Best Small Dog Breeds: Finding the Perfect Small Dog Breed for You
If you’re looking for a small dog breed, you have a lot of great options to choose from. But which one is the best for you? There’s no simple answer to that question since different people have different needs and preferences. But we can give you some information about some of the best small dog breeds out there so that you can make an informed decision.
This list of the best small dog breeds will highlight the top options for you when it comes to finding the right small dog breed for you. These unique and interesting little pups offer a lot to love, whether you’ve got an urban lifestyle or prefer more natural settings.
Enjoy this list of Best Small Dog Breeds!
Top 25 Small Dog Breeds:
1. Toy Fox Terrier
Size: 4 – 9 pounds
About Dog Breed: Among the best small dog breeds, the Toy Fox Terrier stands out for its big personality packed into a compact frame. These pups are known for their smooth, satiny coats, affectionate nature, and intelligence.
Toy Fox Terriers quickly form strong bonds with their families, making them eager and playful companions, especially for older children. They also excel as loyal watchdogs, always alert to potential threats.
2. Alaskan Klee Kai
Size: 15 pounds
About Dog Breed: Love Huskies but don’t have space for a medium-sized dog? Meet the Alaskan Klee Kai — they look just like Huskies but weigh up to 15 pounds. This breed, beloved by Sophie Turner, is a small yet affectionate and loyal family pet. While cautious around strangers and small children, early socialization ensures they thrive in various environments.
3. Affenpinscher
Size: 7 – 13 pounds
About Dog Breed: According to the AKC, Affenpinschers are famously amusing, loyal, and curious — some even resemble Wookies or Ewoks from Star Wars! These dogs stand less than a foot tall and sport a dense coat in various colors. Affenpinschers are delightful household companions, though they may prefer older children due to their high energy. Their heritage as rodent hunters means they may not be compatible with small pets like rodents.
4. Australian Terrier
Size: 15 -20 pounds
About Dog Breed: Calling all families! Australian Terriers are spirited, affectionate, and great with kids. They’re quick learners, making training fun with tricks aplenty. Friendly and loyal, they show deep affection for their families and excel as watchdogs with their keen senses. Easy to train and adaptable, Australian Terriers make excellent companions in any home setting.
5. Chihuahua
Size: 2 – 7 pounds
About Dog Breed: Named after the Mexican state, Chihuahuas prove that good things come in small packages — about five pounds to be exact! Loyal and friendly, they make ideal family pets in apartments or houses. In the 1940s, bandleader Xavier Cugat was known for conducting with a Chihuahua under his arm, showcasing their beloved status.
6. Biewer Terrier
Size: 4 – 8 pounds
About Dog Breed: Recently recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Biewer Terrier is part of the toy breed group, weighing in between four to eight pounds. Known for their dedication and loyalty, Biewer Terriers are ideal family pets with a fun-loving, childlike attitude that endears them to people of all ages. They’re highly intelligent and easy to train, though potty training may require patience.
7. Bolognese Dog
Size: 5.5 – 9 pounds
About Dog Breed: You’ll love the Bolognese Dog as much as its namesake sauce! Hailing from Italy and a member of the Bichon family, these dogs are known for their intelligence, calm demeanor, and compact build. Not high-energy, they’re perfect companions for quieter households, blending wit with a serious yet playful attitude.
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Size: 27 – 30 pounds
About Dog Breed: Playful and alert, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are excellent family dogs, especially with children. Intelligent and eager to please, they excel in obedience training and serve as vigilant watchdogs. Their adaptability makes them equally at home in city apartments or country settings, making them a versatile choice for families.
9. Bedlington Terrier
Size: 17 – 23 pounds
About Dog Breed: Bedlington Terriers combine cuddly companionship with watchdog instincts, making them ideal for active families. Described as “lithe, energetic Englishmen” by the AKC, these dogs are patient and tolerant, especially with children. Their playful nature and adaptability suit both city and countryside living, provided they have space to run and play.
10. Jagdterrier
Size: 17 – 22 pounds
About Dog Breed: From Germany, the Jagdterrier is a versatile hunting dog known for its courage, endurance, and trainability. Also called the Deutscher Jagdterrier, it excels in outdoor activities and bonds closely with experienced owners. With a temperament that enjoys work and socializing, this breed thrives in active environments.
