11 Popular Calm and Mild Tempered Small Dogs

You have made the decision to add another member to your family. This one will be four-legged and hairy. Trying to choose a breed can be quite a task, but for whatever reason you’re looking for calm small dogs. Good – there are many small and toy dog breeds out there that you can save by adopting and that will enhance your life in return.

All dogs are different, and picking the one that will fit your lifestyle is crucial. You’ve made the right first step by narrowing down your adoption criteria and choosing a specific type, such as calm small dogs, because you’re aware that bringing home an animal will change the way you function in everyday life from that point on.

There are many lazy couch potato breeds that would work great for pet owners who prefer to cuddle with their pooch in front of a TV or reading a book instead of hiking every day. But in this list, we’re going to take a look at calm small dogs specifically. Before we get to that, there are a few things you need to confirm for yourself to be certain.

Is a Calm Small Dog Right for You?

It’s likely you’ve already considered this, but if you haven’t, remember to factor in the following to know whether any of the calm small dogs listed below are right for you, or if a medium moderately active dog would be a better fit:

What kind of lifestyle do you have? Are you an avid outdoor type or do you prefer to read books curled up on the couch in your spare time?
Do you stay indoors at home most of the time, or do you prefer to travel and go out as often as you have the time to?
Do you live in a tiny apartment, or a large house with a backyard?
How much time can you spend with your companion on a daily basis, and how often can you play and exercise with your pooch?
Do you have children? Are there any other family members, significant others or roommates living with you?

The above factors are self-explanatory, but ultimately there is a lot to think about when deciding to adopt a dog. You need to make sure everyone in the family is agreeable to adding a new face to the house. I would also advise you to browse prices on pet health insurance, veterinary bills, and dog supplies: leashes, collars, harness, a bed or crate, and food. Compare everything for small dogs and medium or large dogs so that you have a good idea of how much your future pet will cost you.

When you’re positive that calm small dogs are your favorite category, and you’re ready to adopt a mild tempered dog of little size, the below list of 11 best calm small dogs will give you a good idea of each dog’s pros and cons, and what to expect.

ALSO READ: How Not to Get Scammed Adopting a Puppy

11 Calm Small Dogs that are Mild Tempered

1 The Pug

Pugs are the entertainers of the doggy world. They are actually full of energy despite their lazy look. Pugs enjoy hamming it up for their owners. They are calm and make a good companion dog for an apartment or house. Pugs weigh in anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds. If it is a couch potato to snuggle with, the Pug is a perfect choice.

Pros

Energetic sometimes, but can happily be a couch potato
They do shed their short hair so brushing is needed
Small size for an apartment or house

Cons

Their pushed in face can lead to breathing problems
Round protruding eyes are prone to ulcers and infection
Genetic heart conditions
They can easily become obese

2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This beautiful dog was bred to be a gentle companion to everyone. Their favorite thing is to be with their people. Cavalier King Charles is about 15 to 20 pounds. He is happy in a country home or a small apartment. He is not much of a barker either. This makes him even more sought after as a companion.

Pros

They have a loving temperament
They are polite with every one they meet no matter the species.
Beautiful soft coat

Cons

When left alone too long will chew and bark until you return. Separation anxiety is high in this breed.
If they are not socialized properly when young, they can be timid and fearful
They love to chase things. He needs a fenced in yard or a long leash to get his exercise. If off lead, he may take off on you in pursuit of whatever caught his attention!
They shed a lot. Regular grooming is needed
They can have potentially serious illnesses that are genetic. They can shorten their life expectancy if they get them.

3 Corgi

The Corgi is one of the popular calm small dogs, but they’re actually working dogs and are used on farms to herd animals. They were bred for this and they will still try to herd you, but won’t hurt you or the kids. It is quite a sight to see them herding a bunch of children. The Corgi makes a great companion for you, or as a family dog. Weighing in at 20-31 pounds they are a nice size. While they are mild tempered, since a Corgi is a working dog, he is happiest when he has a job to do.

Pros

The Corgi is an intelligent dog and learns quickly
They love to please their human
They are great for agility competitions, obedience and rallies
They love being outside and hiking is something they really enjoy
They are protective of their families

Cons

Corgis are a herding breed, and they will herd humans as well, expect to get your feet nipped at when playing rough.
They need lots of socialization when they are young or he could be fearful of strangers.
They need regular daily exercise to keep from becoming bored and destructive.
You need to watch their weight, a fat corgi is prone to back issues.
Many illnesses that could become an issue through heredity.

4 Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a lovely calm small dog with a great temperament. Weighing in anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds, this breed is gentle and enjoys apartment or house as his home. He also is good with respectful children. They are quite striking in their ”tuxedo” of black and white. The Boston is mild tempered but active, and often would prefer sitting with his human in peace.

Pros

Their short goat doesn’t shed a lot
They aren’t barkers
They will want to do anything you are up to since you are their world
Getting him to sleep in is no problem, he is happy to oblige!
Good apartment size dog

Cons

Boston Terriers can be stubborn and hard to housebreak
They can be stubborn if not trained right; they need to know who is boss early on
They can have many health issues from their short face. Lots of breathing issues.
They can not tolerate heat because of their faces and should have an air conditioned place.

