Best Small Dog Breeds That Will Stay Puppy-Sized Forever

Many dog lovers (and dog parents) secretly wish for their dogs to stay puppy-sized forever. Puppies are simply adorable, and as a dog lover, you would want to adopt a little furry friend and wish for it to stay a puppy forever. Small dog breeds are bred for their compact, manageable size, and are now being adopted by many families. Now, if you are looking to adopt a small dog for your family, we’ve rounded up some of the most friendly tiny dog breeds. These canines are perfect for city dwellers!

Cute Tiny Dog Breeds that You Will Love

Let’s look at some of the tiny dog breeds that you could adopt. These dogs are friendly, playful, loyal, intelligent, alert, and cuddly. Their small size makes it easier to keep them in houses with limited space, transport them anywhere easily, plus they have all the qualities of the big dogs. They also make the cutest lap dogs!

1. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the best example of good things come in small packages. Chihuahuas are one of the most popular purse dog breeds in the world. These loyal and energetic dogs are often seen carried around in totes. Though small, they have a lot of personality and sass. Due to their tiny size, they don’t have much space to play and can easily spend all their energy playing in a small area.

2. Norwich Terrier

Norwich terriers are small-sized dogs with a big personality. These furry friends are energetic and make for a great family dog, as they are easy to train and they mix up well with family members. But remember, these dogs tend to be wary of strangers.

3. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature schnauzer dogs have a tough personality but they are friendly. Their signature bearded haircut makes them easily recognizable. With a natural protective instinct and loyal nature, they are good watchdogs. A miniature schnauzer, despite needing solid training, proves to be good for small homes as daily walks and a bit of playtime is sufficient for them.

4. Alaskan Klee Kai

If you love huskies (but don’t have enough for a big husky), you should adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai, which resembles the Husky breed but is smaller. Consider this dog breed if you love huskies.

5. Boston Terrier

Boston terrier is a crossbreed of English bulldog and white English terrier. Named after the city it was created in, Boston Terrier is easy to live in apartments. This loyal and cheerful dog breed without the fiery temperament of the typical terrier is excellent with children.

6. Russian Toy

One of the popular toy dog breeds, Russian Toy, are diminutive pups that are smart and playful. These playful dogs are full of energy and come in a variety of colours with both long and short coats. Russian toy is good for families as they love human companionship.

7. French Bulldog

One of the popular little dog breeds, the French bulldog, is the smaller variation of the English bulldog. These big-eared pooches are known for their big personality. This breed is popular in big cities with compact houses as they require minimal exercising.

8. Miniature Poodle

Miniature poodle from the Poodle family is an extremely intelligent dog breed. The small poodle, with its trademark curly coat, is known for its longevity. Their haircut “poodle clip” is designed to protect their organs and joints in cold water.

9. Brussels Griffon

One of the unique mini dog breeds, Brussels Griffon, is a toy dog breed known for its alertness, loyalty, and curious nature. Their “brabancons” smooth-coat variety is also popular.

10. Dachshund

Dachshund is a popular dog breed known by many nicknames: wiener dog, doxie, hot dog, sausage, etc. The names are as per the distinct appearance of the breed. The dog comes in three coat varieties, each with a different personality. The miniature size is more popular than the standard-sized dachshund. These dogs have a friendly personality and get along with children really well.

11. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are loyal and affectionate dogs. These dogs are intelligent, which makes them easy to train. Their desire to please makes them the perfect play pal for children.

12. Havanese

The national dog of Cuba, Havanese, are funny and outgoing little dogs. This dog breed is intelligent with a naturally affectionate nature, making them a loyal family companion.

13. Jack Russell terrier

This dog breed is very popular among children and adults alike due to its presence in many movies. They are extremely energetic yet stubborn dogs.

14. Rat Terrier

It is believed that the name of this small-sized terrier breed was coined by Teddy Roosevelt.  The loyal and cheerful dog breed has a silky-smooth coat and is an excellent exterminator.

