33 Best Small Dog Breeds

Just like clothes, dogs come in all sizes, extra small dog breeds, small, medium, large, extra-large. From a Chihuahua to an Old English Mastiff, dogs come in all shapes, colors, and variations. They are all equally cute, to say the least.

But not many will agree with the same, larger dogs tend to scare away people when you’re taking them for a walk, or tell people “ No she’s friendly don’t worry”, whereas when you’re taking your smaller dog for a walk, people are pulled towards you, with no worries.

Smaller dogs are generally preferred by city dwellers as they are smaller in size and easier to live with. Smaller dogs are relatively lower in maintenance compared to larger dogs.

They are easier to bathe as they weigh less than 20 pounds, they fit easily into your bathtub. Unlike larger dogs, you don’t need a groomer to help you out with this.

The best advantage of their small size is that you get to cuddle with them and they can squeeze in smaller places. But if you were to sleep in bed your large dog, you probably wouldn’t have been as comfortable whereas with a smaller dog you have more room on your bed.

Smaller dogs eat lesser and have trouble-free meal preparations. Just like them, their tummy is smaller and they don’t eat as much as a larger dog would.

Larger dogs also need more physical activity to sustain their energy levels but smaller dogs wear out and get tired very easily. They needn’t be taken for a walk three-four times a day, tice is enough.

Now, that you’re on board with the idea of having a smaller dog join your family, let’s check out some of the,

Small Dog Breeds Pictures

Smallest Dog Breeds In The World

Biewer Terrier

A Biewer Terrier is a piebald rare purebred that came into being because of a recessive piebald gene in the Yorkshire Terrier. They are highly energetic and adorable pups, they are perfect for apartment life.

Piebald coloring is the irregular occurrence of patches of color on their fur. Commonly, the colorization includes white or blueish undertones of white over white fur on their chests, undersides, and legs.  

Pomeranian

Nicknamed as “the little dog who thinks he can” Pomeranians are competitive in strength training or can be an extremely friendly family member. Pomeranians are a little aggressive towards strangers.

This small dog breed is white but also, in many other colors too.

Pomeranians take their name from Pomerania in Germany. They have dark, almond-shaped eyes filled with intelligence and curiosity. Poms are descendants of larger sled dog breeds.

They adapt to apartment living and get along with family too.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This long-eared breed of dogs is known for their gentle temperament and their grace. They look extremely majestic and are very soft to touch.

You may recognize this one as Lady, from “Lady and the Tramp”. Their big, round puppy eyes are enough to draw your attention towards them and melt your heart.

They adapt easily to the owners’ lifestyle, if you’re a couch potato, then your toy spaniel is too.

Lancashire Heeler

Quick to learn new tasks, Lancashire heelers are active, intelligent and alert. They are always ready to go on a walk; their small size is what wins the hearts of all people.

This small breed has terrier instincts such as biting and ratting. They have an interesting characteristic; they tend to draw back their lips and smile; this is called the Heeler’s smile.

Weighing about 9-17 pounds this terrier has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

Toy Fox Terrier

Extremely active and agile, a toy fox terrier is a complete package in itself.

It is known for its terrier-like streaks and its lapdog like attitude.

It is a great family dog and best suited for kids too. They are quite popular In

circus and street performances as they are obedient and highly trainable too.

Miniature Schnauzer

With an extroverted, friendly, affectionate temperament, this dog has a very large dog personality for his size.

 His walrus mustache is what makes him look extremely funny so you will have plenty of laughs throughout the day!

Since this little bomb is highly active, not engaging him in activities could lead to destructive behavior. He thrives on high energy-consuming activities. He’s a terrier after all!

Boston Terrier

Nicknamed “American Gentlemen” because of their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are quite gentlemen like too. They were initially bred to become fighting dogs but now they are suited for apartment living.

They are lively, affectionate and extremely loveable. Also known for their intelligence – sometimes too much so.

Papillon

Known to quickly capture the hearts of those who meet him, Papillons are quite competitive in agility and obedience training. They have a very outgoing and extroverted personality.

Papillons have been featured in a lot of old paintings and descendants of toy spaniels.

Lhasa Apso

Once used by the Tibetan monks as guard dogs, Lhasa Apsos are still alert to strangers. This small breed dog is known for their long hair, floor-length, a flat-hanging coat which makes them look like majestic creatures.

They prefer being alone, they do not get along with children and other dogs. They can be accommodated in apartments, daily walking suffices their exercise requirement.

They are sturdy and extremely protective of their family.

