Best Small Dog Breeds
Best Small Dog Breeds. Imagine having the perfect furry companion that fits snugly into your home and heart. Look no further – we’ve compiled a list of the best small dog breeds. These adorable bundles of joy are not only pint-sized, but they also boast fantastic behavior, making them ideal for any kind of owner. Whether you live in a small apartment or have a bustling family, these small dog breeds are sure to steal your heart with their lovable personalities and compact size. Let’s explore the wonderful world of the best small dog breeds together!
1. French Bulldog
Appearance
The French Bulldog is a small breed with a muscular build and a compact body. They have a distinctive appearance with their large, round eyes, erect bat-like ears, and a short, flat muzzle. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, white, and cream.
Temperament
French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are social animals that enjoy the company of their owners and are great companions. They are also known to be good with children and get along well with other pets. French Bulldogs are generally well-behaved and easy to train, making them a popular choice for families.
Size and Weight
French Bulldogs are considered a small breed, with males typically weighing between 20-28 pounds and females weighing between 16-24 pounds. They have a sturdy and muscular build, with a height of around 11-12 inches at the shoulder.
Exercise Needs
Despite their small size, French Bulldogs require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy short walks and playtime in a fenced yard. However, it is important to note that they are prone to overheating due to their short muzzle, so exercise should be done in moderation and during cooler times of the day.
Grooming
The French Bulldog has a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat clean and free from loose hairs. They are average shedders and may require more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are also important parts of their grooming routine.
2. Pomeranian
Appearance
Pomeranians are a small and fluffy breed with a fox-like expression. They have a double coat that is thick and plush, with a profuse ruff around their neck and a bushy tail that rests on their back. Pomeranians come in a variety of colors including orange, black, white, cream, and many more.
Temperament
Pomeranians are known for their lively and outgoing nature. They are often described as confident, intelligent, and curious dogs. Pomeranians thrive on attention and love to be the center of attention. They are also known for their alertness and can make excellent watchdogs.
Size and Weight
Pomeranians are a small breed, with a height of around 7-12 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 3-7 pounds, although some may be slightly larger. Despite their small size, Pomeranians have a sturdy build and a confident presence.
Exercise Needs
While Pomeranians are small, they still require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Daily walks and playtime in a secure area are essential to meet their exercise needs. Pomeranians also enjoy interactive toys and games that provide mental stimulation.
Grooming
Pomeranians have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Daily brushing is recommended to keep their coat looking its best. Pomeranians are moderate shedders and may have heavier shedding periods during seasonal changes. Occasional bathing, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Appearance
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, elegant dogs with a beautiful coat and gentle expression. They have a silky, medium-length coat that comes in various colors such as black and tan, ruby, blenheim, and tricolor. They have a well-proportioned body with a moderately long, feathered tail.
Temperament
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their sweet and affectionate nature. They are often described as friendly, gentle, and eager to please. They love being around people and get along well with children and other pets. Cavaliers are also intelligent dogs and are quick to learn new tricks and commands.
Size and Weight
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a small breed, with an average height of around 12-13 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 13-18 pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. Despite their small size, Cavaliers have a sturdy and well-balanced build.
Exercise Needs
Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are adaptable dogs that can be happy in both apartments and houses with a fenced yard. Cavaliers also enjoy mental stimulation, so puzzles, interactive toys, and training sessions can help keep them mentally sharp and engaged.
Grooming
Cavaliers have a beautiful, silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. They have medium-length feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail, which can be prone to tangles and matting if not properly maintained. Regular brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and occasional bathing are important parts of their grooming routine.
4. Maltese
Appearance
Maltese dogs are small and elegant with a beautiful, silky coat. They have a compact and balanced body, with a slightly rounded skull and a black button nose. Their coat is long, straight, and white, giving them a striking appearance.
Temperament
Maltese dogs are known for their playful and lively nature. They are often described as affectionate, gentle, and friendly. Maltese dogs enjoy being the center of attention and are great companions. They are also intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Size and Weight
Maltese dogs are a small toy breed, with an average height of around 8-10 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 4-7 pounds, with females being slightly smaller than males. Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are sturdy and have a well-proportioned build.
Exercise Needs
Maltese dogs have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are adaptable dogs that can do well in apartments or houses with a small yard. Maltese also enjoy interactive toys and games that provide mental stimulation.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential aspect of owning a Maltese dog due to their long, silky coat. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangling. Some owners choose to keep their Maltese in a short coat, which requires less maintenance. Regular professional grooming, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
5. Shih Tzu
Appearance
Shih Tzus are small and sturdy dogs with a luxurious coat. They have a compact and solid body, with a slightly round head and a short muzzle. Their coat is long and flowing, and it comes in various colors including gold, black, white, and many more.
Temperament
Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They make excellent lap dogs and love to cuddle with their owners. Shih Tzus are also known for their loyalty and can be protective of their family. They are generally good with children and other pets.
Size and Weight
Shih Tzus are a small breed, with an average height of around 9-10.5 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds, with females generally being smaller than males. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus have a solid and well-balanced build.
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are adaptable dogs that can do well in apartments or houses with a small yard. Shih Tzus also enjoy interactive toys and games that provide mental stimulation.
