Little dogs might be small in stature, but they often have gigantic hearts. Small dogs are often so full of love and spunk that they just can’t hold it in, so they share it with their people. This is why I am always happy to meet a plucky Papillon, a charming Cavalier or a rootin’ tootin’ Rat Terrier.
Toy and small-breed dogs have a lot going for them. They tend to be just the right size for any type of home, from a studio apartment in the city to a thousand-acre ranch. They’re frequently easy to travel with, whether you’re driving or flying. And even though they might shed, there will most likely be a lot less fur flying around your home when you live with a little dog. Best of all, they frequently have life spans that stretch well into the teens.
I love all dogs, but there’s a special place in my heart for the ones who are just the right size to snuggle in my arms — like my little QT Pie. Here are five small breeds I wouldn’t mind seeing more of in the coming year.
5 Breeds With Big Hearts and Small Bodies
Papillon. Fans of this French Toy spaniel often refer to him as the Border Collie of the Toy breeds, largely because of his brains and activity level. It’s no surprise to find him starring in agility trials, sniffing out ribbons at nose work trials, acing tracking tests and more. His name comes from the French word for "butterfly," which is understandable once you see his big, beautiful fringed ears. (His brother, the Phalène — French for "moth" — has drop ears, while the Papillon's are upstanding. Otherwise, they are the same breed.) Get a Papillon only if you are quick witted enough to stay a few steps ahead of this clever little dog and active enough to prevent him from being bored.
English Toy Spaniel. This cousin to the Cavalier might look a little snooty, but he typically has a silly side. Known as Charlies to their fans, English Toy Spaniels are most often devoted companions who tend to prefer family members above all others. They are frequently happy to be lap dogs but have an adaptable activity level and may also enjoy participating in dog sports, such as agility, rally and nose work.
