As an Animal Scientist and vet student, I love exploring versatile dog breeds, including the small ones. I dove into some smaller dogs you might like to learn about. I hope you enjoy reading about your possible ‘toy-size’ companions. The transition from their wolf ancestor to something so small is a fascinating journey.
Toy dog breeds have long been favorites for those looking for a four-legged friend with a smaller footprint. These petite pooches pack a lot of personality into a little package, and they don’t grow very large, making them ideal for apartment living or for people who prefer smaller dogs. Whilst they stay small forever and require less movement than their larger counterparts, they still require lots of attention and a loving home.
8 toy dog breeds that stay small forever
We dive into the world of ‘toy’ dog breeds that stay small forever. Ensuring you select a dog size that suits your needs and desires.
Chihuahua
Weighing in at 2-6 pounds, the Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds. They’re energetic and full of spunk, making up for what they lack in size with a bold temperament. Despite their petite frame, they are quite alert and make good watchdogs.
Pomeranian
These fluffy balls of joy weigh around 3-7 pounds. Pomeranians have thick double coats and bushy tails. They are high-spirited, curious, and can form strong bonds with their owners.
Toy Poodle
This intelligent and trainable breed weighs between 4-8 pounds. Toy Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat and have keen intelligence. This makes them easier to train than other breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier
Also known as Yorkies, they usually weigh around 4-7 pounds. They have beautiful, fine, silky coats. Yorkies are energetic and affectionate but can be a bit stubborn at times.
Maltese
With a weight range of 4-7 pounds, Maltese dogs are famous for their flowing white coats. They’re affectionate and easygoing, making them great companions. They are less “yappy” than other small breeds.
Pekingese
This ancient Chinese breed weighs between 7-14 pounds. The Pekingese has a unique “lion-like” appearance, characterized by its thick mane. Pekingese are independent, calm, and make excellent lap dogs. They also come in different colors, mainly red, gold, or sable. They can also be cream, black, white, tan, or black-and-tan.
Papillon
Papillons weigh between 5-10 pounds. Their beautiful butterfly ears can characterize them. They’re highly intelligent and easily trainable, making them a great choice for people who want a small but clever dog.
Italian Greyhound
Weighing in at 6-10 pounds, the Italian Greyhound is like a smaller version of the standard Greyhound. They have a slender, elegant appearance and smooth coats. Despite their delicate looks, they’re quite playful and loving.
To wrap up the toys
Each of these toy breeds offers something unique, whether you’re looking for a vivacious and energetic companion or a calm and loving lap dog. They all share a petite size that they maintain throughout their lives, making them perpetually adorable and arguably easier to manage than larger breeds, especially for people with smaller homes or less expansive outdoor living. In the end, do your research when it comes to committing to a furry companion to be sure you can meet their needs.
If you enjoyed reading about these small dog breeds, you might want to check out these articles:
The Miniature Dachshund: A Fun-Loving and Loyal Companion
Alex enjoys writing about domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. As well as exploring some of the wildlife in Africa.
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