Small dog breeds are loved for their compact and manageable size. Their petite stature assisted them in their role as hunting or working dogs. Whereas some of them were meant to be small-sized companions.
Small dog breeds are easy to transport and can be easily carried in laps from one place to another. These pooches tend to stay small forever and have low dietary needs. They also need little exercise for stimulation.
However, not all small dog breeds make good lap dogs. Some have an independent streak and prefer walking on their own instead of being carried in your lap.
Do You Know? The world’s smallest dog breed in an adorable Chihuahua named Pearl. This amazing little canine stands only 3.59 inches tall.
Have a look at these 7 wonderful dog breeds that stay petite forever.
Wonderful Dog Breeds That Forever Stay Petite
1. Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is a rare small dog breed recognized by its monkey-like face, which gives them the nickname, ‘The Monkey Dog.’ These canines were originally bred to hunt rats in homes, shops, and stables, reports PetMD.
These compact dogs stay small forever and are best known for their expressive faces and short muzzles. Affenpinschers show deep loyalty and warm affection to their humans, but are not submissive. These darn cute doggos have a lively temperament and make a good fit for first-time owners.
Having moderate energy levels, Affenpinschers enjoy playtime and short walks with their humans. At the same time, they are happy to relax at home. These confident and curious dogs have an independent personality, so you need to be patient while training them.
Affenpinschers make great family dogs for homes with kids. They respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier, specifically bred to hunt rats in mines and mills, is a small dog breed with a big personality. Distinguished by their long, silky coats, Yorkshire Terriers have an affectionate and playful nature. Despite their small size, they tend to be alert and possess good watchdog traits.
Yorkshire Terrier stands no more than a few inches tall. They make wonderful family dogs and are great with kids. Thanks to their small size, Yorkies have been serving as lap dogs for several years. This hypoallergenic dog needs plenty of grooming, but its loving personality is worth all efforts.
If you are looking for a small dog who can accompany you for many years to come, you should adopt a Yorkshire Terrier. Offering love, laughter, and companionship, Yorkies are intelligent dogs with an eager-to-please nature.
It makes them highly trainable companion dogs. Socialization should start from an early age to make them familiar with strange places, people, and other dogs, explains the American Kennel Club.
3. Pomeranian
With a delightfully dainty appearance, these little dogs are proof that good things come in small packages. Pomeranians were originally bred as larger sled dogs, but were later reduced in size through selective breeding.
They are loyal and affectionate Spitz dogs with a protective nature. They make good watch dogs, despite their petite size. Having a fox-like face, these sassy and spunky dogs have the confidence of a much larger dog.
Pomeranians are highly intelligent dogs, which means they enjoy learning and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. Pomeranians are adaptable dogs who adjust well to a variety of environments and make an ideal fit for apartment life.
They prefer walking on the ground instead of being carried. Their fluffy coat needs regular grooming to stay healthy and beautiful. Poms enjoy activities like agility, fetch, and obedience training.
4. Shih Tzu
With their name literally translating to ‘lion dog,’ the Shih Tzu is a cute dog breed loved for its crysanthemum face. These ultimate social butterflies get on well with everyone, including other pets, children, and even strangers.
These playful pups are moderately energetic and need only minimal exercise to stay fit. Only a few short walks around the block and indoor play sessions would suffice for them. Shih Tzus are highly adaptable and adjust well in variety of environments.
Shih Tzus were bred to be companion dogs, so they have a friendly personality. They love to stay by their owner’s side all the time and make wonderful lap dogs. Shih Tzus also follow their humans from room to room just like a shadow.
Their luxurious coats are hypoallergenic and shed minimally, which means they are a perfect fit for allergy sufferers. However, the coat needs frequent grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
5. Maltese
Maltese are small white dogs that look like a furball. These super adorable pooches possess snow white coats, dark eyes, and button noses. Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and intelligent dogs who get on well with everyone.
According to Hill’s Pet, Maltese are playful and enjoy learning new tricks. Maltese make good family dogs, but their interactions with small children should always be monitored, as rambunctious kids can end up hurting them. Maltese form strong bonds with their children.
They always prefer to stay by their human’s side and are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Maltese do well with daily activity but do not require extensive exercise due to their small size. They respond best to positive reinforcement-based methods.
Also, make sure to keep the training sessions fun. A lonely or bored Maltese can become destructive and exhibit behaviors like excessive barking.
6. Toy Poodle
The smallest of three Poodle variants, Toy Poodles have been bred to be smaller over the years. They look like Standard Poodles but stay small forever. Toy Poodles are exceptionally loyal, intelligent, and eager to please. They are playful and confident when socialized from an early age.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Poodles are gentle and friendly pooches who get along well with everyone, including kids, other pets, and strangers. Toy Poodles may have lower exercise needs than other Poodle variants, but still need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
They bond closely with their people and become prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Poodles are sensitive to changes in their owners’ moods and home envrionment due to which they make excellent therapy dogs.
7. Papillon
Papillon is a small dog breed also known as ‘butterfly dog’ due to the shape of its ears. These easy to train companion dogs are full of energy and have a friendly nature. Paps make wonderful playmates and are very intelligent. They love spending time with their people.
They love snuggling their people and love to meet new people. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Papillons are small, but no couch potatoes. They need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Papillons are one of the smartest dog breeds who respond well to positive reinforcement based training methods. Despite having a beautiful long coat, they do not require extensive grooming as they do not have an undercoat.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds are loved for their petite size and big personalities. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and bond tightly with them. Many of them make loving lap dogs, but some prefer to be on their own due to their independent personality.
Due to their small size, these pooches have minimal exercise needs and eat little food. Only a few short walks and indoor play sessions provide them adequate stimulation. Like all breeds, they also need socialization to turn into well behaved canines.
