If you love small dog breeds, you’ve probably known them by their different names, from teacup dogs to pocket dogs. Pocket dog breeds, by their name, feel like they’re delicate little toys, but these small dogs can be quite healthy, have a huge personality, and have long life spans.
But why would anyone want a dog so small they might even lose if they’re not careful? These compact doggos are often quite smart and almost always great pets for people who live in limited spaces like apartments and dorms. Small dog breeds are also very portable; you can literally put your pocket dog in a bag and carry it around with you.
Not all small canines are built the same; you’ll find diversity in these pooches as well. But you can be sure to find a wonderful companion who adores you and can stay happy in different living situations. If you want a pocket dog to light up your life, here are 7 breeds you can pick from.
Precious Pocket Dog Breeds: Unique Traits and Temperaments
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is one of the most popular toy dog breeds, often considered somewhat aggressive in nature. Don’t let its reputation dissuade you; this large-eyed, cute dog can make the most loyal pet for the right pet parent.
These pooches are the national dogs of Mexico and one of the oldest dog breeds of America, according to the AKC. They’re also nicknamed “purse dogs” by the American Kennel Club, due to their compact size. If you’ve bonded well with your Chihuahua, this alert little dog will make a great ally to keep with you in shared living situations.
Chihuahuas can be 5-8 inches tall and not heavier than 6 pounds. Their strong-willed reputation (which isn’t false) can make them feel hard to train, but they’re one of the smartest dog breeds and eager to please their pet mom or dad.
They respond well to positive reinforcement training, but when giving them treats, remember that these small doggos need to stay at a reasonable weight. Separation anxiety is a problem this dog is prone to facing; make sure to train them to spend time alone.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Silky, luxurious coat, perky ears, cute face, and round, dark eyes that stare into your soul; the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most unforgettable small dog breeds. Pocket Yorkies look like little stuffed toys with a quirky and fun-loving personality. These dogs normally weigh up to 7 pounds and have a height range of 7-8 inches.
This toy breed has one of the most lush, long coats you can imagine in a canine. It cascades down its small body, especially when straightened and well-maintained; trimming it short makes it easier to groom. These pooches are great companions for people who have enough time to spend on their daily brushing sessions.
Even Pocket Yorkshire Terriers can exhibit a terrier-like temperament; these dogs are small, but lack nothing in courage and personality. These doggos started as rat-catching dogs for Scottish weavers who were working in English mills during the 1800s, according to PetMD.
These pooches make great family dogs and get along well with children, as long as they’re not being treated harshly. They tend to be quite playful and need enough mental stimulation and daily play sessions to stay happy.
One thing to remember is that Pocket Yorkies can be more vocal than you’d imagine a dog their size to be. Make sure to teach them to be quieter from when they’re still puppies, or just put up with their excessive barking.
3. Maltese
Maltese is quite ancient and beautiful white dog breed with a joyful and friendly nature. Pocket Maltese dogs make great apartment pets due to their manageable size and their gentle and loyal temperament. Their long and silky coat requires regular grooming to stay free of tangles and dirt.
Named after the Island of Malta, where they were developed, these pups are believed to be older than that and can be traced back to ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, according to Orvis. They can be 7-9 inches tall and weigh no more than 7 pounds. These pooches need proper socialization training from puppyhood; otherwise, they can act cranky towards children if they’re not being treated nicely.
This small breed can be quite brave and sociable; they can live well with families and older children. If you want a lap dog, Maltese is a dog that won’t disappoint you, but these pooches also need their moderate, daily exercise and playtime to stay in good spirits.
Though quite adaptable in nature, Pocket Maltese are small dogs who can get cold quite easily; make sure to get them some nice doggo sweaters during winter.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are another wonderful breed for apartment living, due to their small size and history of having lived a pampered life with royalty. These regal dogs have a small stature and a fuzzy coat; both features make them look very amusing, along with their fox-like faces.
Pocket Poms are one of the smallest dog breeds, as they are only 6-7 inches in height and weigh between 3-7 pounds. They might be tiny, but don’t underestimate their big dog temperament, as they’re known to be confident and sometimes bossy.
Just because they love to play doesn’t mean you should let them out unsupervised. These pooches have delicate, accident-prone bodies and need supervision when they’re being given physical exercise. Other than some moderate, regular exercise, you’ll need to make sure to keep their fluffy coats matting-free and clean.
Pomeranians are one of the smartest dog breeds; engaging them in mentally stimulating activities, like puzzle toys, is a great way of keeping them happy.
5. Papillon
Papillons are dogs with one of the most fascinating appearances due to their “butterfly-like” silky-haired ears. But these cute dogs are more than just a fashion accessory due to their super alert nature and high intelligence. They can make beloved companions to people living in apartments, as well as families who love small toy dogs.
Pocket Paps are great small doggos for people who travel to different types of climates, as these pooches can adapt to both cold and hot weather. Don’t let their size fool you; these dogs have high in spirits and will happily join you and your family in fun activities.
From their appearance, Paps might look like they need a lot of upkeep and professional grooming, but their silky coats are easier to manage than many breeds. As playful doggos, they enjoy playing fetch and other games with their humans and might even try to chase small animals like squirrels.
Paps are doggos with big personalities, but it’s important to supervise them when they’re around children or larger breeds who might accidentally hurt them. These doggos can be 5-10 pounds in weight and have a height of 8-11 inches.
6. Shih Tzu
Most fanciers of small dogs are familiar with this beautiful breed. Shih Tzu is a Tibetan breed, originally developed from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso, according to Britannica. Called the “little lions” due to their silky, lion-like mane, Shih Tzus have lived with monks as well as the Chinese royals back in the day. These pooches weigh between 9-16 pounds with a height up to 10 inches.
If you’re all about long and silky coated dog breeds and don’t mind pampering your pup, you should consider Shih Tzu as a pet. While these pocket doggos can fit right into your apartment, they also make wonderful pets for country living. Their unique personality doesn’t just allow their pet parents to keep them happy indoors, but they also make joyful companions on daily walks outdoors.
From short walks to chilling next to you on the sofa, the Shih Tzu is a lap dog that loves its human’s companionship. As these pooches have lived in palaces as alert little dogs, they can make excellent watchdogs.
7. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon is a Belgian pocket dog breed with an expressive face, silky fur, a round head, and a unique feature, aka facial hair. They tend to have a clownish temperament and human-like personality, which makes them amusing little pets.
With a height of 7-10 inches and a weight of 8-10 pounds, Brussels Griffons are compact dogs you can keep with you in shared apartments and small homes. Their small bodies are quite sturdy, and they tend to have the attitude of a dog bigger than they are.
These pups have a curious and sensitive nature, and they don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time, which makes them unsuitable pets for owners with a busy lifestyle. Other than that, they’re quite good at receiving training, as intelligent dogs, though they can also be a little stubborn at times. These pups need consistent training from puppyhood to be more obedient and to make it easier to housebreak.
Conclusion
These sweet, pocket dog breeds are wonderful options for owners with limited living spaces and those who don’t have the time to fulfill the exercise needs of higher-energy dogs.
Make sure to adopt your pet from a reputable breeder or your local animal shelter, an option that can help you acquire your dog at a lower price.
