Dogs have been wonderful companions for humanity for thousands of years. While many people prefer large dogs, small dogs are wonderful companions. Small dog breeds often make great family dogs, as they don’t require much space, are loving, and easily adjust to living in a small house or apartment. Small dogs are fiercely loyal and often make great guard dogs. While some small dogs are more suited to one-person households, the following small dog breeds are ideal for families.

The Pekingese is a small dog breed that was once owned only by ancient Chinese royalty. Pekingese come in a wide variety of colors. Pekingese are extremely intelligent dogs and can be very stubborn along with being extremely opinionated, trust me I am owned by a Pekingese. Pekingese are good natured and affectionate. A Pekingese puppy can be hard to housebreak but once a family earns their respect, the Pekingese is a loyal and loving friend for life. Pekingese make excellent watch dogs in the sense they are likely to bark if anyone attempts to enter your home. Pekingese are perfect for apartment life as they do not need a large yard and are not overly hyperactive. The Pekingese dog averages around 10 - 14 pounds and love going for short walks. Like most small dog breeds, they are long-lived at 13-15 years on average. The Pekingese has very long fur, and requires about an hour of brushing every day.

Beagles are one of the most popular small breed dogs. Beagles make great family dogs as they are very friendly, playful, and happy small dogs. Beagles are curious small dogs and follow their noses right into trouble if not watched. Beagles love being around people and make wonderful companions for children. This small dog breed ranges in from 18 to 35 pounds and comes in a variety of colors, nearly all of which are a combination of black, white, and brown. Beagles are not good guard dogs because they can easily be won over, but will bay and bark at strangers so they are excellent watch dogs. These small dogs are intelligent, but can be difficult to train since they are easily distracted and are stubborn. Beagles are not prone to health problems and live about 12 - 15 years.

Pugs are happy-go-lucky small dogs with great personalities. Pugs are affectionate and loyal, good with children, and enjoy being small lapdogs. They also will follow their owners from room to room and happily wait at their feet. Pugs do well in apartments as they are not overly active indoors but they do not tolerate extreme heat or cold well. Pugs are very intelligent and harsh punishments are unnecessary with this small dog, since they are sensitive to tone of voice. Pugs love to play and go for walks. Pugs are not difficult to groom, needing just a good brushing and occasional bath. These small dogs lives 12 – 15 years and weighs between 14 and 18 pounds.

Cocker spaniels are beautiful small dogs with lots of energy and love. This small dog breed needs regular, daily exercise and daily brushing to keep his coat free from mats. Cocker spaniels are great family small dogs and are very gentle and intelligent. The Cocker spaniel has been one of the most popular small dog breeds in America since 1880. Cocker spaniels come in a variety of colors – black, blonde, mixes, and all of them are eager to please their humans.  Cocker spaniels are both hunting and family dogs, and do well with gentle training. Cocker Spaniels tend to live 12 – 15 years and weigh about 15 to 30 pounds. This small dog breed does very well in homes with large, fenced yards, but they will adapt to apartment life if given plenty of exercise every day.

Do you own a small dog? Thinking about getting a small dog? You might want to consider one of these small dog breeds to be your new family member.