Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Best small house dogs are cherished by the Drummond family. While they might currently prefer medium and large breeds, Ree’s heart will forever hold a special fondness for small dogs. Her very first furry friend, Suzie, was a delightful Jack Russell terrier.
With their adventurous and loving nature, Jack Russells exemplify the ideal family companion. They’re just one example of the playful small breeds that bring immense joy to households. Small dog breeds, with their adorable and compact size, have a unique charm.
Each type of small dog possesses its own distinct characteristics. Here, we’ll explore some of the top toy and Best small house dogs that seamlessly integrate into family life.
Top 10 Small Dog Breeds
Here is the Top 10 small dog breeds.
1: Pomeranian Dog
Height: 6–7 inches
Weight: 3–7 pounds
Pomeranians are small dogs loved for their adorable walk and fluffy fur. Surprisingly, they come from sled dogs, which were much bigger, weighing about 30 pounds. However, when Queen Victoria adored them and they gained popularity, people bred them to be smaller and cuter.
2: Chihuahua Dog
Height: 5–8 inches
Weight: 6 pounds or less
Chihuahuas are cute small dogs that make great friends because they have lively and bold personalities. They live a long time compared to other dogs. Chihuahuas are always energetic and bring excitement wherever they go, especially when they’re with their favorite people.
3: Shih Tzu Dog
Height: 9–10 inches
Weight: 9–16 pounds
The Shih Tzu is a small but strong dog originally bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to resemble a tiny lion. These adorable pups are deeply devoted to their owners, and their long, silky fur requires regular grooming to keep it from getting tangled. It’s important for Shih Tzus to live with a caring family who will brush them a few times each week to keep their coat looking its best.
4: Yorkshire Terrier Dog
Height: 7–8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
The Yorkshire terrier, also known as a Yorkie, is a fun-loving, lively, and loving dog. Similar to other small dogs, Yorkies don’t like cold weather much and might be at risk of hypoglycemia.
5: Toy Poodle Dog
Height: 10 inches or less
Weight: 4–6 pounds
Toy Poodles are the tiniest among Poodle types, with the Standard and Miniature being larger. Just like their bigger relatives, Toy Poodles are clever and fun-loving. They likely enjoy bath time too.
6: Papillon Dog
Height: 8–11 inches
Weight: 5–10 pounds
Papillons are classy and chic dogs known for their butterfly-like ears. Despite their small size, they’re very smart and require plenty of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy. They love going for walks, doing agility activities, and spending time with their favorite humans.
7: Biewer Terrier Dog
Height: 7–11 inches
Weight: 4–8 pounds
Biewer Terriers, pronounced as “beaver,” are adorable small dogs that adore their families, making them perfect for sitting on laps. Coming from Germany, they are related to Yorkies but have a special genetic trait: they carry the rare piebald gene, which gives them white fur with colorful patches.
8: Bichon Frise Dog
Height: 9–12 inches
Weight: 12–18 pounds
The Bichon Frise is another small, white dog breed. Despite their diminutive size, they have large hearts. Bichons are curious, friendly, and always ready to make you happy, which makes training them in basic commands and fun tricks a breeze.
9: Alaskan Klee Kai Dog
Height: 12–17 inches
Weight: 6–25 pounds
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small dog breed with three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. They’re quite rare and started with a single small Siberian Husky in the 1970s. Similar to Huskies, Alaskan Klee Kai pups are independent, vocal, and have a strong will.
10: Brussels Griffon Dog
Height: 7–10 inches
Weight: 8–10 pounds
Brussels Griffons are charming and friendly buddies. Their big, wide eyes make them look like perpetual puppies, adding to their lovable and clingy nature. Despite their small size, they enjoy both staying active and lounging around. And here’s something cool: Griffons inspired the Ewoks in Star Wars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Small House Dogs For Families?
Answer: Some of the best small house dogs for families include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French bulldog, and Boston terrier. These breeds are known for their friendly dispositions and adaptability to indoor living.
How Much Exercise Do Small House Dogs Need?
Answer: Small house dogs require daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities to stay healthy and happy. The amount of exercise needed varies depending on the breed’s energy level and individual personality.
What Are Some Common Challenges Of Owning A Small House Dog?
Answer: Common challenges include housebreaking difficulties, dental issues, and susceptibility to certain health conditions like luxating patella or respiratory problems. Proper training, regular veterinary care, and socialization can help mitigate these challenges.
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