Small Dog Breeds That Make Us the Happiest
Considering we call dogs "humans' best friend," it's a given that they make people happy. Every dog breed comes with a different collection of personality traits, however. A recent study evaluated nearly a quarter-million, dog-related tweets to identify which breeds are correlated with the happiest owners.
The more "joy" words about the breed per 1,000, the happier the breed. We narrowed down the top 10 small dog breeds that inspire the most happiness. Did your favorite breed make the cut?
10. Papillon
Number of happy words: 157
Best mood-boosting trait: Bubbly and outgoing
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
*Rankings are based on Protect My Paws' 2023 "Which Dog Breeds Make Us Happiest?" study.
Bottom Line: Papillon
Papillon means butterfly in French and one glance at this bright, upbeat little dog shows what a fitting description that is. These dogs are as lively as they come despite being pawsitively microscopic. They rarely top 10 pounds, but they pack plenty of athleticism into their petite frame. That's probably why they're so good at cheering up their owners.
Always eager to play and meet new people, papillons are impressively hardy for such a small dog. They excel at agility training, but they'll gladly accompany their humans on long walks and hikes, tail wagging all the way.
9. Welsh Terrier
Number of happy words: 160
Best mood-boosting trait: Spirited and intelligent
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Bottom Line: Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is a solid choice for dog people who love terriers, but aren't up for the ultra-high energy levels that most of them possess. Welsh Terriers are alert and vivacious, but they tend to be more laid back and easy to train than other terriers. They're a more manageable size than the popular Airedale terrier and it's almost impossible to stay in a bad mood after hanging out with an animated Welshie.
8. Coton de Tulear
Number of happy words: 162
Best mood-boosting trait: Trainable and lively
Weight: 8-15 pounds
Life expectancy: 15-19 years
Bottom Line: Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar. Fans of the breed are drawn in by their thick, cashmere-soft coat and teddy bear faces, but their personalities are where they really shine. The Coton's charming, happy-go-lucky attitude is contagious.
Some describe them as jesters because they're so goofy and playful. They can also be easily trained to walk on their hind legs if you like teaching your dog tricks. Cotons make great family dogs since they're sturdier than most small breeds and are more resilient and receptive to roughhousing.
7. Shetland Sheepdog
Number of happy words: 160
Best mood-boosting trait: Responsive and loyal
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Bottom Line: Shetland Sheepdog
Also called the sheltie, the Shetland sheepdog, is a popular choice for people who love collies but can't handle their size. Shelties are like a mini version of the collie, with a very similar coat that comes in three different colors. They're big dogs in a small dog package. This breed is always eager to learn and will gladly take part in agility and herding competitions.
At the same time, shelties are attentive to their family's emotions, running to the rescue with tail wags and kisses if their human parents or siblings are feeling down. Sheltie owners appreciate their protective nature. They're initially wary of strangers and make fantastic watchdogs, but they warm up fast to visitors.
6. Border Terrier
Number of happy words: 162
Best mood-boosting trait: Obedient and even-tempered
Weight: 12-16 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Bottom Line: Border Terrier
Border terriers aren't for everyone, but they seem to be for quite a few people since they ranked sixth on the list of happiest small dog breeds. Another small terrier like the Welshie, border terriers are tough as nails and love to work. As eager as they are to accompany owners on hunting expeditions or for a fast-paced game of fetch, they also make superb companions.
They're affectionate and easy to train — and they make great playmates for kids. They're best suited to country life, but they can handle living in an apartment if they get enough exercise. Just be aware that even if a border terrier is well-trained, all bets are off if they see a chipmunk.
5. Tibetan Terrier
Number of happy words: 163
Best mood-boosting trait: Gentle and affectionate
Weight: 18-30 pounds
Life expectancy: 15-16 years
Bottom Line: Tibetan Terrier
The lesser-known Tibetan terrier has a gorgeous coat that looks somewhat like that of their smaller relative, the Lhasa Apso. Both breeds are from Tibet and the Tibetan terrier was so beloved in its country of origin that it became known as the Holy Dog of Tibet. They were bred to be companions and watchdogs, doing a great job of both.
Their moderate size, sensitive souls and affectionate temperaments make them easy to fall for. Though it's time-consuming to care for their lush double coat, it's so beautiful and soft that owners consider grooming time a relaxing pastime rather than a chore.
4. American Eskimo
Number of happy words: 165
Best mood-boosting trait: Friendly and protective
Weight: 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard)
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Bottom Line: American Eskimo
The American Eskimo looks a lot like the samoyed, except much, much smaller. American Eskimos are animated and always look like they're smiling. They can be hesitant around new people, but once they've been socialized, they're the life of the party.
They're not the kind of breed that tolerates being an accessory to family life. An Eskie demands to be in the middle of it. As long as you're happy to include them in family activities and invest time in their training, you'll be rewarded with an eager-to-please, energetic best buddy. Plus, their snow-white fur and jet-black features are so eye-catching that you're guaranteed to get passersby stopping to ask for a picture.
3. Schipperke
Number of happy words: 171
Best mood-boosting trait: Spritely and playful
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Bottom Line: Schipperke
The Schipperke is an unusual looking little dog. Hailing from Belgium, the Schipperke was bred to work on barges. Their personalities can be described as intense, but in a good way. They're pros at pest control and their fox-like features give them catlike vibes.
They look a little like a black Pomeranian crossed with a German shepherd, but their personalities are all their own. While they're beautiful, their fearless nature, curiosity and devotion to family is what earned them third place in the hearts of the pet parents of Twitter.
2. West Highland White Terrier
Number of happy words: 192
Best mood-boosting trait: Friendly and upbeat
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Bottom Line: West Highland White Terrier
Westies have been a favorite in the pet community for hundreds of years. The sturdily built terriers are solid white with big, dark eyes and an aggressively happy tail wag. Despite looking like a living stuffed animal, Westies were made for hard work. They're great at catching rats, and they don't expect to be pampered and preened over.
Westies have a stubborn streak, but that's also a testament to their intelligence and quick wit. They're lively entertainers and are independent enough for owners who aren't a fan of being followed 24/7.
1. Affenpinscher
Number of happy words: 240
Best mood-boosting trait: Playful and curious
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Bottom Line: Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers aren't the most attractive dogs in the world, but what they lack in physical beauty they make up for in attitude. Fearless and funny, Affenpinschers don't seem to realize how tiny they are.
They've been nicknamed "monkey dogs" because of their scraggly fur and smushed faces. Still, they take themselves quite seriously, filling in the role of guardians of the family. They're loyal to the extreme and have the confidence of a dog about 20 times their size. The biggest question? Do they look more like Wookies or Ewoks? Star Wars fans, you tell us.