7 adorable small-sized dog breeds that stay tiny

For pet owners, dog maintenance can be a prime issue. As dogs grow older, their needs grow bigger.

Puppies are adorable, and dog owners often wish they could stay small forever. Most dog breeds grow quickly.

But if you want a puppy that will stay small, consider choosing one of these seven small-sized dog breeds to find your perfect companion.

Don’t get us wrong. We’re not discriminating. You surely cannot base your choice of breed solely on how well the dog fits on your lap. Some people prefer large dog breeds.

But there are other reasons to consider small-breed dog breeds, which are among the most popular.

Little dogs need less food and often make great pets for older people and children, so they make great family dogs.

Although some small dogs are high-energy breeds and tend to bark, these pups are typically easy to train. Three of the dogs on our list, poodles, pugs, and Shih Tzus, are considered some of the best-behaved small dog breeds.

Here are our favorite small-sized dog breeds:

Toy Poodle

As the name goes, a toy poodle looks like a toy. It’s furry, small, and almost toy-perfect.

The toy poodle is smaller than a miniature poodle. The toy weighs 5-9 pounds, while a miniature weighs 14-17. Meanwhile, the teacup poodle weighs 2-4 pounds.

You might mistake a toy poodle for a furry teddy bear at a glance. These tiny dogs weigh 5-9 pounds, and you can easily carry one.

This small dog breed’s coat is curly, and it is primarily brown, apricot, blue, grey, silver, and cream.

The dog’s coat type requires more maintenance, but since it is small, weekly grooming sessions won’t take long.

They’re also considered a hypoallergenic dog and are a good choice for people with allergies.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier is amongst the tiniest small-sized dog breeds.

The breed originated in England. It has long hair, pointed ears, and a flat but softly expressive face.

Yorkies weigh around seven pounds and have a life expectancy of about 11 to 15 years. They can reach a maximum height of 7 to 8 inches.

The dogs’ activity level is moderate; they need two 15- to 30-minute daily walks to stay healthy and happy.

Apart from regularly brushing its hair, the dog is relatively low maintenance.

Pug

The Pug originally comes from China.

The dog’s distinctive features include a short-muzzled, wrinkly face on a short, thick body. It’s a mini-size bulldog!

These dogs are excellent picks for anyone just starting your dog-keeping journey.

That’s because they adjust well and like loads of attention. They also adapt well to apartments and compact spaces.

Their height can reach 10-14 inches, and they may weigh up to 14-18 pounds.

These dogs live about 12 to 14 years longer than some other small dog breeds in terms of lifespan.

Chihuahua 

Most people think Chihuahuas are difficult dogs to keep.

But that’s a common misconception. Chihuahuas require no extra care.

Chihuahuas typically stand 6 to 10 inches tall and weigh 6 to 10 pounds.

Some Chihuahuas have short-haired coats, while others have long coats.

That said, you ought to know there are long-haired Chihuahuas, too.

So, it depends on you which one you wish to keep.

Chihuahuas are classy, sassy, and super elegant.

Havanese

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, and it’s super cute!

These dogs have long hair, short legs, super-expressive eyes, and long drooping ears.

One plea for play, and we tell you, you’re taking it home.

What’s more, the Havanese have a super friendly and cuddly nature.

It is also known as a velcro dog because they always stick close to their owners.

The dogs reach a maximum of 8.5 to 11.5 inches and weigh a maximum of 13 pounds.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian is one of the best small-sized dog breeds and has a cute short name, i.e., Pom.

And these dogs are what their name says: they are mini living pom poms!

These tiny furballs have fluffy coats and fox-like faces, making them appear even fluffier.

They weigh 3 to 7 pounds and reach a maximum height of about 7 to 12 inches.

The average lifespan of this super inquisitive toy breed is about 12 to 16 years.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu originates from Tibet.

These dogs are best suited to colder climates, and their long hair helps insulate them and keep these tiny dogs reasonably warm.

The Shih Tzu can reach a maximum height of 11 inches and weigh 8 to 16 pounds.

This popular small-sized dog breed lives up to 16 years.

The Shih Tzu is considered one of the calmest small dog breeds.

Exercise and training needs

It’s essential to consider their exercise and training needs when it comes to small dog breeds.

Despite their size, many small-sized dog breeds are energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Daily walks, interactive playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to prevent behavioral issues arising from pent-up energy.

Regarding training, small dog breeds are often just as intelligent and capable as larger breeds.

Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods work well with small dogs.

Training should focus on basic obedience and socialization and may also include fun activities like agility training.

Being patient and understanding is essential, as small breeds can sometimes exhibit stubborn behavior.

Overall, a combination of regular exercise and positive training will help small dog breeds thrive.

Challenges of owning small dogs

Potential challenges of owning small dogs include health conditions and feisty personalities.

Small dogs are prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, luxating patella, and hypoglycemia.

Additionally, they are often known for their feisty and stubborn personalities, which can require extra patience and training from their owners.

Prospective small dog owners should be aware of these challenges and prepared to provide the care and attention necessary to keep their small dogs healthy and well-behaved.

Final thoughts on small-sized dog breeds

While there are more small-sized dog breeds, these seven are some of the best-loved, most popular dog breeds and make ideal choices for pet parents.

And that’s because they are super easy to maintain and adorable.

They’re also tiny but mighty. Don’t let their small stature fool you. Even toy dog breeds can make excellent watchdogs who can alert you to strangers and potential dangers.

In addition to the dog breeds featured here, other popular small-sized dog breeds include Dachshunds, Papillions, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, French Bulldogs, and Miniature Pinschers.

Start your pet parenting journey with a small dog breed and try different types later.

Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical field has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He also likes writing engaging articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.  

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