Picture this: You’re home after a long day at work, your favorite show is on, you’ve got a soothing cup of coffee, and an adorable little dog snuggling up next to you. Whether you live alone or live with your partner or flatmates, adding a loving and adaptable doggo makes a cozy lifestyle far more satisfying.
Dogs come in all sizes, temperaments, and energy levels; the living situations they require depend on all those factors.
While some dogs are high in energy levels and need super-active owners who keep them on the move, others are larger breeds who need ample space to live in. And then there are small dog breeds (the most loved type of modern-day pets), who live in cozy homes as well as adapt to apartment living.
Keep in mind that even these lively little dogs can have varying temperaments and needs. If you can’t wait to bring home your new pup, here’s a review of tiny dogs to help you decide.
Sweetest Small Dog Breeds for a Cozy Lifestyle
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the largest toy dogs, but still small enough to fit into your apartment or dorm. They are the best small dog breed for sociable owners who meet new people often, as these joyful pups don’t mind socializing (especially with early training).
Cavs have a rich history that can be traced back to the royals of Britain and their fondness for these pooches (as their name tells us). They’ve been show dogs and are not strangers to human companionship.
If you have kids at home, Cavs can make amazing playmates for them, but some monitoring is always required. Whether you’re outdoors hanging out with friends, or having a movie session indoors, Cavs will entice your guests, and even get along well with other dogs.
Despite their adaptability, even Cavs need quality time, especially when it comes to upkeep needs. Their lush, silky coat needs regular grooming to stay gorgeous and clean, as per the AKC; regular brushing and bathing should be a part of your routine.
2. Pug
With a cute, smooshed face and pleading, big dark eyes, Pug will find its way right into your heart.
Pugs are believed to have originated in China and later accompanied Dutch traders by the end of the 17th century to England, as per Britannica.
These square and sturdy dogs are brachycephalic; they might suffer with breathing difficulty and you will definitely hear a lot of snoring. Also, make sure to keep them indoors when it’s hot outdoors, as these dogs should be kept cool during summer.
Pugs make companions with an affectionate nature and get attached to their pet parents. They can be kept in small apartments and their exercise needs can be met with some indoor play, or short walks outdoors. Their expressive faces are also quite wrinkly and you will need to keep those wrinkles clean to avoid accumulation of dirt.
3. Shih Tzu
If you want a doggo that will make your friends gasp in awe, the Shih Tzu is a diva you can proudly show off to your circle. With a luxurious, silky long coat, a sweet face, and round, black eyes (that can disappear behind its hair), Shih Tzus are one of the prettiest dogs.
Originally a Tibetan breed, Shih Tzus are ancient but still loved as lap dogs that stay happy in small spaces as well as larger homes. Intentionally bred to look like lions, these “little lions” were favored by Imperial rulers and were considered small guard dogs for their alert nature, as per PetMD.
They make amazing little companions for a cozy lifestyle, as they can stay content indoors, and also enjoy outdoor activities with their pet parents, like hanging out in the doggo park. Their daily exercise needs can be met with play sessions indoors and letting them trot by your side when you go out for some chores.
Despite their manageable size, these doggos can be a handful if they aren’t trained while puppies, or are left alone for long periods of time. Excessive barking can be one of the bad habits they resort to if they’re bored.
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are white dogs with a big personality that comes in a small package. They make wonderful furry companions for your apartment life and get along well with adult owners and children as family dogs.
Bichon Frises belong to the “Barbichon type” dogs, along with Bolognese, Maltese, and Havanese. They were hugely loved by the Spanish, French, and Italian royals during the renaissance, as per Purina. The French revolution was hard on these pups as they lost their original homes, but many were lucky enough to be adopted by new owners.
Even nowadays, they adjust well to a cozy and easygoing lifestyle, but enjoy playing around and some mental stimulation. These fluffy dogs should be given some brief regular walks to keep them healthy and at a reasonable weight.
These low-shedding doggos need some occasional coat care as their coat keeps growing. They are great pets for people with allergies due to their hypoallergenic nature.
5. Maltese
Maltese dogs are breathtakingly beautiful, white haired toy breeds that have a loving heart and affectionate temperament for their humans. The silky-haired Malteses make excellent family dogs for people living in small spaces, though they can bring some extra magic to any living environment.
If you live in a shared living space and want some extra watch, these pooches will make good watchdogs for you due to their alert nature. It is also one of the low-shedding doggos who will need regular coat care to stay clean and healthy.
The “watchdog” part is not to be taken casually, as their instincts can make them suspicious of strangers; make sure these pups have received early socialization training. They don’t require much space to live in due to their small size, but won’t mind accompanying you outdoors at times.
If you have older, sensible kids at home who can handle these pooches, they can become a great team as these dogs do love attention.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
If you want just the right combination of friendly nature and spunk, Yorkshire Terriers are the best small dogs for you. Nowadays adopted as lap dogs that make a cozy lifestyle even cozier, Yorkshire Terriers have a history as rodent catching doggos for miners.
While these pooches can live well in any type of home where they are taken care of, despite being tiny they need some playtime and exercise. Their rat-catching background gives them a prey drive but they’re generally well-behaved dogs.
They will need some training to be quieter dogs for apartment living, as these pooches can become excessive barkers if not well-trained. They might display certain typical terrier behaviors, including independent nature and bossiness.
But once you’ve managed to train them well, there won’t be a dull day with these pups around. Yorkies can get along well with other pets and even kids, but they’re so small there’s always the chance of them getting accidentally hurt.
7. Havanese
The Havanese is a toy dog native to Cuba that’s quite a favorite with urban dog owners in the USA, as per the AKC. If you live alone in an apartment, adding a Havanese to your home will keep away all the gloom and loneliness. Quite comical and sociable in nature, it will snuggle up next to you anywhere.
Havanese are smart dogs and quick learners when it comes to cues, commands, and tricks. If you want to show up your Havanese to your friends or relatives, these cute dogs will surely enjoy meeting some new people (early socialization is still a non-negotiable).
You had better not be too lazy or too busy to give your Havanese a daily combing session and occasional baths; their soft and lush coats need regular grooming. Havanese are doggos with a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety; try not to leave them alone for long periods of time.
These doggos love playing and will enjoy a number of dog related activities, like agility, nose work, and puzzle toys.
Conclusion
Small dogs can be an absolute joy to be around if you can dedicate yourself to taking care of their health and well-being. If you’re ready to adopt a little pooch, make sure to talk to a reputed breeder, and never forget to book regular appointments with your local vet.
