While every dog is distinctive, some might align better with specific ways of life than others. You may be in the hunt for a pet that adapts well to apartment living, or you could want one that requires more room to roam and play. No matter if your preference is for petite or large dogs, there’s an ideal breed for you among this selection. Hence, should you be contemplating the addition of a new puppy to your household, consider looking into these ten breeds:
Find out: Which Dog is Best for Your Family?
Dachshund
When stretched out, these little wiener dogs can be as long as 16 inches and weigh up to 18 pounds at full maturity. They love being outside and have natural hunting instincts, making them great additions to homes with small kids or older people. Their short legs don’t give them the best running speed, so if they need exercise outside, you might consider a stroller walk for them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs are known to be confident and sweet and typically weigh about 14 pounds. They’re very loyal and bond closely with their owners but can also be shy around other dogs. They’re also not the biggest fans of being left alone for long periods, so they would make a great companion if you often travel or work from home.
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Havanese
These little dogs are charming and affectionate- they always want to be with you! They love playing games and will cuddle up next to you on the couch. They were originally bred in Cuba but can now be found across North America. Their coats are generally soft and silky (and do shed slightly) but need regular brushing.
Pomeranian
These fluffy little dogs are full of energy and love to take walks. They’re also very smart and can be easily trained- they’ll often pick up on commands after only hearing them once or twice. Pomeranians are protective of their owners, so if you have children, friends, or other pets, this breed may not be the best option for you.
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Papillon
In French, these tiny dogs, meaning ‘butterfly,’ look like little foxes and are very active. They love playing games and going on walks but also enjoy sleeping beside you when you’re relaxing. If not properly trained, they can be a bit stubborn- if you give them the proper boundaries, though, they’ll be perfect.
Pug
Pugs have a lot of personalities packed into their small bodies. They’re very intelligent but independent and stubborn- if you’re looking for a dog that will do what you tell them to do all the time, this is not the breed for you! However, they’ll be very loyal companions to your family and can quickly get along with other animals or children.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are very intelligent and love to play- they’ll often entertain themselves for hours on end! They need daily exercise but don’t like to be left alone for long periods (lucky for you if you work from home!). Even though these dogs can be small, they have prominent personalities.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs that love to play with their owners and explore the great outdoors. They enjoy spending time at home but also like to go on walks and car rides- they’ll even smile if you hold their leash up high enough! These dogs are very loyal and love being around their pack but can be a bit stubborn.
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Maltese
These dogs were originally bred as companion dogs- they love cuddling with you on the couch! They’re low energy and would much rather lounge around with you than play outside or run around with your kids. Be wary if you have other dogs, as they can be a bit snappy and territorial.
They’re one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners because they don’t require much attention but still want to be around you all the time.
Miniature Schnauzer
These dogs are very smart and loyal companions that enjoy cuddling with their families. They’ll play games with you if you’re feeling energetic but are also perfectly content to lounge around with the whole family. They don’t bark too much and get along well with other dogs, so they should be fine if you have pets or kids.
Conclusion
We hope that this list of the smallest dog breeds will help you find a companion who fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for an apartment-sized pup or one who needs their own space to run around in, there’s probably something on here for everyone! If you already have a pet at home and are considering adding another animal to the family, be sure to do some research first so they can get along peacefully. The last thing anyone wants is two pups fighting over toys.
