Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. From enormous behemoths to pint-sized lap dogs, all canines are special and worthy of your love. While many love the big bear hugs and fierce protection offered by bigger breeds, smaller pups offer many perks larger dogs can't provide.
They're better for apartment living, easier to travel with and can lay in your lap for hours! Plus, their small size usually means easier grooming and more affordable care throughout their lives.
The love for small dog breeds is strong, and that's not just hearsay. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), small breeds are more popular than their larger counterparts. More small-breed dogs go through AKC registration every year.
If you're looking for a small dog you can call your own, you've come to the right place. Here's a list of 17 dog breeds that stay small and adorable throughout their lives.
17 Tiny Dog Breeds That Stay Small Forever
1. Chihuahua
You can't go wrong with the Chihuahua. These feisty little dogs are full of life and have personalities of dogs several times their size! The average Chihuahua only gets to heights of five to eight inches! They only tip the scales to just over six pounds when it comes to weight.
Be prepared: Chihuahuas can be a handful! They're energetic dogs that seem to forget how small they are. Therefore, they are vocal and can be territorial. Fortunately, they're also receptive to training and can be loving members of your fur family.
2. Dachshund
Affectionately known as the "Weiner Dog," Dachshunds are adorable dogs with affectionate eyes, goofy-looking ears and distinct bodies. Originally, the breed was a hunting dog! Its unique body shape allowed it to wriggle into burrows to catch game.
Today, you'll likely find these pups living it up as spoiled house pets. There are two size classifications for Dachshunds. The Standard Dachshund can get pretty big. So if you want small, go for the Miniature Dachshund. They only weigh up to 11 pounds and don't get taller than about six inches.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians have a unique history. They were originally medium-sized dogs weighing as much as 30 pounds! However, selective breeding ordered by Queen Victoria of England gave us the tiny dog we love today.
Adult Pomeranians weigh between three and seven pounds. Their stature is adorably small, rising six to seven inches at the withers. As for personality, Pomeranians have plenty of it. They're super affectionate and playful. They require training and socialization to control some less ideal traits. But in the right home, these dogs will be as loyal as can be.
4. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds get a bit taller than other dogs we've covered. Adults can reach heights of 15 inches and weigh up to 15 pounds. But what makes this pup unique is that it's slender and athletic. Pair that with their short, smooth fur, and you have a lovably lanky dog that'll stay by your side!
This breed needs tons of exercise and training. They're natural-born athletes, just like their larger Greyhound counterparts. As a result, they're perfect for active families.
5. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons have a very unique look. Many say they look like Pugs with bears! Others say they have a permanent "Don't mess with me" look! Either way, they make fantastic small-breed pets.
Adults can grow up to 10 inches at the withers and weigh about 10 pounds. They can have coats of varying colors, and the texture can be smooth or rough. Either way, they do require regular brushing and grooming.
Brussels Griffons are surprisingly lovely. They can be wary of strangers and serve as excellent watchdogs. But once they warm up to others, they'll be sweet.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most popular small breeds. Why? They're hypoallergenic! Their beautiful coats rarely shed, minimizing dander spread throughout your home. If you suffer from allergies, this is the breed to consider.
These dogs don't get big at all. Adults tend to max out at about eight inches tall and seven pounds. They're feisty and can be a little bossy. But to family, they're sweetie pies always eager to play.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
These interesting-looking dogs are the smaller variants of the Standard and Giant Schnauzer. They look like miniature clones of their larger counterparts, sporting the same beard and fluffy legs. Miniature Schnauzers need considerable grooming to maintain their signature look like other Schnauzers.
Adults can weigh between 11 and 20 pounds and stand up to 14 inches tall. This breed is highly trainable. They're intelligent, spirited and super friendly. They're also alert, making them great watchdogs.
8. Maltese
Malteses are a great dog breed for people who want a less demanding pet. These pups have their needs like any other breed. But they're more low-key. They're just as down to play in the backyard as they are to curl up on the couch with you. That low-key nature makes them one of the most beloved small breeds.
Adults typically weigh less than seven pounds and reach heights of seven to nine inches. The standard coloration for Malteses is white. These dogs have beautiful silky coats of straight fur. Many owners allow the hair to grow long, creating a doll-like look. However, others keep it short for easier maintenance.
