Lhasa Apso

A good choice for someone who wants a small dog with its own mind rather than a shadow. Lhasas were kept as indoor watchdogs in Tibet, so they are self-possessed, happy to doze while you are out and wary of strangers, which can mean a bark at the door that needs early training. The long coat is the real commitment: daily brushing, or a short puppy clip from a groomer every six to eight weeks, which adds a regular bill. They often live well into their teens, and parents should be tested for progressive retinal atrophy.