Affiliate disclosure: Dog Product Picker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
Small dogs can be great family pets, especially if you live in a small apartment or have young children or elderly family members. If you’re looking for a petite pooch who will be happy to spend all of their time with you, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we share the best small dog breeds for cuddling, while discussing what makes them so great for this job.
Why Choose Small Breed Dogs?
While dogs in general are considered to be man’s best friend, some dogs are more popular than others and many of the most beloved tend to have a large size. Some of the most popular large-breed dogs include:
- Great Danes
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Irish Wolfhound
- Pit Bulls
Some of the dogs above are sometimes called gentle giants, which is why some people prefer a large dog to smaller dogs, but you shouldn’t ignore the many loving dogs that come in a small package. If you love affectionate dogs that have lots of love to offer and are gentle enough to care for and play with small children, then you should check out the small toy breeds below.
Best Small Dog Breeds for Cuddling
When you want the perfect lap dog, look no further than the most affectionate dog breeds which we have listed below.
Pomeranian
Among the most popular breeds in the world is the Pomeranian. Loved by royalty, these pooches have exceptional intelligence and are alert. They can be easily trained which makes them great pets but you’ll need to understand that they have big personalities inside their small bodies. Much like in the movies, people will often carry this tiny dog inside their purses, which shows just how much they love being around their humans.
Bichon Frise
These great family dogs love to be affectionate and close to their owners, so you’ll always have a friend with you at all times. However, their dedication to their family can make them prone to separation anxiety, so be sure that you don’t leave them alone for too long. They’re also great for people with allergies because they shed little dander and fur, but these dogs will still need regular grooming.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to have a loyal and affectionate nature to their owners and everyone else they meet. They’re so loveable and friendly that they probably won’t make very good guard dogs because they’ll probably get along with strangers as well. Whether you want to go out for a walk or looking to snuggle up on the couch, this pooch will always be with you.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas can be great companions and will have plenty of love to give their owners, and they will come with affectionate personalities. They will enjoy being next to you and their small size makes it easy for you to carry them around. As such, they’re highly popular with pet parents who want a small dog that can accompany them wherever they go, but if you coddle them too much, they may become overly bossy and protective.
Shih Tzu
This dog can be an excellent companion due to its sweet and soft temperament, and they love children while they can also be a good fit for homes with other dogs. These affectionate pups will genuinely love their family and won’t demand too much space, so they’ll be happy inside smaller apartments. Because they’re light shedders, they’re less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people, but their long beautiful hair will need regular grooming.
Lowchen
The Lowchen is a breed known for its even temperament and lively personality. At the same time, it’s also affectionate, active, and gentle, but is also a smart dog that can learn easily and quickly. Often referred to as the “Little Lion dog,” they are fearless watchdogs that bark when they see someone or something suspicious — they also won’t back down from bigger dogs if they’re challenged.
American Eskimo Dog
These dogs are both gentle and cheerful, so they’re a great dog to have as part of the family. But like many dogs, the American Eskimo Dog could act out and become destructive if they’re left alone for too long. Because of this, it’s best to crate-train them to provide a safe space where they can stay while you’re away for a long time.
Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier is the ultimate lap dog — they’re affectionate companions that are ready to be your friend for life. These small, yet feisty dogs are great for all kinds of families, even individuals who have allergies. This is because their fur is much like human hair and will shed less dander so there’s a lower risk for an allergic reaction.
French Bulldog
Mild-tempered and affectionate, French Bulldogs are also playful and patient, making them wonderful companions. They’re also sitting at the top of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, but they are also a brachycephalic breed, so be sure to look out for their respiratory health. These dogs might suffer from separation anxiety, so try not to leave your best friend alone for too long.
Italian Greyhound
One of the more playful pups on this list is the Italian Greyhound, but even if they love to hug and cuddle, they’re also high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise. If you like going for a long walk or running, they can be a great addition to your family. However, their thin limbs and small stature won’t make them suitable for homes with small children or any kind of rough play.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
These little dogs are sweet and are among the most affectionate small dog breeds but are never pushy or needy. They’re known for their loyalty, intelligence, and active personalities which is why they can be the best fit for families. Often described as outgoing and social, the Corgi is happy to be around people all the time and will happily show its big personality to their loved ones.
Brussels Griffon
These are highly active dogs that need plenty of exercise so they won’t make good kennel dogs — while they require exercise daily, they can still fit inside a small space. This affectionate breed will need a lot of interactions with their humans, and because they’re fearless, they can be great watchdogs. But if they don’t get proper training, they may resort to excessive barking.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are playful, loyal, and blithe dogs that are loving with children and friendly with strangers. Despite their friendly appearance, they can be unwelcoming to other household pets unless they are socialized at an early age. Headstrong and courageous, these energetic dogs won’t need too much exercise but will benefit from daily walks with their loved ones.
