Small dogs have become a popular fashion accessory for celebrities, but they make great indoor pets for kids. They are small in stature, but they more than make up for it with their playfulness and personality. Choosing the right small breed for your family depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, childrenâs age, and the size of your home.
There are multiple small dog breeds and each one has several pros and cons. The following guide will help you choose a breed thatâs the right fit for your family.
1. Maltese
This breed doesnât shed much, so itâs an excellent choice if you have pet hair and allergies issues. Theyâre friendly dogs and get along well with other dogs and cats. Since this dog will need consistent human contact, itâs not a smart choice to not commit a lot of time to pet care.
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You can easily identify Maltese by its straight and long white coat, which youâll have to groom regularly to keep in tip-top shape. Keep your Maltese close but donât lavish too much attention on him as it could lead to behavior disorders.
2. Boston Terrier
Boston terriers make terrific family pets as they bond well with children. Itâs a cost-saving choice because they wonât need constant grooming and wonât shed a lot of hair on your furniture.
Brush once or twice a week to remove excess hair, and youâll reduce shedding. Training might be necessary if your terrier demonstrates a tendency to chew on your furniture, shoes, and other valuables.
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3. Pugs
Short legs, wrinkled faces, and lovable personality, pugs make excellent companions. But be prepared: they could be headstrong but are generally willing to please.
The shape of their faces means pugs are prone to wheezing and snoring, so they might keep you awake if you bring the dog into your bedroom at night.
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4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are mellow and gentle, but they can get noisy, especially when interacting with kids. However, they make a fantastic addition to households with children as long as you get a puppy.
A major downside is that they shed a lot, so donât get one if you have a new baby at home.
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5. Chihuahua
Donât be deceived by the Chihuahuaâs meek appearance; theyâre sassy and unpredictable, and theyâll nip at kids when theyâre disturbed, so donât get one if you have small children in the household. Theyâll also bark incessantly if they sense a new dog in the building and will demand a lot of your attention.
The upsides are their fierce loyalty to their owners and the ability to get along with cats â after a proper introduction.
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6. Miniature Schnauzer
This breed is sassy, curious, playful, and not as aggressive as a typical terrier, so itâs a great choice for kids. They bark at passersby or the slightest noise outside your door.
Your kids will enjoy petting and interacting with this playful dog, and the Miniature Schnauzer will return the affection without reservations.
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7. Shih Tzu
These were bred for companionship, which is fitting because their gentle and friendly demeanor is perfect if you have small children at home. They donât shed much, but the dense coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting.
Consider getting a Shih Tzu if you want a loyal and lovable friend.
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8. Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles are extremely sensitive and shy, so they are best suited to a single owner, at least until they get used to being around people.
This breed gets along well with other dogs, children, and a few other pets as long as there are a proper introduction and time allowed to get over their initial shyness. Get a groomer to cut your poodleâs coat in your preferred style.
9. Papillons
One of the most overlooked dog breeds in terms of making good indoor pets is Papillons. Due to their high intelligence, sensitivity, and compassion towards people, Papillons are usually used as seizure alert dogs and therapy dogs.
Since Papillons are easy to train, theyâre often used as show dogs as well. Papillons donât shed too often, and they donât suffer skin allergies.
10. Pekingese
Pekingese is an incredibly loving dog that requires little exercise, though it likes a great walk. These dogs make wonderful lap dogs, yet they enjoy doing their own things too. I have a Pekingese dog, and she is one of the best indoor pets I have ever had.
She is loving, protective and great with kids. Pekingese doesnât shed that often, though you will need to brush their hair at least once a month. Pekingese may take longer to house-train than other dogs, but they are easy to care for and great to play with.
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These are just eight of the worldâs smallest dog breeds. Theyâre loyal, friendly, and require minimum upkeep, so they generally make for delightful indoor pets. Whatever breed you eventually choose, make sure you shower the dog with love, and youâll be rewarded with the dogâs unconditional love and loyalty.
Youâll need to exercise patience as you take the dog through the first few weeks of house training, but after that, everything should fall into place. Choose the right indoor pet and pet ownership will be exciting and rewarding.
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