If your idea of an ideal pet is a snuggly little furball you can coop up in your arms, chances are you lean in favor of small dog breeds. While small dog breeds check a lot of boxes for low-maintenance pets – low energy, lower exercise requirements, need for lesser space – making them perfect for apartment life or people with busy lifestyles, not all small dogs are meant to be lap babies.
As with any other category of dog breeds, these too come with their distinct temperaments, personalities, genetics, and varying activity needs. In fact, some have strong, tough personalities and can be far more feisty than gentle giant breeds. For instance, small terriers or Dachshunds, despite their size, need a lot of open space to run around and explore, and believe it or not, are best suited for country life. Likewise, some small dog breeds can be too delicate for a boisterous family environment with young children who don’t necessarily understand the concept of space and boundaries.
So, whether you’re looking for small dog breeds that don’t shed or the best small dog breeds for kids, it’s vital to do your research and find one that is the right fit for your lifestyle. All About Dog Parenting is here to help you make that choice with a detailed rundown on a wide cross-section of cute small dog breeds, including some of the most popular ones such as:
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Havanese
• Chihuahua
• Pomeranian
• Pekingese
• Bichon Frisé
• Affenpinscher
• Maltese dog
• Shih Tzu
• Miniature Pinscher
• Pug
• Lhasa Apso
• Papillon
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Dachshund
• Miniature Poodle
• Brussels Griffon
• Border Terrier
• Japanese Chin
• American Eskimo Dog
• Silky Terrier
• Sheltie
• Alaskan Klee Kai
If the adage looks are deceptive were to take a living, breathing form, it’d be as the Lhasa Apso Dog. At first glance, these lavishly coated, tiny little fur balls may seem like the most disarming canine companion you can hope to have, but in reality, the Lhasa Apso temperament and personality are far more…