There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day to your furry family members. When choosing a dog for your family, the important thing is to find your perfect match! I was surprised to find that the akc’s most popular breeds are mostly larger dogs:
Smaller animals are a good choice for any home, but are especially great for people living in smaller homes and apartments. Tiny dogs make excellent companions and their tiny size makes them perfect for lap snuggles! Their small size also makes them good for small children and great family dogs!
We’ve rounded up a a list of the 20+ smallest dog breeds to share with you! We hope this list helps you choose the right small dog for you or your family!
Small Dog Breeds
Chihuahuas
One of the smallest dogs! Their tiny size makes them one of the most popular small dog breeds! They are a Mexican breed that live longer than the average lifespan for dogs at 12-20 years! Height 6-12 inches / Weight 4-9 lbs
Pomeranian
These fluffy dogs are one of the most popular breeds in America. They have a thick double coat and these coat types require regular grooming. Their soft fur and fluffy coat is one of their most remarkable characteristics though! This toy breed averages 7-12 inches tall / 3-7 lbs and usually live 12-16 years.
Shih Tzu Archives
Another toy breed, these come from breeding Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. These cuties are known to be playful and have a lot to "say" (they bark alot!) They also usually have an adorable underbite. 7-11 inches tall / 8-16 lbs.
Poodle
Poodles are some of the most popular breeds and for good reason! They are 2nd from the top of the list of smartest dogs! They have exceptional intelligence and dog owners love that they are easy to train and tend to obey. They are active dogs that usually need daily walks and a lot of exercise! They are also one of the more well known as a hypoallergenic dog. They have different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Toy poodles: These tiny dogs are similar to Miniature poodles but are even smaller! The toy variety won't top 10 inches tall! Their size is the only difference and they carry the same official breed standard.
yorkshire terrier
The Yorkie is the ultimate lap dog! They are compact but have a LOT of personality in a tiny frame. People love their silky, coat that's hypoallergic since it's a single coat of hair instead of fur. They are tenacious, brave, feisty, and yes BOSSY! You will love these little companions! 7-8 inches tall / no more than 7 lbs.
pembroke welsh corgi
The most popular herding breed - they are small in height but they are strong and athletic making them heavier. They love to plan and can be trained. They are sensitive but are fearless since they were bred to herd cattle. This also makes them great watchdogs and have a bark that rivals even large dogs! 10-12 inches tall / up to 30 lbs.
lhasa apso
You know these dogs by their long flowing coat, that parts over their back in the middle and drapes over each of their sides. Their feathery little tail also curls over in the back. They are smart, confident, and funny but can be nervous around strangers. 10-11 inches tall / 12-18 lbs. with females average height and weight slightly less.
Alaskan klee kai
These adorable canines come in three different sizes! Unlike the similar looking Siberian Husky, these dogs were bred as companion dogs and not working dogs. The husky is also larger and has much thicker and fluffier fur. Similarly though, the Alaskan Klee Kai is energetic, alert, loyal, intelligent, and vigilant! Toy: under 13 inches tall / 6-12 lbs. Miniature 13-15 inches / 10-18 lbs, and Standard 15-18 inches / 16-25 lbs.
french bulldog
The Frenchie is one of the world's most popular small dog! They look like an English Bulldog but have large, erect, "bat ears"! They don't bark much but are good little watchdogs! They're known for being alert, playful, and adaptable. They're affectionate and charming, and their stocky wrinkled body is hard to resist cuddling! 11-13 inches tall / Under 28 lbs.
Boston terrier
These little fellas are always dressed for the occasion with their unique tuxedo coat! They have a moderate energy level and love to play and prefer human company so they will need a lot of your attention! They are also known to be funny and have adorable personalities! They also stocky fellas and a small to medium size. 9-15 inches / 10-25 lbs
Bichon Frise
These cheerful little dogs are known to be curious, playful, and peppy! They have a recognizable rounded head hair and large dark eyes. They make great watchdogs but think of strangers as friends they haven't met yet! They have a velvety coat that springs back when patted. They require regular grooming to stay looking their best! Their name translated means: curly haired dog. 9-11 inches tall / 12-18 lbs.
