Recently I came across this quote on dogs –“ Whoever said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend …never owned a dog.” I sat pondering over the relevance of the quote, and I realized that it’s such an apt quote. In this lonely world, a pet dog is the best companion you can ask for. Dog’s love for their owner is unconditional; no matter whether you are rich or poor, healthy or sick, they will love you the same way. People keep pet dogs with various intentions like housekeeping, rodent hunting, therapy of sick or healing people etc. Few keep dogs simply because they are so cute and lovely to look at. For such people, here is a list of cute dogs that stay small forever, even after ageing.
10) West Highland white terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the Westie or Westy, is a Scottish breed of dog with a distinctive white coat. It weighs around 15-20 pounds and is usually 10-11 inches in height. They are friendly and happy in nature and endear themselves to all. But be careful. They don’t tolerate rough handling. But this is one of the cute dogs that stay small forever.
9) Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin / Japanese Spaniel is acknowledged for its importance to the Japanese nobility. They are famous as both a lap dogs and a companion dog. Height varies from 8-11 inches to around 7-9 pounds. They are known for their friendliness and loyalty to owners. They have many cat traits like alertness, intelligence and independence. Japanese Chin is defensive animals, and thus, although they are usually quiet, they are alert to sceptical things. They enjoy being pampered and love cuddling on laps and snuggling into soft pillows. They are easily overwhelmed by small children and cannot take rough handling or mischief.
8) Havanese
The Havanese, a breed of Bichon type, is the national dog of Cuba, developed from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana. This is as well one of the cute dogs that stay small forever. Mostly they are 10 to 16 pounds in weight and 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall. The Havanese love to play outside and be around people. Hence they cannot thrive for long isolated hours. It is a smart toy dog and can be easily trained. They love to perform in front of others and have a great need for affection. They manage well with people of all ages and are satisfied with their owners.
7) Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is another cute dog that stays small always. This is a hardy terrier and one of the most endangered native dog breeds in the United Kingdom, as per The Kennel Club. They weigh around 25 to 40 pounds and are 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder. The Skye Terrier is a hunting dog and enjoys a daily outings, exploring in a safe area. It also needs a short to moderate walk with its owner to stay in shape. The Skye Terrier believes in a give-and-take relationship. He will do the same for his people if shown respect, affection, and attention.
6) Lhasa apso
The Lhasa Apso is yet another cute dog that stays small and originated in Tibet. Male Lhasa Apsos should ideally be 10.75 inches and weigh about 14 to 18 pounds. The females are a little smaller and weigh between 12 to 14 pounds. Lhasa Apsos are independent as well as companion dogs who want to please their owners, yet they may be suspicious toward strangers. Very smart but also dominant and manipulative, the Lhasa Apso is difficult to train. They cannot be forced to do anything, nor will they meekly accept harshness or teasing. Lhasa Apsos often show happiness by rubbing their heads on their owners, running and rolling around, or sitting on their own feet.
5) Cockapoo
A Cockapoo is a mixed-breed dog that is a cross between either a Cocker Spaniel breed or a poodle. A cockapoo weighs around 12-24 pounds and is around 10-15 inches tall. As they are a crossbreed, few show the characteristics of a poodle or cocker Spaniel, while few show the characteristics of both. However, the Cockapoo is generally an outgoing dog breed with a loving temperament. Cockapoos are popular due to their low-shedding tendencies and enjoyment of various activities such as swimming and retrieving. Cockapoos are frequently very needy dogs and should not be left alone for long periods as they frequently suffer from separation distress or anxiety. There are, again, very cute dogs that stay small, and they are mostly family pets and occasionally used for hunting animals.
4) Maltese
The Maltese is a small breed of dog in the Toy Group. Adult Maltese range from roughly 3 to 10 lb, and They normally stand 7 to 12 inches. They are gentle and fearless; the Maltese greet everyone as a friend. This is a sprightly, vigorous dog who excels not only as a companion but also as a therapy dog and competitor in such dog sports as agility, obedience, rally, and tracking. This curious, quick-moving spirit doesn’t need much outdoor exercise, but he does enjoy playing in the fenced yard and accompanying you for walks.
3) Shih Tzu
A shih tzu, also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, is a toy dog breed. It weighs 10 – 12 pounds when fully grown, with long silky hair and stands no more than 10½ in.They are loyal, affectionate, outgoing, and alert. Training and proper socializing must start at a young age for the Shih Tzu to obey basic commands, for the Shih Tzu are stubborn when it comes to training. They require minimal exercise and hence are excellent pet dogs if you live in an apartment.
2) Bichon fries
A Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type, which belongs to cute dogs that stay small forever. They weigh around 7-12 pounds and are about 9-12 inches tall. They are “gentle-mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate”. It has a cocky, happy temperament that is easy to handle. They are easy to train and love everyone. They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere. This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs and pets and are excellent with children.
1) Cavalier King Charles spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small spaniel classed as a toy dog. They weigh around 10-18 pounds and are 12-13 inches tall. The breed is highly affectionate, playful, patient, and eager to please. As such, dogs of the breed are good with children and other dogs. Cavaliers are naturally curious and playful; at the same time, they also enjoy cuddling up on a cushion or lap, making them excellent companions or lap dogs for medical patients and the elderly. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to obedience training.
I hope you have liked our cute dog list that stays small forever. If you think that I have missed mentioning any small cutie in this list, please drop your comments in the comment section. These cute dogs are often perfect for apartment living. They are easy to care for and easy to carry around. They are so playful and offer much more fun. Anyhow, never underestimate the capability of tiny dog breeds just because they are small. Small dog breeds live longer than the larger dog breeds. It is another good reason you must go with the small dog breeds.
So if you are planning to adopt one for yourself, find the cute dogs that stay small and that goes well with your personality from the above list. And if you own one of these dogs, or would love to own one do let us know in the comments below.