Boston Terrier
In general, the Boston Terrier is a playful and good-natured dog and is the perfect pet for those looking for a cheerful companion. They tend to get along with other pets, including cats, and their sturdy build means that they’re more tolerant of kids compared to other toy breeds. When treated well by children, they will happily play and spend time with them, but be sure to play a game of fetch with them since this is their favorite thing to do.
Toy Fox Terrier
Protective, smart, and loyal, the Toy Fox Terrier loves its humans and wants to be all up in their business. These excellent watchdogs will be sure to alert you of strangers and guests, along with other goings on around the neighborhood. While their personalities may vary, they can be couch potatoes to a degree and will love nothing more than to be exposed to different sights, sounds, experiences, and people.
Jack Russell Terrier
The spirited Jack Russell doesn’t let its small body limit what it can do and shows its lively personality in any way it can. They are remarkably intelligent and strong-willed which can present problems during training, but they are very friendly with people. When trained properly, they can be highly affectionate but like any dog, they will need early socialization to help them grow into well-rounded dogs.
English Toy Spaniel
Sweet and lovable, the English Toy Spaniel is among the best companion dogs — while they may look snobbish, that’s not their nature at all, and are quiet and devoted dogs. It will enjoy spending time with family and will be happy to stay on their owner’s lap all day. When given early socialization, they will do well with other dogs and even cats, so they can be a good addition to families with other pets.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are highly intelligent dogs — when given socialization at an early age, they can be self-confident and playful while being eager to please their family. These dogs are relatively calm and will enjoy playing with their family. They’ll also enjoy playing with other pets and children but because they’re so small, they may get hurt during play, so it’s best to supervise them at all times.
Bierwer Terrier
These dogs are very energetic and would love to play all the time — they love being the center of attention and love cuddling with their owners. At the same time, they are explorers who love going to new places but will also be suitable for apartment living since they’re so small. Even though they are Terriers, they don’t have a strong prey drive or any digging behaviors.
Coton de Tulear
The happy-go-lucky Coton de Tulear loves to please people and wants nothing more than to spend time with their humans. They can form a strong bond with their favorite person and will be unhappy when separated from them. They’re also smart and easy to train, responding to play, food rewards, and praise — however, they might bark if they see something interesting, so they’re not the most quiet dogs.
Miniature Pinscher
Dogs that possess a good temperament will often be playful and curious, willing to approach people as well as be held — a Miniature Pinscher is this confident and will do anything to please its owners. These dogs are highly curious, fearless, and always ready to play thanks to their nonstop energy. And because they’re so good at investigating, they can make an excellent watchdog, but because they tend to check everything out, living with them is like living with a toddler who needs supervision at all times.
Border Terrier
Despite being part of the Terrier family, Border Terriers are obedient, affectionate, good-tempered, and easily trained. They’re very smart so they can quickly learn hand gestures and cues that you might use to give out instructions such as going for a walk, when it’s time to eat, and if they should stop chewing on something. These dogs aren’t the best with other animals because they can be relentless when chasing something that looks like prey.
Norwich Terrier
These are highly intelligent and active dogs, so they won’t do well inside kennels and will prefer spending time with their human companions since they’re so interested in everything you do. They will display typical characteristics of Terriers and will often get into trouble when they have nothing to keep them busy. As such, be sure to give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to ensure that they’re well-behaved.
Conclusion
If you already have a larger dog at home and want to add a family member that’s a bit more compact, then why not look for one of the furry friends listed above? Most will be happy to meet new people and will be small enough to fit in all kinds of homes, whether you live in an apartment or a home without a big backyard. However, just keep in mind that separation anxiety is a big possibility when taking one of these dogs home, so be sure to spend lots of time with your pooch!
Sources
Additional Recommended Reading:
About the author
The Best Service Dog Breeds
Throughout history, dogs have worked alongside humans, with evidence of domestication dating back nearly 30,000 years. Over time, that partnership has evolved into countless roles, from hunting and herding to companionship and protection. Today, many breeds are trained for specialized service work, using their loyalty, intelligence, and focus to support people who need extra assistance. In this article, we break down the most popular service dog breeds in the United States, what makes each one effective, and the unique ways they can help their handlers live safer, more independent lives. What are Service Dogs? At its most basic definition, service dogs are canines trained to perform tasks that can assist their owner or handler with a disability. They can help to remind people with mental illness to take their medication, alert deaf people, and protect those suffering from seizures. Moreover, […]
Can Dogs Have Allergies?
