You can generalize one and only one thing about small dogs - they are small.  Otherwise, small dogs are as different from each other as from their larger cousins.

Yet many prospective dog owners overlook small dog breeds when selecting a new pet because of preconceptions that are likely not true.

For instance, prospective owners who lead fairly active lifestyles might select a mid- or large-sized breed because they are perceived to be better walkers or runners.  Likewise, older people may avoid smaller breeds out of fear that they have hyperactive tendencies.

The truth is that there is a small dog breed for nearly every and all type of lifestyle, and some breeds are equally suitable for multiple types of lifestyles.  Picking a dog that suits your typical level of activity can not only ensure that your dog is a suitable companion for you,  but that your own level of activity is suitable for your pal as well.

The simplest way to understand what type of active small dogs suitable for your lifestyle is with the following list of “equations” that pair dog characteristics with owner’s lifestyle.

• High Energy Dog + High Exercise Needs + High Mental Stimulant = Very Highly-Active Owner
• High Energy Dog + Moderate Exercise Needs + High Mental Stimulant = Highly-Active Owner
• Moderate Energy Dog + High Exercise Requirement + High Mental Stimulant = Highly-Active Owner
• High Energy Dog + Low Exercise Needs + High or Moderate Mental Stimulant = Moderately-Active Owner
• Moderate Energy Dog + Moderate Exercise Requirement + Moderate Mental Stimulant = Moderately-Active Owner
• Low Energy Dog + Low Exercise Requirement + Moderate Mental Stimulant = Laid-back Owner

How Do Small Dogs Rank?

To determine what activity level are most suitable for your small dogs, we need to consider their energy levels, plus their requirements for mental and physical stimulation.  The following charts list small dog breeds along with the characterists that are most commonly associated with the breed.

Keep in mind that each dog is also an individual with unique personalities of his or her own, and as such, you should consider the information in the tables as a guide, and not to tailor your own dog’s activities.  If you already have a dog, you should to observe your own dog’s characteristics and choose an activity level that best meets his or her individual needs.

1. High Activity Level

Dogs in this group don’t enjoy just sitting around the house all day.  They like to have a large, constant amount of physical and mental stimulation.  Owners of these breeds must be willing to run them several times per day to the point of fatigue, such as with jogging or repetitive fetching.  If the dogs cannot get a good workout from their owners, they will find ways to entertain themselves, usually at the expense of a pair of shoes, a throw pillow, or a set of drapes.

Ideal Activities: Jogging, chasing, fetching, agility, flyball, hunting, herding, long walks, advance dog tricks

2. Moderate to High Activity Level

Dogs in this category do not need to be worked to fatigue every day.  However, most enjoy several walks per day with a long walk thrown in every other day or so.  These breeds also require a moderate to high amount of mental stimulation while both in and out of doors.

Ideal Activities: Jogging, fetching, agility, long walks, tracking, advance dog tricks

3. Moderate Activity Level

Although active, these dogs exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks daily, with some interesting games and tricks both indoor and outdoor.

Ideal Activities: Long walks, basic to slightly advance dog tricks, romp around the yard, hide and seek, short distant tracking, treadmill exercise.

4. Low to Moderate Activity Level

These breeds have a minimal need for exercise, but the short daily walk will still be enjoyed and appreciated.   Regardless, they do also prefer and appreciate freedom of movement indoors between walks, as well as toys or activities to keep them mentally agile.

Ideal Activities: Short walks, basic dog tricks, romp around the apartment or yard, hide and seek, treadmill exercise.

5. Low Activity Level

These dogs are the most laid-back and relaxed dog breeds that you will be able to find. They have almost zero interest in any rigorous exercise of any amount.  A slow, short daily walk to burn off some calories will keep these pooches perfectly content, of course with the addition of a few simple indoor activities, too.

Ideal Activities: brisk walks, very basic obedience trainings, romping indoor, hide and sniff.