My two kids have been pushing me to get a puppy for years. Instead, we have one very old, very lazy dog. That's because when it comes to raising a family, a puppy is a lot of work to add on, and it's a lot of work that I'm not sure I'm ready to do. But there's a perfect solution when it comes to getting a dog that is small, adorable, and not necessarily a baby! There are tons of breeds of small dogs that your family will love to have around for years and who will look just like a puppy long after the puppy stage!
Small dogs are great for so many reasons. You don't need to have a big yard or a huge house for them to run around in. Plus, they're extremely portable. Now, a lot of people love big dogs, and I totally get that as the owner of a big dog myself. But the more I think about adding a new addition to our family, the better and better a small dog starts to look.
Here are 15 of the best breeds of small dogs that make great companions.
1. Alaskan Klee Kai
OMG. If you're a fan of huskies, you're gonna love these cuties. Huskies themselves are already totally adorable. But the Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller, more puppy-like version! They only ever weigh up to 15 pounds, making them the perfect pup for smaller homes or families that don't want a larger dog. They're known to be great cuddle buddies, but they have a good amount of energy, making them great for families with kids.
2. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are a hugely popular breed of small dogs. And for good reason! These stocky little guys are freakin' cute. They're full of rolls and squishiness. Plus, they've got a sweet yet serious expression. Luckily, they're super mild-mannered, so if you don't have a huge living space, they will fit right in with ease.
3. Rat Terrier
Don't mind the yucky name! Rat terriers are great pups to have around. They were originally bred for farm work, but their background makes them great at hunting bugs and rodents! For city dwellers, a rat terrier is a great small dog to have around. They also have a demeanor that's as warm and fuzzy are their beautiful coat of fur.
4. Yorkipoo
You can't get a pup much cuter than a Yorkipoo. The cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle is pretty much a perfect mix of sweet and adorable. They're super-smart and playful pups, too, making them great for families. Another bonus to this breed is that they're hypoallergenic!
5. English Cocker Spaniel
Most spaniels make for pretty fantastic dogs. These ones are particularly great for families because their personalities are simply charming (insert British accent). The English cocker spaniel isn't the smallest breed of dogs on our list, leaning a bit more toward medium-sized, and these dogs need some outside time, too, but they're so cute and playful, we couldn't leave them off.
6. Whippet
These little guys and gals are full of energy, so look out! Don't let their small size fool you. They're quick. Whippets can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour! That makes them the fastest animal of their size, according to the American Kennel Club. Still, they have tiny little legs, so if you run them around enough, you can tucker them out and snuggle them up all afternoon. It's a win-win.
7. Beagle
Some people are deeply loyal to the beagle breed. I mean, if you've ever snuggled up with one, it's hard to argue that they are completely adorable. They are certainly spirited, though, and are known to howl! But otherwise, the beagle is smart, playful, and totally down for family adventures. They also have a great sense of smell, which makes them super curious.
8. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are some of the sweetest dogs you can find — that's why so many families love to have them as pets. They're highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train, and they seem to love all people, especially kids. Plus, they're just so darn pretty. You'll want to pet them, brush them, and snuggle them up all day long.
9. Dachshund
We all have a friend who is totally obsessed with dachshunds. It makes sense, because these little guys are cute, cuddly, and pretty hilarious. They can get into some trouble with their short little legs and often need a boost, but they'll fit in perfectly in smaller dwellings. They are generally happy little guys, too, have fun personalities, and love to play!
10. Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds are incredible animals. They look just like regular greyhounds but are pint-sized and slender. Still, they have the same sweet and loving disposition as the regular-size versions. That makes them super-loving pets, which is always a great quality for any family dog to have.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
Not all families are looking for a small dog who only likes to cuddle. If you have a family that is full of energy and loves to be outside, go hiking, and take off on adventures, the Jack Russell terrier might be the perfect dog for you! They're highly intelligent and have tons of energy. You'll never get bored with one of these pups around.
12. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
These sweet dogs are known to be perfect for families. They super fun, but they also know when to chill out! Experts say they're super easy to train because they're highly intelligent, and they're particularly sweet with kids. They can sometimes be noisy and will alert you to anything that's going on outside, but that also makes them great watchdogs!
13. Silky Terriers
If you love a gorgeous long-haired dog, why not a silky terrier? It's all in the name, really. This beautiful animal has fur that looks more like human hair. You'll want to brush it every day. They look a lot like Yorkies but are a bit more graceful. People say they are super-friendly, easy dogs, which makes them great for smaller spaces and families.
14. Papillon
Papillons are super-cool dogs, not just because they make a cute and cuddly lap dog but because they're smart as a whip! They grow to only 5 pounds, which makes them perfect to tote around just about anywhere. But we have to wonder how they're so light when they have such a big brain!
15. Scottish Terrier
Last but certainly not least is the Scottish terrier. You probably already know about this dog breed. They're so distinguished-looking, it's hard to forget them. They're definitely smart, confident, and sweet, though, making them the perfect dog to have around. They aren't the smallest dog on our list, but they'd make a great fit for any family.
That's FUR sure.
