You’re looking for a dog that fits in your apartment, but you're tired of the same three breeds you see at every local park. I get it. Most people default to the Frenchie or the Goldendoodle without ever realizing that some of the most fascinating, ancient, and honestly weirdly charismatic companions come from the other side of the globe.
Small Asian dog breeds aren't just "smaller versions" of dogs we know here. They are distinct. They carry thousands of years of history from the imperial courts of China or the rugged mountains of Japan. But here’s the thing: people constantly get them wrong. They buy a Shiba Inu because it looks like a toasted marshmallow and then act shocked when it refuses to come when called. Or they get a Pekingese and wonder why it’s breathing like a freight train.
If you’re serious about bringing one of these guys home, you need to look past the "cute" factor.
The Reality of the Shiba Inu: Not a "Starter" Dog
Let’s start with the one everyone knows because of the memes. The Shiba Inu. Honestly, they are stunning. They have that "fox-like" look and those judgmental squinty eyes that make for great photos. But a Shiba is basically a cat in a dog suit.
They are incredibly independent. If you want a dog that lives to please you, do not get a Shiba. According to the National Shiba Club of America, these dogs possess a "bold, fiery" spirit known as kan-i. It means they have a massive ego. I've seen owners spend three years on recall training only for the dog to look them in the face, decide the squirrel is more interesting, and bolt. It's not that they aren't smart—they’re brilliant—it’s that they don't see the point in your rules.
They also do the "Shiba Scream." It’s a high-pitched, blood-curdling wail they produce when they’re unhappy, like during a nail trim or a bath. It sounds like someone is being murdered. Your neighbors will notice.
Japanese Spitz: The Cloud with a Personality
While the Shiba is busy ignoring you, the Japanese Spitz is likely trying to be the center of your universe. People often confuse them with the American Eskimo Dog or the Samoyed, but they are their own thing. They were developed in Japan in the 1920s and 30s by crossbreeding various Spitz-type dogs from around the world.
They’re surprisingly hardy for such fluffy little things. Most of them weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. They are energetic. They bark. A lot. If you live in a building with paper-thin walls, this might be a dealbreaker. They act as "doorbells," alerting you to every leaf that hits the pavement outside.
👉 See also: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
The coat is actually easier to maintain than it looks. It’s somewhat "teflon-like"—mud and dirt tend to dry and fall off rather than matting deeply, though you still have to brush them regularly to avoid a fur-pocalypse in your living room.
The Royal Couch Potatoes of China
If the Japanese breeds are about spirited independence, the ancient Chinese breeds are about luxury and stubbornness.
The Pekingese was literally bred to live in the Forbidden City. For centuries, only royals could own them. This history is baked into their DNA. They expect to be treated like royalty. They have a "rolling" gait that is unmistakable and a flat face that makes them prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
- Pekingese: Opinionated, heavy for their size, and surprisingly brave. They will take on a Great Dane without blinking.
- Pug: Also Chinese in origin. They’re the "clowns" of the group. Everyone knows the Pug, but few realize they’ve been around since the Han Dynasty (B.C. 206–A.D. 220).
- Shih Tzu: Known as the "Lion Dog." They were developed in Tibet but perfected in China.
The Shih Tzu is perhaps the most popular "small Asian dog breed" for a reason. They are genuinely affectionate. Unlike the Shiba, a Shih Tzu actually wants to sit on your lap. They are less "work" emotionally, though the grooming is a full-time job if you keep their coat long. If you don't want to spend $80 every six weeks at the groomer, reconsider this one.
The Tibetan Trio: Small But Rugged
Tibet has produced some of the most resilient small dogs on the planet. These aren't fragile lapdogs; they were bred to survive the Himalayas.
The Lhasa Apso
In Tibet, these dogs are called Abso Seng Kye, which translates roughly to "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog." They weren't just pets; they were indoor guards for monasteries and palaces. They have a keen sense of hearing and a natural distrust of strangers. If you want a dog that loves everyone it meets at the brewery, the Lhasa Apso is a gamble. They tend to pick "their person" and remain wary of everyone else.
