20 Small Dog Breeds You Must Know About

Are you planning to make a four-legged angel a part of your family? If so, have you considered adopting a small breed dog? These tiny pups may be easier to care for, feed, and handle, making them the best fit for people with a busy lifestyle. Plus, with so many adorable small dog breeds, you are sure to find the pawfect pal for you and your family.

Small dogs are not only cute cuddlers but also energetic companions. So, if you live in a small space, have a hectic schedule, or want a sweet companion, a small dog could be the ideal match for you. Small dogs have a lot to offer as loyal and loving companions. From their easy care and maintenance needs to their ability to travel, these pups are a perfect fit for almost everyone.

So, if you want to add a furry friend to your household, consider choosing a small dog. You won't be disappointed! This blog provides a list of the best small dog breeds. We will also explain their personality traits, physical characteristics, and trainability in brief.

Top 20 small dog breeds

While there are countless small dog breeds in this whole wide world, you must know about these top 20 breeds:

Corgi

Corgi is popular for its petite size and playful nature. With a long body and short legs, Corgis are one of the most adorable small dog breeds. Since they are loyal and affectionate, this dog breed makes a great companion to first-time pet parents. Adopting positive training methods from its early age can help a Corgi grow into a confident dog.

Shih Tzu

Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Shih Tzus make loyal companions. If you adopt a Shih Tzu, it will probably always snuggle on your lap while you watch TV or read a newspaper. With its round face, short muzzle, big, puppy eyes, and drop ears, this dog can steal anyone’s heart. As Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs, they can quickly adapt to positive reinforcement training methods. However, they are known to be a tad stubborn; hence, it is best to start house training and leash training from an early age.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have a feisty personality and high-energy levels. They might be tiny in size, but they know how to put up a strong fight. While it is a trainable breed, you might have to be extra patient with your Chi due to their stubborn nature. However, since they are loyal companions that seek their caregiver’s attention, you must make the most of positive reinforcement training methods.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are long-bodied dogs known for their loyal and energetic personality. They are great cuddlers who often follow their caretakers around the house. Since this dog breed is playful and low maintenance, it is an ideal choice for first-time pet parents. If you are planning to adopt a Dachshund, you must know that training this dog can be a little challenging. However, Dachshunds thrive on compliments and words of affirmation, so make sure you go for reward-based training.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are known for their fluffy white coat and fun-loving personality. They are gentle, trusting, and affectionate, which makes them a pawsome family dog. Since Maltese dogs are highly alert, they are also great watchdogs. Thanks to their high intelligence, you can start training Maltese from an early age. In fact, they love learning new tricks… so make sure you invest time and energy in providing them with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are popular for their fluffy coat, feathered tail, and fox-like face. These little dogs are sweet and affectionate towards their loved ones. However, don’t be fooled by their tiny build, for they are full of courage and energy. Since they are intelligent dogs, you can also easily train them into an obedient pet.

Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz are a perfect choice for families with children. They are highly energetic and playful in nature. Like Pomeranians, Japanese Spitz too have a fox-like face. Moreover, they have a white, double coat that protects them from harsh climate. While this dog can be a little stubborn, it is also intelligent. If you adopt the right training methods, you can easily train a Japanese Spitz.

Poodle

Poodles are popular for their elegant demeanour. They come in different sizes, including standard, miniature, and toy. Their playful nature and gentle personality make them a great family pet. Their curly coat helps them stand out from other small dog breeds. Along with being highly intelligent, Poodles also thrive on attention. As a pet parent, you should make the most of this personality trait and mould your pet into an obedient and confident dog through reward-based training.

Pug

Pugs are low-maintenance dogs that easily adapt to apartment living. While they are intelligent, they are also stubborn. With patience and consistent training, they can grow into good doggies. Moreover, Pugs are full of personality – they are affectionate, funny, and delightful. Since they are loving and playful in nature, they are perfect for families with kids. However, it can be a little difficult to groom Pugs. Since they have a wrinkly face, you need to clean their skin folds daily.

Jack Russel

Jack Russel dogs are energetic and playful. They have a strong and bold personality that can intimidate anyone. While they are independent and assertive, Jack Russel dogs are also loyal in nature. They are intelligent and quick learners. However, like Pugs, they too can at times be a tad wilful. So, ensure that you make use of reward-based training methods to train your Jack Russel.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is from the clan of little white dogs which was initially called the Barbichon family. It has a loving as well as sensitive personality, which makes Bichon Frise a perfect family dog. Along with being a gentle soul that loves to cuddle, it is also a bold dog that never backs away. Bichon Frise is an intelligent and trainable dog that responds well to positive reinforcement. However, if you are planning to adopt this dog, you must know that they need regular grooming.

