Skip to content

Ultimate Guide to Small Dogs: Care, Training, Chart & More | Pupford

December 27th, 2023

Filed under Lifestyle + Stories

Featured Image

There are so many reasons why people choose small dogs for their families. Some want lap dogs to cuddle with, some want dogs suited for apartments or small yards, and some were inspired by Bruiser Woods in Legally Blonde.

Whatever brings a small dog into your life, we want to help you keep them as happy and healthy as possible.

That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to small dogs, which tells you everything you need to know about caring for a small breed dog.

Things we’ll be covering:

  • Small dog basics – definition of “small dog,” small dog breeds, pros and cons of having a small dog
  • Training small dogs – training tools, focus behaviors, treats, and more
  • Small dog lifestyle – physical activity needs, activity ideas, food and medication, and grooming and care

Along the way, we’ll share even more tips to keep your small breed dog living their best life!

SMALL DOG BREEDS: THE BASICS

basics of small dogs

Words like “big” and “small” can be relative, so it helps to give some definition and background of what is classified as a small dog breed.

WHAT IS "SMALL DOG" WEIGHT?

There isn’t one definition, but it’s generally agreed upon that dogs weighing less than 25-30lbs as an adult are small dogs.

Within the small dog category, there are more specific classifications:

  • Small dogs: 2 to 22 pounds
  • Miniature dogs: 3 to 12 pounds
  • Toy dogs: 5 to 12 pounds
  • Teacup dogs: 4 pounds or less

Remember that these weights represent full-grown adults within a given breed – and of course, there will be some room for variation from dog to dog.

Related Reading: How Big Will My Puppy Get?

WHAT BREEDS ARE CONSIDERED SMALL DOGS? CHECK OUT THIS SMALL DOG BREED CHART

There are more than 60 breeds that are considered small breeds. While we won’t list them all, here are ten popular small dog breeds in a handy chart. 👇

Common small dog breeds chart

While these are not all the small dog breeds you’ll find commonly in families, it gives you a good idea of common breeds and their sizes/temperaments.

PROS AND CONS OF LIFE WITH A SMALL DOG

Part of having a dog in your family is taking the good with the bad. Understanding the pros and cons of having a small dog can help you determine if it’s right for you and better know what you are getting into.

Keep in mind that this is a generalized list, and some small dogs may not fit within these parameters.

Pros of small dogs:

  • Less dog = less food, less hair to groom, etc., which means their routine maintenance is less expensive
  • Small dogs are typically lap dogs and good for cuddling if that’s important to you
  • It’s significantly easier to transport a smaller dog for grooming, veterinary care, and outings
  • With a few exceptions, smaller dogs require less physical activity and space than larger dogs, so they are better suited for apartments or less active lifestyles
small dog lifestyle needs

Cons of small dogs:

  • Some small dogs can be less sociable or get jealous when their family’s attention is somewhere other than them
  • Smaller dogs tend to bark more than larger dogs
  • Illness and injury are more common in smaller dogs because they are more fragile and susceptible to germs
  • Since they tire out more easily due to their smaller muscles and higher heart rates, small breed dogs are less likely to participate in strenuous activities like long walks, hikes, jogs, and long swims

If none of the cons on that list are deal breakers for you, then a small dog should fit perfectly in your lifestyle.

🐶 Spoil your pup with our full line of treats, chews, and toys. Shop our Small Dog Gift Guide here!

TRAINING SMALL BREED PUPPIES & DOGS

Training your dog is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe, happy, and engaged. While most training principles apply to dogs of all sizes, there are some specific things to remember when training small dogs.

TRAINING TOOLS FOR SMALL DOGS

training a small dog

You may think that because a dog is small, they don’t need much to be trained – but that’s not the case. Having the right tools on hand makes training easier and more effective.

Here’s what you’ll need to train a small dog:

  • A harness designed for small breeds (we even carry an XS dog harness here)
  • A crate that does not allow for too much freedom
  • Short and long leads
  • High-value training treats
  • A resource, like the Pupford Academy, that provides training guidance from certified experts

PS: You can get many of your training tools in one place. Check out one of our favorite training tool bundles here.

