Toy dog breeds are a BLESSING for those living in small homes, rented apartments, or urban areas. They make your dream of having a pup real and don’t demand much in return (except love).
These small dogs meet all the criteria, lease requirements, and also have the ability to be great companions. They barely require moderate exercise to stay fit, so you don’t have to run a marathon every morning (gotta admit that big dog buddies are strong).
They are adorable, cute, and someone you can’t scold after they make a mess (they just get you off guard with their expressive eyes). So yeah, they are the ones that will never make you feel less loved.
We have shared seven such small dog breeds in this guide that love short strolls and neighborhood walks. You will learn about their temperament, exercise, behavior, and grooming routine in detail, so stand by because the dog you are planning to own may be hiding somewhere in this list.
Top Toy Dog Breeds for a Small Space and Big Love
1. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are playful, affectionate, and deeply loyal dogs known for their gentle nature and high emotional intelligence. They form strong bonds with their family and often follow their owners from one room to another. They were developed to be watchful farm guardians, so they are alert.
However, these small-sized breeds are also called lion dogs as they were bred to look like them, as per PetMD. They are even-tempered and possess a lot of affection for their owners. They require moderate exercise, including brisk neighborhood walks, indoor games, or fetch for mental stimulation.
Shih Tzus are perfect for first-time owners and experienced owners alike. They also rank among the smartest dog breeds and are eager to please. They have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and require brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent mats.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are exceptionally gentle, affectionate, and happy-go-lucky dogs. They are among the most popular small dog breeds for their sweet and melting expressions. Cavaliers are true lapdogs and well suited for homes with children and other pets.
These small breeds require less space but have big hearts. They adjust well to apartment living, and their main goal in life is to cuddle on the sofa and share unconditional love with their owners. Cavaliers require regular exercise of 20-30 minutes for mental stimulation and to keep themselves busy.
They have a silky, medium-length coat with beautiful feathering and shed moderately year-round. These Spaniels need regular brushing (3-4 times a week) with a slicker brush to prevent mats behind their ears and under the legs. Plus, they are intelligent and easy to train for naive owners.
3. Havanese
Havanese are playful, charming, and endlessly cheerful dog breeds. They are also known as velcro dogs because of their intense devotion to their humans. They are great candidates for families with kids and other dogs. Havaese were originally bred as lapdogs, so they provide warmth and companionship.
In addition, their small stature makes them adjust well to apartments. These small dog breeds have short legs and require 20-30 minutes of daily walks and indoor play. Havanese are best for first-time owners due to their smart, eager-to-please, and highly responsive nature.
They have a long double coat that requires daily brushing if kept long. You can also go for a puppy cut, which is relatively easy to maintain. However, these small pups are hypoallergenic, as Purina also shared, so they are well suited for allergic sufferers and busy bees.
4. Pug
Pugs are charming, playful, clownish, and have expressive faces. They show endless devotion to their owners and were bred to be lapdogs. Pugs have big personalities in their small stature and have a stocky build. These calm breeds are cherished companions for first-time owners.
However, they have moderate exercise needs. Make sure to avoid strenuous exercise and workouts in hot climates because of their flat face. Pugs are eager to please and adjust to apartment and compact homes due to their manageable size.
These small pets respond best to positive reinforcement and fun training sessions. They possess a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately to heavily but is low maintenance in terms of trimming. Pugs require brushing 2-3 times a week along with regular cleaning of their facial folds to prevent infections.
5. Maltese
Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and fearless white dogs that are known for their beautiful coat and delicate appearance. These little pups share strong bonds with their owners because they were specifically bred to do so. Their sole purpose is to provide companionship and warmth.
These small breeds adapt easily to small apartments and find happiness simply in cuddling on your lap or trotting closely by your side. They are just adorable and require around 15-20 minutes of gentle, regular walks for mental stimulation. These are best small dog breeds for seniors and novice owners.
Maltese are intelligent, responsive, and quick to learn. They are sensitive in nature and respond best to gentle training sessions. These toy breeds barely shed but require daily brushing to avoid tangles. You can also go for a puppy cut to reduce brushing needs.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are feisty, affectionate, and full of big dog attitude. They carry a lively and confident personality into their tiny frame. Yorkies are brave, highly alert, and deeply devoted to their owners. They were originally bred to chase rodents in textile mills and coal mines, which is hard to believe.
These small dogs also have protective instincts and love cuddling on the couch and riding in tote bags. They have plenty of energetic spirit but have tiny legs, so they burn it off quickly in around 30-40 minutes of exercise, as PDSA mentioned. They enjoy games of fetch and strolls in the neighborhood.
Yorkies are a perfect match for first-time owners and active individuals. They are sharp, intelligent, and slightly stubborn, so you have to train them with clear and consistent rules. Plus, they have a silky, low-shedding single coat that requires daily brushing if kept long.
7. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are proud, playful, and among the smartest breeds out there. They are lively, friendly and carry an energetic, joyful attitude with one of the most beautiful curly coats (something you’ll definitely be obsessed with). These small breeds were bred purely as companions.
They are water lovers, so you may probably find them swimming in the pool the second you move your head away from them. But apart from these mischievous acts, these little Poodles are sweethearts. They are brilliant at problem-solving and are among the easiest dogs to manage.
They have moderate exercise needs and require 30-45 minutes of daily physical activity. They are perfect for seniors, naive owners, and families with kids. These Poodles have a single coat and require daily brushing to prevent mats and remove tangles, though they barely shed.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned seven dogs are all small and compact. They don’t require big yards for mental stimulation, but short strolls and indoor play are usually enough for them. They are toy breeds, but their love for you is unconditional.
Read the details to learn more about their temperament, training, exercise, and behavior.
