There’s a common misconception that having small dogs under 15 pounds, popularly known as ‘toy-sized’ dogs, isn’t as much fun as having a larger dog. Many mistakenly believe that smaller dogs are just good for being cute and more manageable. However, the truth is that these little balls of fur can be just as lovable as larger breeds. In fact, many boast of a bigger personality than many larger canines. So don’t let those misconceptions deny you the joy of having a smaller companion as part of your family. Below, we share some suggestions for dog breeds under 15 pounds that you may want to consider.

Chihuahua

As far as personality is concerned, you’d be hard pressed to find a dog breed of any size with personality bigger than a Chihuahua. These little furry pets seem to forget their size and are always up for a challenge. Yes, even when that challenge is 3 times larger than they are.

Chihuahuas are affectionate, loyal and gentle. However, they can be a challenge to handle especially for inexperienced owners. They’re not the best option if your household includes smaller children. They are always alert and don’t like incessant petting, sudden movements or loud noises. They require at least one hour of exercise per day and regular grooming because of their furry coat.

Pomeranian

If you have children or other pets in your household, the Pomeranian would be a good addition to your home. These are one of the most popular small dog breeds under 15 pounds and it’s easy to see why. The Pomeranian is outgoing, affectionate and lovable. However, this playful and sometimes mischievous dog can also be strong-willed. You would need to be persistent with them and provide proper training.

Pomeranians adopt quickly and can adjust to just about any environment. They require about an hour of exercise daily and regular grooming because of their thick coats. Visit your groomer at least once a month to keep their fur in check.

Yorkshire terrier

Alert, protective and loyal, the Yorkshire terrier is a loyal 15 pound dog that is sure to fill your days with joy. With effective training, this courageous dog can be a great addition to a family or even for apartment living. They can, however, constantly test your boundaries. It is important to be firm and provide training for the best experience.

These loyal pets require at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. They also require regular grooming to keep their coats in check. Occasional trips to professional groomers should be arranged for trimming their fur.

Papillon

These popular dogs under 15 lbs are energetic and happy. They especially enjoy having long play sessions with their families. They are sociable, making them a great companion for families with young children. However, they can be loud making them unsuitable for multi-family housing situations such as apartment buildings.

Papillons are easy to care for. They respond well to training. With at least one hour of exercise daily and many additional playing sessions throughout the day, you can keep your little furry companion happy. They require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy.

Italian greyhound

These 15 pound dog breeds are a great option for those that are looking for a breed that is easy to care for. The Italian greyhound is agile, gentle and affectionate. They are however, extremely sensitive to stress, noise and chaotic environments. They are therefore not a great choice for families with young or energetic children.

They require at least 30 minutes of exercise and minimal grooming. They are okay to be left alone for the day.

Conclusion

Small 15lb dog breeds can be just as big a part of your household as larger breeds. If you’re considering making a small dog part of your household, be sure to invest in dog training for the best experience. Contact us, Anchor Up K9 Academy to schedule your training session.

Top Dog Breeds Weighing Under 15 Pounds for Compact Companionship