20 Best Small Dog Breeds, as far as size goes, are small, but in everything else, no, they are not small. These little guys are pint-sized but are full of personalities and loads of love. It does not matter whether you are a first-time pet parent or you want to expand your furry family; this Top 20 Best Small Dog Breeds will ensure you discover Hypoallergenic small dog breeds as an ideal small pet.
20 Best Small Dog Breeds
Maltese:
The Maltese is a cuddly, lapdog that is a loving pet with a fearless character and a silky white coat.
The reasons they are awesome pets:
- They are not difficult to train
- Hypoallergenic
- Good to someone with allergies. And mainly,
- They are attention seekers and attached to their humans.
key Qualities:
- Faithful and loving
- Apartment living is great
- Little shedding
Boston Terrier:
Boston Terriers are sweet, cuddly social and energetic mentions of which can be named the American Gentlemen due to their tuxedo-like coat.
The reasons they are awesome pets:
- They do not require much care
- They are highly flexible which is perfect to live in a big city or a small flat.
Key Qualities:
- Social and sociable Bright
- Easy to train
- Best companions for Kids and seniors
Dachshund:
These amiable ‘dachshunds’ are small in size but they are big with heart. Their coat is Smooth and long.
The reasons they are awesome pets:
- They are very loyal and
- They have an alarming quality hence being great watchdogs.
Key Qualities:
- Big personality in little frame
- Loving and inquisitive
- Suitable to older children
Shih Tzu:
Low-shedding small dog breeds
These are adorable dogs, loved pet of the Chinese emperors, loving, cuddly and they are overloaded with cuteness.
The reasons why they are good pets:
- They are loving and remain calm
- Suitable to families and senior people
Key Qualities:
- Correspondence with other people is very sociable
- Child-friendly, other pets friendly
- Does not require much exercise
Pug:
The Pugs have a face to adore of everyone they are playful, cute, loving, and the best couch mates.
The reasons why they are good pets:
- They also have a goofy character
- Adore participation in family things…..low effort, high points.
Key Qualities:
- Super vinyl-isothermal
- Low exercise requirements
Pomeranian
The fluff does not conceal the fact that Pomeranians are independent, exploratory, and thrive when being the centre of attention.
The reasons why they are good pets:
- They are not dumb
- Can be easily trained because they are energetic and sassy.
Key Qualities:
- Posh and proud
- Watchful and guardian like An excellent travelling companion
Chihuahua
Sounds small but extremely powerful! Completely personality-filled, Chihuahuas attach themselves to their owners.
The reasons why they are good pets:
- They conform to any style of life
- They are very loyal and protective of their family.
Key Qualities:
- Big attitude in small cover
- Small grooming requirements
- Suitable to a single owner or senior citizens
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie):
Yorikis are tiny, snazzy and feisty; they are smart and they are adventurous.
The reasons why they are good pets:
- They are hypoallergenic
- Eager to learn new tricks
- Mini watchdogs.
Key Qualities:
- Bold and feisty
- Travels well
- Long beautiful hairs.
Toy & Miniature Poodles
Either Toy or Miniature, Poodles are smart, pretty and non-allergenic.
The reason they are such excellent pets:
- They are lightly trainable
- kid friendly
- Do not shed a lot–a dream come true to busy families.
Key Qualities:
- Super intelligent
- Classy and sporty
- Allergy friendly
Bichon Frise
Bichons are cute little white-coloured puff balls of joy; they are joyful, gentle and do not bother people with allergies.
The reason they are such excellent pets:
- They are hypoallergenic
- Merry and enjoy tricks.
Key Qualities:
- Friendly and sociable
- Fine family pets
- Very trainable
French Bulldog:
Short, clumsy but adorable, Frenches are the chilliest types of companions one could ever hope to have.
The reason they are such excellent pets:
- They hardly bark
- they do not demand intensive exercising and
- they are easy to adapt to a city.
Key Qualities:
- Chilled-out character
- Easy-maintenance coat
- Just Great with kids
Jack Russell Terrier
Small athletic dogs with terrestrial amounts of energy, Jack Russell are ready to play a game or go on an adventure any time.
