Are you thinking of bringing in a little furry friend to your family?
Dogs, whether micro or macro, tend to turn a bad and dull day into a fun adventure. Not all dog lovers prefer large dog breeds and are more comfortable having a tiny friend that also makes the perfect lap dog to be around their house.
Tiny in size but huge in charm, micro dog breeds often feel more like little shadows than pets—so quiet and discreet that you might forget they’re even in the room. Their petite frames, gentle steps, and subtle presence make them perfect companions for cozy homes and city living.
In this guide, we have outlined 7 of the best small dog breeds that are perfect for families with children and other dogs or animals in the house. These dogs not only like spending time with you but also become great protectors in times of need.
Read on to learn more about the traits, personalities, and needs of these 7 dog breeds to make the perfect choice for your household.
Micro Dog Breeds Whose Presence Is Almost Invisible
1. Chihuahuas
Being among the world’s tiniest dogs, Chihuahuas weigh up to 6 pounds and are mostly mistaken for being toy pups. The American Kennel Club notes that the rounded “apple” head is a breed hallmark. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive.
Don’t let their small size fool you. These dogs have the attitude of a 50-pound dog in the body of a 6-pound pup. They’re too little to be playing around with small children, but never back down from a fun session with their owners.
They’re loyal, charming, and have a tough dog personality. These dogs must be given extra care during cold weather to prevent them from falling sick. If given the right training for socialization from an early age, these dogs make the perfect little companions for pet lovers.
2. Poodles
Toy Poodles are another popular dog breed that is famous because of their size. These dogs have small, dark eyes, an alert face, a long muzzle, and floppy ears.
Poodles were originally bred to be gun dogs because of which they turned out to be great hunting dogs, but are now the most beloved breed for dog lovers. Poodles are seen in dog shows doing different tricks and performing various stunts, which tells us about their high energy needs.
Poodles are born in litters of one, two, or more and weigh around 2 pounds at the time of birth. Toy Poodles have a fun-loving temperament that love being snuggled up in the lap of their owners. These dogs are the perfect choice for families with an active lifestyle.
3. Havanese
The Havanese is a cute little national dog of Cuba. These cheerful small puppies are 8.5-11.5 inches in size, have an adaptable nature, and great social skills, making them ideal city dogs.
Purina mentions that the only native breed of Cuba, the Havanese, is a happy, outgoing dog with a friendly disposition. Originally, this sturdy toy breed was a pampered lap dog of the aristocracy.
Their petite form makes them great for travel, as they require very little space to feel happy and satisfied. They are a suitable choice for first-time dog owners or pet lovers who live in apartments because of their temperament and small size.
These dogs are true extroverts and delight the crowd with their comical antics. They are true introverts of the canine world because of their willingness and ability to love people of all ages.
Havanese have moderate energy levels and are satisfied with short walks or playing fetch.
4. Maltese
Maltese are known for their compact, petite bodies and their small height, which ranges from 7 to 9 inches. These dogs are easy to transport anywhere because of their small size, of course, where pets are allowed.
These dogs do not need much living space and are apartment-friendly. You must consult a vet when it comes to their diet, as they can not bear being overweight because of their small size.
These dogs are packed with energy but do not require much excessive exercise or mental stimulation to stay healthy. Just walking around you all day is enough for these small pets.
PetMD notes that along with grooming, socializing, and training are also commitments pet parents must make when bringing home a Maltese puppy.
Although these dogs are friendly with children but they tend to get snippy around small kids. So, it is recommended to keep them apart until kids learn how to act around them.
5. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are petite dogs and are a part of the toy dog breed in the canine world. On average, these dogs reach up to 6 to seven inches in height, which makes them fit for any size home. This breed is happy to accompany you anywhere, as they can fit into anything because of their small size.
They love being lap dogs but have high energy, which means they need to go out for frequent walking and exercise to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. They also love to interact with humans, which is another great way to blow off some energy.
These dogs have a friendly, inquisitive temperament and are full of life. These dogs aren’t always the right breed to be around small children, at least until they understand that these little beasts are living creatures and not a toy to play with.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a tiny dog breed with a distinctive look that attracts humans. They have long silky hair; however, some people prefer a short coat, so they trim it accordingly to make it easy to manage.
These pups have short legs and big, soulful eyes. They are a people person when it comes to being the perfect companion and are ideal for humans looking for a dog with a warm temperament.
You may call them the healthiest dogs; however, they still need proper care and regular vet checkups to ensure they stay healthy. These dogs need a lot of attention, so you must only adopt them if you have an active lifestyle and can give enough time and attention to these tiny paws.
It is recommended to be gentle around these dogs when it comes to training sessions, as they do not respond well to aggression.
7. Papillon
Papillons are continental toy spaniels who are known for their acute intelligence and high energy. They have a French name, which means butterfly, and was kept because of their butterfly ears.
These small pups are famous as lap dogs and hate being left alone. You must only adopt them if you can give them proper attention and care. They love being surrounded by their favorite humans and other dogs or pets in the house to keep them company.
These dogs respond well to proper training and socialization, which makes them obedient little puppies. 30 minutes of walking every day is sufficient to keep them happy and satisfied.
Conclusion
Micro dog breeds prove that size has nothing to do with impact. Though their presence may be nearly invisible, their affection, charm, and loyalty shine brightly in any home.
The dog you adopt must be in accordance with your living space, budget, and lifestyle. Small dogs are fun-loving, ideal lap dogs, and wonderful companions; however, their needs differ according to the breed you adopt.
These little dogs are more than just adorable companions—they’re also wonderfully adaptable. Whether snuggled on your lap, tucked into a travel bag, or quietly trotting beside you, their subtle presence makes them easy to bring along anywhere.
With their blend of portability and personality, micro dog breeds show that even the smallest pups can leave the biggest mark on our hearts.
All the above-mentioned dog breeds are a great choice for families who prefer small, calm, and friendly pups. So, what are you waiting for? Explore these breeds today and choose the perfect little companion for your home.
