The 20 Cutest and Smallest Dog Breeds for Itty-Bitty Apartments, Easy Airplane Travel and More
It’s kind of wild that Great Danes and Chihuahuas are the same species, but here we are. Also surprising? The incredible variety of small dog breeds available to canine lovers. Don’t be fooled by the stature of the pups on this list. Many of these cute dogs believe themselves to be as tall and powerful as the big dogs. Others are content being members of the small dog club, watching the world go by from a carrier. If you’re considering getting a pet but aren’t sure if small dog breeds are for you, consider the following itty-bitty puppy committee.
Pros of Small Dog Breeds
There are tons of reasons to adopt a cute, small dog. Beyond their tiny size, they are incredibly practical.
Cons of Small Dog Breeds
Dog ownership isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, no matter how little they are. Small dog breeds present their own set of challenges.
Read on for 20 of the smallest dog breeds, plus what you can expect from them.
20 Affectionate Dog Breeds Because Puppy Love Is Just the Best
1. Biewer Terrier
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Height: 7-11 inches
Weight: 4-8 pounds
Personality: smart, loving
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 16 years
Don’t mistake these tiny pups for Yorkies! They’re coloring is unique. Biewers are happy-go-lucky and incredibly devoted to their families. Be prepared for lots of social interactions when you take Biewers for walks.
2. Brussels Griffon
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Average Height: 8.5 inches
Average Weight: 9 pounds
Personality: sensitive, loyal
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Don’t leave Brussels Griffons home alone for long stretches—they’ll take it personally and miss you too much. Though they aren’t ideal for kids, these make great companions for adults looking for goofy, ride-or-die canine pals.
3. Chihuahua
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Average Height: 6.5 inches
Average Weight: < 6 pounds
Personality: charming, intelligent
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Chihuahuas have been around for centuries and may use this old-soul wisdom to take advantage of you. They’re smart and learn quickly, but may be stubborn and follow their own rules. It’s hard not to love their dedication and charm, though.
4. Miniature Dachshund
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Average Height: 5.5 inches
Average Weight: < 11 pounds
Personality: independent, affectionate
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Miniature Dachshunds are smarties with independent streaks, so training and socialization early is key to a happy dog. Always up for an adventure, they’ll go anywhere with their favorite person. Dachshunds get so pumped for activities they’ve been known to trip when taking stairs too quickly, injuring their backs or legs.
5. Italian Greyhound
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Average Height: 14 inches
Average Weight: 10.5 pounds
Personality: playful, sweet
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Though taller than many breeds on our list, the Italian Greyhound is certainly one of the leanest. Miniature versions of standard-sized Greyhounds, these skinny dogs enjoy snuggling on the couch to keep warm and racing after toys. If you’ve always wanted to dress your dog up for special occasions, this is the one. They need extra layers when it gets chilly.
6. Japanese Chin
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Average Height: 9.5 inches
Average Weight: 9 pounds
Personality: proud, quiet
Activity Level: moderateShedding Factor: low to moderate
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Bred to lounge in the lap of luxury, these dogs enjoy the simple pleasures in life. They’re loyal to their owners, but aren’t worried about following commands. Japanese Chins are ideal for apartment dwellers with ample attention to give.
7. Japanese Terrier
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Average Height: 12 inches
Average Weight: 7.5 pounds
Personality: independent, athletic
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: moderate to high
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
These tiny terriers are very smart and eager when it comes to playtime. They are, however, wary of strangers. Japanese Terriers have unique coloring—their bodies are entirely white and their heads are black, brown or tan. One look at those floppy ears and big brown eyes will make you swoon.
8. Maltese
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Average Height: 8 inches
Average Weight: < 7 pounds
Personality: adaptable, alert
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Yes, the Maltese’s gorgeous snow-white coat may exude pompousness, but they are athletic and happy to go with the flow. Maltese pups tend to bark to signal intruders—or friends—but they are jovial at heart, eager to mingle and play.
9. Papillion
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Average Height: 9.5 inches
Average Weight: 7.5 pounds
Personality: happy, outgoing
Activity Level: high
Shedding Factor: moderate
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Papillon means “butterfly” in French, which suits these tiny dogs well since their ears resemble wings and they are truly the social butterflies of the Toy Group. This is a great example of a small breed who considers itself one of the big dogs, ready to roll around and play fetch. Papillons also adapt well to just about any household.