Unfortunately, allergies in canines are more common than we think. Understanding the signs and symptoms will help ensure that your canine companion enjoys a comfortable and allergy-free life. In this article, we share an in-depth guide that addresses the question, “Can dogs have allergies,” while covering other topics such as diagnosing and treatment options for allergies. What are Allergies? Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system negatively reacts to substances that are normally harmless. Also known as allergens, these substances can often result in an allergic response when ingested, inhaled, or make contact with your dog’s skin. When this happens, the canine body will mistake these environmental items as a threat, which can result in many different physical symptoms. These reactions can significantly vary in severity, which will range from mild discomfort to a severe reaction, and in serious cases […]
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
What you might not know is that pet allergies are common; in fact, around 10% to 20% of people around the world are allergic to cats and dogs. The good thing is that even people with allergies can own a furry friend — while there’s no such thing as an entirely allergy-friendly breed, some dogs can be easier on allergy symptoms. In this article, we share all you need to know about the best hypoallergenic dog breeds. What are Hypoallergenic Dogs? There are many misconceptions about what this means, so we need to clear things up; there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. However, there are a few breeds that create fewer allergens compared to others, which makes them better suited for allergy sufferers. These canines will generally come with low-shedding coats, which produce less dander and will […]
Schnauzer Poodle Mix 101
If you’re looking to add a new member to the family, but aren’t in the market for a purebred dog then consider poodle crosses such as the Schnauzer Poodle mix. The teddy bear Schnoodle is beloved for their high levels of intelligence, calm demeanor, and hypoallergenic coats. These designer dogs are some of the fluffiest breeds out there; here, we share all you need to know about them including their appearance, temperament, history, and how you can care for them. What is the Schnauzer Poodle Mix? The Schnauzer-Poodle mix is a loving, smart, and level-headed companion. While there are no dogs that can truly be called hypoallergenic, both Poodles and Schnauzers can be a good fit for those with allergies, which means their offspring will be too. This gorgeous mix of Schnauzers and Poodles produces a curly-haired hybrid that comes […]
Husky Samoyed Mix 101
Maybe you’ve heard of the Siberian Samoyed, a gorgeous, mixed breed canine that’s known for its boisterous personality and striking appearance. This designer dog is a large ball of fluff that can bring happiness and energy into your home but before you get one, there are a few things you need to consider first. In this article, we share all you need to know about the Husky Samoyed mix, including their appearance, temperament, history, and how to care for them in your home. What is the Husky Samoyed Mix? The Husky Samoyed mix is also known as the Samhusky, Siberian Samoyed, and Samusky and is a beautiful mix of the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed. Because both have bright eyes and fluffy coats, you can expect their offspring to be just as impressive-looking as their parents. These dogs are becoming […]
Papillon Dog Breed 101
Papillon dogs are known for their petite, yet sturdy bodies that come with an active, alert, and friendly nature — they are among the smartest breeds in the world and can make wonderful companions. Dog owners looking for a gorgeous toy dog will be more than pleased to add one of these playful pups to their family. In this article, we share all you need to know about how to care for these dogs in your home while discussing their temperament, history, and where you can find one. What is the Papillon Dog? Papillons are playful, spirited, and small dogs that come from Spaniels and toy breeds. These cute dogs come with high energy levels and will excel in obedience and agility competitions. They have sparkling personalities that endear them to anyone who owns them and despite their appearance, they […]
Related
Emotional Support Dog vs Service Dog Explained
Emotional support dogs and service dogs are not the same. This guide breaks down the real-world differences that matter in housing, travel, and everyday life.
Best DIY Guides for Building a Dog House
Ready to build a cozy dog house this year? Here are six DIY guides you can trust, from recycled pallet builds to insulated plans for colder climates.
What is a Dapple Dachshund?
Discover what sets the dapple dachshund apart, including coat patterns, temperament, and key health considerations for responsible ownership.
Most Presidents Had Dogs. Here’s Who Didn’t — and Why It Matters
Most U.S. presidents kept a loyal dog at their side. This guide explores famous presidential pets, standout breeds, and the surprising presidents who skipped having a White House pup entirely.
Funny Dog Breeds: Goofy, Dorky, and Downright Lovable
Looking for a pup that makes you laugh? Our guide to funny dog breeds highlights pugs, corgis, dachshunds, and more — plus care tips and gear suggestions to match each breed’s playful personality.
Is Trump the Only President to not Have a Dog?
Curious why Donald Trump never had a dog in the White House? This quick, factual guide explains the history, context, and how his choice compares to long-standing presidential pet traditions.
