The 20 most affectionate small dog breeds

Being greeted by a loving canine companion is undoubtedly one of the great joys in life.

Whether it’s affectionate licking or wagging their tails, dogs’ body language clearly shows just how devoted they are to their owners. Gina DiNardo, executive secretary of the American Kennel Club (AKC), believes that future owners looking for a small dog breed should consider looking for characteristics that suit their particular needs.

“While cute, fluffy puppies can capture the hearts of so many potential owners, there are countless other aspects to consider when choosing a breed for your family,” said DiNardo. News week.

“Before bringing a new canine companion into your home, you should do your research to find a breed that will match your lifestyle, your home, and even the ages of the children, among other factors.”

She added, “Some breeds are known to be great with young children and gentle and affectionate with their people, while others are a bit more independent and reserved. Either way, it’s important to find one. breed that matches your needs. “

Here, News week features some of the AKC’s best suggestions for people looking for particularly affectionate and affectionate small dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s gentle disposition makes this dog breed a great choice for families
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A member of the toy group, the handsome Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed weighs between 13 and 18 pounds and is described as affectionate, graceful, and gentle.

The AKC highlights the Cavalier’s “sweet disposition”, while his heightened sensitivity “makes this dog breed a great choice for families.”

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound
The small dog breed Italian Greyhound is a playful and very affectionate companion
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The Italian Greyhound dog breed weighs around 7 to 14 pounds and is part of the toy group.

The AKC describes these miniature greyhounds as “playful and very affectionate companions, valued for their beauty and athleticism, who obviously love being close to their humans.”

Shih tzu

Shih tzu
The Shih Tzu is particularly affectionate with children
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The Shih Tzu, which translates to “little lion”, is a toy breed loved by families for their outgoing, affectionate and particularly playful nature.

AKC’s Gina DiNardo said News week: “Thinking between nine and 16 pounds and measuring between eight and 11 inches, Shih Tzus are surprisingly strong for dogs of their size. They are especially affectionate with children.”

Maltese

Maltese
Maltese are generally very gentle and affectionate with families
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The sweet, charming and glamorous Maltese dog weighs less than seven pounds and is part of the toy group.

The AKC describes this most sociable breed of dog as “generally very gentle and very affectionate with the family”.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a cheerful, affectionate tomboy breed of small dog
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Another member of the toy group, the Yorkshire Terrier is described as a “playful, tomboy and affectionate” dog breed and although this well-known breed weighs only around seven pounds, it is a true terrier, with a fiery side.

DiNardo said Yorkies are “extremely affectionate with families and young children and are also hypoallergenic, which is perfect for many homes.”

Biewer Terrier

Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terriers are a fun and dedicated breed of small dog
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Fun and dedicated, the Biewer Terrier weighs only four to eight pounds, which means the small breed is part of the toy group.

DiNardo considers these energetic and adorable puppies “affectionate with their family and even great with other dogs, which makes them a quality pet.”

French bulldog

French bulldog
The French Bulldog small dog breed is described as playful, adaptable, intelligent and very affectionate.
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Rising in popularity in recent years, the French Bulldog is a member of the non-sporting group and stands around 11 to 13 inches tall, weighing less than 28 pounds.

This beautiful breed is described as playful, adaptable, intelligent and very affectionate with its family, with DiNardo adding, “They are also very good with young children and generally get along well with other dogs as well.”

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are excellent family dogs because they are loyal, affectionate and entertaining.
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Described by the AKC as “confident, funny and fearless,” the Affenpinscher is part of the toy group, weighing around 7-10 pounds.

DiNardo said these cheerful and playful companions are loyal, loving and entertaining “great family dogs”.

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is considered to perfectly combine the love of a pocket dog with the tenacity of a terrier.
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Although part of the toy group, the loyal and affectionate Toy Fox Terrier is also a true terrier, originating from a backyard ratter working dog.

