Tight on space in a condo or apartment, limited by weight restrictions, or just enjoy a smaller dog companion? Search our list of small dog breeds to find a dog that is just your size. Don’t be fooled by their small stature though, pint sized doesn’t mean small personality.
Small dog breeds are great for seniors, apartment dwellers, and city residents who don’t have big yards or active lifestyles. In fact, many experts suggest that first-time dog owners adopt a small breed.
Weighing anywhere from four to 40 pounds, small dogs are typically easier to handle, and they can live happily in any location. However, they do have a reputation for “small dog syndrome,” and some people find small dogs to be yappy, fearful, and aggressive.
The truth about little dogs lies somewhere in the middle.
Toy Dog Breeds
Toy dog traditionally refers to a very small dog or a grouping of small and very small breeds of dog. A toy dog may be of any of various dog types. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include Spaniels, Pinschers and Terriers that have been bred down in size. Not all toy dogs are lapdogs, although that is an important and ancient type of toy dog.
The very smallest toy dogs are sometimes called teacup size, although no major dog registry recognizes that term. Toy breeds are the original lap dogs. They enjoy the company of their human friends, and are rarely more than a few steps away from the ones they love.
Breeds in this group can be a handful to train, though often times poor behavior has more to do with the owner than the dog. With consistent training, however, owners can avoid the yapping, nipping, and other behavioral issues that are so common among small dogs.
Toy breeds are excellent choices for first time pet owners, as they shed less, eat less, and despite their big personalities, are much easier to handle than a larger dog. They are also great companions for seniors and empty nesters who are able to focus their full attention on their pet.
Affenpinscher
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Poodle – Toy
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
