The size of small dog breeds could be one of the many features they share in common. While certain breeds prefer loud, strong attitudes, others are calmer and love their freedom. Short, straight hair, long, flowing locks, and even curly hair that is tightly knit are all potential coat types.
While some of your new furry companions would be high with excitement and eagerness for the next round of fetch, some will be small furry friends who can’t wait to snuggle up on your lap. The ideal small dog for you will rely on your lifestyle, amount of maintenance effort, and character preferences. Here are the top 12 small dog breeds to take into consideration.
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12 Small Dog Breeds That Are Great Companions For You
1. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a distinct breed seen in both small and normal sizes and a large range of hues. They are incredibly attractive and fun pets. Dachshunds are unrivaled in their tenacity and self-assurance, which is fitting given they were built to face the vicious badger. They truly care about the people who care for their pets, are devoted guards of their family, and often show stubbornness.
These dogs are independent and feisty as they are a mix between a hound and a terrier. Relative to other Dachshund breeds, the smooth-coated Dachshund has a short coat that needs the least care. The longhaired breed, on the contrary, sheds more often than the other three and needs more frequent grooming. To keep a neat coat, the wirehaired Dachshund has to be groomed often and have its nails cut.
2. Pomeranian
Although the Pomeranian is an attractive, calm, and kind dog, it can often get loud. So, if you select a Pomeranian, it gets along well with children as long as it is brought as a puppy. Even this, a home with very young kids could not be the ideal fit for a Pomeranian due to its large shed.
As you can see, a range of small dogs is ready to fit every lifestyle and taste. It all depends on what you need. Yet, most small dog breeds are purebreds that have been bred together for a lengthy time, resulting in various congenital abnormalities. Choose a trustworthy breeder if you want to acquire a small dog as a pet.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Many Yorkshire terriers usually sit on their owners’ laps and don’t dislike being carried. Yet, they are not weak dogs. Yorkies’ big personalities more than help compensate for their small stature.
They can make great watchdogs as they loudly notify you of any movement within the house. While they don’t need large spaces to exercise enough, they are first and mainly loving companions.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is an ideal pet because it is joyful, flexible, and caring and has wonderful sparkling eyes. This small, elegant gift could only weigh 13 to 18 pounds, but there is still much to adore. If this calm, cute small dog doesn’t charm you, you may wish to test your pulse rate.
5. Miniature Poodle
A miniature poodle has all the qualities of a standard poodle, like brilliance, loyalty, and hypoallergenic. Poodles with other well-known breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Cavaliers, are commonly crossed.
6. Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, two distinct breeds of these clever dogs that were created as cattle herding dogs, are the two varieties known. The main distinction between the two breeds is that Cardis have tails and Pembroke Corgis have not.
While both species are small in stature, they are clever, loyal, and athletic. They are among the top dog breeds in terms of recognition.
7. Pug
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs, which implies they have a large skull and short muzzle, giving them the typical “smashed-in” image. The breed can have breathing issues despite the reality that this offers them a different look.
They can have black coats, although most are fawn in color. They also have a significant facial wrinkle, another characteristic of brachycephalic breeds.
8. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are intelligent, faithful, and fun. As they usually weigh more than 10 pounds, these are small dogs. Affenpinschers are often called “monkey dogs” because of their looks.
Affenpinschers make fantastic hypoallergenic dogs and are ideal for apartments. While they can interact with other dogs, they often have problems getting along with smaller pets like hamsters, ferrets, and other rodent-type creatures.
9. Maltese
The Maltese are most often one of the initial breeds that spring to mind when thinking about small dogs due to their silky and soft white coat. As members of this breed form faithful lap dogs, they are also lively and energetic. Pure bravery is a quality that Maltese dogs have and is said to have been gained from their time spent as rat hunters.
The Maltese can get by with occasional exercises, such as a regular walk or indoor or outdoor fun. They like doing tricks, are trained properly, and get along well with individuals of any age. Whereas Maltese can have a long, lovely coat, many pet parents choose to cut their dog’s hair short for it to be simpler to operate. Since they are sensitive to tear stains, they must have their eyes cleaned often.
10. Chihuahua
Despite its small stature and timid look, the Chihuahua has a lot of personalities. It has a habit of biting small kids or barking endlessly at odd pets. Also, it could be loud and noisy. Before you say no, know that the Chihuahua is a loving and friendly dog that has even been found to bond with cats.
11. Shih Tzu
Given that the Shih Tzu breed was created solely as a friend, it is no shock that it is now the icon of lap dogs. Despite that, several owners cut the coat short of making care easy; these dogs have long, silky hair. With a vigilant, calm attitude, they usually exhibit a good degree of toughness.
12. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small dog that will sway the opinions of anyone who believes they don’t like them. You won’t regularly encounter a canine pal that is both humorous and wise. Combined with its intense dark wide eyes and small, tuxedo-styled body, which weighs no more than 25 pounds, it is both beautiful and charming.
Conclusion
If you’re considering purchasing a small dog as they’re adorable, soft, and calm, you should strongly consider it. What they lack in size, they regularly make up for in arrogance. Most small dog breeds don’t have fearful attitudes, although some can appear soft and adorable. It’s a good idea to be conscious of what you’re receiving when you choose your small-framed dog because small dog breeds, like people, have a variety of traits.
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