A small fluffy dog is a prescription for smiles that is guaranteed to lift your mood. Who needs a cute fluffy dog in their life? Lots of hands going up! Thought so.   If you’re looking for a dog where the puppies stay small forever, then take look at which breeds fit best with certain lifestyles.  

#1: Papillon  

Papillon | PetPace  Ideal for:

• First-time owners
• Apartment dwellers

  A cascade of luxurious fur framing the face names the Papillon for the ‘butterfly’ they are. This characterful canine makes a great companion in a New York apartment but is lively enough to enjoy energetic walks.   The downside of these fabulous fur friends is they don’t take well to being left alone. Great if you’re a home worker, but not so good if you work long office hours.   Healthwise the Papillon can suffer from

• Extreme low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
• Wobbly kneecaps (luxating patellas).

#2: Havanese

Havanese | PetPace  Ideal for:

• Fantastic family dog
• An all-round small-sized hero that fits in well with anyone and anywhere.

  The character of the hirsute Havanese is summed up in their nickname, ‘the Velcro dog’. This reflects how they adore their owner and love nothing better than sticking by their side.   Well known in their native Cuba, the Havanese deserves to be admired more widely. With teddy bear, good looks and easy to train, this cute fluffy dog is a perfect fur friend.   On the downside, all that long fur does need time and attention to keep it at its luxurious best. Also, those puppy dog eyes can encourage overfeeding, and as a breed, they can easily become overweight.   Havanese health issues include:

• Poor joint health (hip and elbow dysplasia)
• Seizures as a result of a portosystemic liver shunt
• Heart valve disease

#3: Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu | PetPace  Ideal for:

• Apartment dwellers
• Young professionals or active retired people

  The Shih Tzu is also known as the lion dog or the chrysanthemum dog, after that framing mane of fur. Small and regal, these cute fluffy dogs loved to be adored and are self-confident fellows.   However, with such cuteness comes great stubbornness. These little guys can be hard to house train. They also know how to stand up for themselves and can be mouthy around small children.   Shih Tzu health issues include

• Skin allergies which cause itching and scratching
• Snuffles and reverse sneezing
• Portosystemic liver shunts
• Wobbly kneecaps

#4: Long-haired Chihuahua

Long-haired Chihuahua | PetPace  Ideal for:

• Pocket-sized companions for people on the move
• Families with older children

  From Florida to California the Chihuahua is a popular choice for celebrities, families, and professionals alike. Small in size, but big in character, long-haired Chihuahuas are cute small fluffy dogs with great personalities.     These are playful breed but can be fond of the sound of their own bark! These dogs do best with a confident owner who avoids the pitfall of allowing their small dog to become king of the house.   Chihuahua health considerations include:

• Hypoglycemia
• Wobbly kneecaps
• Collapsing windpipes
• Excessive shivering

#5: Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier | PetPace  Ideal for:

• Active families
• Those seeking a robust and active smaller dog

  Let’s take robustness up a gear with the Cairn terrier. As the name ‘terrier’ suggests, these four-stars had working origins and the boldness of character that goes with hunting. Their sturdiness and shagging coat makes them small fluffy dogs suited to the rough and tumble of family life.   On the downside, the terrier part of their heritage gives the Cairn a high prey drive, which means they will chase other fur-family members. They can also be suspicious of strangers, which shows itself as growling, barking, or mouthiness.   Cairn terrier health problems include:

• Heart murmurs
• Portosystemic liver shunts
• Hypoglycemia in puppies
• Wobbly kneecaps

#6: Cockapoo

Cockapoo | PetPace  Best suited to:

• Active people of all ages
• Those with some experience of dog ownership

  Although not officially a recognized dog breed, the huge popularity of the Cockapoo means they have the public vote. As small fluffy dogs go, these guys take the biscuit. Easy to groom, low shedding, and loyal to their family, it’s easy to understand the rise of this hybrid dog.   However, it comes as a surprise (and not always a pleasant one) to many, that despite the cute looks these dogs can be strong-willed. Without a guiding hand, they can become snappy and even develop a strong dislike of other dogs. Despite their popular public image, they are not always ideal for first-time owners.   Health problems linked to the Cockapoo include:

