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Breeds of dogs are very important to select, most especially for those who live in small spaces, like apartments or homes in urban India. Small breeds are cute and suitable to live in compact living environments. Here is a curated list of the top 10 small breeds of dogs which are ideal companions for Indian homes.

Petfolks picks for the top 10 small dog breeds in India

• Bichon Frise
• Beagle
• Chihuahua
• Dachshund
• English Cocker Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• Indian Spitz
• Maltese
• Pug
• Pomeranian

• Conclusion

1) Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cute, fluffy breed of dog which is dearly loved by all because of its friendly and affectionate personality. These dogs are very pleasant companions, and with their captivating look along with their bright nature, they have gained much acclaim.

Bichon Frises attach themselves securely with their pet parents and enjoy quality time with them. They do not appreciate it when they are left alone for long and may be craving for a lot of attention and affection. Social dogs, loving to play and cuddle, thus turn them into great pets for individuals who enjoy active interactions.

First, it's relevant to consider the Bichon Frise's temperament and needs: energetic dogs by nature, they need routine exercises to keep them physically and psychologically healthy. This breed requires early socialisation and training, because in its lack, behavioural problems could appear later in its life.

2) Beagle

Beagles are small breeds of dogs originating from England. As dogs, they are warm, friendly, and social. Their calm nature propels them easily to function well as therapy dogs in bringing comfort and happiness to everyone they come into contact with. Beagles make very great family pets; they get along well with kids and other animals. They have strong hunting instincts, though; they generally follow scents, which may lead them to chase small animals if not well-trained.

Beagles are friendly and loyal, but also a bit stubborn and independent. And putting all those qualities together might make them a tad more challenging to train than some other dogs. The way to teach them is through patience and persistence. Beagles are high-energy dogs that need regular activities, both physical and mental, to avoid boredom and any unwanted behaviour caused by their pent-up energy.

 3) Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a toy-sized breed originating from Mexico, and named after the state of Chihuahua. Adult Chihuahuas weigh between 2 to 6 pounds in weight and shall not exceed 9 inches at the shoulder.

Due to their small size, Chihuahuas are oftentimes misunderstood and viewed to be fashion accessories rather than intelligent, capable companions. The small dogs have big personalities-activity level, playfulness, attachment to, and loyalty towards human parents is typical. Like every breed, proper training and socialisation can help minimise less desirable behaviours and ensure a more even-tempered companion. They are not inherently aggressive and antisocial; they simply require proper guidance to turn them into good-mannered pets.

If you plan to bring a Chihuahua into your home, it is crucial to socialise them early in their life. Let them get used to people and other dogs in a safe way so that they could be well-adjusted as companions. With the right care and training, Chihuahuas are the best pets, but mostly they do not get enough credit for a big personality in a little body.

4) Dachshund

Dachshunds are one of the cutest breeds, popular in India; their name itself hints at what they would look like, with short legs and long, sausage-like bodies. This is one of the most well-known breeds that shower affection and are loyal to their parents. While Dachshunds can be very playful, full of fun, they can be very stubborn at times, which makes them a bit tricky to train.

Though some urge having at least two Dachshunds to create a pack, they could be quite unwieldy for first-time pet parents. They are destroyers if left to their own devices for too long and often take to chewing on things. They are pretty outspoken canines that bark a lot. This possessiveness can also make them, at times, aggressive and not suitable for a home with small children or visitors they do not know. Proper training and socialisation can help keep these behaviours in check and ensure a well-rounded pet.

5) English Cocker Spaniel

The breed of the English Cocker Spaniel is quite charming; they are extremely loyal, intelligent, and love people. They are dogs that really enjoy being trained and tend to appreciate positive reinforcement the most. While they do love cuddles and can enjoy some downtime, their general energy levels are moderate, and they do require regular exercise to remain healthy and content.

Coming from a somewhat smaller breed of dogs, the English Cocker Spaniels are okay to live in apartments, provided they get their due share of workouts and exercises. Again, it depends upon the owner to allow them sufficient space to stretch their limbs and move about. Their coats need regular Professional grooming services in Hyderabad  so that they don't get matted and misshapen.

Naturally friendly and attached, the English Cocker Spaniel makes a great companion, although it can be occasionally obstinate. In this regard, it is necessary to conduct early socialisation and training in order to avoid any potential behavioural problems. It also pays to monitor the generally known health concerns of the breed and provide them quality veterinary attention if the need should arise.