Grooming
Grooming is an important part of owning a Shih Tzu due to their long, flowing coat. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling. Many owners choose to keep their Shih Tzu’s coat in a shorter style, which requires less maintenance. Regular professional grooming, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Appearance
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are small dogs with a glamorous and elegant appearance. They have a long, silky coat that is usually blue and tan in color. Yorkies have a compact body with a level back and a small, well-proportioned head.
Temperament
Yorkies are known for their confident and adventurous nature. They are often described as feisty, energetic, and fearless. Despite their small size, Yorkies have a big personality and are not afraid to stand up to larger dogs. Yorkies are also affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners.
Size and Weight
Yorkshire Terriers are a small toy breed, with an average height of around 7-8 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 4-7 pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. Despite their small size, Yorkies have a sturdy build and a confident presence.
Exercise Needs
Yorkies have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are adaptable dogs that can do well in apartments or houses with a small yard. Yorkies also enjoy interactive toys and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training sessions.
Grooming
Grooming is an important aspect of owning a Yorkshire Terrier due to their long, silky coat. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangling. Many owners choose to keep their Yorkies’ coat in a shorter style, known as a “puppy cut,” which requires less maintenance. Regular professional grooming, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Appearance
Miniature Schnauzers are small and sturdy dogs with a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows. They have a square-shaped build with a strong and muscular body. Their coat is wiry and comes in various colors including salt and pepper, black, and black and silver.
Temperament
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are often described as intelligent, alert, and confident. Miniature Schnauzers form strong bonds with their owners and are generally good with children and other pets. They are also known for their loyalty and can make excellent watchdogs.
Size and Weight
Miniature Schnauzers are a small breed, with an average height of around 12-14 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 11-20 pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. Despite their small size, Miniature Schnauzers have a sturdy and well-proportioned build.
Exercise Needs
Miniature Schnauzers have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are active dogs that appreciate mental and physical stimulation. Miniature Schnauzers also enjoy interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions that challenge their intelligent minds.
Grooming
Grooming is an important aspect of owning a Miniature Schnauzer due to their wiry coat. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling. Miniature Schnauzers also require regular professional grooming, including hand-stripping or clipping, depending on their coat type. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also vital parts of their grooming routine.
8. Boston Terrier
Appearance
Boston Terriers are small and muscular dogs with a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern. They have a square-shaped build with a short, compact body. Their coat is short and sleek, and it comes in various colors including brindle, black, and seal.
Temperament
Boston Terriers are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are often described as affectionate, intelligent, and lively. Boston Terriers form strong bonds with their owners and are generally good with children and other pets. They are also known for their sense of humor and can provide endless entertainment.
Size and Weight
Boston Terriers are a small breed, with an average height of around 15-17 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 12-25 pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers have a muscular and well-balanced build.
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are active dogs that appreciate mental and physical stimulation. Boston Terriers also enjoy interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions that challenge their intelligent minds.
Grooming
Grooming is relatively low maintenance for Boston Terriers due to their short and sleek coat. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat clean and free from loose hairs. Boston Terriers are average shedders and require occasional bathing and regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care.
9. Dachshund
Appearance
Dachshunds, also known as Wiener dogs, are small dogs with an elongated body and short legs. They come in three coat types – smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Dachshunds also come in various colors and patterns including red, black and tan, chocolate, and more.
Temperament
Dachshunds are known for their lively and tenacious nature. They are often described as curious, playful, and independent. Dachshunds form strong bonds with their owners and can be protective of their family. They are also intelligent and may have a stubborn streak at times.
Size and Weight
Dachshunds come in different sizes, including standard, miniature, and toy. The standard Dachshunds have an average height of around 8-9 inches at the shoulder and typically weigh between 16-32 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds have an average height of around 5-6 inches and typically weigh between 9-15 pounds. Toy Dachshunds are even smaller, with an average height of around 4-5 inches and typically weigh between 4-8 pounds.
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. Despite their short legs, they are active dogs that appreciate mental and physical stimulation. Dachshunds also enjoy interactive toys, games, and training sessions that challenge their intelligent minds.
Grooming
Grooming for Dachshunds depends on their coat type. Smooth-coated Dachshunds have short and sleek fur that requires minimal grooming. Wirehaired and longhaired Dachshunds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Occasional bathing, regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Appearance
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs with a long body, short legs, and large ears. They have a medium-length double coat that comes in various colors including red, sable, fawn, and black and tan. Pembroke Welsh Corgis often have a fox-like expression that adds to their charm.
Temperament
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their intelligent and outgoing nature. They are often described as affectionate, eager to please, and playful. Pembroke Welsh Corgis form strong bonds with their owners and are generally good with children and other pets. They are also known for their herding instinct and may try to herd their family members.
Size and Weight
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a small breed, with an average height of around 10-12 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 25-30 pounds, with females generally being smaller than males. Despite their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a sturdy and well-balanced build.
Exercise Needs
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are active dogs that appreciate mental and physical stimulation. Pembroke Welsh Corgis also enjoy interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions that challenge their intelligent minds.
Grooming
Grooming for Pembroke Welsh Corgis involves regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their medium-length double coat. They are average shedders and may require more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