This breed is typically around 8.5-11.5 inches tall and is considered to “perfectly combine the friendliness of a pocket dog with the tenacity of a terrier.”

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon small dog breed is intelligent, sensitive and generally warm and affectionate with families.
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The Brussels Griffon, a distinctive former Belgian street dog, weighs around eight to 10 pounds and is around seven to 10 inches tall.

Part of the toy group, the AKC claims that the Brussels dog breed is “intelligent, sensitive, and generally warm and affectionate with the family”.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian
The lively and daring fox-faced Pomeranian is very affectionate and gentle, making them a great family companion
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The lively and daring fox-faced Pomeranian is only six to seven inches tall and barely three to seven pounds, but that certainly doesn’t mean he lacks personality.

Part of the pint-sized group of toys, DiNardo said these purebred Poms are “very affectionate and gentle, making great family companions.”

Bichon Frize

Bichon Frize
The Bichon Frize is a playful and curious breed of small dog, popular for its excellent ability to get along well with its human and canine counterparts.
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The Bichon Frize is a playful and curious companion dog, valued for its excellent ability to get along well with its human and canine counterparts.

DiNardo said of the eternally happy breed: “A member of the non-sporting group, Bichons are gentle and affectionate dogs, weighing around 12 to 18 pounds.”

Border terrier

Border terrier
The Border Terrier is known to be cheerful, affectionate and easy to train in the home.
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Although Border Terriers are tough working dogs, this purebred breed is known to the AKC to be “good-natured, affectionate, and suitable for home training.”

Alert and cheerful, dogs typically weigh up to 14 pounds and are between 12 and 15 inches tall.

Boston terrier

Boston terrier
Boston Terriers are people-oriented, eager to please, warm, and affectionate dogs with their people.
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The non-sporting, gentle and affectionate Boston Terrier dog breed is also friendly and fun, weighing between 12 and 25 pounds and 15 to 17 inches tall.

AKC said News week: “Boston Terriers are people-oriented, eager to please, warm and affectionate with their people, and get along well with young children and other dogs.”

Cotton Tulear

Cotton Tulear
Tulear cottons have bright personalities, making them a great choice for a small pet
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The cuddly, slightly clownish Coton De Tulear breed of dog is a member of the non-sporting group, measuring around nine to 11 inches and weighing between eight and 15 pounds.

Cottons are extremely affectionate with their owners, young children, and even get along well with their canine counterparts. DiNardo said, “Their cheerful, cheerful personalities make them a great choice for a pet.”

Lowchen

Lowchen
The Lowchen is a breed of affectionate small dog
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Often described as outgoing, positive, and affectionate, the Lowchen dog breed is part of the athletic group and can weigh just 15 pounds.

These purebred pets are described as “hardy and courageous dogs. [making] great companions and are warm to their families. “

Pug

Pug
Pugs are charming and affectionate little toy dogs
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The popular, compact, snub-nosed pugs are charming, plush little dogs, weighing around 14 to 18 pounds.

The AKC describes pugs as “generally very nice to their people and great to young children. Pugs love to love their people and be loved in return.”

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo dogs are known for their gentle character and cheerful, loving personalities.
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The striking American Eskimo Dog is a Nordic dog breed and a member of the Spitz family.

Along with their wonderfully white coats, these little companion dogs are known for their gentle character and cheerfully affectionate personalities, according to the Kennel Club.

Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers love to be the center of attention of their human families
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Affectionate and playful, the Bedlings love to be the center of attention of their human families.

While these dogs are friendly to almost everyone, this trait can cause these adorable pets to prefer being the only pet in the household.

Bolognese

Bolognese
The Bolognese dog is considered by fans to be a perfect, affectionate companion dog
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The Bolognese dog is considered by fans to be the perfect companion dog, as the small breed enjoys life alongside its family.

Funny and curious, these intelligent and dedicated dogs love to socialize with their homes, whether it’s taking daily walks, accompanying humans on their errands, or playing softly with the kids.

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