Are you looking for the perfect pup to add to your family? Small dog breeds are an excellent choice for those who want a loyal companion without taking up too much space in the house.
From the Poodle to the Chihuahua to the Maltese, there’s a wide variety of small breeds that are perfect for families of all sizes. These breeds are usually low maintenance, easy to transport, and great with children. Many of them don’t require a lot of exercise, which means they can fit into a variety of lifestyles. So if you’re looking for a small pup to love, consider one of these popular breeds.
What is a small dog breed?
A small dog breed is a canine that stands no more than 22 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighs less than 22 pounds. These breeds generally live longer than larger breeds, often up to 14 years, and are considered a good choice for families with children or those living in small spaces. Small dogs are often known for their lively personalities and often come in a multitude of coat types and colors.
If you’re considering a small dog, there are a few benefits to consider. They are generally easier to transport than larger dogs, making them a great choice for those who are on the go a lot.
Smaller dogs typically require less exercise, which is good news for those who don’t have time for long walks or trips to the dog park.
And because they are smaller, they are often easier to groom and maintain and require less food than larger breeds. They tend to be good with children, making them a popular choice for families.
Small dog breeds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and personalities, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Consider the breed’s temperament, grooming needs, health risks, and exercise requirements to make sure the breed is a good match for your lifestyle. With the right research and a little love, you’ll be sure to find the perfect small dog for your home.
Popular Small Dog Breeds
When it comes to small dog breeds, there are several popular choices that come to mind. Poodles are one of the most popular small dog breeds, as they are very intelligent and have a low-maintenance coat. Chihuahuas are another popular small dog breed, known for their loyalty and affection.
Yorkshire Terriers are yet another great small breed, as they are easy to train and incredibly cute. Shih Tzus are incredibly popular, with their long coats and friendly personalities.
Last but not least, Maltese are incredibly small, friendly, and easy to train. No matter which small breed you choose, there are many benefits to owning a small dog.
For starters, they require minimal exercise and have low-maintenance coats, making them easy to care for. They are great companions for children due to their small size and friendly nature.
They are very portable and can easily be taken with you on trips or even to work. All in all, small dogs are great companions and make wonderful additions to any family.
Poodle
Poodles are an excellent small dog breed choice for first-time owners. They are intelligent, loyal, and don’t shed much. They come in three sizes – toy, miniature, and standard – so you can easily find one to fit your living space.
Poodles are also great if you have small children, as they are patient and friendly.
They require regular brushing and grooming, but that’s a small price to pay for their unique look and personality. Poodles can also be great companions for those who are active.
They make great running or hiking buddies and can keep up with you for miles! They are also surprisingly versatile and can do well in agility and obedience competitions. If you’re looking for an energetic, loving pup, then a poodle may be the perfect fit for you.
Chihuahuas are a great choice if you’re looking for a fun-loving and loyal companion. They’re an incredibly popular breed, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one.
They’re known for their tiny size and large personalities, making them ideal for those who live in small spaces or have limited free time. Chihuahuas do require frequent brushing due to their long coats, but they’re otherwise low maintenance.
Training them can also be a breeze, as long as you’re consistent and patient. They’re also known for getting along with children and other pets, making them perfect for families.
That said, they do need to be walked and given some amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. All in all, Chihuahuas are the perfect companion for those who don’t have a lot of time or space, but still want an affectionate companion.
Chihuahuas are also incredibly intelligent and tend to bond quickly with their owners. They’re incredibly loyal and will be sure to alert you of any unfamiliar visitors or intruders. This makes them superb watchdogs, despite their small size.
Not to mention, they love to snuggle up and be held, making them the perfect lapdog.
Chihuahuas are also known to be highly adaptable and can get used to a wide variety of environments, from a peaceful suburban home to a bustling city apartment. If you’re looking for a small breed that won’t bark too much, look no further! Chihuahuas tend to be relatively quiet, especially compared to other breeds, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors.
All in all, there’s a lot to love about Chihuahuas. They’re perfect for those who don’t have a lot of free time or space, but still want a loyal and loving companion. Not to mention, they’re affectionate and intelligent, so you won’t have to worry about them being too much of a handful. They do require some brushing and exercise, but they’re otherwise relatively low maintenance. If you’re looking for an energetic and affectionate dog, Chihuahuas should definitely be your go-to!
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal choice for small dog owners, thanks to their low-maintenance coat, friendly disposition, and minimal exercise requirements. Although they typically weigh less than seven pounds, these dogs have a lot of personality and make great family pets. With their long, silky coat and charming personality, many people find them irresistible!
Yorkshire Terriers are generally good natured, making them suitable for families with children.
They are sociable and not prone to aggressive behavior. They need regular grooming and brushing to keep their coat in good condition.
They require minimal exercise, making them ideal for people with busy lifestyles. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who doesn’t take up too much of your time, the Yorkshire Terrier is a great choice. They are known for their loving nature, and with proper training and socialization, they will be a beloved member of your family for many years to come.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a great small dog breed to consider if you’re looking for a low maintenance pup. The Shih Tzu’s coat is silky, long, and fluffy, with minimal shedding and doesn’t require much grooming.
When it comes to exercise, these dogs are surprisingly low energy and can get most of their daily activity from a short walk. If you have kids and are looking for a pet that’s great with them, a Shih Tzu is a perfect fit.