Pug
One of the most recognizable small breed dogs! They have a smooth, short coat, that does shed quite a bit. The phrase "a lot in a little" is used to describe them and they are FULL OF LOVE! They affectionate, curious, and expressive and known as the ideal house dog. They REALLY enjoy food so you have to be careful to keep them fit! 10-13 inches tall / 14-18 lbs.
Havanese
One of the most recognizable small breed dogs! They have a smooth, short coat, that does shed quite a bit. The phrase "a lot in a little" is used to describe them and they are FULL OF LOVE! They affectionate, curious, and expressive and known as the ideal house dog. They REALLY enjoy food so you have to be careful to keep them fit! 10-13 inches tall / 14-18 lbs.
Toy Fox Terriers
These compact little terriers are very friendly and loyal to their humans. They are not always great around young children but they are highly intelligent and eager to please can easily be trained. Like other terriers, they're very animated and funny creatures that can be highly entertaining! 8-12 inches / 4-9 lbs.
Papillion
Another from the toy group: these dogs are super affectionate and great with children! They are happy, alert, and friendly and neither shy nor aggressive. Fun Fact: their large wing shaped ears are where they get their name: 'papillon' is French for 'butterfly'! 8-11 inches tall / 5-10 lbs.
Maltese
These cute dogs are one of the most popular white dog breeds! They are known for their gorgeous long, straight, silky coat. This dog’s coat coat is similar to human hair (single coat, not fur) so they don't shed like most dogs and are considered hypoallergenic! These happy pups make great companions and are usually easy going, docile, and playful! 8-10 inches tall / 7-9 lbs.
Chinese Crested
These sensitive little creatures are unique in that they are mostly hairless! They comes in three varieties: with hair, without hair and a combination of both. They are not considered a high energy breed and also could potential come with health concerns. 10-13 inches / 7-12 lbs.
Miniature Schnauzer
These intelligent little dogs are technically considered "medium" instead of small dogs. They come in different sizes and you can usually find a small one to join your family. They can be mischievous and often stubborn. They are a bit higher maintenance when it comes to grooming needs and their wiry coat needs trimmed every 6 weeks or so to keep them looking their best.
Miniature Pinscher
The Min Pin is thought to be a mix of Italian Greyhound and Dachshunds. They are high energy and make great agility dogs! They love to play care should be given to ensure they get plenty of exercise. They are considered one of the easiest dogs to care for. 10-12 inches tall / 8-10 lbs.
Japanese Chin
These smaller dogs are known for their abnormal eye positions. Rather than them pointing forward and parallel to the nose, their eyes point out. Despite their different look, they are a popular companion dog. 8-11 inches tall / 7-9 lbs.
Miniature Dachshund
Who doesn't love wiener dogs! They are known for their long, low body. These little hounds LOVE to be doted on and tend to be very affectionate dogs! Originally bred to hunt badgers, they usually love to burrow and dig so blankets are a favorite place for these guys. 5-6 inches tall / Usually less than 11 lbs.
English Toy Spaniel
This sweet and gentle dog is a very popular companion dog and one of the best small dog breeds. They're slightly smaller than the Cavalier King Charles but have the same silky fur. They are both playful and affectionate dogs. 9-10 inches tall / 8-14 lbs.
Brussels Griffon
These little guys are known for their temperaments. They have big personalities and are known for their expressive eyes! They can be very sensitive and may need extra love when house-breaking. They are often alert and make an excellent watchdog! 7-10 inches tall / 8-10 lbs.
Pekingese
Another of the Chinese toy breeds, these little guys tend to have health problems associated with their appearance. They have stubby noses and long hair which makes them prone to overheating and difficulty breathing. Despite that, they make great companions! 6-9 inches tall / 7-14 lbs
Many people love toy dog breeds and smaller breeds because on average they tend to live longer. The worst part of having a dog is knowing one day you will lose them. The average dog’s lifespan is 10-13 years but smaller breeds average up to 20 years! The furry friends who typically live the longest? Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles and Lhasa Apsos. Unfortunately some of our favorite small dogs live shorter lives than average: French Bulldogs and Pugs. The list of shorter lifespans also includes some of our favorite big dogs: Great Dane, Chow Chow, Mastiff, and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
We love small dogs because of their size but many also love them because a lot of hypoallergenic dogs are smaller dogs. These are some of the best dogs for people with allergies or if you just want a dog that doesn’t shed: Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Havanese, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Yorkie.
We hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best small dog breeds that stay small forever! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.