9. Papillon
Papillons are adorable dogs with iconic ears! The word "papillon" translates to "butterfly" in French, and that's a great description of the dog's ears. They have perky ears covered in long fur, creating the appearance of butterfly wings.
These dogs usually weigh between five and ten pounds. For height, they typically don't get bigger than 11 inches. Papillons aren't the best with kids and can get into trouble when left to their own devices. But plenty of play and exercise will keep these dogs happy and well-mannered.
10. Toy Poodle
Here's another dog breed with bigger variants. Poodles come in several sizes, but Toy Poodles are the smallest of the bunch. They are less than 10 inches tall and only weigh between four and six pounds.
Like their bigger cousins, Poodles have a thick coat of curly hair that owners sometimes like to groom in unique ways. Like the Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodles are hypoallergenic. They shed considerably less than other breeds, making dander spread a non-issue.
As for personality, these dogs are confident and always eager to please. They're also natural athletes, so plenty of play and exercise is necessary.
11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their posh appearance. These dogs grow thick coats of long fur. If you're considering a Shih Tzu, be prepared for frequent grooming. Failing to groom these beauties can lead to tons of tangling and matting!
Beyond grooming, Shih Tzus are usually well-mannered and easy to care for. They're charming little pups with hearts of gold. Despite the prim and proper look, Shih Tzus love to play. They're also affectionate and gentle.
12. Havanese
Havanese dogs, also known as Havanese Silk Dogs, are a lesser-known breed that people love. The AKC didn't officially recognize them until 1996. But since then, they've steadily grown in popularity.
These dogs have thick coats of multicolored fur. They require regular grooming, but their small size makes it easy. Havanese dogs can get around 12 inches tall and weigh between seven and 13 pounds.
They're surprisingly intelligent. These dogs are one of the more trainable small breeds. For that reason, you can often see a Havanese working as a therapy or signal dog.
13. Miniature Pinscher
Standard German Pinschers are big dogs with an intimidating look. Miniature Pinschers maintain a similar appearance but in a much smaller package!
These dogs weigh up to 10 pounds and reach about 12.5 inches tall at the withers. Despite the small size, Miniature Pinschers are fearless! They're bold dogs that are unafraid to assert their needs.
Miniature Pinschers can be a handful, but proper training makes them more manageable. In the right home, they're loving, affectionate and ultra-playful.
14. Pug
Who doesn't love a Pug? These iconic dogs only get 10 to 13 inches tall. They are a little hefty, weighing as much as 18 pounds. People love this breed, and it's not hard to see why.
They're fun to be around! Pugs have bold and inquisitive personalities. The breed is also great with kids and isn't super demanding when it comes to physical exercise. They can encounter some health problems due to their distinct face shape, but proper care will ensure your Pug lives a long and healthy life!
15. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins have adorable faces and easy-going demeanors. They usually weigh no more than 11 pounds and stand only eight to 11 inches. The breed's coat is long, fluffy and multicolored. They're also sporting floppy ears, huge eyes and an adorably scrunched face.
The cool thing about Japanese Chins is that they're quiet and calm. They still need attention and play, but the breed is far more relaxed than others of its size.
16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With a name like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you'd expect an ultra-posh dog. But this breed is adorably affectionate. The breed has a long history, but today, they're one of the most popular small dogs for people who want pups with a calmer demeanor.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesn't require tons of energy. However, it does need attention. They're natural-born lap dogs and love to stick by your side wherever you go! Fortunately, their small size makes that easy. Adults are usually 13 to 18 pounds and stand about 12 to 13 inches tall.
17. Bolognese
Last but not least, we have the Bolognese. No, we're not talking about the sauce! The Bolognese dog breed is a cheerful pet that stays small. Adults can get about 12 inches tall but only weigh between six and nine pounds.
These beauties have thick coats or curly fur, making them look like stuffed animals. Have at it and cuddle! Bolognese dogs love the affectionate. They're expressive and sensitive, so they may require some work to tackle issues like separation anxiety. But all that is worth it to get the pup's love and affection.
Which Dog is Right for You?
As you can see, there's no shortage of amazing small dog breeds in the world. The pups we covered will stay small throughout their life. Whether you're an apartment dweller or love having a lap dog, any of these breeds have you covered.
As always, consider your lifestyle and the needs of every breed before you choose. Smaller dogs can come with unique health risks, so be prepared to do what you can to keep your canine companion healthy and happy.
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