Pekingese

Pekingese are famed to be cherished companions of ancient royal families in China. To this day, they are popular family dogs in many countries. It also greets everyone with grace and dignity. This small dog breed is fluffy and adorable.

They are short and tiny with small noses. They tend to snore while sleeping, so you might have trouble catching some Zzzs.

Highly trainable and agile, a Peke is filled with enthusiasm and a streak of stubbornness. It might just go on a hunger strike to prove a point to his master!

Russian Toy

Also known as Russkiy Toys, Russian Toy dogs are a perfect companion for your family.

Extremely intelligent, truthful and loving, Russian toys are easy to be trained. They do not have any trouble adjusting to small spaces, they will voluntarily participate in everything you do.

RTTs are fun to work with in agility training. They have big round eyes that capture the hearts of people they meet.

Volpino Italiano

This breed is usually mistaken for a cross between an American Eskimo Dog and a Pomeranian. They are convenient pets for urban-dwellers, active singles or active families.

This breed was loved by Italian families in the early centuries but today there are less than 3000 of them worldwide.

They have a Splitz-type double coat which hails from Italy, hence the name Italiano. 

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas may be small in size but are also one of the top ten dogs recommended by experts. They are as cute as they are fierce.

Their grooming requirements are minimal and they love being with their family. They are overly agile for their small size and great trash-talkers too.

They are a long-living breed and can live up to 18 years of age. That is more than 80 human years!

Havanese

Nicknamed the “Velcro dog” for sticking too much to his master, the Havenese dog breed was bred as a companion dog in the 1800s for the Caribbean aristocracy.

They have a furry coat with is soft to touch, this dog is very gentle. This small dog breed may be calm but it can play like it is high on caffeine. Apt for city-dwellers, this low maintenance breed is the right choice.

Yorkshire Terrier

Affectionately called “Yorkie”, Yorkshire Terriers are quite a handful in terms of personality and care-taking too.

They are adorable, yes, but they are also extremely difficult to train. They re picky eaters and may not always obey commands. They are also extremely stubborn. It is almost like taking care of a child.

Yorkies get along with other cats and dogs alright as long as they were raised together. If there is a new pet in the house, the Yorkie may not welcome it as much.

Maltese

This breed of dogs is known to be the most luxurious and sophisticated since time immemorial.

They make great apartment companions and will melt your heart with their adorable size and their beautiful floor-length coat.

This small dog breeds friendly nature may be welcoming but they possess the traits of a terrier so they are as fierce.

Aristotle also said that the Maltese dog was “perfectly proportional”.

Coton de Tulear

Originated on the island of Madagascar, Coton de Tulear is related to Bichon Frise and Maltese breed of dogs.

Coton loves being pampered, enjoys tons of attention from its masters but does not take separation well. They are very smart and love to perform in agility and obedience competitions.

Their fur needs to be brushed weekly to prevent any matting and tangle formation.

English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel is also called King Charles Spaniel. The breed was created to be a companion dog, so it is very laidback and requires very little exercise, which makes it appropriate for the apartment life.

No amount of love showered on this pooch is enough, it always has a stomach for more.

It has minimum exercise requirements and does not need too much maintenance.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs are undeniably adorable and compliant. They can be a little too energetic at times for their size.

They enjoy playtime and will not leave your side wherever you go. You can’t resist petting a Bichon Frise when you see one.

This small dog breed has curly and poofy hair that is soft to touch makes them look like clouds walking around. It is also said that a Bichon Frise suffers from separation anxiety so do not leave your dog unattended or alone.

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins are alert, playful and jovial. They are not known for barking too much but they make excellent watchdogs.

They can curl up and laze around all day but also race crazily. They are solely indoor and companion dogs, so they should not be kept outdoors for too long or left alone for long hours in the day. 

If you are looking for the best apartment dogs, click here!

Queen Alexandra had 261 Japanese Chins!

Prague Ratter

The Prague Ratter looks like a cross between a Miniature Pinscher and a Chihuahua.

It is the world’s smallest dog, measured in height. Even though it stands 21cms tall, it is quite fearless and can kill rats fiercely. 

These dogs became a prized possession for the Bohemian aristocracy in the 1900s.

 Eventually, they became common among the commoners too. They were a prized possession!  

Silky Terrier

With high mischievous tendencies, Silky Terriers have a very lovable, charming and delightful.

They are toy-sized and weigh 8-10 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall.

They’re great with kids and gel well with other cats and dogs too.

A silky terrier is no milksop lapdog. If given a chance, it will go hunting in the woods but it does show the same valor in the living room whilst playing with toys.

