A lot of people think that small dog types are easy to take care of just because they are small. But the truth is that some of the smallest dogs have the most important social needs. Some small dogs need their owners to be with them all the time and give them love and attention. When these breeds get together, they make strong bonds and don’t do well when they’re left alone for long amounts of time.
From lapdogs who love to be on your lap to shadows who love to be cuddled, these breeds need your time, love, and attention. We’ll look at 10 small dog breeds that are mentally needy and explain their personalities, habits, and why they need people so much in this blog. This guide will help you find the right emotionally intelligent furry friend, whether you want a loyal little shadow or a cozy buddy. But be careful—these dogs aren’t just pets; they want to be your top concern for the rest of their lives.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Ultimate Shadow
People often call the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a “velcro dog” because it sticks close to everyone it meets. This breed loves attention and company, and they often follow their owners from room to room. Even though they are known for being calm and gentle, they can be very clingy because they are emotionally lost. Cavaliers can get separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.
This can show up as harmful behavior or too much crying. Breeding them as lap dogs for nobles means they are very emotionally needy because they were never left alone with people. Cavaliers need to be squished, looked at, and praised. Because of this, they make great pets for people who work from home, seniors, or homes where someone is always home. But people who want to adopt these dogs should know what they need emotionally and make sure they can give them the time and love they need every day.
Bichon Frise: The Cheerful Attention-Seeker
The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog that loves being loved and being around people. People love them because they are happy and playful, but deep down, they need constant care. These dogs don’t do well when they are left alone for long amounts of time. If you don’t care about them mentally, they might get sad or start chewing or whining. Bichons were originally bred to be companion dogs, and French royalty loved them.
Their need for care still shows in the way they act today. They form strong bonds with people and expect to be a part of everything, from cuddling before bed to watching TV on the couch. Bichons are naturally friendly, and they also like being the center of attention when their families get together or when they go to the park. Because they are mentally needy, they do best in homes where they are rarely alone and can get lots of love and company.
Italian Greyhound: The Sensitive Snuggler
The Italian Greyhound is a beautiful, gentle breed that is just as delicate in its body as it is in its mind. These dogs make strong bonds with their owners and can be very loving. They often curl up next to their favorite person to feel safe and warm. Even though Italian Greyhounds are known for being calm, they can become irritable or sad if they are ignored or left alone for too long.
Because they need to be with people so much, many dog owners say their dogs won’t sleep anywhere but in bed with them. Italian Greyhounds are also very sensitive to changes in their surroundings or tone. Loud noises or rude words can have a big effect on them. Because they are weak and have thin coats, they naturally want to be warm, which makes them want to cuddle even more. They are happy in calm homes where they get lots of love, touch, and gentle care. They need to be close to their people, so this breed isn’t good for people who are busy or can’t be with them all the time.
Chihuahua: The Loyal Lapdog
Even though Chihuahuas are small, they are very sensitive. These little dogs often form strong, loyal bonds with one person and need to be close and get attention all the time. Chihuahuas are known for being brave and feisty, but they also have a softer, clingier side that comes out once they trust you. They love being held, moved, or just sitting on their owner’s lap.
Because they are so needy, they may become jealous or overprotective if they think that other pets or people are putting their bond at risk. Even though they are small, Chihuahuas make great guard dogs. They will often bark at anything they think could threaten their safety. Their small size makes it easy for them to be a part of daily life, like running errands with you or cuddling up on the couch. These dogs need an owner who is sure of themselves but also loving and willing to give them time and care to meet their deepest emotional needs.
Papillon: The Velcro Butterfly
The Papillon is a small, smart, and very loving breed of dog that got its name from the shape of its ears, which look like butterflies. They are active and interested, but they are also very attached to their people and are known to follow them around like ghosts. Because they need to be with people all day, they do best in homes where someone is there most of the time. It’s important for papillons to get both physical and mental exercise because they are both soft and smart.
If you leave them alone for too long, they might get separation anxiety or do bad things because they are bored and lonely. These dogs often form very close bonds with one family member and need to be with that person all the time. They are very good at manners and agility training, which can help them bond more with their owner. Papillons are sensitive to other people’s feelings and do better with gentle support than with harsh correction. Their strong loyalty and loving personalities make them great pets for people who want a pet that they can connect with and play with.
Maltese: The Loving Lap Warmer
The Maltese is a classic lapdog that has a long history of being a friend to kings and other high-class people. Without fail, these dogs want to be held, cuddled, and loved. Their soft, loving personality is shown by their smooth white fur and soft eyes, but it’s clear that they need love and attention. Maltese dogs often show signs of separation anxiety, like barking, whining, or eating, when they are left alone for too long.
