Let’s be honest: human friendships can be complicated. People change, drama happens, and loyalty sometimes goes missing faster than your last slice of pizza. But you know who will never ghost you, judge you, or steal your spotlight? A dog.
Especially the small, four-legged kind that fits perfectly in your lap and your heart! These pint-sized pups are loyal, loving, and full of personality. They’ll stick by your side through every high and low, no gossip or grudges; just pure, tail-wagging devotion.
So, if you’re dreaming of a best friend who’s always happy to see you (no matter what), you’re in the right place. Let’s meet some of the most lovable small dog breeds that prove the best friends really do come in furry, fun-sized packages!
Small Friend Dog Breeds for Every Dog Lover
1. Japanese Chin
If you don’t wanna think about the good times that your ex-BFF and you spent together, or write a song reminiscing about a relationship that would’ve, could’ve, should’ve spiraled into something worthwhile but has now ended like a car crash.
Then you’d better choose your friends wisely and pick this tiny Japanese pup, who will not only prove to be a great companion. But also bring in so much love and peace that you won’t have to worry about your relationship sinking like the Titanic.
Renowned for its climbing abilities and often found perched on high and cozy vantage points in its home, this fastidious, self-grooming maestro is an even-tempered, charming, loyal, and noble ‘feline breed’ (amusingly described as a “cat-like” according to the AKC) with a profuse mane and plumed tail.
Not to mention an elegant and exotic appearance. Whose favorite hobbies happen to be curling up in your lap and living in a condo, aka a luxurious apartment rather than a chateau.
3 Rock Solid Reasons Why You Should Adopt This Furry Friend:
It can mimic your emotions and is often known for being attuned to its surroundings. Japanese Chins mirror the mood in their home. Hence, you won’t have to worry about teaching this little dog how it should behave when you are not feeling up to par; it’ll be up on duty trying to lift your spirits on its own.
It is also known for carrying a deep, affectionate personality. Thus, know that it thrives on companionship and will more likely follow you from room to room like a lost puppy in love.
It makes an ideal emotional support animal. Therefore, it can save your hard-earned bucks from getting spent on expensive therapy.
2. Maltese
If unnecessary conflicts and toxic dynamics are the only two constant things you get out of your friendly situationships, then you’d better change your gang. Choose this great pet that comes with a guaranteed loyalty mark, is highly adaptable, and doesn’t secretly hate you for who you are or what you’ve achieved.
You deserve so much better than this shitty bargain!! Just look ahead and move on to this glamorously silky-haired fella who is sweet and intelligent. But also favored by countless philosophers and even royalty.
These puppies might look small in stature, but have always carried a high status, are brave and sociable dogs that greet everyone with open paws. Still not convinced. No worries, we’ll give you enough reasons to bring this small dog breed home.
3 Rock Solid Reasons Why You Should Adopt This Furry Friend:
Orvis notes that these pooches are one of the most playful dogs you’ll ever find. They love to run off-leash and burn all their energy. Hence, they only need about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day.
Obedient and intelligent, these pups respond extremely well to training and even shed less than average compared to other dogs.
These outgoing dogs are freaking smart, great motivators, and even hone in on your issues and aid your ambitions.
3. Havanese
Does the noise of opinions and expectations from others suffocate and overwhelm you? And does the sound of societal conformity make you nauseous and give you an itch to discover your own path and build your own unique identity, then we’ve got you!
PetMD mentions that this pampered lap dog of aristocracy has served humanity in countless ways. It is a great watchdog, child’s playmate, family companion dog, but also shockingly a great poultry herder.
Hence whether you live in the suburbs or the outskirts of the American countryside, this dog can be your perfect ride and die.
You’ll find this sturdy toy dog breed, which is also known as the Spanish Silk Poodle, as the happiest, outgoing pup with an incredibly friendly disposition, and if you still aren’t convinced to give this cuddle buddy a chance. Just read ahead.
3 Rock Solid Reasons Why You Should Adopt This Furry Friend:
Ideal for a laid-back household and apartment life, this one and only national dog of Cuba has a hypoallergenic coat, which means less allergies.
