Small dog breeds are extremely popular for several reasons. They are “portable”, so they can fit in little carriers and go with you many places. In general, they require little space and many do well in cramped homes and apartments. Most of all, these little ones are absolutely adorable! What other reason do you need?
Here are twentieth of the most popular small dog breeds:
1. Yorkshire Terrier
One of the most popular of all dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a favorite among fans of small dog breeds. This beautiful little dog is known for its blue and tan colored silky long hair. The Yorkie is the quintessential “purse dog,” rarely touching the ground and often seen with bow in hair. Yet make no mistake, this is not a wimpy dog. The Yorkie makes up for its small stature with a huge personality. Believe it or not, this breed can be quite the watch dog, vocally alerting you to the goings-on around the house. However, at the end of the day, the Yorkie is not here to do a job, but to be an affectionate companion.
2. Pug
Cute as a button and sweet as candy, it’s no surprise that the Pug is a popular dog breed. These little round dogs are jovial and playful souls. Pugs were even once the pets of royalty and the companions of Tibetan monks. Affectionate, energetic and even-tempered, they can be a lovely match for nearly anyone. It has been said that the Pug is “a lot of dog in a small space” – this could not be more true. Pugs are active yet compact dogs that make wonderful companions for all kinds of families.
3. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is cheerful, smart, loyal and even-tempered – a true pleasure to be around. One of the more popular dog breeds and a true all-American dog, the breed originates from the crossing of an English Bulldog with a white English Terrier. The result was a dog that would eventually become known as the Boston Terrier – named for the city in which it was created. Bostons are playful and energetic, yet they love to spend time in their owner’s laps, too. Overall, this breed makes an excellent companion.
4. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is small and muscular with heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face and trademark “bat” ears. French Bulldog kind, honest, loyal, brave, persistent, unique taste, and fully revealed in the expression and action. The children kindly, is also the style of tough, strong ability of excellent guard dogs.
5. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian looks like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion. Its distinct long, fluffy coat and bright personality make this an unforgettable dog breed. Poms are energetic and sometimes bossy little dogs with an intense loyalty for their loved ones. Owners of Poms need to take special care to ensure that their dogs do not gain the upper hand. This may be easier said that done, though. It’s not easy to say no to that adorable smiling ball of fluff!
6. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Photo Autor – Pleple2000
The word “Podengo” depicts a type of dog having a wedge shaped head, erect mobile ears, two coat types – smooth and wire, in colors of various tones of yellow and a tail that curves slightly upward while in motion. Podengo Pequeno are small, friendly, hardy, lively and intelligent companions. They are very active and usually good with children and other animals when socialized from an early age. They enjoy time with their human family. They are very watchful and observant and will bark when something gets their attention.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. A Jack Russell can be equally contented bolting a fox or chasing a toy in your living room, or equally adept at killing a sock in the living room or a rat in your barn. Their funny antics will continually amuse you, their intelligence seems to know no bounds and their assertive nature and boundless energy can at times be overwhelming.
8. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are some of the world’s tiniest dogs, but they have some of the biggest personalities. These little dogs are often seen being toted around in the designer bags of certain celebrities. Their haircoats may be smooth or long. While lovable and loyal, Chihuahuas are also highly active and sassy dogs with major “tough dog” attitudes. These are amazing dogs, but they are not for everyone. However, with serious training and socialization, the Chihuahua can make a wonderful companion.
9. Shih Tzu
The fact that Shih Tzu means “lion dog” in Chinese is misleading, considering that most members of this breed probably couldn’t hurt a fly, let alone bring down a gazelle. Shih Tzus are ideal small dogs: lively and alert, yet rarely nervous or snappy. And despite their diminutive stature, they’re strong and unafraid, which means they have no trouble holding their own when playing with children and keeping up with an active family. The Shih Tzu’s long, luxurious coat of hair is certainly beautiful, but it can also be a lot of work to maintain.
10. Bichon Frisé
The Bichon Frisé is small, compact and sturdy in appearance, with medium bone, never appearing coarse or fine. Its dense, white coat gives the breed the appearance of a white powder puff. It is easy to see why they’re popular: they are friendly, adorable, affectionate and playful.
