Small dog breeds continue to be some of the most popular pets for modern households.
Whether you’re an apartment dweller, living in a home with limited space, or simply
looking for a companion dog that fits neatly into your lifestyle, tiny dogs offer big rewards.
They’re often more budget-friendly when it comes to kibble, easier to transport, and
perfectly happy curling up beside you at the end of the day.
That said, small doesn’t mean low maintenance. Every dog requires daily care, appropriate
exercise, and mental engagement. Some small dog breeds have high energy levels and thrive
on activity, while others are more laid-back dogs that prefer lounging. Understanding
lifestyle compatibility including grooming needs, training expectations, and enrichment
requirements is essential before bringing one home.
Below, we explore 30 of the best small dog breeds, highlighting their size, temperament,
care considerations, and standout traits.
Quick Comparison Table: Small Dog Breeds at a Glance
| Breed | Size (lbs) | Life Expectancy | Temperament Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | 7–10 | 12–15 yrs | Spunky, loyal |
| American Eskimo Dog | 6–35 | 13–15 yrs | Energetic, smart |
| Bedlington Terrier | 17–23 | 11–16 yrs | Quick, inquisitive |
| Bichon Frise | 12–18 | 14–15 yrs | Fun-loving |
| Biewer Terrier | 4–8 | 16 yrs | Playful |
| Bolognese | 6–10 | 12–14 yrs | Calm, loving |
| Boston Terrier | 12–25 | 11–13 yrs | Outgoing |
| Brussels Griffon | 8–10 | 12–15 yrs | Playful |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13–18 | 12–15 yrs | Gentle |
| Chihuahua | 4–6 | 14–16 yrs | Chatty |
| Chinese Crested | 8–12 | 13–18 yrs | Sensitive |
| Dachshund | <32 | 12–16 yrs | Mischievous |
| Havanese | 7–13 | 14–16 yrs | Easygoing |
| Italian Greyhound | 7–14 | 14–15 yrs | Athletic |
| Japanese Chin | 7–11 | 10–12 yrs | Amusing |
| Lhasa Apso | 12–18 | 12–15 yrs | Loyal |
| Maltese | <7 | 12–15 yrs | Gentle |
| Miniature Poodle | 10–15 | 10–18 yrs | Intelligent |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11–20 | 12–15 yrs | Feisty |
| Papillon | 5–10 | 14–16 yrs | Lively |
| Pekingese | <14 | 12–14 yrs | Relaxed |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | <30 | 12–13 yrs | Energetic |
| Pomeranian | 3–7 | 12–16 yrs | Confident |
| Pug | 14–18 | 13–15 yrs | Friendly |
| Scottish Terrier | 18–22 | 12 yrs | Independent |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 15–25 | 12–14 yrs | Eager |
| Shiba Inu | 17–23 | 13–16 yrs | Quirky |
| Shih Tzu | 9–16 | 10–18 yrs | Affectionate |
| Toy Poodle | 4–6 | 10–18 yrs | Social |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 7 | 11–15 yrs | Spirited |
Detailed Breed Profiles
1. Affenpinscher
Size: 7–10 lbs | Temperament: Inquisitive, Loyal, Spunky With a wiry coat and a “monkey-like” expression, the Affenpinscher is a bold toy breed. They are surprisingly courageous and make excellent watchdogs for apartment living
2. American Eskimo Dog
Size: 6–35 lbs | Temperament: Smart, Social, Alert Known for their stunning white double coat, “Eskies” are highly intelligent and were once famous circus performers. They require regular brushing to manage shedding.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Size: 17–23 lbs | Temperament: Graceful, Inquisitive, Loyal Looking more like a lamb than a dog, the Bedlington has a unique linty coat. They are faster than they look and possess a typical terrier’s keen hunting instinct.
4. Bichon Frise
Size: 12–18 lbs | Temperament: Playful, Resilient, Cheerful This breed is a top choice for allergy sufferers due to its white, curly, hypoallergenic coat. They are exceptionally social and get along well with children and other pets.
5. Biewer Terrier
Size: 4–8 lbs | Temperament: Devoted, Amusing, Lighthearted A relative of the Yorkie, the Biewer (pronounced “beaver”) is known for its unique tri-color coat. They are whimsical companions that retain a puppy-like attitude well into adulthood.
6. Bolognese
Size: 6–10 lbs | Temperament: Serene, Devoted, Low-energy An Italian breed that loves a calm environment. Unlike many small dogs, the Bolognese is typically more reserved and less “yappy,” making them perfect for quiet households.
7. Boston Terrier
Size: 12–25 lbs | Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Amusing Recognizable by their “tuxedo” coat, Boston Terriers are sturdy and adaptable. Because they are a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced), they should avoid overexertion in hot weather.
Size: 8–10 lbs | Temperament: Alert, Self-important, Sensitive These “Velcro dogs” bond intensely with one person. They have human-like expressions and come in two coat varieties: smooth and rough (bearded).
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: 13–18 lbs | Temperament: Gentle, Graceful, Sweet The ultimate companion dog, the Cavalier is equally happy on a hike or a sofa. Their silky ears and melting expression make them one of the most beloved family pets.
10. Chihuahua
Size: 4–6 lbs | Temperament: Charming, Graced with “Big Dog” energy The smallest dog breed in the world, Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal to their owners. They are ideal for city dwellers but require early socialization to prevent shyness.
