Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Small dog breeds are perfect for many families who love dogs. Every dog, no matter its size, is special to dog lovers. However, not all sizes of dogs fit well in every home. Large and medium-sized dog breeds may not be the best match for certain households.
For instance, if you have limited space, find it hard to move around easily, or have young kids, a small dog breed could be the ideal forever friend for your home.
Small dog breeds bring joy to families looking for a new furry friend. If you’re excited about adding a new dog to your family or just need a happiness boost, explore the list of the best small dog breeds. These adorable dogs are not just cute but also very loving.
“Small dog breeds may be little, but their love knows no bounds.”
Some popular small dog breeds include playful Jack Russel Terriers, cuddly Pomeranians, energetic Yorkshire Terriers (which are also good for people with allergies), lovable Maltese, and tiny toy dog breeds that are very small.
When you bring your new pet home, make sure they are comfy by giving them a good dog bed and strong toys that they will love playing with and can’t easily break.
Top 40 Best Small Dog Breeds
Small dog breeds are beloved for their charm and companionship, making them ideal pets for many families. A comprehensive small dog breeds list with pictures to help you choose the perfect companion for your lifestyle and preferences.
In this list, discover the top 40 small dog breeds to find your perfect furry companion.
1: Shiba Inu Dog
Shibas are known for being alert, active, and attentive. They’re one of Japan’s oldest breeds and are extremely popular as companion dogs in their home country.
2: Chihuahua Dog
These tiny, loyal dogs are called Chihuahuas, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. They are full of energy and show that amazing things can come in small sizes – they usually weigh about five pounds.
3: Alaskan Klee Kai Dog
Do you love huskies but don’t have enough space for a medium-sized dog? Meet the Alaskan Klee Kai it looks just like a husky but is much smaller, weighing only up to 15 pounds. Still unsure? This is the breed of Sophie Turner’s adorable dog.
4: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog
Corgis are playful, smart, and alert, making them great with kids. They are smart and easy to train because they like to please their owners. Corgis are also good at letting you know if there are strangers around, but they might be noisy and shy around new people.
5: Pomeranian Dog
Even though Pomeranians look fluffy and cuddly, they are actually playful and active dogs. They need short walks every day to stay happy and healthy.
6: Jack Russell Terrier Dog
Even though they’re not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, Jack Russell terriers are famous for their roles in movies. These smart dogs work hard but can also be stubborn and have lots of energy.
7: Yorkshire Terrier Dog
Yorkies are small but full of energy, weighing only seven pounds. Their beautiful, silky fur doesn’t cause allergies, which is great for people with sensitivities.
8: Rat Terrier Dog
Besides being great at catching pests, which is especially helpful for city folks, these dogs are also known for being loyal, cheerful, and having silky-smooth coats.
9: Maltese Dog
It can be tricky to tell small white dog breeds apart, but the Maltese is one of the oldest. People have adored Maltese dogs for ages because they are friendly and enjoyable companions, entertaining their owners for thousands of years. They were so loved by ancient Greeks that special tombs were built in their honor.
10: Bichon Frise Dog
These dogs don’t shed much and are super happy, loving, and adorable. They’re smart too, but they can be a bit stubborn sometimes.
11: Yorkipoo Dog
This playful mixed breed dog combines the small size of a Yorkshire terrier with the smarts of a miniature poodle, making it a perfect pet for families.
Plus, they don’t cause allergies, so they’re great for people with sensitivities.
12: Pug Dog
Small dog breeds like these are loyal and loving to everyone, even strangers. They are very playful and always up for a game. While they are smart, they can be stubborn, which makes training them a bit tricky.
13: Shih Tzu Dog
Small dog breeds like Shih Tzus are incredibly charming and are sure to warm your heart. They are gentle, loyal, and have an aristocratic temperament. However, they can also show a bit of stubbornness at times.
14: Japanese Chin Dog
These dogs have been loyal companions to Japanese royalty for a long time, and they are sweet and love cuddling in laps. The only downside to this breed is that they will always have better hair than you.
15: Miniature Poodle Dog
Even though all poodles are known for being very smart, they come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The miniature poodles are usually about 15 to 17 pounds, which is easy to handle.
Their special “poodle clip” haircut is meant to protect their joints and organs when they swim in cold water.
16: Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Dog
Bolonkas are smart and curious lapdogs popular in Russia, and they are relatives of the fluffy Bichon Frise breed.
17: Pumi Dog
With their curly hair and big, shy eyes, Pumis are considered the cutest dog breed that you might not know about.
18: Whippet Dog
Whippets can sprint up to 35 miles per hour, making them the fastest animals for their size according to the American Kennel Club. A few quick runs will tire them out for the rest of the afternoon.
19: English Cocker Spaniel Dog
Small dog breeds like these spaniels are a bit heavier than their popular American counterparts, but their cheerful personalities easily endear them to families. They are quite happy and active when taken outdoors.
20: Basenji Dog
Basenjis were originally hunting dogs in Africa known for being smart and independent. They are unique because instead of barking, they make a chortle-like sound, which is why they are called the “barkless dog.”
21: Miniature Pinscher Dog
Brave and playful, Miniature Pinschers need more exercise than their small size (10 pounds) suggests. They can also be quite vocal at times.
22: Silky Terrier Dog
These little furry pals, known as Silky Terriers, are a bit bigger and more cheerful than Yorkies. They’re great for city life because they’re small and love being around people.
23: Border Terrier Dog