It doesn’t have a long list of requirements and needs, e.g., it only needs gentle walks for half an hour per day.
It is chatty and vocal, hence you get a dual benefit out of this; it’ll bark and alert you like a guard dog, and also not make you feel lonely. Not to mention, forget trembling behind a corner if a creepy solicitor or stalker knocks on your door. These fearless pooches have your back and will chase these maniacs away in no time.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It’s necessary to have nice friends who give you the opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and introspection. Help you in recharging and gaining clarity, and bring you closer to developing a deeper understanding of who you are and what your purpose is.
Purina UK states that they are nicknamed “Charlie” or “The Comfort Spaniel” due to their strong lap dog reputation. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most popular pooches and rightfully so. Cause they are truly the most adorable and friendly dogs you’ll ever find.
Moreover, the Cavaliers also happen to be the only breed that, according to the scientists, is the furthest removed physically and characteristically from wolves. Hence, they are the tamest of them all.
Often used for therapy and chosen due to their versatility, these dogs are an epic combination of gentle attentiveness, verve, and athleticism.
3 Rock Solid Reasons Why You Should Adopt This Furry Friend:
They are one of those magical pooches that mimic their owner’s routine and personality; hence, if you have a highly active lifestyle, they’ll happily be your energetic jogging partners and explore the inspiring outdoors with you. But if you happen to be a laid-back homebody, these puppies are shameless couch potatoes too.
Great for constant company and combating loneliness. These puppies don’t like staying home alone for long periods, and will even get very upset and anxious if you make them feel abandoned.
Despite their royal lineage, Cavaliers don’t have much upkeep and aren’t overly demanding.
5. Shih Tzu
Building meaningful connections and honest bonds with someone who genuinely adds value to your life and aligns with your principles is the only profitable affiliation that you can attain in this life.
Hence, don’t waste your strength on countless people who aren’t a part of your cheerleading team. But instead, gain a high-quality bond with this lively companion that will only increase your resilience, inner strength, and determination. By giving you unconditional love and understanding, and emotional support.
The Continental Kennel Club says these naughty and perky small-sized dog breeds might have a love for digging and nuisance barking. But they were once highly regarded as sacred animals and featured in the oriental paintings dating back to 600 CE.
But nowadays, the Shih tzu tends to have an extremely jubilant persona and is known for its delightful company. This small dog breed hails originally from Tibet, and is a beautiful combination of the smallest Lhasa Apsos and the Pekingese.
3 Rock Solid Reasons Why You Should Adopt This Furry Friend:
They get along with people of all ages and have a special fondness for kids. They also love snuggling in the laps of their favorite humans and accompanying them on trails and hikes.
Shih Tzus are smart pets and more adaptable than several small dogs. They easily adjust to small apartments and don’t need regular grooming either.
Shih Tzus don’t have a high prey drive and are the literal picture of affection. All you need to be careful about with these pups is overexertion and heat. Due to which they can have breathing problems.
Conclusion
These ideal companions were born to be your mad love, bred to be trusted, and live each day just to solve your endless array of problems.
Hence, if you are searching to build strong bonds with a reliable gang of living stuffed animals who’ll not only give you lifelong comfort and peace. But also bring out the best in you, then pick these toy breeds who will fit beside you, no matter wherever you live or go, and show you what the true meaning of loyalty is.
Some more options of affectionate small dog breeds include toy poodles, Chihuahuas, Boston terriers, aka the American gentleman, Chinese crested dogs, Biewer terriers, Yorkshire terriers or yorkies, Jack Russell terriers, Italian greyhounds, Cocker spaniels, Bichon Frise, Pugs, French bulldogs, Brussels Griffons, Miniature pinschers, and the famous sausage dog, aka dachshunds.
P.S. You won’t be able to ignore the larger-than-life personalities of these small dogs that were originally bred to be sassy and outgoing from the moment they opened their big, beautiful, round eyes in this world.
