Weighing no more than a few pounds, toy dogs pack big personalities inside their tiny bodies. These little dogs have been selectively bred to be small through several generations. Toy dogs can greatly vary in their temperaments and appearance.
For instance, a Toy Poodle looks entirely different from a Pug. Like all other dog breeds, Toy dogs are also incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Many of them make wonderful lap dogs and offer loving companionship.
They bring joy to your home with their warm snuggles and cute antics. Toy dogs usually have minimal exercise needs and an adaptable nature. They can adjust well to a variety of environments, including apartments and suburban homes.
Have a look at these top toy dog breeds for companionship and cuddling.
Top Toy Dog Breeds for Companionship and Cuddling
1. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty. Having an affectionate nature, they make loving playmates for your kids. Shih Tzus are social butterflies who get along nicely with people of all ages, including kids, adults, and seniors.
They thrive on human interaction and make excellent lap dogs due to their love for cuddling and staying close to their humans. Shih Tzu puppies cuddle with their mothers for protection, warmth, and nourishment. Adult dogs seek love and attention from their human companions.
Their gentle nature, compact size, and moderate exercise needs make them perfect pets for first-time dog parents and individuals living in apartments. They need only a few short walks and indoor play sessions for physical and mental stimulation, according to the AKC.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are fluffy, small dogs with lots of attitude, intelligence, and energy. They were bred as companions and love nothing more than the company of their humans, mentions PetPlan. Poms happily accompany their owners everywhere and do not like being left alone.
They form strong bonds with their humans and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. These affectionate dogs love belly rubs and being petted by their owners. Poms make great companions and cuddly buddies.
Pomeranians have an adaptable and playful nature. They do well in many homes and get along nicely with kids and other pets. Due to their small size, they need only minimal exercise for stimulation. Poms do well with only two 15-minute walks a day.
3. Havanese
Native to Cuba, Havanese are cheerful little dogs with spirited personalities. They are smart and highly trainable dogs that make the most affectionate and loyal companions for almost everyone. Havanese have a fun-loving and playful nature.
They are packed with energy, but also like to relax on the couch. Thanks to their kind and gentle temperament, Havanese make ideal family pets. Havanese absolutely love to be held and are always up for snuggles.
They adore cuddling up in their human’s lap so much that they can become overly dependent. Havanese bond tightly with their owners and can become anxious if neglected or left alone for too long. They are well-suited for apartment life.
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is another small dog breed known for its playful, peppy, and curious nature. Having a happy-go-lucky nature, Bichons draw smiles and hugs wherever they go. These adaptable companions adjust well in a variety of households.
Bichon Frises are cheerful and intelligent dogs who love to be the center of attention. They make excellent companions for people of all ages and get on well with other pets and children. Bichons are a perfect match for people looking for a joyful, friendly, and low-shedding companion.
Bichons thrive on human companionship and make wonderful cuddle buddies and true lap dogs. They also like to go on short walks with their humans. Their affectionate nature, combined with their compact size and moderate energy levels, makes them a perfect fit for apartment dwellers.
5. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are playful and charming canines, having a unique blend of confidence and sensitivity. They typically do well in families with children, other dogs, and cats. Thanks to their adaptable and loving nature, they are a good choice for first-time dog owners.
Brussels Griffons bond closely with their humans. Purina mentions they do not like being left alone. They make excellent companions and watchdogs, but may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Brussels Griffons are active indoors and live comfortably in an apartment.
However, you need to make sure their exercise needs are being met. These adorable little companions love to stay close to their people, snuggling on the couch or curling up in your lap. Brussels Griffons thrive on human interaction and have earned the title of ‘Velcro dogs.’
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are instantly recognizable due to their long, flowing coat. They were originally bred to chase rodents, but make devoted companions today. Yorkies are incredibly loyal canines, protective of their owners, and make excellent watchdogs.
Yorkies have the true terrier spirit and are packed with energy. Sometimes, they are brave and bossy. Yorkshire Terriers get along well with family and strangers alike. These outgoing little pups love attention and can become yappy if they do not get it.
Once they have chosen you as their favorite human, they will spend hours snuggling in your lap. For Yorkies, cuddles are a way of showing love, trust, and devotion. Despite their small stature, Yorkshire Terriers think of themselves as much larger than they are.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese is a toy dog breed with a friendly and outgoing personality. These charming and confident companions form a tight bond with their humans. Pekes tend to be independent dogs as they were bred to live in palaces.
Pekingese have an affectionate nature, and they tend to be laid back at home. Their regal bearing and distinctive rolling gate make them stand out from other breeds in the dog world. Pekingese require only moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Pekes make great cuddle buddies and love snuggling in their owner’s lap. They become prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Pekingese are smart dogs who can be trained very easily.
8. Maltese
Another toy dog breed, the Maltese dogs are quite loving and affectionate to their people. They are very friendly and do well with kids who know how to interact with other dogs. These enchanting companions enjoy family life and are very gentle.
Maltese are considered to be very cuddly and make fun-loving partners. These gentle dogs form strong bonds with their owners and make great therapy dogs. Maltese are alert and fearless canines who make ideal pets for apartment dwellers.
Maltese are loved for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. That is why the Maltese are well-suited for allergy sufferers. However, the coat is high maintenance. Frequent brushing and regular bathing are important to keep the coat healthy.
9. Pug
Originally bred as companions, Pugs can be easily recognized by their smooshed faces. They have a laid-back nature and are not overly energetic, but love pleasing their owners with their playful antics. Pugs are incredibly loyal to their owners.
Pugs are loving and friendly dogs who like pleasing their owners. They make wonderful lap dogs and have an adaptable nature. Pugs have an even temperament and an easygoing personality. Their small size and low maintenance needs make them perfect for apartment dwellers.
However, Pugs are brachycephalic dogs with short muzzles. They are prone to overheating and several breathing issues. So, make sure you do not take your Pug out in extreme heat. Also, do not over-exercise your dog.
10. Poodle
Like Standard Poodles, Toy Poodles are also known for their high intelligence and low-shedding coats. This hypoallergenic breed makes a good choice for individuals who love grooming their dogs. Poodles are very active dogs who make loving playmates.
Toy Poodles are people pleasers who love spending time with their owners. They make loyal companions and get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers. Toy Poodles are athletic dogs.
Despite being small dogs, they excel in a variety of canine sports, including flyball, agility, and obedience. Poodles thrive on companionship and make a better fit for active families. Their curly coat needs regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
Conclusion
Toy breeds are known for their incredible loyalty and immense love for their humans. They bond tightly with their owners and love spending time with them. They make loving companions and are always up for warm snuggles.
Many toy dogs make adorable lap dogs and do not like being alone for too long. Otherwise, they become vulnerable to separation anxiety. Their moderate energy levels and playful nature make them ideal companions for people of all ages.