Shih Tzu

Coming from the Chinese royalty, these adorable patooties will make you fall to your knees with their cuteness.

They are social and docile canines, though they need to be trained in their early years.

Shih Tzus are very intelligent and can identify strangers quickly. They can be very alert and agile.

Chinese Crested

These dogs are odorless, hypo-allergenic, non-shedding dogs.

The origin of Chinese Crested dogs dates so far back in time that only educated assumptions can be made.

It makes an ideal pet for families with small children and does not let strangers feel uninvited. It is very welcoming.

They are highly intelligent and are always ready to learn several tricks.

Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terriers are in high demand and not available easily.

A Norfolk Terrier can be hard to train because they are quite stubborn and adamant. They are highly intelligent but if they get bore of routines they might do something new to amuse themselves.

They are extremely passionate about digging. So you must take care of your fences and perhaps, your sofa too.

Toy Poodle

Misunderstood to be sissy lap dogs, toy poodles are far from this stereotype. They are miniature athletes and have a great amount of energy. They enjoy training and excel in obedience and agility training.

It is said to be a “thinking” dog and pays quick attention to its owner, what he’s doing, where he’s going and so forth.

They do need companionship and daily exercise as they suffer from separation anxiety and are active dogs.

Schipperke

Schipperkes are a long-living breed of dogs. You must make sure you can give it that much care and affection, for at least the next 15 years of your life.

It is also nicknamed “LBD” short for Little Black Devil. This small dog breed is black.

Schipperkes have a mind of their own, they can be extremely difficult to house train, so they are not recommended for first time dog owners.

Due to their energy levels, they demand at least 20-40 mins of exercise daily but you can stretch it furthermore.

Pug

A pug has a comical face, with the deep wrinkles and the flat round face, it will always leave you smiling.

They were originally bred to be companion dogs, they thrive on love and affection.

If you are going to adopt/purchase a pug it is highly recommended that you buy a vacuum cleaner too, as they are a generous shedder. 

Norwich Terriers

This breed shares a history with the Norfolk Terrier. They are often mistaken for each other. The difference between them is that Norfolk terriers are folded and Norwich terriers are upright.

Never leave your Norwich Terrier unattended or off the leash in the unfenced area as their high prey drive makes agile and adventurous.

They are not suitable for you if you have other smaller pets that roam free in your home.

Italian greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are just a smaller version of Greyhounds. They were originally bred to hunt and still have their hunting instincts to this day.

Today, they are admirable family dogs that feed on affection and care of their masters, they make great companions.

They are highly trainable dogs, who enjoy obedience training. The only catch here is that, they have a “what’s in it for me?” attitude so you might want to keep treats handy.

Dachshund

Literally translating to “barder dogs”, this breed comes from Germany.

The small dog breeds‘ apartment life is the best for a Dachshund. They are easy to manage. They are always delighted to see their masters and love to spend time with them.

Despite their hunting characteristics, they can be extremely entertaining and fun-loving!

Brussels Griffon

This Belgian dog is one of the best small dog breeds, he was meant to hunt and kill rats, it is a very unusual street dog.

It is also described to have a “monkey-face” despite its small size, a Griffon can be quite jovial and full of expression.

One thing to note about Brussels Griffon is that they are sensitive dogs and if treated strictly they become fear biter; they bite when they are scared. 

Affenpinscher

Affens are said to be full of character, so this dog may be a right choice for you if you’re looking for a watchdog and also bucket-load of fun!

This dog is not suited for a household with small dogs, as they tend to bite if instigated by the kids.

Originally meant to kill rats, this breed became a ladies companion and to this day, is a very loyal and loving pet who is protective of its master.

That was a list of names of small dog breeds!

Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed/ Hypoallergenic Dogs

• Shih Tzu
• Maltese
• Brussels Griffin
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Bichon Frise
• Havanese
• Chinese Crested
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Basenji
• Bouviers de Flandres
• Australian Silky Terrier
• Border Terrier
• Labradoodle
• Carin Terrier
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Scottish Terrier
• Chinese Crested
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Tibetian Terrier

Small Dog Breeds Long Hair List:

• Yorkshire Terrier
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Lhasa Apso
• Shih Tzu
• Bearded Collie
• Rough Collie

Small Dog Breeds Friendly List:

• Bichon Frise
• Boston Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Japanese Chin
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Papillon
• Toy Poodle
• Pug
• Shih Tzu

Small Breeds That Don’t Bark List:

• Japanese Chin
• Boston Terrier
• Italian Greyhound
• French Bulldog
• Shiba Inu

If you are looking for the price list of the small dog breeds, click here.

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