When it comes to small dog breeds, they vary not only in size but also in their unique personalities and grooming needs. Some small breeds are known for being outgoing and bold, while others are more laid back and independent. Their coats can range from short and straight to long and flowing or tightly curled. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly lap companion or an energetic playmate, there’s a small dog breed for everyone.
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Here are ten great small dog breeds to consider, each with its special characteristics and traits.
#1: Maltese
The Maltese, known for its soft and silky white coat, is often one of the first breeds that comes to mind when thinking of small dogs.
Personality: Maltese dogs are loyal lap companions with a good amount of energy, enjoying playtime and being fearless—a trait carried over from their days as rat hunters. They are friendly with people of all ages, easily trainable, and love showcasing tricks.
Grooming: While these dogs can have a long, elegant coat, most pet owners opt to keep it clipped short for easier maintenance. Regular cleaning of their eyes is necessary as they are prone to tear stains.
Exercise: Maltese dogs require occasional exercise, like a daily walk or playtime in the backyard or indoors, to keep them content.
Interesting Fact: Also known as the “Roman Ladies’ Dog,” the Maltese was considered a symbol of prestige in the Roman Empire. Aristocratic women often carried them around in their sleeves or on their laps, as noted by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
#2: Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, a quintessential American dog, is recognized for its distinctive dark-colored and white coat that complements its large, sparkling eyes.
Personality: Boston Terriers exude a delightful mix of humor, charm, and sophistication. They are intelligent, alert, and high-energy dogs while also cherishing moments at home with their family. This breed displays loyalty to a specific person while maintaining politeness with everyone.
Grooming: Their short coat requires occasional brushing, and many Boston Terriers sport adorable nose wrinkles that need regular cleaning to keep dirt and dust at bay.
Exercise: Keeping this breed in good shape involves a walk around the block or indoor playtime with the family.
Interesting Fact: The Boston Terrier is named after its city of origin—Boston, Massachusetts. Its compact size makes it an ideal city dog, perfect for apartment living and always ready for a quick stroll down the sidewalk!
#3: Dachshund
The Dachshund is an easily recognizable breed, available in miniature and standard sizes, and showcasing a variety of colors. They are not only good-looking but also amusing dogs.
Personality: Dachshunds are incredibly confident and courageous, reflecting their history as badger hunters. They have a strong affection for their pet parents, acting as loyal protectors of their family. At times, they can be stubborn due to their hound and terrier mix, making them independent and feisty.
Grooming: The smooth-coated Dachshund boasts a short coat, requiring minimal grooming compared to other Dachshund varieties. The longhaired variety needs more frequent grooming and sheds the most among the three types. Meanwhile, the wirehaired Dachshund should be regularly brushed and trimmed to maintain a tidy coat.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds: Dachshunds benefit from several daily walks, but these should not be overly strenuous as they are not built for intense exercise.
Interesting Fact: Often nicknamed “wiener dogs,” Dachshunds actually inspired the name of the hotdog rather than the other way around. The original term for the hotdog was the “Dachshund sausage,” according to hot-dog.org.
#4: Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is known for its petite face and expressive eyes that have captivated people for generations.
Personality: Shih Tzus are delightful companions radiating friendliness and joy. They are exceptionally well-suited for families with young children, and their ancestors, accustomed to lounging in royal Chinese palaces, naturally embody the qualities of a happy lapdog.
Grooming Small Dog Breeds: Maintaining a long, flowing coat for a Shih Tzu involves daily brushing and neatly tying up the hair in front of their face into a topknot, keeping it away from their eyes. Alternatively, a shorter coat is an option, requiring less grooming and no need for a topknot.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds: This Small Dog Breeds is content with a brief daily walk or short indoor playtime, making it easy to keep them active.
Interesting Fact: Shih Tzus were exclusively pets of Chinese emperors and resided within the walls of the royal kingdoms, unknown to the outside world until the 1930s.
#5: Pug
The Pug is undeniably one of the most recognizable dogs globally, boasting distinctive wrinkled brows, expressive eyes, and a curled tail.
Personality: Pugs are known for their affectionate, playful, and even-tempered nature. This lovable breed is polite with both people and animals, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike. They have a penchant for sleeping and may snore or snort due to their flat faces and small nostrils, affecting their breathing.
Grooming: The Pug’s short coat is low-maintenance, although it does shed. It’s essential to keep an eye on their facial wrinkles as they can accumulate dust and dirt.
Exercise: Regular daily strolls or playtime in the yard are essential to keep Pugs happy and healthy.
Interesting Fact: The origin of the name “Pug” remains a mystery. One theory suggests it might come from the Latin word “pug,” meaning “fist,” as a fist resembles the adorable wrinkled face of this breed.
#6: Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a quintessential small dog known for its fluffy coat, fox-like appearance, and a perpetually eager grin.
Personality Small Dog Breeds: Pomeranians are social dogs, friendly with other canines, devoted to their owners, and excel as lap dogs. They exhibit cheerfulness, intelligence, and a keen interest in their surroundings. Additionally, they make excellent watchdogs and can master a variety of charming tricks when properly trained.
Grooming Small Dog Breeds : Regular and thorough brushing is essential for Pomeranians as they are constant shedders.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds: Providing a plethora of dog play toys is beneficial for this breed, as Pomeranians thrive on regular exercise. They enjoy activities such as walking, running, playing, and prefer staying close to their pet parents.
