Are you hoping to welcome a new dog to your home but don't want a large breed? If you'd prefer a smaller dog or live in a smaller space, check our list of 15 small dog breeds that the vets at our Leighton animal hospital often recommend.
15 Dog Breeds That Stay Small Forever
Do you have a love of small dogs? Perhaps you live in a smaller space or apartment and need a right-sized canine companion that will fit your lifestyle.
Perhaps you have a heart for small dogs or you live in a smaller apartment. Either way, our vets at All Animal Clinic in Leighton, AL would look forward to helping you find the best dog for you and your family. In this post, we share our list of the top cutest dog breeds that will stay small forever.
1. Dachshund (Mini)
Sought after for their affectionate and playful temperaments, they grow up to 6 inches at the shoulder and have the traits of an exceptional watchdog. You'll find this child-friendly breed has three different coat types: smooth or short, wire and long-hair.
2. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher was bred to hunt down rodents and is often called the 'little black devil' dog.
These wire-haired, terrier-like dogs are well-liked for their mischievous character and curious temperament. Plus, they might be small, but they often seem to act like much bigger dogs.
3. Boston Terrier
Originally bred to be fighting dogs, the Boston Terriers we're familiar with today are often affectionate and gentle four-legged friends to their owners.
The Boston Terrier is a stylish pup with its unique tuxedo coat and can often be found charming everyone it comes into contact with. These pups weigh less than 25 pounds.
At our Leighton animal clinic, we offer a wide range of services to help your Boston Terrier live a long, happy life from puppyhood to mature adult dog, such as routine exams to make sure they're healthy inside and out.
4. Chihuahua
Don't let its size fool you - the chihuahua's diminutive frame is an intriguing contradiction to its powerful personality.
The smallest dog breed in the world is known for its boundless confidence, enthusiasm and loyalty. However, owners are advised to watch out - these dogs often command respect and consider themselves the heads of their respective households.
5. Alaskan Klee Kai
The name of this relatively new breed of dog is an Inuit term that translates to "small dog".
An energetic and Spitz-type intelligent breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai closely resembles a smaller version of the Siberian Husky. An adult only weighs 15 pounds.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Easy to housetrain and friendly to all, the King Charles will thrive in a family atmosphere. This gentle and affectionate toy dog breed is a miniaturization of sporting spaniels. They can easily adapt to any living situation thanks to their versatility.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will need vaccinations and parasite prevention to help them maintain their health.
7. Pomeranian
These dogs' delightfully dainty appearance and outgoing character is helped by the fact that royal patronage (such as Queen Victoria) played a role in popularizing Pomeranians.
A diminutive breed, the Pomeranian can be exceptionally loyal to its owners, making it a great combination of cuddly companion and watchdog who enjoys both playing indoors and venturing outside for shorter excursions.
Fun fact: Pomeranians weren't always this small. Earlier records of the breed reveal an average weight of 30 pounds - ten times greater than what the breed usually weighs today. Years of breeding has seen Pomeranians evolve from a medium-sized breed to a small companion dog.
At All Animal Clinic, we offer the services you'll need to help your Pomeranian get off to a good start, from walk-in exams to diagnostics and more.
8 - Pug
Originally bred to be lap dogs by the Shang Dynasty, Pugs have taken the responsibility of being companion dogs for over two thousand years. Like Pomeranians, they weren’t always this small, though. After Pugs were imported to the Netherlands from China, the breeder intentionally bred Pugs to make them smaller.
9 - Havanese
The Havanese is a member of the Bichon family and officially the national dog of Cuba.
This compact canine is not only a loving addition to any family, this energetic breed also useful for playing the role of a watchdog.
10 - Papillon
Sometimes referred to as the butterfly dog because of their ears, the Papillon is a highly trainable companion dog.
They are easy to train and become comfortable with completing virtually any task their owners give them. With high energy and a friendly character, Papillons get along well with other pets and strangers.
11 - Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a hypoallergenic breed and one of the smallest terrier-type dogs. The breed standard is set for a maximum weight of 7 lbs. Even though Yorkies are a very small breed, they keep many of the Terrier characteristics. Being brave, feisty and bossy is in their nature.
There is also the Teacup Yorkie – this is just a Yorkshire Terrier specifically bred to be small. Teacup Yorkies weigh only two to four pounds and stand between five and seven inches tall.
12 - Pekingese
This breed was a favorite in Peking's Imperial palace and these small-scale dogs still retain a regal dignity.
Weighing no more than 12 pounds, their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life, although Pekingese do enjoy regular walks.
13 - Miniature Pinscher
While originally used for pest control, the "King of Toys" now enjoys life at the center of families.
These sturdy, compact dogs are well-known for their distinctly high-stepping gait, and vocal abilities, making Miniature Pinschers wonderful watchdogs.
14 - Schipperke
This Flemish barge dog, whose name means 'Little Skipper', was originally bred to be a watchdog and rat catcher on the river barges.
Small, foxlike and enthusiastic Schipperkes are known for their willful attitudes and distinctive matt-black coats.
15 - Shiba Inu
A National Monument of Japan, where their name translates as "small dog", these dogs were originally bred to hunt small game.
With their alert and attentive characters, and their meme-friendly handsome faces, these are increasingly popular companion dog around the world.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please visit your vet.