When it comes to Dogs 101, most people consider their size before adopting one, although a puppy is bound to grow bigger in size later. What most dog lovers find interesting about these breeds are their features, fluffy fur, outgoing personalities, and activity levels. When they say, “Dogs are a man’s best friend,” they do not lie, as small dog breeds are tiny bundles of joy with relatively low maintenance and can be easy travel buddies.
Dogs vs. cats is a never-ending debate, but here you will find the top 10 small dog breeds which can easily curl up on your lap.
1. Maltese
With its white and silky coat of fur and long puppy eyes, this breed remains the first to strike your mind when it comes to small dog breeds.
Interestingly, it’s known as ‘Roman Ladies’ Dog,’ as they were associated with Roman royalty and elegance back in that era, with entitled women carrying it in their sleeves or lying on their lap.
This breed is profoundly loyal and highly energetic, with little to no aggression. Occasional exercise and frequent grooming will get them ready for the day. Additionally, their fearless nature will keep the predators at bay, as reportedly the trait has been passed from early days as ‘Rat hunters.’
2. Toy Poodle
Weighing only 6 kg and measuring under 11 inches in height, they define the small dog category. The Poodle is a lively and socially active breed in various colours and unique features like a slender muzzle, long neck, and stylish curly fur, which rarely sheds, making it the top choice for ‘dog shows.’
Toy poodles are significantly popular as family dogs. They are hypoallergenic and, in fact, great swimmers, living up to their name, which means “to splash about” in German.
3. Shih Tzu
If you are looking for an ideal companion for cuddles and to be the family favorite, Shih Tzu is the one. Bright eyes and a captivating personality, this breed is to die for, especially for novice owners. These snugglers have inherited this trait as their breed’s ancestors spent their time in royal Chinese palaces.
With their little feet tapping, you’ll be bound to take them on walks, which is sufficient for their activity levels since they make good lapdogs rather than a fearsome breed.
Nonetheless, their long fur coat makes them a jolly companion and great poser for your ‘gram.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are classic small dogs seen in many cartoons, movies, etc., famous for their fox-like appearance, fluffy fur coat, and eager grin. These cheerful little buddies are attentive and great social animals to befriend other dogs or even humans.
They are always ready for tiny, treatise, playful tricks and are highly active, making them excellent watchdogs. Their prices can touch the top limit, as their features are quite appealing to any dog owner, especially since they come in various colours, such as white, blue, red, etc.
5. Pug
One of the most identifiable dogs, famous for their wrinkly face and curly wiggly tails, these playful creatures are a gem to look at, particularly when they sleep, as they sleep pretty nonchalantly and snore like no one is watching.
Pugs have short fur coats; their flat faces and sturdy bodies make them easy to maintain. Frequent outside strolls and fun activities can keep these pooches satisfied and giddy.
6. Boston Terrier
This breed originates as a traditional American, known for its monotonous fur coat and longing eyes. Their personality lies on the humorous side, along with wit and smartness, as well as high energy levels.
Ever alert to their surroundings, Boston Terriers move with a quick, rhythmic step, which can quickly turn heads. Although most small dogs grow more prominent as they grow, Bostons stay the same non-sporting size and have a life expectancy of up to 13 years. Entitled as the ‘The American Gentleman,’ they surely have an approachable and mischievous aura as they’re always up for a small brisk or a visit to a fancy café.
7. Long haired Dachshunds
With their bold and unmatched self-confidence, their persona outweighs their size. With good-looking features and many colours, they are beautiful and must be groomed consecutively to uphold their charisma.
Often called ‘The Wiener dog,’ their top view resembles a hot dog, earning them that title. Their stubbornness and fearlessness make them great fighters and independent badgers as they stay loyal only to their owners and friendly to a few selective ones. One may say they’ll have to earn his trust to prevent attacks from Dachshunds’.
8. Chihuahua
Topping the tiniest dog breeds, weighing under 10 pounds, Chihuahua is the name to look for as it is small but has a large personality—adding sharp ears and cute round gleaming eyes.
Although this breed has quite a questionable reputation, mainly leaning towards the aggressive side, they are intelligent and courageous and will be out to earn and demand your respect righteously. While they are loyal to their owner and their parents, their likeliness also includes befriending certain pets. Regardless, once you own one of these breeds, it makes you more, as it’s that good of a pet, with its goofy personality.
9. Pekingese
Originating from Ancient China’s ruling class, they have a reputation for sophisticatedness and undying loyalty with a hint of subtle delights. Peke’s ‘Lion mane’ comes from a long fur coat at the neck and shoulder. They appear in shades from golden red to darker red. Naturally bred to live in palaces, they tend to have a trait of independence and mingle only with selective people. Even if it’s children, they’ll be around for a small playfight only.
One fact that makes them outstanding is that they’re small, compact toy dogs who are entitled to their own opinion as dogs.
10. Biewer Terrier
Definition of elegance and pretty privilege, whose purpose starts and ends with showering love and being loved. This breed tends to have a feminine outlook as pretty accessories suit them. Biewer are ideal as lapdogs who will be favoured by any family member, from children to senior citizens, since they always have a granny smile.
They might look like the followers of ‘Sit and Look Pretty,’ but despite their tiny stature, they’re gentle, athletic, and great hunters for vermin. A large percentage of Biewers are playful, and most are seen with a toy to chew in their mouth. Since Biewer pronounces it similarly to beaver, they resemble the dam-building pals.
Beware: The small dog syndrome.
As minuscule as these breeds may seem, people tend to underestimate their power, progressively worsening their behaviour. When it comes to the early stages of a small dog, they may show signs of teething or growling, like a human baby. Likely, we nurture the baby into being quiet, mostly neglecting to tame the fur babies, forcing them to escalate the teething to biting, causing them to upscale their ferocious behaviour. Most Chihuahuas are known to have this behaviour, which proves how ignorant the owners were, as this breed is mostly not meant to be aggressive.
Conclusion
These furry friends are widely known for their whimsical and charming personalities, especially if they are small. Some adopt them for additional fun to look after, while others adopt them in the hope of enhancing their family with these little paws. At the end of the day, however, the owner is the tiny creatures who expect the utmost love and care. Only underestimating these small breed’s strengths can allow one to unleash the possibilities and opportunities they may offer to you in terms of personality and the fruits of loyalty. Whatever the reason, these pocket-sized floors are irresistibly cute not to have as one or even in large numbers.
