If you want to have a companion who reads your emotions and stays close to you, then your search ends here.
The toy dog breeds are small in stature but not in personality. They run and chase moving objects with their short legs. They jump into your lap and accompany you for hours while you enjoy your Netflix series. These small pups weigh 2 to 12 pounds, so you can literally carry them anywhere.
Honestly, they don’t take up much space in your home, but a lot in your heart.
Larger dogs are also great companions, no offence, but they are not for everyone. They require plenty of space and training, which is quite a task. Plus, they have shorter life expectancy than small dog breeds. And to be honest, who doesn’t want a dog that can live longer?
Choosing a puppy is quite overwhelming. Every other dog looks adorable, and sometimes we find ourselves confused between two breeds. So we have listed the top 9 little dog breeds that are perfect companions and adjust well anywhere.
Top Toy Dog Breeds for Those Seeking a Companion
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier affectinately known as the Yorkie, is an active and most affectionate dog breed. They were originally bred to chase rats in textile mills, but soon became lap dogs.
These little puppies are bossy and brave, but also love cuddles. They have a long, silky coat, which has become their identity mark now.
Yorkshire Terriers are a perfect match for apartment living due to their small size and low exercise needs. Honestly, 15 minutes walk around the block is more than enough. They enjoy indoor living and like to play fetch.
Apart from this, a small bowl filled with water can keep them busy for hours. You can keep a few objects or toys within it, and they just spill water to catch them.
Yorkie is a wonderful companion and follows you everywhere. Some people say it’s afraid of everything outside, but that’s not true. Your dog learns from socialization and training, so don’t compromise on them.
These pups have a double coat that requires grooming to avoid hair poking into their eyes. And yes, Yorkies do not shed much.
2. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is active but also a sensitive dog breed. This is also known as Caniche, “duck dog” in France, due to their duck hunting history.
The Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them best suited for a family with kids. They have low exercise requirements and don’t mind living in apartments.
Poodles have a curly coat that requires regular grooming and brushing. Most of the pet parents trim the coat around the thighs, legs and tail. And this style is called pompon (not pom-pom obviously).
These little pups don’t like to live alone and become friends with other pets easily. Honestly, they can be excellent watchdogs who do not bark much and drool minimally.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the adorable dogs that has a sweet expression and round eyes. The Shih Tzu has a playful but also gentle nature. They spread giggles with their mischievous activities all day, but also become couch potatoes.
They are the best friends of introverts who like to spend most of their day at home. These lap warmers can sit for hours and curl up on the sofa when getting bored.
Shih Tzu is sociable, easy to train and a homebody, which makes it perfect for apartment living. They were bred to be watchdogs and still have those sharp instincts. So yeah, they are wonderful companions if you have kids at home.
The Shih Tzu is not just another toy dog because it has a royal history. Queen Elizabeth II, Miley Cyrus and the Ming Dynasty have this dog as their pets, according to the AKC.
4. Havanese
Havanese is a happy and loving companion. This furry puppy has an outgoing personality and loves making new friends, so it’s no wonder that it is good with other pets and even strangers.
Their thick and long coat is their breedmark, and that’s why they were also called “Havana Silk Dog” or “Spanish Silk Poodle”. You might be surprised, but they do not shed much when you brush them daily.
This is a smart, trainable and eager-to-please toy breed. Havanese dogs are great companion for apartment living due to their adaptable nature and minimal exercise needs. This small dog breed has a charming personality and extrovert nature.
Honestly, they lift your mood within minutes and don’t ask much in return.
Yes, they have a hypoallergenic coat, but they also require high maintenance. So don’t pet a Havaneese if you are not ready for regular grooming.
5. Papillon
Papillon translates as butterfly in French, and no offence, they resemble each other too. These tiny dogs have erect wing-shaped ears and long fur that drops down.
Papillons are friendly, adaptable and perfect service dogs. You can say they are a lot in little. They have an athletic body and are super agile, even in that compact size.
They are lap dogs and wonderful family companions. This small dog breed has moderate exercise requirements and can still adjust to small spaces.
But don’t lock them up at home, and consider taking short casual walks for their mental stimulation. You can easily train them with rewards and treats. The weakness of every pup afterall. Papillon have single coat that does not shed much, so it’s a bonus for allergy sufferers.
6. Pug
Pug is a friendly, alert and happy lap dog breed with a flat face and wrinkly skin. This is one of the most popular dog breeds, according to PetMD, due to their easy-going and gentle nature.
They don’t mind being lazy or sitting on the couch all day. Honestly, they have a give-and-take policy where they ask for attention, and you get unconditional love in return. Pug is active but doesn’t like to move when it comes to exercise.
This loving companion is happy with indoor living, and that’s why they love even being in tiny apartments. Pugs have small nostrils that lead to breathing difficulties and loud snoring.
This toy dog breed sheds a lot and also requires daily cleaning under wrinkly skin. They do not tolerate high heat and are a bit gassier than other toy breeds. So, only pet if you don’t have issues with their lifestyle.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese is a smart, affectionate and loyal small dog breed with a lion-like mane. They have their favourite person in a family and like to be with them all the time.
Pekes are famous due to their thick coat and rolling gait. They are super friendly and outgoing, but have medium exercise requirements.
These little pups don’t enjoy living alone and develop anxiety. They are prone to high heat due to being brachycephalic and having heavy fur.
Pekes are high-maintenance dogs and demand a lot of care. They require grooming and brushing for one hour every week to remove dead hairs otherwise, they face difficulty in walking.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred for cuddling, so they are extremely loving and gentle dogs. They are small, loving, calm and whatever a pet parent could ask for.
They love being in your lap, and that’s why King Charles I and his II used to carry them to parliaments, as noted by Wikipedia. They do not shed or bark, and that’s a jackpot for someone who doesn’t like it.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for being sweet, gentle and loyal. They are the calmest dog breed and perfect for families with kids because they bond very quickly (even with other pets). This small dog breed requires daily brushing and 30 minutes of walking, just like other toy dogs.
9. Pomeranian
A Pomeranian is the world’s most famous toy dog breed that looks larger than its real size. This illusion happens due to their fluffy coat and fox-like face.
Poms are confident, alert and spunky pups but love attention. They like to make their owner laugh and accompany them wherever they go. They are perfect watchdogs due to their herding history and high intelligence.
Pomeranian is not up for long and heavy exercise due to their small size. But they require brushing and coat trimming every 4 to 6 months to be in shape.
Conclusion
Toy dog breeds are the best companions for seniors and individuals looking for a mellow pet. They adjust in a compact home or even in a large villa.
The above-mentioned dogs are perfect lap warmers and don’t really have that many exercise tantrums. But most of them require regular grooming to maintain their fluffy and thick coats.
Some of them are calm while others are mischievous, so choose the one that meets your lifestyle.