Interesting Fact: Pomeranians gained widespread popularity when Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom brought one back from Italy, propelling the breed to international fame.
#7: Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, one of the tiniest dog breeds weighing under 10 pounds, is celebrated for its compact size, significant personality, and distinctive pointy ears and round eyes.
Personality Small Dog Breeds: Chihuahuas are remarkably loyal, and their owners often find themselves having a deep affinity for this breed, sometimes owning more than one throughout their lives. They are intelligent, courageous, and affectionate, commanding respect and love. Chihuahuas exhibit protectiveness towards their owners, sometimes to the point of being overprotective. While they usually get along with other pets, they might have specific dislikes toward certain dog personalities.
Grooming Small Dog Breeds: Regular brushing is necessary for longhaired Chihuahuas, while the shorthaired variety requires less frequent grooming to maintain a well-kept appearance. Due to their proximity to the ground, their eyes need regular cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and debris.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds : Chihuahuas thrive with daily walks or simply following their family around the house, which is ideal to keep them content.
Interesting Fact: In proportion to their size, Chihuahuas possess the largest brain of any dog breed, as noted by the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CCSPCA).
#8: Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the “Yorkie,” is recognized for its unique gray and tan silky coat and is a trendy and popular small dog breed.
Personality: Yorkies possess the true terrier spirit—playful, fearless, and energetic. They have a friendly disposition and get along well with other pets. Intelligent and easy to train, Yorkies make excellent watchdogs. However, they can be possessive of their pet parents and prefer not to be left alone, often following them around.
Grooming Small Dog Breeds: Long-coated Yorkies require daily brushing, with special attention to trimming the hair in front of their face or maintaining it in a topknot. Many pet parents choose to keep their coat short for easier grooming, although regular brushing is still essential.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds : Yorkies are active dogs and enjoy moderate exercise, such as joining their pet parents on walks, outdoor playtime, or accompanying them on errands.
Interesting Fact: Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier, holds the distinction of being the first therapy dog. During World War II, she toured hospitals and provided comfort to injured soldiers, as recounted by Psychology Today.
#9: Poodle
The Poodle is often synonymous with dog shows, featuring its distinctive curly coat and muscular physique. However, beyond the show ring, these dogs make wonderful companions in any household. It’s worth noting that Poodles aren’t exclusively confined to the small dog breed category; there are Toy and Miniature Poodles.
Personality: Toy and Miniature Poodles epitomize cleverness and sophistication, often showcasing elaborate, iconic haircuts. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and excel in various athletic activities. The Toy Poodle is slightly smaller, while the Miniature Poodle is better suited for families with younger children, as the Toy Poodle prefers a calmer environment.
Grooming Small Dog Breeds : Poodles are hypoallergenic and nearly non-shedding, making them great for those with allergies. However, their thick, curly hair demands daily brushing and regular upkeep.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds : Poodles are remarkably active with high energy levels, thoroughly enjoying activities like long walks, runs, engaging in sports, and swimming.
Interesting Fact: The fancy show coat of Poodles originally served a practical purpose. Hunters needed Poodles to move freely while staying warm when retrieving ducks in cold water, hence the distinctive, functional coat design.
#10: Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is easily recognizable by its white, fluffy coat and an endearing smile that instantly captures hearts.
Personality: Bichon Frises are known for their friendly, affectionate, and cheerful temperament. They take joy in entertaining their families and spending quality time with their pet parents. This breed gets along well with older children, adults, other pets, and is generally welcoming to strangers.
Grooming Small Dog Breeds: Despite being a hypoallergenic breed that sheds minimally, the Bichon Frise’s coat demands meticulous attention with daily brushing. Regular cleaning of their eyes is essential to prevent tear stains and skin irritation.
Exercise Small Dog Breeds: Bichon Frises have bursts of energy, necessitating daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Interesting Fact: During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bichon Frise often took part in street performances and circus acts, charming audiences with their adorable appearance and impressive tricks.
Popular Small Dog Breeds for Every Home
Discovering the perfect furry friend depends on finding a small dog breed that matches your preferences and lifestyle. Here are some popular small dog breeds, each offering unique personalities and features:
- Maltese: Known for their soft, silky white coat and lively personality, Maltese dogs are affectionate, easily trainable, and enjoy playtime.
- Boston Terrier: Recognizable by their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, intelligent, and make excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
- Dachshund: With their distinctive long body and short legs, Dachshunds are confident, courageous, and exhibit both hound and terrier traits.
- Shih Tzu: Admired for their tiny face and bright eyes, Shih Tzus are cheerful, intelligent, and make delightful lapdogs, especially for families with young children.
- Pug: Pugs are charming with their wrinkled brows and curled tails. They are affectionate, playful, and known for their even-tempered nature.
- Pomeranian: Sporting a fluffy coat and fox-like appearance, Pomeranians are social, intelligent, and thrive on regular exercise and playtime.
- Chihuahua: One of the tiniest dog breeds, Chihuahuas are loyal, fearless, and possess a big personality. They are great watchdogs and prefer staying close to their owners.
- Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie): Adored for their distinct silky coat and lively spirit, Yorkies are playful, fearless, and highly intelligent, making them excellent companions.
- Poodle (Toy and Miniature): Poodles are known for their intelligence, versatility, and iconic curly coats. They excel in various activities and adapt well to different living environments.
