List of Types of Small House Dogs

Small breeds make ideal house dogs because of their size. Many breeds adapt to city, country or apartment living as long as their exercise requirements are met. Their small size does not necessarily mean they require little maintenance. Determine how much time you are willing to invest in coat care, health concerns and attention demands when selecting the right small house dog for you.

  1. Toy Poodle

    • The toy poodle is a highly intelligent breed that loves people. The playful poodle enjoys the company of children. Considered a non-shedding breed, the toy poodle is an ideal house dog for allergy sufferers. The coat of the poodle requires regular brushing to prevent matting and a trip to the groomer at least four times a year. The breed ideally stands 10 inches or shorter at the shoulder and comes in white, black, silver, gray, apricot and brown. Toy poodles are prone to luxating patellas, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy.

    Chihuahua

    • A tiny dynamo, the Chihuahua sees herself as much larger than she is. This breed will not hesitate to issue a challenge to dogs many times her size. The Chihuahua comes in many colors, including black, white, brown and buff. This smallest of dog breeds usually weighs less than 6 lbs. The breed is quick to alert of approaching strangers and sometimes proves to be a bit "yappy." The Chihuahua is generally not happy when another dog enters her territory, but usually adjusts well when she is raised with another dog, particularly another Chihuahua. Watch this small dog closely around young children as she is easily injured. Chihuahuas are prone to hemophilia and mitral valve disease.

    Bichon Frise

    • An entertaining little dog that loves kids, the bichon normally weighs less than 12 lbs. The breed always seeks to please his owner and needs approval. His long, white hair requires daily brushing. The bichon frise adapts well to most living situations as long as he receives daily exercise. Eye problems such as cataracts and tear duct blockage affect the bichon.

    Maltese

    • Happy, lively and alert, the Maltese is a breed that adapts well to apartment living, but requires daily exercise. This is a breed that loves kids and wants to spend as much time as possible with his owner. The Maltese breed has long, silky, non-shedding, white hair and is considered hypoallergenic. Brush your Maltese daily to prevent tangling and clean the hair around the eyes with a damp cloth. This breed should weigh less than 7 pounds when fully grown. The Maltese breed's health issues are luxating patellas, epilepsy and hypoglycemia.

    Pomeranians

    • A lot of personality in a little body, the Pomeranian loves to meet new people. His soft, thick coat comes in black, red, cream, tan and brown and needs regular brushing to remain free of mats. He should weigh less than 7 lbs. Pomeranians make good family dogs because of their outgoing personalities. The breed does not require a lot of exercise but needs quality owner attention on a regular basis. Pomeranians are prone to heart problems, eye and skin irritations, dental problems and dislocated kneecaps.