WHAT BEHAVIORS TO TEACH A SMALL PUPPY BREED

Having a well-rounded training routine is the best bet when training your dog. A strong training foundation starts with mastering the basics, like potty training, crate training, recall, leash walking, sit, down, stay, etc.

But when it comes to small dog breeds, some behaviors are beneficial to focus on. These include:

  • Potty training – small dogs have small bladders, so establishing a potty routine early on is important for preventing accidents.
  • Using a potty bell – this is also a great way to reduce accidents
  • Manners around guests – since small dogs can bark a lot, proactively teach your dog what to do when visitors are at the door, or someone passes by the house, instead of punishing them for barking.
  • Leash walking – Some people make the mistake of using their size advantage over their small dog to skip leash training. But this usually causes your dog to pull and react more, so proper leash training is very important!
  • Jumping – Again, given their small size, most people don’t think that small dogs jumping is an issue. But if left unchecked, it can turn into a really bad habit.

Training at your dog’s level is also a good idea, especially when they are puppies. You may need to kneel or crouch down to get closer to eye level with your dog, which will keep them from feeling intimidated, especially at the beginning of training.

For more on training small dogs, check out this video What’s Different About Training Small Dogs?

BEST TREATS FOR SMALL DOGS

The foundation of any successful dog training is positive reinforcement. High-value training treats are an effective tool for rewarding behavior.
Plus, who doesn’t love something special once in a while for being the goodest boy or girl?

But you have to be cautious about treats for small dogs. Their small bodies typically only need a few hundred calories daily; treats can push them over their limit and cause unhealthy weight gain.

We recommend using treats full of flavor yet low in calories and filler ingredients.

For example, Pupford training treats are made from three or fewer ingredients, are typically less than one calorie per treat, and contain natural ingredients.

That way, you and your dog can feel great about the treats they’re getting!

best treats for small dogs

SMALL DOG LIFESTYLE AND NEEDS

Now, let’s dive into some day-to-day details of caring for your small breed dog.

🐶 Spoil your pup with our full line of treats, chews, and toys. Shop our Small Dog Gift Guide here!

HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DOES MY SMALL DOG NEED?

On average, small dogs have fewer exercise needs than their larger counterparts. However, this isn’t to say that exercise is not an important part of their daily routine.

Most small dogs require about 30 minutes of exercise daily, paired with mental stimulation and playtime.

A moderate-length walk alongside training sessions and play sessions is typically sufficient for small dogs.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DO SMALL DOGS ENJOY?

pomeranian dogs needs

Small dogs thrive with activities that are high energy, but shorter in duration. There are plenty of activities to entertain and engage your small dog, including:

  • Neighborhood and trail walks
  • Fetch
  • Tug of war
  • Food puzzles and brain games
  • Nose work, like finding hidden treats

Finding activities that nurture your dog’s instincts (prey drive, food motivation, etc.) is a great way to provide physical and mental exercise at the same time without overexerting your dog.

FOOD AND MEDICATION FOR SMALL DOGS

It’s extremely important to be mindful of your dog’s size when it comes to food, medication, and supplements.

As mentioned before, exceeding a small dog’s caloric needs is very easy. Choosing food designed for small breeds can help them get the necessary nutrients without overloading them with calories.

And when it comes to supplements and medications, their small bodies make them more sensitive and reactive than larger dogs. Always follow your vet’s guidance for medication dosage and consult them about supplements if you are unsure how much to give them.

SMALL DOG CARE AND GROOMING

grooming needs for small dog breeds

Small dogs have less to groom, but it doesn’t make grooming less important. Small breeds need routine grooming care, including:

  • Bathing
  • Brushing
  • Trimming for long-haired dogs
  • Nail trimming
  • Teeth brushing
  • Ear cleaning

It’s a common misconception that small dogs are lower maintenance than large dogs. While they have less hair to deal with, their basic care needs are still high!

SMALL DOG BREEDS RECAP

Don’t let their little bodies fool you – small dogs have so much love, companionship, and fun to offer.

What’s your favorite thing about small dogs? Let us know in the comments below!

🐶 Spoil your pup with our full line of treats, chews, and toys. Shop our Small Dog Gift Guide here!

0 Comments

Your Cart

Shipping & taxes calculated at checkout