30 toy dog breeds that stay puppy-sized forever

A delightfully sweet and devoted companion you can carry in your tote? Sign us up! Yorkies love to be with their human, and if that means a shopping trip in a snazzy tote, so be it. Yorkies aren’t likely to trigger allergies or shed too much. They can be little yappers, which really just translates to “lively and alert.” At least you’ll know when your online shopping order is delivered.

“The pug motto is ‘multum in parvo’ which translates to ‘a lot in a little,’” says Dr Abens, and we couldn’t agree more. “They are typically happy and energetic dogs with adorable facial expressions.” And by energetic, we don’t necessarily mean physical. Truth be told, they would rather cuddle than do anything too strenuous. They’re energetic in the sense that they are extroverts – animated and gregarious, making their rounds at gatherings and entertaining the masses.

If there were a competition for the most comfort-bestowing toy dog breed, the Cavalier would be hard to beat. They are mild-mannered, and their heartwarming affection knows no limits, nor does their eagerness to please. They easily check off the qualifications for being one of the best dog breeds for emotional support. Yet, they can balance between being a therapy dog and a family dog title simultaneously. “They adapt well to their owner’s lifestyle, so they can be very active or lazy couch potatoes,” says Dr Abens.

Whoops! Did we share the same dog twice? Nope, the English toy spaniel and CKCP are toy dog breeds everyone gets confused. Their coats are similar, but look closely, and you might notice their bodies are different. The English toy is stocky, compact, and square. The head is chunky and prominent. The Cavalier’s head is proportionate to the body, which is well-balanced and slightly longer. Personality-wise, the English toy is an affectionate, good-natured, and gentle companion dog like the Cavalier, albeit a wee bit stubborn when it comes to training.

“Havanese are typically born trainable extroverts with silly personalities, and they can be excellent watchdogs,” Dr Abens says. That’s about the only time they bark, so if you hear them, something’s up. Havanese delight in all kinds of activities, including performing tricks, clowning around, and playing with toys. These happy extroverts don’t shed much, but daily grooming is essential to keep their silky coat smooth.

Here are the 13 quietest dog breeds that won’t bark too much.

Is this sweet pom pom a miniature dog or tiny fox? That teeny fox-like face is so precious. You can’t help but scoop them up to cuddle. Sly like a fox, though – not so much. They tend to be headstrong, feisty and sassy, and love to be the centre of attention. Sometimes they’re just playful, but other times they convey their opinions with yapping.

Check out these 8 cute dogs that look just like lions.

The beard on a Brussels Griffon may remind you a bit of the miniature schnauzer, and then there’s that sweet, grumpy face. Griffs can be demanding, assertive, and full of self-importance – but it’s just their way of saying they want to be as close as possible to you, whether you’re on the sofa, sleeping, making dinner, or going to the bathroom. They don’t like to be left alone at home, and if they are, they will probably bark their complaints for all the neighbours to hear.

Here are 11 dog breeds that can be left alone.

The Cavachon is a super cute mixed dog breed whose parents are a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Bichon Frise. Their combined genetics create a sweetheart of a combo pooch oozing with an affectionate, sensitive, and gentle nature. That doesn’t mean they’ll be all-day lap loungers, though. They like to mingle and play with humans and other animals too.

On the other hand, these 15 lazy-dog breeds are expert nappers.

Their strong independent streak might not make Shih Tzus stellar students when learning new commands, but their stubborn attitude is so stinkin’ adorable, you can’t help but forgive them. And really, can you blame them? Initially bred to be companion dogs, their doting and fondness for human attention come naturally. If it were up to the Shih Tzu, it would skip even the best obedience school for dogs and meet new friends at a wine and whoof tasting.

We’re fairly certain affenpinschers have been stand-ins for Wookies and Ewoks in Star Wars movies. Just look at that coat! It’s a bewildering mix of neat and messy all at once, and yet affenpinschers are one of the dog breeds that don’t shed too much. They show loyalty and warm affection but are not submissive. In fact, “Affins” consider themselves a fluffy version of humans, though they’re probably the only inquisitive and fearless friend who also loves to lick your face.