Do you want a small dog that fits just right into your apartment but doesn’t lie on the sofa all day? When we talk about energetic breeds, some might imagine the larger dogs, like German Shepherds, that can stay active with their owners all day.
Dogs express their energies in different ways; many compact dogs, from toy to terrier breeds, can exhibit a playful energy and keep their humans entertained.
Small terrier doggos are known to be feisty and famous as great pets, as long as they have an owner who can handle their occasional stubbornness, according to the AKC. The toy group of dogs, which also includes many terriers, has small dogs full of personality. These tiny pups are often developed for human companionship and enjoy spending playful time with their pet parents.
If you want a dog, small in size but with a surplus of fun, here are ten lovable breeds you should get to know.
Small Dog Breeds Perfect for Playful Owners
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Originally bred to hunt rats in English textile mills, the Yorkshire Terrier is an energetic little terrier that has been cherished by Victorian-era ladies as a lap dog. Yorkies are very portable pups that make wonderful companions for apartment living, but they are anything but dull.
Their background as ratters keeps them active (and with a high prey drive), and they enjoy both indoor and outdoor playtime with their humans.
Yorkshire Terrier is one of the prettiest small dog breeds and comes in a beautiful, long, silky coat which needs daily brushing. Yorkies’ hair can be trimmed short to make it more manageable, or tied up in a ponytail.
When it comes to its personality, Yorkies tend to forget it’s a little dog. Other than occasional stubborn streaks, Yorkies also tend to have bursts of energy that might be followed by a restful period. A truly versatile pet for active families, Yorkies also make a fun-loving playmate for kids, as long as they’re being supervised around them (especially with younger children).
2. Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier is a compact doggo with a playful spirit that doesn’t just live with you but becomes a part of your activities. This Terrier comes with perky ears and a smooth coat that requires some basic upkeep, like weekly brushing to stay in good shape. While it was originally bred to hunt rats, this pooch can be a wonderful family dog and loves to engage in fun activities with its family members, according to PetMD.
These small dogs can be very resilient due to their hunting background. Want to go out on a camping trip or for walks? Take your Rat Terrier along as a playful and high-spirited companion to keep you upbeat and joyful on the trip. These pooches also make wonderful pets for small living spaces, as long as they’re being given enough playtime.
Rat Terriers are one of the best small dog breeds for active families that like to spend time with their pets. They won’t appreciate being left alone for long periods of time; if allowed to get bored, they can use less than desirable antics to burn off their excess energy.
3. Havanese
Havanese is a great option for pet owners who want a multipurpose small dog that is great to hold in their laps as well as a playful companion. This toy dog makes a great pet for apartment dwellers, but it can live happily in any type of place, as long as it’s being taken care of.
Havanese isn’t just a pooch with an affectionate nature; it’s also very alert and makes a fine watchdog. It won’t just enjoy playing with puzzle toys and other indoor games with you, but will also cherish short walks outdoors. This dog’s gorgeous, silky, and long coat makes it a stylish city dog and requires regular grooming, as well as occasional professional grooming.
This doggo belongs to the Bichon family and is the only native Cuban breed (it’s Cuba’s national dog), according to Orvis. This “little dog of Havana” was kept by aristocrats as a luxurious little lap dog, and they were given to each other as gifts.
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small, white dog breed that looks like a little cotton ball on four legs. It looks like a delicate, fluffy little toy, but this pooch has a big personality and a fun-loving nature that makes it a sweet family pet. These pooches aren’t just famous for their high trainability and intelligence but are also picked for their adaptable personality.
This doggo’s manageable size and big dog behavior are an interesting combination. They can get along well with other pets and children, but as tiny dogs, they need to be supervised so they don’t accidentally get hurt. Before adopting a Bichon Frise, it’s important to teach children how to treat a dog this tiny and avoid roughhousing it.
Bichon Frises are cheerful dogs and make great city pets, and despite being alert, they tend to make friends easily. As portable little dogs, they can be easily carried around in a bag, which makes them a good option for travelers. These fluffy doggos have a hypoallergenic coat that makes them good pets for people with dog allergies.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
A certain generation knows a clever and loyal Jack Russell Terrier called “Milo”, the sidekick dog of Stanley Ipkiss in “The Mask”. That fictional representation captured this breed’s loyalty to its owner, its playfulness, and bravery wonderfully. JRTs were originally bred in the 19th century, in England, as small fox hunting dogs, according to Britannica.
Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog that’s a wonderful combination of a gentle temperament and playfulness. As a breed that’s spent decades chasing prey, this dog needs a lot of physical exercise, as well as mental stimulation. From daily walks to allowing it to roam around in a fenced yard, keep this dog active, and it’ll stay happily by your side.
