Oct. 9/2024

25 Small Dog Breeds To Fit Any Lifestyle Part 2

By Emily Sanders. Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM

8/ 6/ 2023

14. Japanese Chin

Weight: 7–11 pounds

Height: 8–11 inches

An ancient dog breed with a noble past, Japanese Chin were once popular among Japanese aristocracy. With a long, silky coat & expressive eyes that give them a look of wonder, Chin are regal & elegant while still being tiny, cute dogs.

15. Bolognese

Weight: 6–10 pounds

Height: 10–12 inches

Hailing from Bologna, Italy, Bolognese are small, fluffy dogs with wild white hair. Another ancient breed, these pups were often given as gifts among European nobility. Today, they’re a good-natured, easygoing lap dog.

16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight: 13–18 pounds

Height: 12–13 inches

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog bred to keep laps warm. These sweet puppies were especially beloved by King Charles I & his son, Charles II, & were eventually named after them. Clever, friendly, & eager to please, CKC spaniels are the perfect choice for first-time pet parents.

17. Italian Greyhound

Weight: 7–14 pounds

Height: 13–15 inches

Don’t be fooled by their name—unlike Greyhounds that can reach 70 pounds, Italian Greyhounds are a little dog breed. Standing just over 1 foot tall at the shoulders, Italian Greyhounds are sociable & sensitive. They are best suited for families with older children who know how to safely play with these small, slender dogs.

18. Chinese Crested

Weight: 8–12 pounds

Height: 11–13 inches

The Chinese Crested is an ancient breed that comes in 2 varieties: powderpuff (with silky hair all over their little body) & hairless (with hair only on their head, tail, & ankles). With either type you choose, your Crested will need a lot of care to stay in tip-top shape, with powderpuffs requiring attentive grooming & hairless dogs needing special skincare.

19. Havanese

Weight: 7–13 pounds

Height: 8–12 inches

The only dog native to Cuba, Havanese are small, fluffy dogs who bounce through life. They are highly affectionate & get along well with children & other dogs, making them excellent family pets. These happy dogs are very sociable & love the company of people, so pet parents should be ready to give them lots of attention.

20. Lhasa Apso

Weight: 12–18 pounds

Height: 11 inches or less

Lhasa Apso roughly means “bearded lion dog,” & it’s not hard to see why. With their graceful mane-like coat, these elegant toy dogs resemble small lions. Lhasa Apsos originated in Tibet, where they were bred to be watchdogs & are considered sacred & symbols of good fortune. These dogs are affectionate & loyal to their family but may be wary of strangers due to their breeding history.

21. Miniature Schnauzer

Weight: 11–20 pounds

Height: 12–14 inches

Of the 3 types of Schnauzers, the Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest. These intelligent & charming dogs need lots of exercise due to their history as farm dogs. Give them a job, & these bearded puppies will have the time of their life. Mini Schnauzers also don’t shed much, making them good pets for families with allergies.

22. Border Terrier

Weight: 11–16 pounds

Height: 12–15 inches

The scruffy & scrappy Border Terrier is the smallest of the long-legged terriers. These little dogs are bursting with energy & will thrive with at least an hour of exercise every day. Border Terriers have a distinctive “otter head” that pet parents may find irresistibly cute.

23. Miniature Pinscher

Weight: 8–10 pounds

Height: 10–13 inches

Hailed as the “king of toy breeds,” the Miniature Pinscher doesn’t let their small size slow them down. The Min Pin packs a bold personality despite their stature & needs plenty of action to stay happy. This German toy breed sports a short coat that needs minimal maintenance.

24. Toy Fox Terrier

Weight: 4–9 pounds

Height: 8–12 inches

Standing less than 1 foot tall, the Toy Fox Terrier is feisty & playful. Their mischievous antics are typically a great source of entertainment for pet parents. These terriers overflow with energy & will benefit from regular outdoor exercise before coming home & running around your living room.

25. Silky Terrier

Weight: 10 pounds

Height: 9–10 inches

Though they look a lot like Yorkies, the Silky Terrier is a separate breed that is native to Australia. This little dog is surprisingly energetic for their size & loves having a job to do. Pet parents need to provide Silkies with plenty of exercise to keep them happy, & Silkies also have a long, luscious coat that needs to be brushed every day.

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