UniquePetsWiki is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more

Top 10 Small Smart Dogs Breed To Keep As Pet

Are you in need of Small Smart Dogs Breed for pets? Needless to look further, this article will give you insight on top 10 breeds of small smart dogs you can choose from for a pet.

Dogs have become the best companions you can have because they can provide you with tremendous mental support. Dogs are smart, energetic, and cunning.

They can detect your emotions such as unhappiness and then entice you with their amusing actions. So, if you’re feeling lonely and want to have a pet of your own, a dog is an excellent choice.

The next question that strikes our mind is why do we require a small smart dog as a pet? Why is it necessary to know about the dog’s breed? Well, dogs are the good wishers of our home.

They can easily detect if something is wrong. Dogs can protect us from harmful things. Besides, at the same time, they are caring.

Dogs also require the love and care of us. Before adopting a dog as our pet, we should know the breed’s adequate amount of knowledge.

Breeds are extremely intelligent, yet they can also be independent thinkers that are known to be rebellious. As a result, obedience can be hit or miss. Dog breeds that excel at etiquette have a strong blend of intelligence, willingness to please, and learning excitement.

When adopting a pet as a family member, you should carefully think about plenty of things. So, if you’re searching for a top 10 smart small dog breeds to complete your family, have a look at these dogs and see if they pass the test.

What Are The List Of Small Smart Dogs Breed?

Small dogs are popular for a variety of reasons. For some, they can act as ratters or small game hunters. Others attribute it to their high-energy personalities and a desire to experiment and learn new things.

However, no matter why you adore small dogs, everyone can agree on one thing: they’re lovely!

When it concerns small dog breeds, one of the few things they all have in common is their size! 

Some breeds have gregarious, bold personalities, while others are more laid-back and prefer independence. Short, straight hair, long, streaming locks, or even tightly wound curls are all possibilities for coat types.

You’ll meet little fuzzy buddies who can’t wait to curl up on your lap, as well as others who are brimming with activity and always up for a game of fetch.

Like Russian Toy Terriers are small dogs that weigh less than 6.5 pounds. And stand between eight and eleven inches tall at the shoulder. “Yorkies” are recognized for their long, glossy coats and tenacious personalities.

Knowing your dog’s breed can help you understand why she behaves the way she does and how you may correct her behavior and properly train her.

Top 10 Small smart dogs breed to keep as pets.

Small dogs are powerful despite their diminutive size. Small dogs can have a great personalities. 

They’re intelligent, playful, and affectionate, yet they’re not afraid to defend their loved ones from outsiders and other dangers. 

Explore our collection of top 10 smart small dog breeds below.  And find the best one for you if you’re looking for a small dog breed with a large, brave heart.

Miniature Poodle and Border Collies small smart dogs breed
Miniature Poodle and Border Collies small smart dogs breed
Small Dog BreedsSizeAppearanceCost
Border Collies18-22 inchesCoarse coat or rough coat, oval shaped eyes brown or light blue colour$800-$1500
Miniature Poodle11-15 inchesDark, oval eyes. Straight long coat.$1500-$3000
Shetland Sheepdogs13-16 inchesAgile herding, long coat in several colors like blue merle, shiny eyes.$1000-$2000
Shih Tzu8-11 inchesProminent eyes, straight hairs, alert dog, long flowing double coat.$1000-$1800
Norfolk Terrier9-10 inchesIntelligent, wire-haired coat, coat comes in various colors like black red, oval shaped eyes.$2500-$3500
Papillion8-11 inchesEars appear like butterflies. With no undercoat, the long, flowing coat is straight, delicate, and velvety.$1000-$2000
Pomeranians 8-14 inchesHeavily pumped with large fur on body, compact and sturdy dog.$1500-$3000
Silky terrier 9-10 inchesDark small eyes, small ears and moderately long neck.$1000-$2000
Miniature Pinscher 10-12.5 inches Smooth, shiny coat with red, chocolate or black, rust. Dark oval eyes and high-set ears. $1000-$2000 
American Eskimo9-12 inchesSparkling, dense white coat. Smiling face with black eye rims, nose, and lips.$1000-$2000
Size, appearance, and price comparison table of small smart dogs breed

Border Collies

Border collies are energetic, clever dogs with a solid drive to herd everything that comes their way.

Border collies have interesting name findings. According to Wikipedia, a border collie originated between the border of England and Scotland. The word collie comes from a Scotch word. It means “sheepdog. Hence, it is named border collie.

Border collies are high-energy dogs who demand regular exercise and mental stimulation.

The double coat of the border collie was designed to resist long working hours in all weather conditions, and as a result, it requires little care. The topcoat is available in two different lengths and textures, although both are reasonably self-cleaning.

Miniature Poodle

Miniature poodles are clever, athletic canines who enjoy the company and are simple to train.

Poodles have three different sizes: standard, toy, and miniature. Standard poodles are the biggest, and toy poodles are the smallest. Therefore, miniatures are in the middle of the group. 

Miniature poodles are nearly 10–15 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds.

Miniature poodles are small, active dogs with a laid-back temperament.

According to Wikipedia, Miniature poodles are calm dogs with delicate nature. However, physical play from small children can overwhelm and terrify them. Thus they are best suited to a peaceful home among older children or elders.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog small smart dog
Shetland Sheepdog small smart dog

Sheltie is a devoted, gentle, and sensitive dog.

As per Wikipedia, Shelties are typically 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh 14 to 20 pounds (six to nine kilograms). They have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Shelties shed a lot of hair. They shed a lot, especially in the spring, but also at other times of the year. Grooming should be done regularly to protect the dog’s skin and keep your house from becoming fur-lined.

Shetland Sheepdogs are a herding breed. Thus they enjoy pursuing anything that moves.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a smart, energetic buddy who enjoys sitting on people’s laps.