5 Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny bundle of energy, and probably the most popular of the calm small dogs on this list. They enjoy walks, car rides and play time. This little one is at home in an apartment, or the country. Most Yorkies weigh in at 5 to 12 pounds so they are totally portable and can be carried in your doggy purse. They enjoy playing with toys and are more than happy to enjoy a long game of fetch, but can be couch potatoes as well.

Pros

Yorkies are tiny and are easy to take almost anywhere
They are affectionate
They do not shed much
They don’t require a lot of exercise
Yorkies don’t have many inherited health problems.

Cons

Yorkies require lots of brushing to keep that long coat looking good
They can be difficult to housebreak
They aren’t as good choice if you travel and leave them alone a lot they will become destructive
They can become snappy and act scared it they are not socialized properly
He can easily break a bone in a fall off furniture or the bed
They don’t like cold temperatures
Never play rough with a Yorkie, he could be damaged internally

6 Miniature Schnauzer

The smallest of the three sizes of Schnauzer is the popular one out of the Giant, Standard and Mini. He is intelligent and easy to train. They also love getting into things that aren’t theirs, especially if they get bored. He also likes to stretch his legs on long walks. Sized just right at 12 to 20 pounds he enjoys apartments as well as home life.

Pros

They are intelligent and learn quickly
Loyal to their family and eager to please
Nice for a watch dog, NOT a guard dog.
They enjoy activities like obedience and agility
They adapt to their surroundings

Cons

They do have a prey drive so no pocket pets in the home
Their coat needs special grooming to keep it looking sharp.
They can be barkers if not trained early

7 Havanese

The Havanese is in the toy breed section, making it a very small dog. These silky coated beauties are almost non-shedding. Someone with allergies shouldn’t be bothered by them. Weighing in at 9 to 16 pounds they enjoy cuddling as much as chasing the kids in the yard; they make great pets for families with children. Havanese is also the perfect size for any home and any owner looking for very calm small dogs that love to cuddle watching TV.

Pros

Amusing and adaptable to any house or apartment
Sturdily built for a small dog
Child friendly
Not a barker
Enjoys walking or playing
Easy to house train

Cons

Their long coat needs frequent grooming to keep it clean and healthy
They can get hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, luxating patellas (bad knees), and cherry eye. All these are hereditary conditions and crop up time to time.

8 Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, or “sheltie” is a long haired beauty. Weighing in at 14 to 27 pounds, they are a good size for an active family. They are more at home with a yard or farm to run on since they are very active. Trained as a herding dog, she is intelligent and enjoys agility classes.

Pros

Smart, loyal and very eager to please
Excellent pets for a family
They enjoy performing in agility and obedience competition
They will be first in line to go out and do something with you!

Cons

A double coat that requires lots of grooming
A lot of shedding
They are prone to separation anxiety when left alone too long
They bark often, so not a good choice for an apartment dweller
Unless children are respectful, keep them away from a Sheltie

9 Miniature Poodle

Miniature poodle is the mid size poodle. You can find them in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. This lovely guy is at home anywhere you are. He enjoys walks, car rides and playing as much as lying on the couch doing nothing. He is also one of the hypoallergenic breeds that almost don’t shed. But the coat does require care. He is great with adults as well as children.

Pros

Highly intelligent
Great temperament
Excellent with children
Loves to please his owner

Cons

They need frequent grooming
They need a couple walks a day, or a yard (fenced) to run in
Miniature poodles have a number of genetic problems. Any of them may show up: Progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, thyroid issues to name a few.

10 Lhasa Apso

Lhasas weigh in at 12 to 18 pounds making them another ideal apartment dog and one of the best calm small dogs out there. They can be active or just couch potato it all day; it all depends on what you are doing. They have a long coat so they are not maintenance free. Lhasas are good with older children from about 10 and up and they may quickly pick a favorite human.

Pros

Small, but not a shrinking violet
Too smart
A mannerly house dog when trained right
A great watchdog because of loyalty to family
No need for lots of exercise, good apartment dog
Not a barker

Cons

Very stubborn unless you start training early
Can be too cautious with strangers if not socialized
Lots of brushing and combing to keep his beautiful coat, or a haircut every few weeks.
They will snap at you if they think you are being harsh when correcting them.
They can be food and toy aggressive even with people.
If you have a small child in the house this dog isn’t for you, they are best with kids over 10

11 Mixed Breed

There are so many “pure” breeds that are that can be adopted from reputable dog breeders, but there are also calm small dogs of mixed breed waiting to go home with you. Some of the crosses are lovely and have outstanding personalities. Check your local shelters for a new friend if you’re still not sure which of the above mentioned best calm small dogs are the right fit. You will get a friend who has had shots, has been spayed or neutered and evaluated to know what their personality is like.

If you go to a shelter, you and your family will have a meet and greet to see if you will be compatible. If all goes well, you will pay your friend’s adoption fee and take him home.

Pros

Most of the time, the dogs are young adults. Letting you see more of what they are like.
They have cleared a physical, have been neutered or spayed, and had their shots
The puppy habits are behind them
You can see more than one dig when you are considering your next best friend
You make room for another life to be saved

Cons

They have a limited history unless they are an owner turn-in
They should be somewhat house broken but in a strange place, you will have some re-training to do
Most shelter dogs are insecure when you first bring them home. They need time to adjust to the new environment. It can take two weeks to get them used to a new routine and to feel safe so if you can’t do this don’t get a shelter dog.

Video of Top 10 Calm Small Dogs

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