• Heart valve problems
• Portosystemic liver shunts
• The tendency to weight gain

#7: Toy Poodle

Toy Poodle | PetPace  Ideal for:

• People seeking an athletic and highly trainable dog
• Anyone from students to seniors who want an intelligent canine companion

  Don’t overlook the poodle, after all, there has to be a reason they are popular hybrid parents. The original toy poodle is an enchanting breed in their own right and blessed with gorgeous fluffy curls.   It’s hard to find fault with the poodle. They are friendly, outgoing, intelligent, eager to please, and adaptable. They even tolerate hot and cold weather better than most breeds.   However, they do have a few health issues that can be problematic, including:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Addison’s disease (a hormonal imbalance which can cause collapse)
• Cushing’s disease (a hormonal imbalance that causes thirst and thin skin)
• Wobbly kneecaps
• Underactive thyroid glands

#8: Maltese Terrier

Maltese Terrier | PetPace  Ideal for:

• First-time owners
• Apartment dwellers
• Anyone in need of a little white fluffy dog

  This tiny toy breed with long flowing hair is the original little white fluffy dog. Hailing from Malta, they also go by the nickname ‘the comforter’ because they love to be held and snuggled.   A general all-around delight the Maltese terrier is sweet, intelligent, and loves people. However, this means they can become dependent on their owner’s company and become anxious when apart.   Also, if they don’t get enough mental stimulation they will redirect that energy into destructive behaviors such as chewing or barking.   Health considerations of the Maltese include:

• Portosystemic liver shunts
• Wobbly kneecaps
• White dog shaker syndrome
• Hypoglycemia
• Collapsing windpipes
• Reverse sneezing

#9: Pomeranian

Pomeranian | PetPace  Ideal for:

• More experienced dog owners
• Singles to seniors

  The Pomeranian is known as ‘the little dog who thinks he can’. These cute fluffy dogs may be small but they like to be in charge. Underestimate their strength of character at your peril, as they will take over and can become snappy as a result.   However, in the right hands, the Pomeranian is a delightful pint-sized companion and one of the fluffiest dogs known to man!   Health problems include:

• Epilepsy
• Allergies
• Wobbly kneecaps
• Poor joint anatomy (hip and elbow dysplasia)

#10: Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise | PetPace  Ideal for:

• First-time dog owners
• Apartment dwellers
• Families

  Shut up shop and send the rest of the canine contenders home. The Fluff-meister himself, the Bichon Frise is in town. This little white fluffy dog is an all-around delight that excels in friendliness and good character.   Whether you live in Colorado or Kentucky, the Bichon Frise is adaptable as they cope better with heat and cold than some other small breeds. They are a sensible dog both in terms of character and physique, and well worth a place in your heart.   Health issues to consider include:

• Allergies
• Bladder stones or crystal formation
• Wobbly kneecaps
• White dog shaker syndrome
• Early onset cataracts

Fluffy Pups and the PetPace Collar

  Cute fluffy dogs need careful nurturing and vigilant owners. Many breeds are vulnerable to health conditions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and heart disease and may struggle in extremes of heat or cold. Plus their small size makes them vulnerable to injury.   Small dogs are less robust than bigger breeds. If they are sick, they can deteriorate more quickly, which means spotting illness early is crucial. If you worry about leaving a small fluffy alone or are concerned about their health, then a PetPace collar is the paw-fact answer.   A PetPace collar is lightweight and under all that fluffy fur the dog won’t know they’re wearing it. The collar constantly monitors vital signs, including body temperature, heart, and respiratory rate. It also plots your dog’s activity levels and if they are lying, sitting, or standing. This information has been relied on to your smartphone via the PetPace app. So even when you can’t be home, your cute fluffy’s health is constantly monitored.   If a little white fluffy dog has won a place in your heart, give yourself the peace of mind that PetPace offers. First-class care 24/7/365 for the small fluffy dog in your life.