This lively spirit with its short legs is a low-maintenance dog as its physical exercise needs and activity are less. However, its long and luxuriant fur needs routine grooming to avoid any tangles.
These cute dogs love lounging and spending time with family members. Their friendly nature makes them a perfect choice for families, regardless of their size. Their hypoallergenic coats make them a more demanding dog breed.
With a stubborn nature, this mischievous small dog is difficult to train and becomes a troublemaker. A well-trained Shih-tzu can be a great house dog.
Britannica reports that an even-tempered Shih Tzu has high energy levels and needs daily walks. This small dog breed with a big personality is suitable for all ages.
6. Havanese
Havanese is an entertaining breed that belongs to the Barbichon family of dogs and was once known as the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle, as highlighted by PetMD. They share the virtues of intelligence, good-natured temperaments, and fun-loving personalities, and become lovely family dogs.
Being family dogs, they easily form strong bonds with children. They are an excellent choice for travellers since they rarely bark and are the best apartment dogs due to their compact size.
Havanese are nicknamed “Velcro dogs” because they stick close to their families. They love being around people and do best in homes where someone is around most of the day.
They are also known for their silky double-coated fur that can be either straight or curved. Havanese like to sit by the window and observe the world. These happy dogs always need mental stimulation to bring smiles. Havanese love indoor play sessions with interactive games.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after King Charles II, representing its history of companionship with royal families. They have moderate energy levels and need daily exercise. They love to live in a multi-dog household.
These dual personality dogs thrive in outdoor activities as well as indoor games. The dark brown, round eyes with heart-melting expressions are the hallmark of this breed.
The lifestyle of the owners tells which personality Cavaliers should exhibit since they adapt to different lifestyles easily. They can either be apartment dogs or upbeat athletes, making them one of the best small dog breeds.
Cavaliers have a calm nature and an eager-to-please attitude. They always respond to positive reinforcement techniques due to their obedient nature.
They are moderate shedders and need regular brushing to keep their coat nice and shiny. Their coat variations make them a diverse breed, such as black and tan, tricolour, ruby, and blenheim.
Conclusion
These small dog breeds prove that joy does not need much space. These mini souls adapt their big personalities according to apartment life and make the apartment living lively. Their laid-back nature makes them well-suited for indoor life.
They do not excel on long walks since their treasure is regular walks. The perfect gift of dog companionship is the adaptation of these small dogs in homes with thin walls and limited space. Indeed, their presence becomes a cosy space in a small apartment.