15. Toy Fox Terrier

Toy fox terriers are smart and fun-loving pups. Their boundless energy and intelligence make them easy to train. These dogs come in many coats and colours.

16. Lhasa Apso

This dog breed is faithful and loyal to their family however are very suspicious of strangers and known for their loud barks. These dogs are extremely alert and watchful dogs.

17. Pomeranian

One of the most popular small fluffy dog breeds, Pomeranians, with their cuddly coat, are known for their playful demeanour. Despite their small size, they are energetic and strong-willed.

18. Yorkipoo

One of the perfect dogs for big cities, Yorkipoo is a mixed breed dog. This playful dog has the intelligence of a miniature poodle with the tiny stature of a Yorkshire terrier. As they are hypoallergenic, they are popular in people with dog allergies.

19. Pekingese

Pekingese are independent and dignified dogs known for their snobbish behaviour. In contrast to their small size, they are bold and courageous and prefer the adult company to children.

20. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are bright and playful dogs making them a favourite of children. Their intelligent and alert nature makes them great watchdogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi is easy to train due to their will to please.

21. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins are better known as the regal pups as they are popular companions of the Japanese royalty. These sweet and cuddly lapdogs have beautiful hair.

22. Pug

Pugs are loyal and affectionate small dogs. The intelligent and playful dogs are good companions; however, their stubbornness makes them hard to train.

23. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers are generally one-person dogs due to their self-assured and independent nature. These small-sized stubborn dogs are difficult to train as they sometimes can be dour.

24. Pumi

Pumi is one of the cutest breeds of small-sized dogs. Their bashful eyes and corkscrew curls are enough to attract anyone.

25. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are good-natured and adaptable dogs. Shelties, as they are commonly called, are easy to train. This timid breed is a bit standoffish with strangers. However, they are eager to please children and are friendly with them.

26. Bichon Frise

If you are looking for small dog breeds that don’t shed hair, then Bichon Frise would be the right choice for you. This dog is ideal for apartment living as it requires minimal exercise and is joyful too. These lovable dogs are intelligent too.

27. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

This breed of popular Russian dogs is the cousin of Bichon Frise. These fluffy lap pups are intelligent and curious by nature.

28. Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest small white dog breeds. These lovable dogs have been there for thousands of years as royal companions. In fact, ancient Greeks have built many tombs in their honour.

29. Border Terrier

Border Terrier, though, is a breed of small-sized dogs is a tough and working breed. The energetic dogs love to chase cars and animals, so their owners have to be extra vigilant.

30. Beagle

These spirited and intelligent dogs are known for their great temperament and loyalty. They are friendly and playful, and have a keen sense of smell.

31. Yorkshire Terrier

This small-sized dog, though it weighs just 7 pounds but is full of personality and energy. The hypoallergenic breed is gorgeous looking with silky fur. Despite their small stature, Yorkshire Terrier makes an excellent watchdog and, with a loud bark, announces any movement in the house.

32. Basenji

Originally a hunting dog of Africa, this small-sized dog has become popular in big cities now. Their intelligent and independent nature makes them good companions. However, with an odd chortle-type bark instead of the usual “woof,” they gave them the nickname of “barkless dog.”

33. English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel dog breed, slightly heavier than their American counterpart, is still considered a small-sized dog breed. The merry personality of this dog breed keeps it happy everywhere, in-home and outside too.

34. Whippet

As per the American Kennel Club, Whippets with their running speed up to 35 miles per hour are the fastest animal in their size category. Just a few out-sprints are enough to tire these cute dogs.

35. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are loyal and make great companions. These charming dogs are the poster child for lap dogs. Their trademark long, silky hair and aristocratic temperament are enough to win anyone’s heart.

Small-size and huge personalities make all these pups unique. With distinct traits and features, choosing one of these cute pups is not an easy task. However, while choosing your furry friend, choose the one that you think will be most compatible with your family.

Also Read:

Healthy Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs
Important Dog Care Tips
Longest Living Dog Breeds