Small dogs are loved by many pet parents due to their adorable size and puppy-like looks. Their petite size made them well-suited for their working ability or simply made them desirable as lapdogs. They are usually adaptable and do well in different living environments.
They make up for their small size with their big personalities. Most small dogs are ideal for indoor living due to their moderate exercise needs. Various factors need to be considered while choosing the right indoor dog breed.
For instance, if a dog is constantly yapping all day, it might not be suitable for indoor living, such as in apartments. Indoor dogs are not the outdoorsy type with quite high energies, who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running.
Here are the top 7 tiny dog breeds that prefer indoor activities.
Tiny Dog Breeds Prefer Indoor Activities
1. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are compassionate canines that make ideal indoor companions. These energetic canines are affectionate towards their family and can sometimes be leery of strangers. Bright and amusing, Chins make excellent lapdogs with an exotic appearance.
Generally, they make social and loyal companions who love spending time with their owners. Japanese Chins cannot be left alone for too long, as they are prone to separation anxiety. Being an excellent choice for apartment living, they enjoy indoor activities like interactive games and playing with toys.
Japanese Chins do not do well in hot weather due to their short muzzles. So, make sure proper ventilation and fresh water are always available. Plus, they should stay indoors on very hot days to stay safe.
Japanese Chin is often referred to as “cat-like,” and this trait is quite visible during training. These pooches respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
2. Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is a small dog breed native to Germany. Also known as “ape terriers” or “monkey dogs,” these loyal and affectionate dogs have a funny personality. Looking more like a toy than a real dog, the Affenpinscher is the right choice if you live indoors, such as in an apartment.
Affenpinschers are playful and feisty fellows who love to engage in amusing antics. According to the American Kennel Club, these pooches are moderately active but do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Indoor play sessions with their owners or alone with a toy can be a great way to entertain these canines. However, these strong-willed pooches sometimes do not respond well to training. Consistent training and socialization are required to turn them into well-behaved dogs.
Affenpinschers don’t shed much but require regular grooming to keep their coat beautiful. Use a slicker brush to comb your dog’s hair at least twice a week.
3. Maltese
With their snow-white coat and tiny size, Malteses are not made to stay outdoors. They were originally bred as lapdogs and love to be cuddled. Their low barking tendency and minimally shedding hypoallergenic coat make them ideal for apartment living.
According to Orvis, the Maltese is an ancient dog breed known for its affectionate and lively spirit. Intelligent, sweet, and energetic, they make wonderful companions and are protective of their personal space and their owners.
These charming little dogs have a playful personality. Maltese may be small in size, but they form deep and unbreakable bonds with their owners. They are the happiest when they get to spend some time with you. Leaving them alone for too long makes them prone to separation anxiety.
Maltese love to be pampered and require lots of grooming. So, you have to brush your Maltese dog’s coat on a daily basis to prevent mats and tangles.
4. Havanese
Outgoing and funny, Havanese have a silky coat that does not shed much. They make excellent watchdogs and take their job seriously. Their adaptable nature and social skills mean they make ideal indoor dogs.
These sturdy dogs are smart and trainable extroverts and have a lively and affectionate personality. Havanese are friendly and outgoing dogs with a cheerful nature and adorable appearance. No matter what hairdo you give your Havanese, they will look cute.
According to Purina, Havanese need moderate exercise of about half an hour every day to stay healthy and active. They enjoy indoor games, interactive play sessions, and daily walks. Being small doesn’t mean they are not smart.
Havanese are incredibly smart dogs, highly receptive to training. They also excel at agility and trick training competitions.
5. Pug
One of the most popular small dogs, Pugs are recognized by their wrinkled faces and smooshed muzzles. They don’t shed much, and their short coat rarely needs to be brushed. Their laid-back personalities make them well-suited for indoor living.
Pugs are not excessive barkers; they vocalize only when provoked. These shameless couch potatoes love to play and entertain their owners with their silly antics. Their small size and adaptable nature mean they can happily spend their day relaxing indoors.
However, Pugs are vulnerable to obesity, so regular exercise of around half an hour to one hour is important to provide physical and mental stimulation. Pugs cannot bear strenuous exercise due to their flat faces, which make them prone to overheating and breathing problems.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are highly athletic toy dogs who get along nicely with active owners as well as shameless couch potatoes. They have a fantastic reputation for being gentle and affectionate towards everyone, including children and other dogs.
Having a luxurious coat and expressive eyes, Cavaliers have moderate energy levels. They love to play and think of everybody as a potential playmate. However, they are also happy spending hours indoors resting in their owner’s lap.
Cavaliers are generally indoor dogs, well-suited for apartment living. They thrive on companionship and do not do well if left alone. You can engage your Cavalier in activities like a game of fetch and hide and seek indoors or take them out for long walks.
7. Shih Tzu
Also known as “lion dogs,” Shih Tzus may be small in size, but they have big personalities. They make loyal and loving companions for families. Being highly adaptable, Shih Tzus are well-suited for a sedentary lifestyle. They love everything from adventurous walks to parks to indoor cuddling sessions.
Originally bred as lapdogs, Shih Tzus bring lots of energy and playfulness to your home. Wherever they go, mischief and love follow. These alert dogs are a bit yappy and tend to bark when they need to inform their owners about anything.
Shih Tzus are easy-to-train dogs thanks to their people-pleasing nature. When it comes to training, Shih Tzus do well with rewards and positive reinforcement methods. Capable of staying indoors for several hours, Shih Tzus enjoy cuddling and watching TV with their owners.
Conclusion
While some big dogs may require lots of outdoor space to exercise and roam around, small dogs are content with indoor living. They are usually quite adaptable, so they adjust well to a sedentary lifestyle until they are getting adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Small dogs can spend hours indoors simply lying in a cozy corner, resting in their owner’s lap, watching TV, or dozing their day off. They are playful but moderately energetic, meaning they bring happiness to your home but do not need extensive exercise to stay fit.