11. Chinese Crested
Size: 8–12 pounds
Size: 8–12 lbs | Temperament: Alert, Happy, Affectionate Coming in Hairless or “Powderpuff” varieties, this breed is unique. The hairless version requires skin care, including sunscreen and moisturizers, to stay healthy.
12. Dachshund
Size: 11 lbs (Mini) to 32 lbs (Std) | Temperament: Clever, Stubborn, Brave The “Wiener Dog” was originally bred for hunting badgers. Their long spine requires careful handling (no jumping off high furniture) to avoid back injuries.
13. Havanese
Size: 7–13 lbs | Temperament: Outgoing, Funny, Intelligent The national dog of Cuba, Havanese are famous for their “silky” coats and springy gait. They are highly trainable and excel at learning clever tricks.
14. Italian Greyhound
Size: 7–14 lbs | Temperament: Sensitive, Alert, Playful A miniature version of the racing Greyhound, these dogs are elegant and lightning-fast. They prefer warm climates and love to burrow under blankets.
15. Japanese Chin
Size: 7–11 lbs | Temperament: Cat-like, Noble, Quiet Chins are known for their “Chin Spin” (spinning in circles when excited). They are very clean dogs that often climb on furniture like cats.
16. Lhasa Apso
Size: 12–18 lbs | Temperament: Confident, Aloof with strangers Originally sentinels in Tibetan monasteries, they are protective and independent. Their floor-length coat requires significant grooming unless kept in a “puppy cut.”
17. Maltese
Size: Under 7 lbs | Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Fearless Despite their tiny size, Maltese are energetic and make great watchdogs. They have hair instead of fur, which minimizes shedding but requires daily brushing.
18. Miniature Poodle
Size: 10–15 lbs | Temperament: Smart, Athletic, Eager Poodles are consistently ranked among the most intelligent dog breeds. They are highly versatile and excel in obedience and agility trials.
19. Miniature Schnauzer
Size: 11–20 lbs | Temperament: Friendly, Spirited, Obedient With their distinctive beard and eyebrows, Schnauzers are sturdy, healthy dogs that make excellent family guardians. They are low-shedding but need regular clipping.
20. Papillon
Size: 5–10 lbs | Temperament: Energetic, Happy, Intelligent Named after the French word for “butterfly” due to their wing-like ears, these are not your average lapdogs—they are top-tier competitors in dog sports.
21. Pekingese
Size: Under 14 lbs | Temperament: Opinionated, Dignified, Loyal An ancient Chinese breed, the “Peke” is known for its “lion’s mane” and regal attitude. They prefer a slower pace of life and a cool indoor climate.
22. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
22. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Size: 25–30 lbs | Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Alert Corgis are “big dogs in small packages.” As herding dogs, they have high energy and need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom-based barking.
23. Pomeranian
Size: 3–7 lbs | Temperament: Extroverted, Vivid, Intelligent Poms are famous for their “foxy” faces and massive double coats. They are highly alert and will let you know the moment someone is at the door.
Despite their fluffy coat and tiny size, Pomeranians are bold and require gentle handling.
24. Pug
Size: 14–18 lbs | Temperament: Even-tempered, Charming, Mischievous Pugs live to eat and sleep. Their wrinkly faces require regular cleaning to prevent skin infections, but their loving nature makes the maintenance worth it.
25. Scottish Terrier
Size: 18–22 lbs | Temperament: Independent, Spirited, Brave The “Scottie” is a dignified dog with a very persistent nature. They can be a bit stubborn, so they respond best to positive, reward-based training.
26. Shetland Sheepdog
Size: 15–25 lbs | Temperament: Bright, Playful, Vocal “Shelties” look like miniature Collies. They are incredibly easy to train but are known for being quite “talkative,” so they may not be ideal for thin-walled apartments.
27. Shiba Inu
Size: 17–23 lbs | Temperament: Bold, Spirited, Independent A Japanese breed that is famously “fastidious” (clean). Shibas are known for the “Shiba Scream” and require an owner who understands their primitive, cat-like nature.
28. Shih Tzu
Size: 9–16 lbs | Temperament: Affectionate, Outgoing, Playful Bred solely for companionship, the Shih Tzu is a champion snuggler. They are particularly good for first-time dog owners due to their adaptable and forgiving nature.
29. Toy Poodle
Size: 4–6 lbs | Temperament: Confident, Social, Smart The smallest Poodle variety, the Toy Poodle offers the intelligence of a large dog in a tiny, portable frame. They are excellent travel companions.
30. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: 7 lbs | Temperament: Feisty, Brave, Energetic “Yorkies” may be small, but they are true terriers at heart. They are energetic, protective, and possess a beautiful floor-length silky coat that requires professional grooming.
Key Takeaways
- Small dog breeds vary widely in appearance, personality traits, and energy levels
- Grooming needs range from low-maintenance coats to daily brushing
- Proper training consistency, exercise, and mental stimulation are critical
- Matching a dog’s temperament and activity level to your lifestyle ensures long-term success
- Even tiny dogs need enrichment, structure, and attentive care
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a workout partner or a couch companion, there is a small dog breed that fits your lifestyle. By considering factors like shedding level, energy needs, and temperament, you can ensure a happy life for both you and your new four-legged friend.
