These Adorably Small Dog Breeds Stay Tiny Forever
If you're looking to bring a dog into your home, be prepared for a lot of responsibility and even more love. The first step to finding your new pet is deciding what kind of pooch you want. If you're on the hunt for a small dog, you're in luck. We've compiled a robust list of some of the smallest dog breeds.
We cover everything you need to know about them, from their weight and height to their behavioral traits, so consider this a crash course in small canine education. Whether you've been considering a chihuahua or contemplating a Yorkie, these cute pooches are sure to bring immeasurable joy, sweet snuggles, and endless licks.
Once you're ready to welcome your new four-legged friend, check out these expert adoption tips. And as soon as you've found the one that makes your heart skip a beat (congrats!), use these best girl dog names and best boy dog names for inspiration.
But first, use this handy round-up of 40 of the smallest dogs to figure out which forever pint-size pup is right for you.
Japanese Chin
These loving pups are perfect for anyone looking for a cute and friendly four-legged friend. Weighing between seven and 11 pounds and measuring between eight and 11 inches tall, they're easy to transport. Plus, they play well with other dogs.
Maltese
Their gorgeous, snowy white coats and big, dark eyes will earn them countless compliments. Measuring between seven to nine inches tall and weighing under seven pounds, these lovey-dovey pets will do almost anything to make you smile.
Pomeranian
These inquisitive pooches are always on the lookout, and their protective nature makes them great watchdogs. While they're only between six and seven inches tall and weigh between three and seven pounds, they're active, alert, and make great companions.
Chihuahua
Tiny, but feisty, chihuahuas are super energetic. Known as "purse dogs," they're between five and eight inches tall and weigh no more than six pounds. While they're playful, they're surprisingly not known to be the most kid-friendly.
Yorkshire Terrier
Their long, glossy coats make Yorkshire terriers as pretty as they are playful, but don't mistake their striking looks for aloof behavior—they're very protective and can even be a bit on the bossy side. Who can resist taking orders from such adorable pups though? They're between seven and eight inches in height and weigh around seven pounds.
Pug
Popular and cute, pugs are a dog fan favorite—and for good reason. Their unique wrinkled brows and expressive faces make them adorable...even when they're being mischievous. These super charming pups stand between 10 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds.
Shih Tzu
Dubbed "Lion Dog," these homebody pooches are perfect for anyone living in apartments or lacking outdoor space—because while they're playful, they're fine with staying inside. Weighing between nine and 16 pounds and standing between eight and 11 inches tall, these dogs are happy sitting on your lap. Plus, with virtually no shedding, you won't have to worry about constant vacuuming.
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy fox terriers might be tiny—measuring only between 8.5 and 11.5 inches and weighing between four and nine pounds—but they're big on personality. Plus, they're highly adaptable and easy to train.
Wire Fox Terrier
Handsome, intelligent, and confident, wire fox terriers make outstanding show dogs. Standing tall at 15.5 inches and weighing between 16 to 18 pounds, their rough and wiry coats make them distinctively adorable. Plus, they live long, full lives.
Volpino Italiano
Not a fan of strangers, these dogs stand between 10.5 and 12 inches tall and weigh 8 to 16 pounds (depending on gender). Because they barely bark, they're not the best watchdogs. BUT they make awesome companions for anyone who loves to snuggle.
Affenpinscher
With moderate shedding, you might want to invest in a good vacuum for this breed. Hairy issues aside, they're so darn cute! They've even been likened to beloved "Ewoks," the adorable furry creatures rom Star Wars. If you're in the market for one of your own, they're typically between nine and 11.5 inches and weigh between seven and 10 pounds.
American Hairless Terrier
Standing tall between 12 and 16 inches, American hairless terriers are on the larger side when it comes to small breeds. Weighing between 12 and 16 pounds, they're hefty pups that live long lives. Thanks to their hairless nature, sweeping up fur will be a non-issue.
Bichon Frise
Curious, cute, and playful, bichon frisé dogs are great pets for families. Their glorious hypoallergenic white coats make them the perfect choice for allergy sufferers. Measuring under a foot in height and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds, that signature round haircut really makes this breed stand out.
Australian Terrier
These spirited balls of energy are sure to keep you on your toes—and because they're extremely vocal and playful in nature, kids will enjoy their company. Their height averages between 10 and 11 inches and they weigh anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds.
Papillon
Thanks to their medium-size coats, be prepared for a bit of shedding—but luckily, grooming will only be required every few weeks. Quick, curious, and alert, papillon dogs stand between eight and 11 inches tall and weigh around five to 10 pounds. They are friendly and make great pets for those who enjoy happy and energetic pups.
Brussels Griffon
Looking for a small pup with a big personality? If so, Brussels griffon dogs are the pets for you. Weighing between eight and 10 pounds, these pooches are not ideal for young kids who tend to roughhouse.
Cairn Terrier
Alert, cheerful, loyal, and affectionate towards their owners, cairn terriers are delightful pups to have around. Not topping more than 13 or 14 pounds and standing between 9.5 and 10 inches tall, these dogs are protective and playful.
English Toy Spaniel
These snub-nosed cuties are bright and always willing to please. Standing nine to 10 inches tall and rounding out at around 14 pounds, they're wonderful additions to fun-loving families.
Pumi
Energetic and incredibly affectionate, these dogs are nimble-footed with origins from Hungary. Their black corkscrew hair sets them apart from the pack. Because they're known for their need to assess situations, getting them acquainted and comfortable with their surroundings is key. They stand between 15 and 18.5 inches—and while males can weigh up to 30 pounds, female pups land between 22 and 24 pounds.