The reason they are such excellent pets:
- They are faithful
- Learn easily
- And like to be highly stimulated
Key Qualities:
- Active and swift
- Smart and cognizant
- Most suitable to active owners
Miniature Schnauzer:
These bearded buddies are hardy and intelligent and protective, playful and family-oriented.
The reason they are such excellent pets:
- They are hypoallergenic
- Shedding-resistant
- Are fun-loving
Key Qualities:
- Strict and brave
- Child friendliness
- High alert and watchful
Papillion
Papillion’s with butterfly ears are very graceful and intelligent animals.
The reason they are such excellent pets:
- They are lively,
- Sociable and
- Ideal as training or agility dog.
Key Qualities:
- Light and beautiful
- Very trainable
- Good playmate of energetic owners
Pekingese:
Pekingese is a proud lapdog that likes serene atmosphere. Regal and independent, these dignified dogs are adorable.
The reason why they are good pets:
- They are very strongly attached to a single individual and
- Choose quiet gentle families.
Key Qualities:
- Majestic tranquillity
- It is beneficial to single owners
- Less physical activity requirement
The Cavalier King
They are toy group sweethearts, Cavaliers are loving, adoring and extremely gentle.
The reason why they are good pets:
They are cuddly, get along with children and the elderly, and they are easy to look after
Key Qualities:
- Super pet dog
- Silk and plush hair
- Gets along with every one
Havanese
These are the Havanese pup; it is mischievous, lovable, and an excellent lap dog.
The reason why they are good pets:
- They are also quite easy trainable
- love children
- Are ideal in urban areas.
Key Qualities:
- Amorous and gay
- No shed coat
- Easy to get accustomed to routines
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhounds are sleek, stylish and loving cuddlers that are home body lovers.
The reason why they are good pets:
They are clean, non-vocal and they love to lounge as much as they love to run.
Key Qualities:
- Soft and smooth
- The lowest levels of grooming
- Suitable in households that are serene
Lhasa Apso:
They are independent, charming, and confident, Tibetan watchdog ancestors.
The reason why they are good pets:
- They are defensive
- fairly mellow
- attached to family.
Key Qualities:
- It sees and it knows
- Hypoallergenic
- Devoted and self-reliant
Brussels Griffon:
Brussels Griffons are cute, quirky and highly intelligent, which is an excellent reason to take home a Brussels Griffon puppy.
The reason why they are good pets:
- They adore their proximity to human
- Are big on their personality mood.
Key Qualities:
- Stupid and funny Smart
- Sensitive Bonds with owners
Small Dog Breed Comparison
(🐾 = Size | ❤️ = fitness| 🎾 = levels)
| Breed | Size (Small → Large) | Health (Fragile → Robust) | Energy (Calm → Energetic) |
| Pomeranian | 🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Chihuahua | 🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Toy Poodle | 🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Brussels Griffon | 🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾 |
| Papillon | 🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Maltese | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Shih Tzu | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Bichon Frise | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Pug | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| French Bulldog | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾 |
| Cavalier King Ch. | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Havanese | 🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Dachshund | 🐾🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾 |
| Boston Terrier | 🐾🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Jack Russell | 🐾🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🔥 |
| Mini Schnauzer | 🐾🐾🐾 | ❤️❤️❤️ | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
Key Insights;
- Tiniest breeds (🐾): Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Papillon.
- Fittest breeds (❤️❤️❤️): Most tiny breeds, except Pugs/French Bulldogs (breathing issues).
- Energetic ones (🎾🎾🎾🎾🔥): Jack Russell, Papillon, Toy Poodle.
- Best for small spaces: Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles (calmer but social).
So, what to do now?
Well, you are already acquainted with the champions of world of small dogs- now it is your turn to get the cute little creature- your new best friend!
Ask yourself?????
- Is it the type of pup I want, playful or cuddle? Or
- Do I like to be high-maintenance or do I like grooming needs?
- Am I living in an apartment or do I have a backyard?
As soon as you find your lifestyle fit, go back to your preferred breeds or you may look through the comparison table.
Your next move:
- Pay a visit to nearby shelters and rescues-your future best friend may be sitting there
- choose your pup ……..ready your home……and be prepared to love without an end limit, wagging tails, and joyful adventures.
References
dubin, a. (2023, 04 11). 43 Best Small Dog Breeds. Retrieved from GOOD HOUSEKEEPING