11. Pekingese
One of the older breeds, the Pekingese began life as a royal lapdog. They were heavily spoiled because they were considered sacred and the dogs were made to end their lives when their owner did so that they could accompany him to the afterlife. Also called the “Lion Dog,” this breed is known for being somewhat ferocious despite its small size. They make excellent companion dogs for those who are not very active but tend to distrust other animals and children.
12. Dachshund
Another highly popular dog breed, the Dachshund is a little hound is still beloved by many. The Dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hotdog, etc. With its short, stubby legs and a long, round body, the Dachshund is easy to spot. This breed comes in three coat types: smooth, long or wire. The Dachshund is sweet and affectionate to its trusted family members, but can be a bit wary of strangers. However, once you fall for this little cutie, you’ll never go back.
13. West Highland White Terrier
This breed has always been popular because of its gameness for sport activities and its willingness to be a lapdog. The Westie is cheerful, bold, assertive, courageous and has a lot of personality. Westies are so happy to see people that they usually win everyone’s heart over in an instant. They are good with children and other dogs but chase cats. They require a lot of long walks on the moors and have been known to play the bagpipes well.
14. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested Dog is one of only a handful of hairless dog breeds in the world. Native to China small to enjoy the dog, because the dog head crest, which is the Qing Dynasty official hat so named Chinese Crested dog has two variants. Its skin color design, color diversity, common are black with blue plaque, a pink bottom with brown plaques. Chinese Crested dog loves clean, lint-free, gentle, loving and affectionate, is a very suitable family cultivation to enjoy the dog.
Photo Autor –
Tommy Gildseth //commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:TommyG
15. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is an energetic little dog with a friendly but tough personality. Easily recognized by its signature bearded haircut, this Terrier has remained among the most popular dog breeds for many years. The Miniature Schnauzer has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness towards its family. This is also known to be a “barky” breed and needs a solid foundation of training. However, this active Terrier can make a wonderful companion.
16. Brussels Griffon Terrier
The Brussels Griffon terriers are extremely lovable and sensitive animals. They will follow you around for as long as it takes to win your attention. They’re also very loyal and protective. These great qualities, Weiss says, combined with the fact that they’re remarkably obedient, make these pups excellent watchdogs and fun playmates for children. Bred in Belgium as rat catchers, Brussels Griffons are extremely smart dogs that love to learn and excel in training. But despite generally cheerful, energetic dispositions, they are also perfectly content to be snoozing in the sun room.
17. Papillon Dog
Papillon dog is a kind of precious elegant companion dog, and toy dogs, its size is small, but very strong adaptability. Because of its appearance is very beautiful, little and dainty, particularly nature beautiful ladies love.
18. Maltese
The Maltese is a soft little white dog with a gentle yet brave disposition. This breed is often seen as a “purse pooch” – something these dogs likely enjoy. The Maltese is a playful and energetic dog that bonds closely with its owner. The breed can be traced back to ancient times, where it was the beloved companion of royalty and nobility. Today’s Maltese is just as pampered and is also relatively popular. While the breed can be vocal and prissy and times, the Maltese is a brave little breed that is tougher than it looks!
19. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher and lively, cheerful, strong. Attitude strutting, the United States of America dog fans to love. Before 1900, this kind of dog in the German region was unknown to the public of the varieties. Although the shape a bit like a Doberman small dogs, but no relations with genetics, because the shape like a deer, it is also known as a dog.
20. Miniature Poodle
The Poodle is another popular dog breed that is known for its tight curls and specific haircut (the “pom-poms” over the joints). The breed has a rich history as a favorite of the aristocracy. Poodles have also been known as entertaining performers. Possibly due to its fancy and dainty appearance, many people don’t realize that the Poodle is a highly intelligent dog breed. Perhaps one reason the breed is so popular is that it comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. The standard is a medium to large-sized dog, but the miniature and standard are ideal for one seeking a small dog. Plus, much to the delight of their enthusiasts, the smaller Poodles are known for their longevity.