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are known for their independent nature. They are not too clingy and are generally considered to be aloof. However, that doesn’t mean that Lhasa Apsos are not loyal to their caretakers. In fact, this small dog breed is known to be protective about their pet parents. Though they are intelligent, training a Lhasa can be a bit of a challenge. Thanks to their independent nature, they are less likely to try and please their caretakers. But with consistent practice, patience, and positive training methods, you can mould your Lhasa into an obedient dog.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are friendly and affectionate dogs. They can charm anyone with their lively personality and dapper looks. In fact, with the tuxedo-like coat, Bostons look like true gentlemen. Moreover, they are intelligent dogs that thrive on compliments. Hence, they are always down to learning new tricks from their caretaker. Train your Boston Terrier the right way and you will have a flamboyant dog.

Pekingese

Pekingese are compact dogs that make fantastic family pets. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that love lounging on their caretaker’s lap. Beneath their lion-like mane, Pekingese are quite sturdy and muscular. While they are intelligent, training them can be a challenge. Since Pekingese are independent dogs, they have the tendency to not obey commands. However, with consistent training and patience, you can easily teach them basic commands.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are small breed dogs that are popular for their affectionate and fun-loving nature. This sporting dog has a long and silky coat that comes in a variety of solid as well as combination colors. Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and easy to train. Their gentle and playful temperament makes them a great family dog.

Beagle

Beagles are compact dogs with short legs and a long body. They have a soft and short coat that comes in different colors like white, black, tan, and brown. They are fun loving and gentle in nature, which makes them an ideal canine companion for anyone with children. Though Beagles are easy to train, they are also popular for being stubborn. However, this dog responds well to positive reinforcement methods.

French Bulldog

As the name suggests, French Bulldogs come from France. They are compact in size with a short muzzle and large, erect ears. This small and muscular dog has a playful, alert, and affectionate temperament, and thus it generally gets along with anyone. Though French Bulldogs are easy to train, they can also be stubborn at times. As a loving dog parent, you can easily train this dog through positive methods.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with long and silky hair. While this dog breed is known for its terrier-like feisty personality; it can at times be territorial. However, that doesn’t mean that Yorkshires are not playful and affectionate with their caretakers. In fact, they are loyal and devoted companions. Moreover, these terrier dogs are intelligent and easy to train.

Schnauzer

Schnauzers come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and giant… but we are talking about miniature Schnauzers here. Though they are tiny in size, they have a sturdy build underneath the wiry double coat. Schnauzers have all the qualities required to be a great fam dog – loyalty, playfulness, and warmth. Moreover, they are alert, intelligent, and easy to train.

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers are known for their streamlined body and a distinctive hackney gait. They have a smooth coat and large, erect ears. These fearless dogs come in red, black, and chocolate colors. Moreover, Mini Pins are affectionate and active dogs that love to be involved in fun activities. This breed is intelligent and always eager to please its caretaker. So, make the most of positive reinforcement methods and help your Mini Pins grow into a well-behaved and loving dog.

In case you are planning to add a small dog to your family, do not forget to do your research. It will help you choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and personality. Our small dog breeds list can be a helpful resource in narrowing down your options. If possible, remember to visit a reputable breeder or consider adopting from a shelter. With proper care and attention, your small dog will be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.

Small dogs may be tiny, but they have a big personality. With their compact build, small dogs are perfect for apartment living. From travelling to just snuggling on the couch, these little doggos are always ready for fun and positive experiences.

Frequently asked questions

• What are some famous types of small dogs?

  There are many types of small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles. You can also go for small terrier breeds such as Jack Russell Terrier and Miniature Schnauzers. Other small breeds include Dachshund, Shih Tzus, and Maltese. These breeds are typically characterized by their small size, typically weighing less than 20 pounds.

• Which is the friendliest small dog?

  It's difficult to say which small dog breeds are the "friendliest," as all dogs have unique personalities and may have varying levels of friendliness. However, many breeds listed above are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. Shih Tzu, Corgi, Schnauzer, Poodle, and Pug are popular for their friendly nature. Each one of these breeds is known to be loyal, affectionate, and great companions.

• Which small dog is the most playful?

  The most playful small dog breed is probably the Pomeranian. These fluffy, energetic dogs are known for their playful and curious nature. They are also very loyal and make great companions for people of all age groups. Other playful small-sized dog breeds include the Chihuahua, Japanese Spitz, and Toy Poodle. It is important to remember that all dogs, regardless of size, require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

• What are the benefits of little dog breeds?

  Here are a few benefits of adopting a small breed dog:

  • They tend to have a longer lifespan
  • Small dog breeds adapt well to apartment living
  • Their exercise requirement is comparatively less