3. Pomeranian: The Bold Fluffball

The Pomeranian commands attention the moment they enter a room. Weighing just three to seven pounds, this toy breed is actually descended from large, robust Arctic sled dogs. Queen Victoria famously popularized the smaller size in the late 19th century, and they have been a favorite among city dwellers ever since.

Poms live around 12 to 16 years and carry themselves with a confident, cocky gait. They are highly intelligent and intensely curious, always wanting to know what you are doing and who is walking past the front window. This vigilance makes them surprisingly good watchdogs, though you will need to train them to stop barking once they have alerted you to a perceived threat.

You must maintain a strict grooming schedule to keep their lush double coat free of painful mats. Despite their glamorous and fragile appearance, Pomeranians are sturdy little dogs that enjoy learning new routines and accompanying you on neighborhood errands.