The Shih Tzu is a vibrant charmer and a stately, old breed. Their long, silky, luscious double coat, which comes in 14 various hues, is their most well-known feature.

According to Wikipedia, Shih Tzu’s flat face makes them prone to heatstroke. Since the air entering the lungs isn’t chilled as effectively as it is in longer-nosed breeds. During warmer weather, they should be kept indoors in air-conditioned rooms.

The Shih Tzu is a popular dog breed for people looking for a stylish companion. Shih Tzus like attention because of their long, attractive coats and adorable faces, which turn heads everywhere they go.

Norfolk Terrier and Shih Tzu small smart dogs
Norfolk Terrier and Shih Tzu small smart dogs

Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is a big dog in a tiny package, smart, cute, and affectionate.

According to Wikipedia, Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers, with a shoulder height of little more than 10 inches.

Norfolk has a great personality. He makes up for his diminutive size with a cheerful, active demeanor. He’s lively, alert, and friendly, and he’s always up for a game.

Norfolk is a low-maintenance dog. He’s well-suited to apartment living due to his small stature, yet he can become irritable if bored. He needs at least one 20–30 minute strenuous walk or play session each day, or two 10–15 minute sessions per day.

Papillion

The papillon is a petite, delicate, and smart dog with butterfly-like ears that extend out from its head.

The Papillion is a wonderful low-maintenance friend. Although they enjoy racing, these dogs require little exercise. They require less food than larger dogs due to their size. They don’t have a canine odor.

Papillions are 8 to 11 inches tall and have between 4 to 9 pounds weight at the shoulder and can live up to 17 years, as per Wikipedia

They are not regarded as high-strung or neurotic, and they are easy to care for despite their actions and energetic nature.

Pomeranian and Papillion smart dogs
Pomeranian and Papillion smart dogs

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are alert and bright dogs that are easy to train.

They’ll master tricks and games easily. But their favorite hobby is making their special person laugh and companion them.

According to Wikipedia, They are little yet strong dogs with a thick textured coat and a plumed tail placed high and flat. Pomeranians are recognized for having a ruff of fur on their necks, and they also have a fringe of feathery hair on their hindquarters.

To adopt Pomeranians, you can contact American Pomeranian Club and Pomeranian Rescue. These organizations will be able to offer advice and point you in the right direction for adoption.

Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is a confident, clever, and friendly dog.

The Silky Terrier is an Australian toy dog breed that was first presented in 1907. It was originally called the Sydney silky since it originated in Sydney.

According to Wikipedia, Silky Terriers are about nine and ten inches tall and weigh between eight and ten pounds.

One of the breed’s most distinguishing characteristics is its coat. A natural dog that needs activity and training. It’s silky, straight, and gleaming.

Silky Terrier and Miniature Pinscher smart dogs
Silky Terrier and Miniature Pinscher smart dogs

Miniature Pinscher

The miniature pinscher is a small dog with an immense personality.

Miniature pinschers come in various hues, including black, chocolate, tan, red, rust, and combinations of the aforementioned. They have dark, almost oval-shaped eyes and alert, high-pitched ears.

The miniature pinscher is a high-energy dog that requires little effort to exercise.

According to Wikipedia, Miniature Pinscher are typically 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh 8 to 10 pounds.

Miniature pinschers are easy to care for because their short coats require little maintenance once a week.

American Eskimo

adorable American Eskimo smart dogs
Two adorable American Eskimo smart dogs

They are smart, easy to train, and devoted to their owners.

The American Eskimo Dog is not native to the United States. They are descended from the German Spitz and originated in Germany.

According to Wikipedia, there are three sizes of American Eskimo dogs: toy, miniature, and standard. Toy Eskies are tiny dogs that can weigh as little as 6 pounds.

The Eskie is a wonderful family dog who adores all people, especially children of all ages, other dogs, and cats.

Why Do People Prefer Small Dogs?

Small dogs are preferred since they are less expensive. In terms of food and some veterinary bills, caring for little dogs is often less expensive. Smaller breeds eat less and are simpler to manage for spaying, neutering, and other procedures.

Less expensive travel dates. Traveling with tiny breeds is easier and less expensive because they take up less space, especially on airlines.

Pros Of Small Dogs Breed

There are numerous advantages to having a small dog, especially if you live in a city. Small dogs are generally better suited to apartment life than larger dogs since they require less activity. A good daily stroll can meet the exercise demands of most small dogs.

Small dog breeds typically cost less to care for since they require less food than larger dogs. Their veterinary care is also usually less expensive than that of a large dog. For example, spaying and neutering will be significantly less expensive for a little dog.

Small dogs, on average, live longer than huge dogs. It’s not uncommon for dogs of many tiny breeds to live for 12-15 years or longer. However, this varies from breed to breed and dog to dog.

Wrapping Up

Different people have different preferences when it comes to choosing a pet. What may appeal to you may be a turn off for someone else. Thus, to effectively make a good choice of pet, you must choose what works well for you and what suits your personality and budget.

In the above article, we have described the top 10 small smart dogs and the pros of small dogs. We have mentioned the desired traits about ten dog breeds, like their care, size, and maintenance cost.

But, still, if you face any issues or have any queries, you are free to contact a trainer. They will guide you on how to keep the small dog as a pet.

Nonetheless, you can read through our articles on other breeds of small dogs that make great pets such as small friendly dogs breeds and small calmest dog breeds, and many others in our dog category.

About UniquePetsWiki

UniquePetsWiki is the preferred educational source on pets favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to pets including reptiles, squirrels, and other pets, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust.

From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, UniquePetsWiki is here to educate everyone on all pets concerns.

Disclaimer

UniquePetsWiki is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately.

UniquePetsWiki is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.