The Tibetan Spaniel
Despite the name, they aren't actually spaniels. They don't hunt. Instead, they used to sit on the high walls of Tibetan monasteries and act as lookouts for the monks. This is why, even today, you’ll find them perched on the highest point in your house—usually the back of the sofa or a windowsill—watching the world. They are highly intelligent but, like most Asian breeds, have a "what’s in it for me?" attitude toward training.
✨ Don't miss: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
The Tibetan Terrier
Technically not a terrier. They’re larger than the others, usually around 20-30 pounds, so they sit on the edge of the "small" category. Their most unique feature? Their feet. They have large, flat, round feet that act like natural snowshoes, allowing them to navigate deep mountain snow.
The Japanese Chin: The Most "Un-Dog" Dog
The Japanese Chin is a fascinating case of mistaken identity. Most historians believe they actually originated in the Chinese imperial court and were given as gifts to the Empress of Japan.
They do something called the "Chin Spin." When they’re excited, they spin in rapid circles. They also "sing"—a strange, chattering noise that isn't quite a bark. They are extremely clean and will often lick their paws and wash their faces like cats.
If you want a dog that is quiet, graceful, and okay with living in a small space, the Chin is arguably the best choice. They aren't high-energy. They just want to be near you, looking elegant on a silk pillow.
Health Realities You Can’t Ignore
When you're looking into these breeds, you have to be honest about the health issues. Because many of these dogs (Pugs, Pekingese, Japanese Chin) are brachycephalic (flat-faced), they struggle in the heat.
- Heat Sensitivity: Never take a flat-faced Asian breed for a long walk in 90-degree weather. They can overheat and die remarkably fast because they can't pant efficiently.
- Eye Issues: Their eyes are often prominent. This makes them prone to proptosis (where the eye literally pops out of the socket) or corneal ulcers from scratching against tall grass.
- Luxating Patella: This is a common "small dog" problem where the kneecap slips out of place. It's frequent in Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus.
Why Socialization is Non-Negotiable
Many of these breeds—the Shiba, the Lhasa Apso, the Chow Chow (though usually too big to be "small")—have guarding instincts. This isn't a Golden Retriever that loves everyone.
If you don't socialize a small Asian breed early, they can become nippy or overly territorial. You have to expose them to different sounds, people, and other dogs before they hit the 16-week mark. If you miss that window, you’ll spend years managing a dog that thinks the mailman is a mortal enemy.
🔗 Read more: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
Choosing the Right Breed for Your Life
It really comes down to what you want your daily life to look like. Don't just pick based on a photo you saw on Instagram.
- If you want an athlete: Get a Tibetan Terrier or a Japanese Spitz. They can actually hike.
- If you want a quiet roommate: The Japanese Chin is your best bet.
- If you want a challenge: The Shiba Inu will test your patience and your sense of humor.
- If you want a classic companion: The Shih Tzu is the gold standard for a reason.
Actionable Next Steps for Future Owners
If you’ve narrowed down your list to a few small Asian dog breeds, don't rush to a breeder just yet.
First, visit a breed-specific rescue. Groups like the National Shiba Club of America or various Shih Tzu rescues often have adult dogs. This is a huge advantage because their personalities are already set. You’ll know if the Shiba is a "screamer" or if the Lhasa is "aloof" before you bring them home.
Second, find a vet familiar with brachycephalic breeds. If you choose a flat-faced dog, you need a vet who understands the nuances of their respiratory systems, especially regarding anesthesia.
Third, invest in a harness, not a collar. Many of these breeds are prone to collapsed tracheas. Pulling on a neck collar can cause permanent damage. A high-quality Y-harness is much safer for their delicate necks.
Finally, set up a "safe space." Many Asian breeds value their independence. Give them a crate or a corner where they can go to be alone. They aren't "velcro dogs" like Labradors; they appreciate having a spot where no one is trying to pet them. Respecting that boundary is the fastest way to earn their loyalty.