11. Pomeranian
Size: 3 – 7 pounds
About Dog Breed: Don’t be fooled by their fluffy appearance; Pomeranians are playful and intelligent, making them fine watchdogs and lively family pets. Active yet adaptable, they thrive in city or suburban homes where they participate in family activities and enjoy short walks to stay fit.
12. American Hairless Terrier
Size: 7 – 14 pounds
About Dog Breed: Native to Louisiana, American Hairless Terriers come in both hairless and coated varieties, making them ideal for allergy-sensitive families. Small yet spirited, they love hours of playtime and blend seamlessly into family life.
13. Cirneco dell’Etna
Size: 17 – 22 pounds
About Dog Breed: The Cirneco dell’Etna, originating from Sicily, is an athletic and affectionate breed known for its independence and speed. Friendly and intelligent, they make excellent family companions requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation, with minimal grooming needs.
14. Pug
Size: 14 – 18 pounds
About Dog Breed: Loyal and affectionate, Pugs are playful companions known for their stable temperament and outgoing nature. They live to please their owners and are generally easy to train, making them popular as family pets.
15. Löwchen
Size: 15 pounds
About Dog Breed: German for “little lion,” Löwchens are smart and active toy dogs, excelling in obedience and agility competitions. They’re hypoallergenic and thrive as family companions, participating enthusiastically in everyday activities.
16. Miniature American Eskimo
Size: 10 -20 pounds
About Dog Breed: With brains and beauty, Miniature American Eskimos excel in training and adapt well to family life in various sizes. Their fluffy white coats require regular grooming, but their friendly, playful nature makes them beloved family pets.
17. Japanese Chin
Size: 4 – 11 pounds
About Dog Breed: Once companions to Japanese royalty, Japanese Chins are regal lapdogs known for their elegant appearance and loving nature. They form strong bonds with their families and excel as watchdogs, alerting to any unusual activity.
18. Schipperke
Size: 10 – 16 pounds
About Dog Breed: Known as “little black devils,” Schipperkes are energetic watchdogs originally bred for canal boat guarding in Belgium. They’re loving with their families but cautious with strangers, making them ideal companions for active households.
19. Chinese Crested Dog
Size: 8 -12 pounds
About Dog Breed: Chinese Crested Dogs are known for their unique appearance with spotted pink skin and a crest of hair. Playful and affectionate, they’re devoted companions, especially suited for allergy-sensitive homes.
20. Pumi
Size: 22-24 pounds
About Dog Breed: With corkscrew curls and an affectionate demeanor, Pumis are great family dogs that thrive with active owners. They enjoy children’s company and get along well with other pets when properly socialized.
21. Dachshund
Size: 16 – 32 pounds
About Dog Breed: Curious and friendly, Dachshunds are playful pets with a knack for watchdog duty. They thrive in homes where they’re part of the family, though they may be vocal to alert their owners.
22. Shetland Sheepdog
Size: 15 – 25 pounds
About Dog Breed: Smart and affectionate, Shetland Sheepdogs are mini versions of Collies, excelling as family pets and watchdogs. They’re known for their gentle nature and willingness to please.
23. Whippet
Size: 25 – 40 pounds
About Dog Breed: The fastest animals of their size, Whippets are natural family pets known for their speed and affectionate nature. They make excellent companions for active families, especially with children and other dogs.
24. Shiba Inu
Size: 17 – 23 pounds
About Dog Breed: Originating from Japan, Shiba Inus are sturdy, confident dogs with a loyal and protective nature. They bond closely with their families but may be reserved with strangers or other dogs.
25. Papillon
Size: 5 – 10 pounds
About Dog Breed: Named for their butterfly-like ears, Papillons are affectionate and athletic toy spaniels, perfect for families with young children due to their gentle nature and playful demeanor.
Best Small Dog Breeds Conclusion
There are a lot of great things about small dog breeds. They’re usually easy to train since they have shorter attention spans than larger breeds. They’re also less likely to knock things over, and they can be easier to carry around.
Ultimately, the best small dog breed for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. But whatever you choose, you are sure to enjoy your new furry friend.
Please make sure to comment below if you have feedback on any of these small dog breeds. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
