15 Most Popular Small Dog Breeds
Want to know which small breed dogs are popular in North America? Let’s discover the 15 cutest dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a small breed dog who has a face to die for. Not only are they happy and cuddly, but they also make great watchdogs because they will be sure to alert you when they hear noises. Having an alert dog is great. However, it’s important to train them early because Westies are known to be excessive barkers, so if you don’t want your ears full, start the training process now.
In terms of their exercise requirement, the West Highland White Terrier is a high energy breed that requires at least an hour of exercise a day. If you don’t consistently walk your westie, they might commit mischief out of boredom.
Life span: 13-15 years
Shedding: Minimal
Havanese
This beautiful gentle breed is originated from Cuba. They are people pleasers who strive in an environment where the owner is present at all times. Havanese is a clingy velcro dog with a high probability of developing separation anxiety. If left alone for an extended period of time, they will bark and whine until your return. The good news is that they are a very intelligent breed and easily trainable. With a little training, you can keep their separation anxiety behaviors under control.
Havanese are also known to eat poo as a puppy. Most puppies will outgrow this poo-eating tendency but before they do, keep a close eye on them and keep them away from their poo. Havanese can also be energetic and yappy. Therefore, as an owner, you’ll have to walk them every day to burn out some of that energy.
Life Span: 14-16 years
Shedding: Minimal
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sounds like a dog on a king’s lap. However, this breed is not your typical lap dog because they are high in energy, and they enjoy the thrill of the chase. So make sure you play the chase game with them to strengthen the bond between you two.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also a friendly little breed. They are extremely friendly to everyone, hence, this makes them an undesirable guard dog. They will warn you when a stranger approaches the door, but minutes later, you’ll see them making friends with the stranger.
Life Span: 9-15 years
Shedding: Moderate
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yappy Yorkshire Terrier is a fast, confident little speedster. They are high in energy and can be stubborn to train. They are also very smart with a mind of their own. Therefore, it’s important to be consistent when you train them in their puppy stage. Though Yorkies look like cuddle dogs, this is usually not the case. They are independent and can wander off without needing much attention from the owner.
Life Span: 14-18 years
Shedding: Minimal
Beagle
If you’ve ever been to an airport, you might have seen this happy doggy officer working for their treats. Beagles are calm and quiet with an exceptional sense of smell. Due to their extraordinary sensitivity to smell, their brains are often led by their noses. Once they lock their nose on something, they can be stubborn and persistent to get to it.
Beagles thrive with the presence of their human companion, as a result, they might engage in some mischiefs when left alone for too long. They are also hard to housebreak. Therefore, it’s important to train them early. To train a beagle, entice them with lots of delicious-smelling treats.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Shedding: Moderate
Minatare Poodle
The curly smiley poodle is another one of my favorite breeds. They are people-pleasing and love to be the center of attention. The miniature poodle is smart and loyal and extremely easy to train, and though I’ve mentioned the adorable poodle loves to be around humans, they can actually be quite shy and wary of strangers. As a result, the Miniature Poodle has the tendency to become yappy in the presence of noise and strangers. Therefore, it’s important to train them, so your neighbors won’t get an ear full.
Life Span: 10-18 years
Shedding: Low
Corgi
Don’t judge a book by its cover. The short-legged bubbly corgi is actually a superstar in the cattle-herding field. Since they were bred to herd cattle, this means they are a fast and active breed. Corgis are also known to be quick learners and are extremely loyal to their owners, but it’s important to set boundaries with a corgi early because they sure are a stubborn breed.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Shedding: High
Bichon Frise
This fluff ball is a serious dream. Bichon Frise is a hilarious breed who strives at being the entertainer of the house. They thrive in an environment with overflowing attention, but too much attention with too little training can turn them into demanding tyrants.
Though Bichon Frise is a sweet cuddly lap dog, you have to teach them acceptable behaviors with lots of consistency. If you don’t train them early with consistency, they can become very difficult to train.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Shedding: Minimal
Shih Tzu
Known as a great companion dog, they were once very popular among royalties and emperors. Their calm nature allows them to gets along with anyone including other animals..
Shih Tzus are also a quiet breed that requires a low amount of exercise. The low exercise requirement makes them an awesome choice for inactive owners. However, be warned! Shih Tzus are bred with short snouts, so they are prone to breathing problems and snoring. As an owner, you might want to invest in a pair of earplugs before you share a room with a Shih Tzu.
Life Span: 10-16 years.
Shedding: Minimal
Maltese
They might be tiny but they are fearless. They are great companions and great therapy dogs, but apart from their cuddly companion status, they are also superstars in dog agility sports. If you are looking for a multi-dimensional breed, Maltese is your choice.
Maltese also have the tendency to be very attached to their owners. This, unfortunately, means that they are prone to separation anxiety and have the potential to become a noise-sensitive barker. It’s very important to expose this breed to different noises and people at a young age, so you can keep the barking at bay.
Life Span: 12-15 years.
Shedding: Low- Moderate
Mini Dachshund
The Mini Dachshund is a scent hound. They were bred for hunting and tracking small games. As a hunting dog, they are independent and love to explore with their noses. Although bred for hunting, the Dachshund actually does not require a lot of exercises. In fact, they have a lazy potential and can become obese if the owner is not careful.
Dachshunds are yappy when it comes to strangers and noises. Be sure to expose them to lots of people and noises early in the training process.
Life span: 12+ years.
Shedding: Moderate
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a spunky little one. Though they are small, they don’t see themselves that way. They often like to challenge the big dogs to a yapping contest without considering their own small size. Therefore, the owners have to be cautious when this tiny pup is hanging around a group of big dogs.
Pomeranians are notoriously yappy, they yap when they hear a noise, they yap when they are alone, and they yap when they hear the doorbell. The Yapping makes them great watchdogs, but it’s definitely not great for your ears. The good news is Pomeranians are fairly easy to train. With a little training, affection, and encouragement, they can become awesome companions.
Life Span: 12-16 years.
Shedding: High
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is not considered a small breed, but I’ve included them because they fit the small breed profile in terms of exercising requirement. They are low in energy and prefer to spend their day laying around rather than exercising. The chill and quiet nature of the English Bulldog makes them an ideal breed for apartment living.
Life Span: 8-10 years
Shedding: Low-Moderate
French Bulldog
Frenchies are affectionate, smart, and excellent watchdogs. Although they alert the owner when someone approaches the door, they do so without barking excessively.
Frenchies are a proud breed and can also be a little territorial and possessive if the owner is too easy on the training. As an owner, it’s important to set boundaries and award good behaviors, so that your Frenchie will not be the boss and run your house.
Life Span: 10-14 years
Shedding: High
Mini Doodle
The mini Doodle is a hybrid cross between a poodle and another small breed. They are highly intelligent and often serve as service dogs. Their friendly happy faces match their personality to the tee. Because of their friendly nature, they get along with everyone in the family including other dogs.
The Mini Doodle is active, quiet, and easy to train, so have fun training them because you’ll be amazed at their learning potentials.
Life Span: 10-15 years
Shedding: Low