10 Best Small Dog Breeds
The following is a list of the top 10 small dog breeds in the world. These breeds, when properly trained and socialized, make for excellent companions. They enjoy their quiet time but also love to play and be active around their families. One unique thing about these breeds (and many others) is that they can live happy and healthy lives in an apartment if they get enough exercise and attention from their owners:
1.) Maltese: Maltese dogs are the perfect lap dog breed. The Maltese is a wonderful and friendly companion that loves to be around people. They are smart, energetic, and quick learners who make excellent watchdogs. Due to their size, they do not require a lot of space or exercise, making them the ideal pet for apartment living.
2.) Shih Tzu: a happy little bundle of joy. These little dogs love life and enjoy nothing more than being part of the family’s activities. Playful, loving, gentle, this dog breed will win your heart with their eagerness to please you and be part of all of your activities – from daily walks to errand running! One note though: Shih Tzu is a a clingy small dog breed and they prefer to be in the midst of whatever is going on. Give them love, give them attention, and they will return it back tenfold!
3.) Miniature Pinscher: one of the popular small dog breeds are German Shepherd. Min Pin’s are intelligent little dogs who enjoy learning tricks and playing in short bursts. They make good watchdogs; however, they do not bark excessively. The breed has high energy levels but can live happily in an apartment if given enough exercise (the average walk around the block or playtime with other dogs or humans). They make for loving companions that get along well with children but should not be trusted around smaller pets due to their hunting instincts.
Toy dogs breed are small dogs that are under 7kg (15 pounds). These types of dogs were bred for companionship, and they make great pets.
4.) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: a loving and gentle breed. These dogs are wonderful with children and other pets but can also enjoy a quiet evening curled up on your lap while you watch a movie! Cavaliers, as they are often called, have a lot of energy which is quickly burned off in short bursts of play or exercise. They do well in just about any living situation but prefer to be part of the family rather than left alone for long periods at a time.
5.) Papillon: sweet and loyal. These little dogs get their name from the butterfly-like ears that flutter when they get excited. Playful and energetic, Papillons love to run around outside with toys or other dogs before curling up on the couch for some quality “lap time.” While they may not be the most obedient of dogs, they can and do learn tricks with enough motivation and positive reinforcement.
Tiny dogs have a large presence, and one that demands respect. These little dogs are full of energy and love to run around outside with children or other dogs before cozying up for some relaxing television time.
The ancient Japanese breed called the Shiba Inu is more like a small wolf than anything else. They are loyal, independent and will follow their own interests rather than what you want them to do. They need lots of training because they tend to be stubborn; however, with patience and consistency your Shiba will become a loving member of the family in no time.
6.) Havanese: a loyal companion. The Havanese is a playful small dog breeds who enjoys romping around with children or playing in short bursts of energy. They are very intelligent dogs that respond well to training but should not be expected to stay alone for long periods of time without getting into trouble (chew on shoes or furniture, etc). Due to their small size, though, they make excellent apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise during the day.
7.) Toy Fox Terrier: intelligent and energetic small dog breed. These little terriers make good watchdogs due to their protective natures; however, they are also very loving and attached to their owners. They are clever little dogs who enjoy games like fetch, but make sure to keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in yard since they have strong hunting instincts.
8.) Norfolk Terrier: energetic yet calm . These small little terriers were originally bred for controlling the rodent population (ratting) on large farms; however, today they make excellent companions for almost anyone. They are playful and like to run around outside to burn off energy before curling up with their owners for some relaxing television time. Because of this active lifestyle, though, Norfolk’s do well in most living situations so long as they get enough exercise each day!
The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that the Yorkshire Terrier is “an ideal companion” because it is small, easy to train, friendly and affectionate. Yorkies are intelligent and love attention from their owners. They can be difficult to housebreak but are very adaptable.
9.) Bichon Frise: an intelligent and energetic companion. Bichon’s are curious little dogs who enjoy being part of their families’ activities. While they do not particularly take to training well, they respond best to positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior. They can be a bit wary of strangers or other animals when in new surroundings, but with socialization and a patient owner will learn to trust in no time!
10.) The Pug: an adorable companion. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, Pugs are actually one of the most gentle and loving breeds. They make excellent companions for children because they are playful but also patient with them when they get a little over-zealous. The breed responds well to positive reinforcement training methods but sometimes need to be separated from other dogs due to their small size not always being taken seriously by the bigger breeds.
