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If you live in an apartment or a small house and are looking to get a dog, it is best to look at small dog breeds. However, don’t be fooled by their small size. While small dog breeds might look small, cuddly, and cute, they often make up for it in arrogance and temperament. Therefore, it is important to find the right small dog breeds for your lifestyle. With that in mind, check out below for the top 10 best small dog breeds.
#10. Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is one of the best small dog breeds for most families. They are a great family pet, get along great with people, and are extremely dependable.[1]PetMD – Top 10 ‘Small Breed’ Dogs In addition, if you love the outdoors, Skye Terriers are a great outdoors dog as well. The only families that a Skye Terrier might not be good for is a family that also has cats as they can be quite aggressive to felines.
#9. Miniature Dachshund
The miniature dachshund is one of the best small dog breeds for a family. However, don’t let their small size fool you. For example, the humorous journalist H. L. Mencken said, the Dachshund is “half a dog high and a dog and a half long”.[2]dogtime – Dachshund However, this bread was originally developed as a hunting dog for badgers, rabbits, and foxes.
#8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the bigger and best small dog breeds for families. They are among the happiest dogs around and a contender for the top tail-waggers! If fact, one of the characteristics that breeders look for is a Cavalier that has a constantly moving tail while the dog is moving.[3]dogtime – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
While Cavaliers were breed to be companion dogs, they still have a lot of sportiness in them. If they aren’t sitting on your lap or getting a belly rub, they also like to run, play catch, and chase birds. This breed is great from a family who wants an indoor dog, but also like to do outdoor activities as well.
#7. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier was originally breed to be a fighting dog. However, today you would never know that. In fact, Boston Terriers are lovers and not fighters and make for one of the best small dog breeds for families. In addition, due to their tuxedo like markings, they have the nickname “American Gentleman”.[4]dogtime – Boston Terrier
One thing to note though, is that they do still have a little bit of their terrier genes and will posture a bit if they feel that another dog is taking up their space.
#6. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a great good natured and perky disposition making them one of the best small dog breeds for families. They have fluffy white hair, baby doll faces, and small bodies and are often mistaken for mini poodles.[5]dogtime – Bichon Frise In fact, they almost look like a toy!
Bichons are a mischievous, cheerful breed that have a lot of love to give to their families. They can be one of your families best companions for years to come!
#5. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a true family and companion dog. In fact, they are one of the best small dog breeds for families. They are intelligent, curious, comical, and devoted and prefer to spend all of their time with their family, whether it be playing with kids, running errands, or going for walk.[6]dogtime – Bolognese
However, be careful! Bolognese dogs can be a bit difficult to housetrain. In addition, they are very crafty and know how to get what they want. Before you know it, you might find out that the boss of your house is actually a 10 pound little furball!
#4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is among the best small dog breeds for families as they are extremely affectionate and love to be a part of the family. In fact, don’t be surprised if your Corgi follows you everywhere you go!
Corgis are around 25 to 30 pounds and only require a moderate amount of activity.[7]babble – 10 BEST SMALL DOG BREED FOR FAMILIES In addition, because they have such a big desire to please, they tend to be pretty easy to train. However, they can sometimes be pretty stubborn. But their short little stubby and cute legs make up for it!
#3. Pug
Pugs are one of the best small dog breeds for families that live in small apartments. While they can be exuberant and strong willed, they tend to be actually quite lazy and don’t require a lot of exercise at all.[8]I heart dogs – 12 Best Small Dog Breed For Families With Children In addition, they have sociable and goofy personalities that make them great for both adults and children.
#2. Yorkshire Terrier
Not only are Yorkshire Terriers one of the most popular small dog breeds, they also happen to be one of the most popular dogs breeds regardless of size! They have beautiful tan and blue silky long hair.[9]the Spruce Pets – Top 10 Popular Small Dog Breed
Yorkies are the stereotype of the purse dog. In fact, you probably are more likely to see them being carried for a walk then actually walking themselves. However, don’t let this fool you. They aren’t wimps. In fact, despite their size, Yorkies are some of the best watch dogs and are quite vigilant and vocal about the going ons in your house.
However, at the end of the day, Yorkies aren’t watch dog. Rather, they are great companions that love to sit on your lap and get a nice belly rub!
#1. Maltese
The Maltese has all the qualities of one of the best small dog breeds. They are silky, soft, and sweet. These all make for great qualities as a loyal lapdog. However, don’t be fooled by their small size. Perhaps due to some genes still in them from their days as rat hunters, Maltese dogs are fearless and love to play![10]Nylabone – 10 Great Small Dog Breed In fact, compared to many other toy breeds, they are actually quite easy to train.
However, the Maltese breed is not one to like being left alone for long times, and requires a family that hang out with it a lot.
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