10. Pekingese
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Average Height: 7.5 inches
Average Weight: 10 pounds
Personality: proud, loyal
Activity Level: low
Shedding Factor: moderate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Already a proud breed, the Pekingese has even more to brag about after being named Westminster’s Best in Show in 2021. Aside from the lengthy, fluffy coat and short muzzle, you’ll know a Pekingese by its confidence (barking at strangers) and loyalty (more barking at strangers).
11. Pomeranian
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Average Height: 6.5 inches
Average Weight: 5 pounds
Personality: lively, adaptable
Activity Level: moderate to high
Shedding Factor: moderate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Talk about a teeny frame with a huge personality. Pomeranians are fluff balls of joy, willing to romp around with kids (gently) or frolic in the yard with other pets. Whether you reside in the city or country, Poms will be content, as long as you house train them early.
12. Silky Terrier
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Average Height: 9.5 inches
Average Weight: 10 pounds
Personality: feisty, friendly
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Silky Terriers are cousins of Yorkshire Terriers and were originally bred in Australia. They have big personalities and don’t like being ignored (aka, they can become destructive if left alone too long or without ample mental stimulation).
13. Toy Fox Terrier
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Average Height: 10 inches
Average Weight: 5 pounds
Personality: sweet, energetic
Activity Level: moderate to high
Shedding Factor: moderate
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Toy Fox Terriers have silky smooth, short coats and tall, perky ears. They need lots of exercise; this energy is often best spent outdoors with people. One huge perk for anyone who abhors house breaking: Toy Fox Terriers can be trained to use puppy pads indoors.
14. Toy Poodle
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Average Height: 10 inches
Average Weight: 5 pounds
Personality: intelligent, confident
Activity Level: moderate to high
Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Poodles of all sizes are extremely smart and highly trainable. They make outstanding family pets for this reason, not to mention their willingness to join in any activity. Grooming can be time-consuming and expensive, but they are hypoallergenic.
15. Yorkshire Terrier
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Average Height: 7.5 inches
Average Weight: 7 pounds
Personality: affectionate, lively
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Perhaps the quintessential small dog breed is the Yorkshire Terrier. These are energetic balls of fun who enjoy cavorting around town with their families. Despite their yippy reputation, they are workers through and through. Get ready for a friendly, albeit slightly stubborn, companion.
16. Affenpinscher
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Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Personality: goofy, proud
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Affenpinschers are goofy dogs known for their big personalities. Some people say they look like Star Wars Ewoks, while in France they’re called “mustached little devils,” according to the American Kennel Club. No matter what you see in your Affenpinscher, be prepared for loyal companionship and lots of playtime (these dogs enjoy exercise!).
17. Bichon Frise
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Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Personality: cheerful, adaptable
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Hypoallergenic and adaptable, Bichon Frises are great family dogs. They get along well with everyone and enjoy learning commands (as long as you teach them early). Sure they might bark if they get excited, but this is their way of getting in on the action. Bichons also know when it’s time to calm down and will love lounging on your lap.
18. Coton de Tulear
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Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 8-15 pounds
Personality: charming, social
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 15-19 years
“Coton” means “cotton” in French. As soon as you pet a Coton de Tulear, you’ll feel a white coat as soft as cotton. They come from Tulear in Madagascar and love people. Bred as companion animals for the wealthy, today they make great family pets because they’re social and enjoy outdoor time.
19. English Toy Spaniel
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Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 8-14 pounds
Personality: devoted, sweet
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Factor: moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
English Toy Spaniels might seem to have split personalities. While they are endlessly devoted to their humans, they may turn their noses up at strangers. Bred and developed as agile hunters, English Toy Spaniels can definitely be stubborn. Be prepared for push back during training.
20. Manchester Toy Terrier
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Height: 15-16 inches
Weight: 12-22 pounds
Personality: lively, intelligent
Activity Level: moderate to high
Shedding Factor: low
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Check out those bat ears! Toy Manchester Terriers are compact dogs with lots of energy and intelligence. While they love to love their families, they may be wary of strangers, so introduce them to new people and dogs slowly.
