By Emily Sanders. Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM
8/ 6/ 2023
Cute & compact, there’s a lot to love about small dog breeds. But there are also lots of different types of small dogs, & no 2 are exactly alike. Here are some of the best toy & small dog breeds that can fit into your family.
1. Chihuahua
Weight: 6 pounds or less
Height: 5–8 inches
Chihuahuas are charming little dogs who make adorable companions thanks to their sassy personalities & spunky nature. One of the longest-living dog breeds, Chis are full of energy & liven up any room they’re in—which is usually whatever room their beloved pet parents are in.
2. Pomeranian
Weight: 3–7 pounds
Height: 6–7 inches
With their cute strut & beautiful coat, Pomeranians are a popular lap dog. But they weren’t always the little dog breed we know today—Pomeranians are actually descended from sled dogs, & their predecessors weighed around 30 pounds. But once they captivated Queen Victoria & became more popular, Poms were selectively bred to be the tiny, cute dogs we know today.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Height: 7–8 inches
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a playful, energetic, & affectionate dog. Like other small dog breeds, Yorkies don’t handle the cold well & may be prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
4. Shih Tzu
Weight: 9–16 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
Small but mighty, the Shih Tzu was bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to look like a little lion. These tiny, cute dogs are very attached to their pet parents & their long & luxurious coats need lots of attention to stay tangle-free. This breed does best with an attentive family who will brush them a few times throughout the week.
5. Papillon
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Weight: 5–10 pounds
Height: 8–11 inches
Elegant & stylish, Papillons are named after their wispy ears that resemble butterfly wings (papillon means “butterfly” in French). This small dog is also highly intelligent & needs ample activity & mental stimulation to ward off boredom. Some of the Papillon’s favorite pastimes are taking long walks, running an agility course, & playing with their favorite people.
6. Toy Poodle
Weight: 4–6 pounds
Height: 10 inches or less
Toy Poodles are the smallest of the Poodle breeds (the other 2 being the Standard & the Miniature). Like their larger cousins, Toy Poodles are smart & playful, & they probably don’t mind bath night (which should be every 2 to 4 weeks).
7. Affenpinscher
Weight: 7–10 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
German for “monkey terrier,” it’s easy to see how the Affenpinscher got their name: Their distinctive flat, bearded face makes this small dog breed look more like a monkey than a pup. Like other little dogs, Affenpinschers have a long lifespan that can reach 15 years or more.
8. Maltese
Weight: 7 pounds or less
Height: 7–9 inches
The Maltese is a small white dog known for their straight, sweeping curtain of fur. Despite their long coat, this toy breed isn’t a heavy shedder & is often labeled as “hypoallergenic” (although there’s no truly hypoallergenic dog). Still, Maltese can be a good choice for people with allergies.
9. Bichon Frise
Weight: 12–18 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
Another small white dog is the Bichon Frise. But what these dogs lack in size, they make up for in heart. Bichons are known for being curious, friendly, & eager-to-please, which makes them easy to train in both basic commands & fun tricks.
10. Biewer Terrier
Height: 7–11 inches
Pronounced “beaver,” Biewer Terriers are cute dogs that are small & love their family, making them ideal lap dogs. Originating from Germany, they are descendants of Yorkies, but with a unique genetic twist: they carry the rare piebald gene, resulting in white fur with patches of color.
11. Brussels Griffon
Weight: 8–10 pounds
Height: 7–10 inches
Brussels Griffons are adorable & sociable companions. Their wide-set eyes give them a childlike, expressive face that adds to their endearing “Velcro dog” personality. These small dogs are equally happy to exercise & be a little couch tater tot. Here’s a fun fact: Griffons were the inspiration for Ewoks in Star Wars.
12. Alaskan Klee Kai
Height: 12–17 inches
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small dog breed that comes in 3 variations: Toy, Miniature, & Standard. They are a new & rare breed that began with one small Siberian Husky in the 1970s. Like Huskies, Alaskan Klee Kai dogs have an independent, talkative, & determined spirit.
13. Cairn Terrier
Height: 9–10 inches
Cairn Terriers are shaggy, athletic dogs bred in Scotland to hunt foxes & other small mammals. The breed saw a boost in popularity after 1939, when a Cairn Terrier named Terry starred as Toto in The Wizard of Oz.
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