Not everyone is fond of, can afford, or has the space to bring home a big dog breed. If you’re an eccentric dog lover but do not have enough time during the day or enough space in the house to fulfill the needs of a large dog breed, then our list of small canines is the perfect choice for you.
We have gathered 7 of the best small dog breeds that are affectionate, make perfect companions, are easy to train, and are manageable indoors. These pups have an adaptable temperament that allows them to settle easily in small and cozy spaces.
Read on to learn more about these little dogs, what they bring to the table, and how you can cater to them without worrying much about fulfilling their needs.
Tiny Dog Breeds Ideal For Small Space Owners
1. Silky Terrier
A small toy dog breed from Australia, Silky terriers are known for their spunky and playful personality. These pups have straight and shiny hair that keeps growing continuously. Other than being high-maintenance dogs and being stubborn during training, these pups are affectionate, highly adaptable to different living situations, and excel at dog sports.
Silky dogs are active pups but are not hyper canines who need vigorous exercise daily. Their energy needs can be met by at least an hour of exercise, a walk around the block, and a game of fetch. It is essential that you spend time training them from an early age to ensure they follow commands.
These pups may be tiny-sized, but do not back down when they come face-to-face with a larger dog breed. They must be kept in a fenced area or on a leash to prevent them from running after prey. These pups are otherwise great family dogs who make loving companions and stay well-behaved as long as they receive enough attention from their pet parents.
2. Biewer Terrier
Lively, playful, and devoted to their owners, Biewer Terriers are small-sized dog breeds that make the perfect companions for apartment life. They may be toy breed but these pups have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off.
You can plan indoor playtime sessions and activities for them, followed by daily walks around the corner to keep them healthy, happy, and satisfied. According to PetMD, these pups have a fun-loving and childlike attitude, which is why they require and thrive in human companionship.
Biewers get along well with their family members, including children and other pets in the vicinity, given that they are socialized from an early age. Other than being companion dogs, these pups are fiercely loyal and remain alert, which allows them to keep a close eye on their surroundings. They may even bark at new stimuli, which is why training should be done using positive reinforcement methods.
3. Toy Fox Terrier
Playful, energetic, and alert, the Toy Fox Terrier is a small dog breed that is not just ideal for apartment life but is also a great choice for first-time pet owners. They may be small in size, but these pups have a spunky and big dog personality. They are fun-loving and eager to please pups, which makes them bond closely with their family.
These pups have an affectionate nature, like to cuddle with their favorite humans, and make the perfect lap dogs. These small dogs are very loyal and make excellent watchdogs. They bark to alert if something does not seem right.
These small dogs have a high prey drive, which is why they are not suitable for a house with cats, but with early socialization and positive training methods, these pups can get along well with anyone. These pups have moderate exercise needs that can be fulfilled by a 30-minute short walk and some playtime, making them an excellent choice for small spaces and indoor living.
4. Russian Toy Dog
Originally bred in Russia from English Toy Terriers, Russian Toy Dogs were once associated with aristocrats but now make excellent compact companions for humans living in small spaces or apartments. These small dogs have a friendly, gentle, and playful nature, which makes them a great choice of a pet.
These pups are affectionate and loving towards their own family members, but they may act aloof around strangers. But this isn’t an issue because with their eager-to-please attitude, these small dogs are easy to train, but it is recommended to use positive reinforcement methods to keep them well-behaved.
These sweet-natured dogs love being the center of attention and sitting on their owners’ laps, getting in their daily cuddles. These pups are small and were originally bred to chase rats that is why they have low to moderate energy levels. A solid 45 minutes of exercise is enough to keep them happy and healthy.
5. Miniature Pinscher
Despite being a small dog breed, these pups are excellent watchdogs. Miniature Pinschers are known to be the “King of toys” because of their king-like personality, says Hill’s Pet. Nicknamed as Min Pins, these pups are energetic and confident with boundless energy and a big dog personality.
These pups think of themselves as bigger than they actually are, and their fearless attitude can get them into trouble at times, which is why training and socializing them at an early age is essential. They are low-maintenance dogs and do not have major grooming needs, making them perfect for small-space owners.
Min Pins have non-stop energy, which is why you need to plan activities that keep their mind and bodies working constantly. But thanks to their small size, they do not need hours of exercise and long walks. Rather, they are more than happy and satisfied with a play time in the yard or living room with their favorite human being.
6. Toy Poodle
Elegant looking tiny dog who makes a clever and loyal companion, Toy poodles are equally intelligent and smart with an eager to please attitude, like the standard and miniature poodle. They are lively and fun companions and are the calmest small dog breed indoors.
This small breed likes to be involved in all family adventures and make great watchdogs who alert their owners if something seems fishy. They have a beautiful and luxurious coat that does not require regular brushing or professional grooming for the care and upkeep of their double coat.
These small dog breeds can easily adapt to any living standards, urban or city life, as long as they get enough play time with their owners indoors and outdoors. They are a fun and active breed who requires physical and mental stimulation to stay well behaved and ensure a relaxed lifestyle.
7. Papillon
A glamorous, delicate looking pup with ears that look like a butterfly’s wings, Papillons are small dogs who are known to be the smartest dog breeds from the canine world. According to Purina UK, just like many small dog breeds, these pups easily adapt to any living situation. Whether you prefer apartment living or have a small home, this small breed makes a great companion.
Papillons are the right dog for active owners and do better in a house with older kids as compared to small children. This small dog breed thrives with moderate exercise, training, short walks, and routine grooming.
These small dog breeds may be smaller as compared to the standard canines but they are highly energetic. They require a good amount of exercise to wear them out. They play best in enclosed spaces where they stay safe and comfortable. Early socialization and training are recommended to ensure a calm demeanor indoors.
Conclusion
There are many small dog breeds but not all are adaptable and easy going. Unlike other dogs, these small mammals do not require much space and are suitable for apartment living and compact houses. As long as they are getting enough cuddles and exercise, they stay well behaved indoors and thrive in human companionship.
So what are you waiting for? Bring home your favorite small dog breed today. These pups may be a little on the expensive side but they are worth every penny spent.
