Top 12 Small Dog Breeds

Top 12 Small Dog Breeds

Smaller dog breeds are very popular in the United States. You may see many famous Hollywood celebrities proudly cuddling their small dogs in front of many people like they flash their accessories. You may want to adopt a smaller breed because they’re cute and cuddly, but don’t let their size fool you — not all smaller dogs are meek. What they lack in size, they often make up for their feistiness, arrogance, and friskiness. Some of them even match the aggressiveness of larger dogs. Just like human beings, each dog has different habits and personalities, and smaller dogs are no exception to this rule. So before you adopt a small dog, be sure that this is the dog that will suit you and the rest of your household (especially if you have small children).

Let’s move on and find out what are the top small dog breeds in the country.

Boston Terrier

1. Boston Terrier

You will definitely love this breed! Boston Terriers are virtually perfect as companions, especially for the family. They are friendly and bond well with kids. Besides, Boston Terriers are also considered a practical choice of a breed because they can do well without excessive grooming. A little warning, though: they tend to chew on household items such as your furniture. So giving them chewing toys or training them is definitely recommended.

Chihuahua

2. Chihuahua

Don’t let the Chihuahua’s diminutive size deceive you; this little canine can pack a big wallop in terms of attitude. The average Chihuahua lifespan is 15 years.  Chihuahuas are super-feisty and sometimes a bit too aggressive for their size. They are notorious for nipping at children (probably not the best dog for your kids) who may find them too cute. They also bark incessantly when they sense a new dog in the neighborhood. They will constantly demand your attention, too. Before you protest, the Chihuahuas are otherwise intelligent and loyal little fellas. They also have the ability to get along with cats — that is, after some introduction, of course.

Jack Russell Terrier

3. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most intelligent dogs around. These dogs also tend to have a very high level of energy. If you want a quiet dog that just lazes around and likes to be pampered all day, then this breed is not for you. This extremely intelligent and energetic breed needs constant stimulation, exercise, and interaction with the owners. If it is not given these things, it would likely to become bored, moody, or even destructive.

Since this breed is quite vocal and boisterous, a good amount of training can help make the dog calmer. This breed of dog is quite a handful to train and manage so it makes an excellent choice for experienced dog owners.

Maltese

4. Maltese

“Small but terrible” may be a clichéd phrase but it holds true for this breed. Diminutive but otherwise fearless, Maltese dogs are also friendly and highly sociable. Another plus is that they don’t shed too heavily and are hypoallergenic, making them the perfect companions for those who have sensitivities in their bodies. Being bred as the companion dog, a Maltese hates to be left alone too much. So if you want a buddy for life, why not get a Maltese? No wonder this is one of the most favored dog breeds.

Miniature Schnauzer

5. Miniature Schnauzer

Once trained as a ratting dog and a watchdog, Miniature Schnauzers are now popular companion pets. This breed is alert, curious, intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable. They are also great with children. Your kids will love playing with this fun-loving breed and these dogs will return the affection without a second thought. Part of the breed’s problem is its popularity. Because of the growing demand for Miniature Schnauzers, they tend to be overbred or wrongly bred by puppy mill breeders. It will be important to go only to a reputable dog breeder if you want to get a Miniature Schnauzer.

Papillon

6. Papillon

This breed is quickly identifiable for its large butterfly-like ears and symmetrical face, which give Papillon its name (from the French word papillon, meaning “butterfly”). Descendants of the toy spaniel, these dogs were once popularly featured in many works of art from as far as back as the 16th century. A Papillon is highly active, intelligent, agile, and obedient. It is not shy nor is it aggressive; however, it is happy and quite adventurous. Its bright personality will delight anyone who meets this breed. Since Papillon dogs are highly trainable, they are often used for many dog agility and obedience competitions.

7. Pekingese

Also known as the Lion Dog, this breed was once a favorite lap dog and companion of the royalty of the Chinese Imperial court during the ancient times. These days, a Pekingese is still a popular lap and companion dog. It is also a good watchdog because of its fearlessness. Loving and protective, this breed is also great with family and kids. A Pekingese dog doesn’t shed often although with its long coat it needs a good deal of grooming.

Miniature Poodle

8. Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodles, like the other poodles, often come out as winners in dog breed competitions. However, being a popular show dog, most people have misconceptions about poodles — that they are just beautiful, elegant, and regal-looking dogs and nothing more. Once you get past the blue ribbons, the elegant hair, and the snooty reputation, you will actually find that poodles (including Miniature Poodles) are intelligent, obedient, and athletic. Not only do they do well in most dog shows, but they may also excel in agility and obedience competitions. Apart from those characteristics, Miniature Poodles make loving and affectionate companions.

Pug

9. Pug

With its adorably wrinkly face, short legs and gentle, lovable personality, a Pug can make a wonderful companion. Be prepared, though: despite the small size, this breed can be really strong-willed. It is headstrong, but not aggressive, and otherwise very sociable and eager to please its owners. These characteristics make this dog suitable for families with children. Most dogs of this breed are quite fond of kids and fortunately, their small but robust bodies render them able to play with small children easily.
Shih Tzu

10. Shih Tzu

The name literally means “lion dog” in Chinese, and is both singular and plural. Shi Tzu dogs are known for having a long, silky coat. While it doesn’t shed too heavily, it does otherwise need regular grooming. Although the temperament varies from dog to dog, Shih Tzus are generally known to be loyal pets, affectionate, loving, friendly, and alert. They get along well with anyone, including kids.

 Skye Terrier

11. Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier, according to the Kennel Club, is one of the most endangered native dog breeds in the United Kingdom. This is because their numbers are under threat which provokes concern among dog lovers. If you have a cat at home, don’t expect the Skye Terrier to be ok with it. They don’t care for cats or other animals including as rabbits and rodents. This breed is also cautious with strangers so it’s important to have it extensively socialized. Now, the upsides: the Skye Terrier is extremely dependable, and makes a great family pet. If you want a dog that will accompany you on your hiking trips, the Skye Terrier is perfect as it loves exploring the outdoors.

Pomeranian

12. Pomeranian

Aside from being irresistibly cute, Pomeranians are generally gentle and mellow. But sometimes Pomeranians can get really noisy, just like kids – and especially when interacting with kids. If you want a Pomeranian for your kid, it’s best to adopt it while it’s still a puppy. One disadvantage of owning a Pomeranian, though, is that it sheds quite heavily. It may not be the best breed particularly if you have a baby or very small children at home, or someone in your household who has severe allergies.