If you and your family members aspire to become more active, there’s nothing more rewarding than playing fetch and other games with this energetic dog. It can also perform wonderfully in dog sports like agility, dock diving, and lure coursing. These pups have a short coat that needs minimal grooming, like weekly brushing and occasional bathing.
6. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a cute but elegant dog that makes one of the best small dog breeds for families who love to stay active. This gorgeous, sleek breed has been called the “King of Toys” and comes in a lustrous, short, and smooth coat.
Miniature Pinscher (or Min Pin) hails from Germany and, despite its name, is a breed separate from Doberman Pinschers. This toy breed is known for its distinct “hackney gait”, which is its horse-like way of prancing.
Despite its big dog personality and occasional stubborn streak, the Min Pin is a very loving and friendly dog that cherishes its human family. These pups are quite smart but need consistent training due to their independent nature.
These pooches might not be the best fit for less active or first-time pet parents unless they’ve been properly trained and are being given ample daily exercise. They can spend some relaxed time indoors, but make an ideal companion for outdoor activities, like playing fetch and other such games. These doggos have minimal grooming needs, though; their short coat needs only weekly brushing to stay clean.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are gorgeous little dogs with fuzzy, profuse coats and a regal temperament that makes them a stylish choice for urban pet owners. Poms are adaptable and calm dogs indoors but don’t mind being carried by their pet parents. This dog’s thick coat needs frequent brushing to avoid matting and accumulation of dirt.
Poms are tiny descendants of spitz-type breeds, and their older and larger versions have been used for herding. Now, they’re one of the smallest dog breeds, adored for their fox-like face and spunky nature. As small dogs, Poms can stay healthy and happy with indoor play sessions and need to be taken care of when they’re outdoors.
Poms can be wonderful lap dogs and cuddle buddies, but they are not the best fit for smaller kids who might accidentally hurt them. They will enjoy playing outdoors or in a fenced yard, but since they’re tiny and can escape from small openings, it’s better to supervise them.
8. Papillon
Papillon is the ultimate “happy” dog for playful owners and families who love small but active dogs. It’s one of the most feisty yet loyal dog breeds that enjoy being part of everything their humans do. These tiny dogs are intelligent and highly trainable and love to learn different tricks and games.
This beautiful pup doesn’t just bring joy into its household with its gentle nature but also with its fascinating appearance. These round-eyed, smiley-faced dogs are famous for their ears that look like butterfly wings (hence their name).
Paps are easier to groom as they lack an undercoat. As smart and eager-to-please doggos, they are quick to be house-trained and get along well with other dogs in the household. They’re more active than they look; play indoor games of fetch with them or take them to dog parks, and they won’t back away from a playful lifestyle.
Despite being a small breed, the Papillon is quite alert and makes a good watchdog, though it’s generally sociable and sweet. Its adaptability makes it a perfect companion for first-time owners and families with older kids who can treat small dogs well.
9. Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier is an amusing little doggo with a smiley face and a clownish temperament. Sweet and adaptable, this pooch has rightfully been called “The American Gentleman”, a title that suits it well with its black and white tuxedo-like coat. This small dog’s short coat sheds a little but has minimal maintenance needs; once-a-week brushing keeps it in good condition.
This dog has a surplus of energy that it loves burning off by being a part of whatever its owner is doing. An affectionate doggo indoors, the Boston Terrier makes an excellent pet for people living in apartments and shared spaces.
Despite being friendly and high-spirited dogs who can befriend everyone in the household, these playful pooches need some care. They’re genetically predisposed to some health issues like breathing difficulties as they’re brachycephalic dogs. Plan their activities indoors when the weather is hot and humid, and ensure proper ventilation and cooling.
10. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terrier is a shaggy little dog with an adorable face and a low-shedding coat that needs weekly maintenance. These brave dogs were bred to work in the wild and help hunters by making foxes come out of their dens.
Cairn Terriers might look like they belong in the forest, but they are surprisingly loyal and friendly. They’re playful and gentle enough to get along well with children (with some supervision). They need early socialization and obedience training to control their high prey drive, or they might try to chase small animals.
Carin Terriers are generally quite cheerful and intelligent; teach them games and tricks or play fetch with them, and they’ll love being part of it all. These pooches thrive with proper attention from their humans and also carry a protective instinct.
Conclusion
These small dog breeds tend to be playful and adaptable, which makes them great pets for different types of pet parents. Temperaments can vary in individual dogs, but all of them require some upkeep and regular vet visits.
Make sure to train your pooches to spend time alone to prevent separation anxiety and plan their play sessions accordingly.
