Small dogs possess two advantages over their larger doggy peers—they’re adorable, and
if necessary, you can take them anywhere. But just being easy to look at and easy to
transport doesn’t necessarily make them easy to care for. Let’s shine the spotlight
on ten easy small dog breeds. If you’re wondering what makes them easy, it’s easy
to say that it depends on the dog.
10. Australian Terrier (Easy to Train)
If getting an Australian Terrier interest you, you should know a few things beforehand.
They’re spunky, confident, courageous, stubborn (it’s a Terrier thing)—and are exceptionally
easy to train. Australian Terriers are such quick studies
because they’re alert and eager to win a few brownie points from their favorite person.
As Terriers, it’s only natural that their working and obedience intelligence are above
the curve.
9. Miniature Pinscher (Easy to Groom)
With a thirst for adventure and seemingly boundless energy, the Miniature Pinscher is
a magnet for dirty, icky, and downright sticky situations. Good thing grooming this pup is
as easy as 1 2 3—literally. The basic formula for grooming a Min Pin includes:
1. Bathing-Your Min Pin will only need to be wiped down with a warm, wet washcloth every
few days or so. 2. Brushing-Keep your wee pup’s coat healthy;
brush it once or twice a week with a grooming mitt or soft bristle brush.
3. Dental hygiene- To get rid of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, make sure to brush your
Min Pin’s teeth about twice a week. See, easy peasy.
8. Affenpinscher (Easy to Feed)
At merely 7 to 9 pounds, the Affenpinscher’s bold, brash personality rivals larger canines.
The Affenpinscher exemplifies the “big dog in a small body”—good thing they don’t
eat like big dogs. Since they need less than ½ cup of food a
day split into two meals, feeding your Affenpinscher will be easy on your back and your wallet.
You can skip the heavy bag of vittles and instead opt for lighter packages with smaller
prices—you’ll save money. Cha-ching!
Fun Fact-The Affenpinscher is an ancestor of both the Brussels Griffon and Miniature
Schnauzer. Check out more about the also easy Miniature Schnauzer in the description.
7. French Bulldog (Easy to Exercise)
The French Bulldog can be called the “couch potato” of small dog breeds. Unlike many
dogs that need at least two short walks and one free play session every day, Frenchies
deal well with short strolls through the neighborhood. It’s not that they’re lazy, it’s because
they physically can’t.
Frenchies have a brachycephalic facial structure, making it difficult for them to inhale enough
oxygen when they exercise. In turn, the dog tires quickly and is left vulnerable to overheating.
That’s why it’s essential that your Frenchie not be over-exercised. That said, Frenchies
are prone to excessive weight gain, so they must get some form of exercise every day.
Luckily, it’s not all that bad for you either.
6. Chihuahua (Easy to Keep Healthy) Chihuahuas have a reputation for being, well…pains.
But Chihuahuas and their people seem to be okay with the notoriety, as their actual,
physical problems are few. For this reason, we’ve named them the small breed that is
easiest to keep healthy. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Chihuahua overall,
is one of the healthiest small dog breeds around. Although they look fragile, most Chihuahuas
have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. “Why,” you ask? Well, it’s in the genes.
Chihuahuas aren’t prone to congenital health problems common for other canines, such as
heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and blood disorders.
The leading cause of health issues and death for these little Velcro dogs is injuries due
to accidents caused by shadowing their humans. Go figure!
5. Beagle (Easy with Kids)
Beagles and children go together like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, and well,
Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Their playfulness, curiosity, and unbridled energy are perfect
for curious, energetic, adventurous kids from tots to teens.
Your Beagle may be small, but they’re sturdy enough to tolerate a little roughhousing now
and then from their rambunctious human siblings, whom they will protect regardless of how wild
things might get. Not only will your pal be loyal to you, they’ll be just as devoted
to your kids, viewing them not as mere humans, but fellow pack members.
Hmmm…pack mates—explains a lot about Chuck and Snoopy’s relationship.
4. English Toy Spaniel (Easy going)
When you think of toy breeds, what usually comes to mind is the stereotypical, hyperactive,
yappy dog. Still, the English Toy Spaniel (also known as King Charles Spaniel, not Cavalier)
possesses an unmatched easy-going personality. If you’re a laid-back, single, or older
adult, the ET makes a great companion because they are most content in a peaceful environment
with few visitors. Overall, they get along with other canines but can be timid when interacting
with strangers. If hiking or biking isn’t your thing, the
English Toy is your dawg. A brachycephalic breed, they need minimal exercise and will
be more than happy to curl up in your lap and binge-watch your favorite shows with you.
But if you’re looking for a lap dog that will double as a watchdog, then keep looking.
Your ET will likely only be good for watching a burglar walk off with your stuff.
Fun fact; The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a descendent of the English Toy Spaniel.
Breeders had cross-bred English Spaniels with Pugs (which were very popular) in the 19th
century. The Cavalier was an effort to restore the lines and “dePug” the King Charles
Spaniel.
3. Cairn Terrier (Easy to Leave Home Alone)
One can describe Cairn Terriers as friendly and cheerful, but they’re also quite rugged
and independent, as Terriers are. And it’s this resilience and self-reliance that makes
them easy to leave at home while you’re out bringing home the bacon.
The Cairn Terrier knows “there’s no place like home”—but more on that later.
Sure, it’s safe to say that all dogs would prefer to be by their owner’s side at all
times, but if you work outside the home, that’s an impossible dream. Like other breeds, the
Cairn desires to be near its people. They just handle being left to their own devices—and
your devices a bit better.
Fun Fact- Film producers paid a Cairn Terrier named Terry $125 a week to play Toto in the
classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.”
2. Bichon Frise (Easy to Love)
The Bichon Frise is a bouncy little ball of fluff that’s too cute for its own good.
Between the soft, white curls and teddy bear face, there’s more than enough reason to
fall in love with this adorable furball, but good looks aside, there are other reasons
the Bichon is easy to love.
Who says beauty and brains can’t co-exist? Not the Bichon. This breed is quite intelligent,
so obedience training comes easily to them, and they learn quickly, especially when it
comes to one subject in particular—tricks.
Maybe it’s the attention they get when they perform tricks that motivates them to learn
more. Whatever the reason, you’ll be glad they're so good at it, as your family and
friends will appreciate an option other than TV or digital media to keep them entertained.
1. Mutt (All around Easy Small Dog Breeds)
Mutts are the MVPs—most valuable pups—of the easy dog breeds, large or small. First
of all, they’re easy to get. You can just go to your local animal shelter or rescue,
and for a small fee, adopt a mixed-breed pup in need of a furever home, or if the stars
align correctly, you might just find yourself in the right place at the right time, to rescue
an abandoned pup. Mutts also tend to be healthier than purebred
dogs. A wider gene pool makes for fewer hereditary illnesses and infirmities.
And if you’re into surprises, there’s no dog better. You never know what traits
and quirks your mutt may have inherited from their parents.
Not So Fun Fact-Mutts make up about 75 percent of shelter dogs. So, when someone adopts a
shelter mutt, they’re opening their home and heart to a pup who needs both. As they
say, adopt, don’t shop. You’re going to wanna watch these videos
too. Might as well hit that subscribe button while you’re at it. And as always, catch
ya next time.