They’re known for being lovely and gentle with children. Shih Tzu also make great travel companions, as they’re small and don’t require a ton of space.
You can easily tote them around in a bag or stroller, making them the perfect on-the-go pup. Their short coat means you won’t have to worry about a ton of shedding, so you can take them with you in the car and keep it clean.
At the end of the day, Shih Tzu are an all-around great choice for a small dog breed. They’re low maintenance, easy to transport, good with kiddos, and don’t need a ton of exercise. So if you’re ready to add a pup to the family, a Shih Tzu is a great option to consider.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small, lovable breed of dog that is especially popular among those who love toy breeds. Not only are they incredibly cute and make great companions, but they require very little maintenance.
They have a short, white coat that is easy to groom, and they don’t require a lot of physical activity. This makes them perfect for anyone looking for a low-key pet.
The Maltese is also incredibly friendly, which makes them great for families with children. You may have to watch out for roughhousing, though, as these dogs can be fragile. They’re also quite smart and can be trained easily. With the right amount of love and attention, the Maltese can make an excellent addition to any household.
Benefits of Owning a Small Dog
Owning a small dog brings a host of benefits. For starters, their coats are generally low-maintenance, requiring only basic brushing and occasional baths. This makes them great for busy lifestyles and those who don’t have the time for grooming a larger dog.
They are also much transportable, fitting comfortably in a carrier or on a lap. When it comes to children, small dogs are usually a great choice for families.
They are usually gentle and loving, and able to hold their own with kids. Many small dogs require minimal exercise, making them great for those who may have physical limitations or live in a smaller living space. With regular walks and occasional play time, your small dog can get all the activity they need.
Low Maintenance
Owning a small dog can be advantageous since they require minimal grooming. Most small breeds have short coats that need to be brushed weekly and bathed only when necessary. Even white breeds are low maintenance and don’t need to be bathed more than once a month.
Small dogs do not need professional grooming services, such as those for larger breeds, which can be a huge cost savings. Small dogs usually need little exercise to stay in shape.
They are content to simply play in the yard or take a short walk around the block.
This makes them great for people with busy lives, who may not have time for long walks or hikes with their canine companion. Most small breeds can be content with just a few minutes of interactive play with their owner and a few walks during the day. Small breeds can also be a great addition to families with young children.
They are usually gentle, patient and loyal. They love attention and can get along with kids and adults alike.
Small dogs are usually easy to train and can be a great first pet for a family. They make loving, loyal companions, who can bring a lot of joy and laughter to the family.
Easy to Transport
Owning a small dog is great if you are looking for an easy pet to transport. These little furry friends can fit into a purse, backpack, or even a car seat, so taking them with you on short trips or vacations is easy and convenient.
Small dogs don’t weigh very much so it won’t be too much of a strain when you do have to carry them. You can also easily take them on public transportation or in Ubers or Lyfts, as long as you make sure they have a secure means of being held. Whenever you’re out and about with your pup, make sure you always have a leash and your pup is wearing their collar with ID tags. That way, you can rest assured that your pup will be safe and sound wherever you go!
Good with Children
When it comes to children, small dog breeds are definitely the way to go. Yorkies, Shih Tzus and Malteses are all great with kids, and they love to be around them.
They don’t require much exercise, which makes them a great fit for busy households, so you don’t have to worry about them not getting enough activity. They are loyal and affectionate, which makes them great companions for your children. When it comes to keeping your kids safe and entertained, small dog breeds are a great option.
Small dog breeds are also low maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about them getting too dirty or needing a lot of grooming.
They don’t have a lot of fur, so you don’t have to brush them as much. They also don’t require too much exercise, so if you don’t have a lot of time to take them out, they won’t suffer. They are small, so they are easy to transport, which can make trips with your kids a lot more enjoyable.
Require Minimal Exercise
Owning a small dog can be a great addition to any home. If you’re looking for a pup but don’t have a lot of time for exercise, a small breed is the perfect choice. These tiny companions require minimal exercise and can fit into any lifestyle.
Small breeds don’t need much space either, so you don’t need to worry about providing them with too much room.
Whether you live in an apartment or a big house, they’ll feel right at home. They’ll be content with one or two short walks per day, making them the ideal breed for busy owners. Keep in mind that they’ll still need plenty of mental stimulation, as well as interactive toys, to help keep them entertained indoors.
Conclusion
Owning a small dog has many benefits that make them an attractive option for pet owners. These breeds are ideal for those who are looking for a low maintenance dog that can be easily transported and is good with children. Small dogs require minimal exercise, so they are great for people who live in small spaces or with busy lives.
They are also very loving and loyal companions, making them a wonderful addition to any home.
Small dogs are a great choice for those who have limited access to outdoor space or don’t have the time to devote to an overly active pet. Their coats require little grooming, making them a perfect fit for those who don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to a pet’s grooming needs. These breeds are well-suited to apartments and condos, which means they can easily fit into urban lifestyles.
No matter what the lifestyle, there is a small dog breed that is sure to fit. From the Poodle to the Shih Tzu, these breeds can make great companions, offering unconditional love and loyalty. So if you’re looking for a small dog that is low maintenance and good with children, you can’t go wrong with one of these breeds.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