6) French Bulldog

The Frenchy is a compact breed of dog battering from across the Atlantic, France. It is a miniature breed with several reasons for popularity over these years. This breed has secured first ranking in the chart of the American Kennel Club throughout 2022 regarding the most popular breeds of dogs. People just love Frenchies because they are friendly and playful in nature, but as with any other dog, behaviour will differ according to how you raise the puppy. They can be a little stubborn and generally very protective of their parents, which should also be taken into consideration when choosing any breed. Frenchies boast a great personality; they are friendly and playful, though like any dog, their behaviour is completely shaped by their upbringing. They can be somewhat stubborn and usually are fiercely protective of their pet parents, so these are points to consider when selecting a breed.

French Bulldogs are outgoing and comedic in nature, with most getting along with other pets and children well, given proper training and early socialisation. Loyal and stubborn, they do best with early training and firm but consistent guidance to become a mannerly companion.

7) Indian-Spitz

The Indian Spitz is a compact to average-sized dog breed coming from India. A few of the strong points linked with this breed are that they are a fluffy double coat, fox-like appearance, and a stream of unlimited energy. Playful and lively, they turn out to be extremely good companions for outdoor activities such as running or hiking.

Spirited and friendly, the Indian Spitz is nice with families, especially if there are children present within the family. They are intelligent and rather easy to train; however, they can be independent and naughty at times. They need early socialisation and training to make them well-mannered and disciplined pets.

Thick-coated, the Indian Spitz are dogs that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They tend to shed heavily when the seasons change and they are considered moderate shedders during other periods of the year; hence, proper Pet grooming is necessary to keep their coats in order.

8) Maltese

The Maltese are an interesting dog breed; reeking of charm and civilization. Originated from the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta, these small dogs are conspicuous by their smooth white fur, eloquent eyes, and quiet, gentle nature. They are considered nice companions, or more precisely lapdogs, to others because of humane company.

The Maltese are smart yet playful dogs that thrive on attention from the pet parents. They are extremely loyal and loving, almost attached to the owners, which makes them shadow their owners around and bond deeply. The social puppies get along well with other dogs and people, too, which makes them great family pets.

The Maltese weighs between 15 to 30 pounds, thus completely adapting to the smaller homes or apartments. They are the kind of dogs that enjoy cuddling up on the couch, yet they still require regular walks to stay healthy and happy.

9) Pug

The pug variety has drawn the interest of a large number of dog lovers with their fascinating personalities and distinctively wrinkled faces. This companion dog, hailing originally from China, has been kept as a pet for many centuries. Generally, pugs are a jolly, friendly, and affectionate dog breed, hence popular among families and bachelors alike.

One of the most endearing traits in a Pug is the amount of attention that it loves and enjoys getting. They adore nothing more than snuggling up on their pet parent's lap or cuddling up tightly. Occasionally, Pugs have a streak of stubbornness in them, so consistent training is a requisite to ward off unwanted behaviors. And again, their high prey drive needs to be managed as they will surely chase small creatures, like birds and squirrels. Properly guided with good training, they turn out to be mannered companions.

10) Pomeranian

Those cute little faces and perky personalities have their own ways of conquering hearts, hence making the Pomeranian one of the popular small dog breeds in India. The little babies belong to the Spitz family and have been named after the Pomerania region in Europe. Just look at those fluffy coats and that cute expression; no wonder the world wants them as one of the most sought-after toy or miniature dogs.

It is full of energy and vitality, even though they are small in size, because it originates from the roots. Since they had been bred to herd dogs initially, all those inherent qualities of being spirited are found in them, which make them such wonderful pets. One of the best things about Pomeranians is their adaptability in different living situations, whether in a tiny apartment or a big house.

Yet, with a Pomeranian also comes responsibility, most especially in being concerned with their plush coats. Regular grooming is necessary to avoid matting and tangling that could result in health problems if left unaddressed. In addition, Pomeranians are prone to some of the health issues like dental problems, luxating patella, and trachea collapse. They cannot tolerate heat well and need a cool environment during hot seasons to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Conclusion

While selecting a breed of small canine for your apartment in India, one needs to consider the temperament, grooming required, and activity of the dog. Those selected herein are quite apt for apartment living and will be affectionate and loyal companions for families. However, researching well will ensure your new furry friend will fit into your lifestyle and preferences.  For those in Hyderabad, approach dog grooming services in Hyderabad to help you in maintaining your pet in good condition and health, keeping it happy.