They are known for being one of the most clingy breeds because they like to spend most of their time in their owners’ arms or on their laps. Because they are so attached, they often follow their owners from room to room, always trying to get close. Maltese are surprisingly playful and alert, even though they look dainty. This makes them a charming and emotionally rich pet. They do best with people or families who can give them a safe home with lots of love, warmth, and daily care.
Pomerian: The Fluffy Attention Magnet
Pomeranians are brave, interested, and have lots of personality. But although they seem sure of themselves, they really need help. These cute little dogs need a lot of care from people and can act out or cause damage if they don’t get it. Ponies like being the center of attention and will often do anything to keep their owners interested, like barking, spinning, or showing off tricks.
They get very close to their families and want to be involved in everything because they are smart and like to be around other people. This breed doesn’t do well when left alone for long amounts of time, and if their mental needs aren’t met, they may act out. It doesn’t matter how small they are; they act like big dogs and want both love and respect. Pomeranians do best in homes where someone is there most of the time to pet them, talk to them, and include them in daily activities. If you want a dog that is both cute and needy, a Pom might be the best choice for you.
Yorkshire Terrier: The Devoted Darling
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are small dogs, but their hearts and feelings are very big. They are very loyal dogs that often form a close bond with one person and become completely devoted and clingy. They really need love and care, and it can make them anxious if they feel forgotten or alone. The Yorkie dog likes to be close, like when they sleep under a blanket with you or work on your lap.
Yorkies were first bred to be pets after they were trained to hunt rats. They do best in close-knit families where they get lots of attention and love all the time. People say that they follow their owners from room to room, whine when they are left behind, and even act up to get attention. Because they are smart and have strong emotions, they need both mental and physical exercise. The best thing for a Yorkie is to be with its owner all the time and be treated like a full-fledged family member.
Shih Tzu: The Affectionate Companion
The Shih Tzu is a classic companion breed that was created to be a lapdog for Chinese royalty. Their history can be seen in how loving and friendly they are. These dogs need to be touched and cared for, and they often get upset when they are left alone for too long. Shih Tzus are happy when they are in someone’s arms or on the couch next to them. Because they are calm and love attention, they make great pets for people who want a pet that they can connect with emotionally.
Their mental needs are just as strong as those of some other small breeds, but they are not as restless. To feel safe, they need to be reassured every day, talked to softly, and get lots of physical touch. Their expressive looks and passionate eyes often show that they want to be loved and close. Because they are so dependent, they do best in homes where someone is home most of the time. In return, they give you unshakable love and loyalty, security, and a warm presence all the time.
French Bulldog: The Cuddly Clown
When they laugh and act silly, French Bulldogs are known for being cute, but they’re also one of the most needy small dog types. There are strong bonds between these dogs and their people, and they hate being left alone. They are very loving and would rather curl up next to their owners or take a nap on their laps than do anything else. Even though they look tough, Frenchies are very sensitive dogs that can easily get sad or worried when they are ignored or left alone for too long.
Their love for their owners is strong, and they often follow their owners around, looking for company and comfort. As long as they aren’t left alone for long amounts of time, French Bulldogs get along well with families, single people, and older people. Because they are mentally needy, they need a lot of love, care, and touch. The French Bulldog is a great, soft choice if you want a dog that doesn’t need much exercise but is very emotionally demanding.
Bottom Line
Even small dogs can make you feel a lot. Some dog breeds, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, and French Bulldog, are not only cute, but they also bond strongly and depend on each other mentally.
Anyone who works from home or has a lot of time and love to give can bring unmatched love and friendship into their life with these emotionally needy dogs. But they need care, attention, and encouragement all the time. If you choose one of these types, you should be ready for a dog that will want to be with you all the time. It’s worth it for the right person on an emotional level.
FAQs
What does it mean for a dog to need attention?
Emotionally needy dogs need to be loved, cared for, and present all the time by their owners. They like to follow their owners around, get scared when they’re left alone, and want to be close to them.
Is it a good idea for first-time dog owners to get a mentally needy dog?
Yes, but only if the person has enough time and peace of mind to meet their wants. These dog types do best when they have regular company and badly when they are left alone a lot.
Can dogs that need attention be left alone?
People can be left alone for a short time, but being alone a lot or for a long time can make them anxious, depressed, or act badly. These dogs do best in homes where someone is home most of the time.
What about small dog breeds? Do all of them have high social needs?
Many small breeds are bred to be companion dogs, and they tend to make strong mental bonds with their owners. How needy they are depends on their breed background, attitude, and temperament.