Havanese
Native to Cuba, these lively pooches are bursting with energy. They get high marks across the board when it comes to friendliness, are super social, and play well with others—including other pups. Their gorgeous, silky coats make stroking hard to resist.
Cocker Spaniel
Their big, welcoming eyes and soft, floppy ears make cocker spaniels one of America's most popular and beloved breeds. Plus, their lush coats come in a variety of colors. Standing about 14 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 20 and 30 pounds (depending on gender), they're short, but sturdy and solid. While you're drooling over how adorable these precious pups are, don't forget to keep a towel handy because they're prone to a little dribble too.
Chinese Crested
With virtually no shedding, hair cleanup won't be a problem with Chinese crested dogs. Lively and alert, they move gracefully and love to frolic with family. Measuring between 11 and 13 inches in height and weighing between eight and 12 pounds, these ultra-affectionate, furry-tailed friends make great companions.
Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds live an average of 14 to 15 years, so you can expect to have one of these dogs in your family for a very long time. Standing tall between 13 and 15 inches and weighing between seven and 14 pounds, these high-stepping hounds are friendly with everyone, even strangers.
Miniature Pinscher
Measuring between 10 and 12 inches and weighing between eight and 10 pounds, miniature pinschers are often referred to as the "King of Toys." These pups have shiny coats, with colors ranging from black and rust, black and tan, chocolate and tan, and chocolate and rust to red and stag red. They also have a distinguished stride akin to a horse's trot.
Miniature Bull Terrier
A bit on the heftier side, miniature bull terriers stand between 10 and 14 inches and weigh about 28 pounds. They can be a bit on the mischievous side, but they're super spirited, fun-loving, and affectionate.
Scottish Terrier
Independent and protective, Scottish terriers make good watchdogs. They measure 10 inches in height and weigh between 18 and 22 pounds (depending on gender). Their distinctive beards and piercing eyes give them a friendly appearance, but they're not always on their best behavior around other dogs.
Bolognese
Not a fan of super hyper pups? A Bolognese might be for you, because they're calm, serious, and faithful pooches. Measuring 10 to 12 inches tall, these intelligent dogs are compact and sturdy—and their square bodies, covered in pure-white coats, weigh between six and 10 pounds.
Dachshund
All dacshunds are small in size. The standard ones stand between eight and nine inches, while the miniature ones are a mere five or six inches tall. The former can weigh up to 32 pounds and the latter typically weigh less than 11 pounds. If barking bothers you, you might want to admire this breed from afar.
Toy Poodle
We dare you to name a pup as cute at a toy poodle. They stand no more than 10 inches and weigh between four and six pounds. Not only are they adorable, but they're known to be affectionate with family and good with young children.
Basenji
If you want a pup that doesn't make a peep, basenjis are a sure bet. They don't bark, but they know how to communicate in subtle ways that are reminiscent of humans. Standing 16 or 17 inches tall and weighing up to 24 pounds, these canines have cat-like qualities, thanks to their personal grooming habits.
Miniature Schnauzer
The smallest of the schnauzer breed, these incredibly obedient dogs make great companions. Their outgoing personality and friendly demeanor make them ideal options for families. Measuring between 12 and 14 inches in height and weighing between 11 and 20 pounds, they can thrive in small apartments or patrol sprawling spaces.
Pekingese
Crown the pekingese the most regal pooch of the pack. After all, they do have the word "king" in their name and they're one of the several breeds created for the ruling classes of ancient China. Famous for their lioness mane, they stand between six and nine inches tall and weigh up to 14 pounds. While they're cute, kids should give them their space.
Russian Toy
Weighing up to six-and-a-half pounds and standing between eight and 11 inches, these sweet and charming pups are perfect for those who love to snuggle. Plus, they're cheerful and active, so be ready for a lot of playtime.
Toy Fox Terrier
Lithe and sturdy, toy fox terriers measure between eight-and-a-half and 11.5 inches and weigh between four and nine pounds. They're eager to please, very trainable, and want everyone to be their best friends.
Swedish Vallhund
Energetic and watchful, owners can count on Swedish vallhunds to keep an eye out. Standing between 12.5 and 13.75 inches tall and weighing up to 35 pounds, these cheerful hounds are protective and playful.
Silky Terrier
Weighing around 10 pounds, silky terriers are small, but mighty—and very alert. Their famous blue-and-tan coat behaves like human hair and rarely sheds.
Shiba Inu
Attentive and alert, shibu inu dogs are protective and loyal—but they're not the easiest pups to train. Measuring between 14.5 and 16.5 inches and weighing up to 23 pounds, this ancient Japanese breed is sturdy and strong.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
These easy-to-please terriers are fun to be around and will brighten any owner's day. While they're considered to be one of the smaller breeds, they can still reach 40 pounds.
Bedlington Terriers
Charming and loyal, Bedlington terriers look sophisticated and regal. Standing between 15 and 17.5 inches tall and weighing between 17 and 23 pounds, these loving pooches can live up to 16 years. Their hair and coat has a wool-like texture, giving them a distinctive look that will turn heads.
Lhasa Apso
Lavishly coated, these long-haired canines are confident and smart. Measuring between 10 and 11 inches and weighing up to 18 pounds, these pups are friendly and fun-loving. Plus, their feathery tails curl over the back in an incredibly adorable way.
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