Are you looking for a small dog breed? If you do, you should consider one of these best small dog breeds that we have shared on this list for new dog owners. Small dogs are not only cute and cuddly but can also be playful, friendly and easy to keep. Small dog breeds are ideal for people living in apartments or small houses. This is because they can live in confined or limited house spaces. Most owners like small dogs because they are also easy to manage especially dog food expenses and training.
Most of the small dog breeds may also cost less to groom as compared to large dog breeds. Small dogs tend to be less threatening and intimidating to children and other pets. However, you should never underestimate them since they can also be aggressive depending on the breed. There are several small dogs and you can choose the breed that best suits your needs and personality. These small dog breeds are of different sizes ranging from the very small to the moderately small dog.
Best Small Dog Breeds
We have researched and compiled a list of the best small dog breeds, but the choice for a small dog should not be limited to these 10 small dog breeds alone; you can explore other small dog breeds but these are the most common.
#1) Papillon
Papillon dog is elegant and beautiful dogs that have strong adaptability and can make great companion dogs. They have a height of about 20-28 cm and weigh 4 to 4.5 kg. Papillion is characterized by a small arch-shaped head with medium width, round black nose, sharp muzzle, dark round eyes and ears behind the head. The Papillon also has a long silky hair coat that is mostly smooth but can be at times wavy. The color of the coat is mainly white with markings of black, brown or tan.
Temperament
A Papillon is a happy, alert, friendly and intelligent dog. It has a strong physique and likes outdoor sports. It is so dominant to his owner both will be jealous to a third party. This breed of dog is bold and flexible to master enthusiasm but can be docile and indifference to a stranger.
#2) West Highland white terrier
The West Highland white terrier originated from Britain in the 19th century. This dog breed is small but has a balanced strong physique. Its head and neck are slightly inclined and its skull is arched. It has small erect ears that have sharp ends and are covered with smooth hair. It also portrays bright medium-sized eyes and a black nose with large nostrils. The West Highland white terrier has short forelimbs and longer, muscular hind limbs. Its tail is straight with no decorative hair and is about 3-5 cm. It has a coat of two layers, coarse hair covered with short and soft hair.
Temperament
The West Highland white terrier dog breed is lively, brave, confident and friendly. It is however too shy to be aggressive.
#3) Tibetan spaniel
It is commonly referred to as “sleeve dogs”. It originated from Himalaya Mountains of Tibet thus the name Tibetan spaniel. It has a relatively smaller head but is proportional to the body. It has deep brown oval eyes that are very bright and expressive. It has dropped ears with the adult’s ears having much decorative hair. It has a double coat that has a silky texture. The males have more mane than females.
Temperament
Tibetan spaniel dog breed is cheerful and confident. It, however, can be shy and shuns from strangers. It is easy with children and can thus be a great family pet.
#4) Poodle
The poodle is an intelligent hunter dog that originated from Germany. It is divided into three main categories; the standard canine, mini poodle and the toy dog. The standard poodle is about 35-60 cm high while the mini poodle is about 28-35 cm high. The toy poodle is the smallest and is about 25-28 cm high. It has a curly dense coat with a naturally harsh texture. The coat hangs in tight even cords of varying lengths. The coat can be black, white, brown or beige.
Temperament
Poodle is a proud dog breed that carries himself with an air of distinction and dignity. It is very active and intelligent but can be shy at times especially with strangers.
#5) Pug
Pugs are characterized by a small, wrinkled face and short legs. They have a short and cobby, body, a wide chest and a curly tail that is tightly curled over the hip. Pugs have unique muzzles that make them prone to snoring and wheezing. Their coats consist of short and smooth shiny hair that can be brown or black. Pugs are fat dogs, it is therefore important for any pug owner to control the type and amount of food your pug is taking to avoid putting him at risk of heart disease. This dog breed has a relatively weak respiratory tract due to congenital reasons. It is thus important for you to protect the dog from contracting a cold cough. In the event, your dog contracts a cold cough, ensure that it is treated timely.
Temperament
Pugs are playful, outgoing and loving dogs. They are even-tempered and pose stability making them ideal dogs for the whole family.
#6) Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie has a short stature with a body shape similar to that of a Chihuahua. They have a double coat with the outer coat consisting of thick, hard hair that can be straight or wavy. The inner coat is also thick also waterproof. The hair requires grooming. Due to their beautiful and cuddly looks, the Yorkshire terrier is more popular amongst ladies.
Temperament
Yorkshire dog breed is said to be alert, brave and intelligent. It is also friendly and playful at times.
#7) Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are beautiful dog breed that has hunting and guarding instincts. The dogs are classified into either short or long depending on the size of the coat. Chihuahuas have a petite body that is covered by soft, shiny undercoat. The outer coat is soft, glossy, and close-fitting. The hair is longer on the neck and tail. The coat can be white, black, tan and many other colors.
Temperament
Chihuahuas are meek, loyal and affectionate but can be loud and demanding. They are commonly known for nipping children and barking continuously at strange dogs. Chihuahua may not be the best choice of dog breed for children; however, it is possible to tame them and train them to live with children. They are graceful, alert, swift- with saucy expression and pose an attitude of self-importance, confidence, and self-reliance.
Chihuahuas require grooming which includes; bathing them, combing and brushing the hair, cleaning the ears and trimming its nails. Chihuahuas’ nails grow very fast and may require regular trimming.
#8) Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is not only a beautiful small dog breed but it is also a great companion dog that is gentle to children. This dog breed is also ideal for people who are allergic to animal fur because it does not shed. It has a sturdy body with a broad chest and deep to the elbow. This dog breed has a double coat that is dense, long and flowing with slight waves. The breed’s coat comes in different colors such as liver, brindle, black, blue, white, black & white, gold, dark brown, light brown and liver & white.
The Shih Tzu dog breed requires regular grooming to avoid hair entanglement. The hair on the head can easily cover the eyes affecting the line of sight.
Temperament
Shih Tzu is a good example of a great companion and house pet. It is gentle and outgoing, friendly and trusting towards all.
#9) Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small dog breed that weighs about 5-10 kg and stands 23-30 cm high. It has a slightly rounded skull with a long and curly tail that is carried over the back. It has a black nose and dark round eyes. White this the color of the Bichon Frise dog coat; however, its white hair can consist of little shedding of buff, cream or apricot. It has a double coat with a soft and dense undercoat and a coarse and curlier outer coat.
Bichon requires regular grooming, professional pruning, and regular shower so as to ensure their hair looks fluffy. This makes Bichon Frise a high maintenance dog. It also requires regular exercises to promote its digestive function such as absorption, improve body health and strengthen resistance to disease.
Temperament
If you are not concerned about the high maintenance required by this dog breed, you are assured to enjoy the merry and playful temperament nature of the Bichon Frise. This dog breed is also gentle and affectionate and has a soft, probing expression with sparkling dark eyes.
#10) Pomeranian
The Pomeranian dog breed is another beautiful toy dog that is originally from Germany. It has a short back, soft and dense undercoat, and a thick coat outer coat. It also has a fairly deep chest. Pomeranians shed copiously and may thus not be ideal for people allergic to animal fur or a home with children. The Pomeranians’ coat comes in different patterns and colors.
Temperament
Pomeranian dog breed is an extrovert with a mellow and gentle personality. They are great with children and exhibit great intelligence, curious nature and a bubbly spirit making him a great companion dog.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a small dog breed, this list provides you with the best option to get started. Nearly all of these small dog breeds listed in this post can be easy to manage, train and offer great companionship for you. They also make adorable family pets since they are good with children.
Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
