Discover Breeds of Dogs Under 25 Pounds That Make Great Companions

If you're looking for a furry friend that won't break the bank or take up too much space, you're in luck. Many breeds of dogs under 25 pounds make great companions for city dwellers or families with smaller living spaces.

These little dogs are full of energy and love to play, so be prepared for regular exercise sessions to keep them happy and healthy. The Shih Tzu, for example, requires daily walks and playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Bichon Frise is another breed that thrives on attention and interaction, making them perfect for families with children who love to play. With regular grooming, they can live up to 12-15 years, providing years of companionship and affection.

Their small size also means they're relatively low maintenance when it comes to food and living expenses, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those on a budget.

Small breeds are perfect for city living due to their compact size and minimal exercise needs. They typically weigh under 25 pounds and require less space to run around.

Some popular small breeds include the Chihuahua, weighing in at just 2-8 pounds, and the Poodle, which comes in a variety of sizes but the Toy Poodle weighs around 6-14 pounds.

The Miniature Pinscher is a bold and lively breed that's perfect for active owners. They're known as the "king of toy breeds" and pack a big personality despite their small size.

They need plenty of action to stay happy, so if you're looking for a low-maintenance pet, the Miniature Pinscher might not be the best fit. This German toy breed sports a short coat that needs minimal maintenance.

Their weight ranges from 5-10 pounds, making them a great choice for city living. They're also relatively small in height, ranging from 10-13 inches.

These little dogs are intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation, but they can be stubborn at times.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized companion dog that is alert, energetic, and curious. They come in three variations: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

This breed is relatively new and rare, having begun with one small Siberian Husky in the 1970s. They have an independent spirit, which means they can be a bit stubborn at times.

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs typically weigh between 6-25 pounds, making them a great choice for city living or for families with small children.

The Yorkipoo is a popular hybrid dog that comes from mixing a Yorkshire terrier and a toy poodle. They are friendly, lively, and intelligent pups that make the perfect first pet.

These dogs get along great with kids and other pets, making them a great choice for families. They're also relatively low maintenance.

Yorkipoos are plenty energetic, but they also enjoy downtime with their owner. This means they're happy to play and run around, but they're also happy to snuggle up on the couch.

They weigh between 3-15 pounds, making them a great option for people who live in small spaces or have limited mobility.

The Norwich is a small but mighty breed. They're among the smallest working terriers, bred to hunt rats and foxes.

These little guys are up for running around the yard and playing fetch all day. They're also tender enough to enjoy lap time, too.

They get along with everyone from kids to other dogs and are extremely clever, too.

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small but mighty breed that's full of energy and athleticism. They were originally bred to catch rats and other vermin in barnyards, and their impressive agility skills even earned them a spot in circus acts.

These tiny terriers typically weigh between 4-9 pounds and stand between 8.5-11.5 inches tall. They have a short and fine coat that's easy to groom and only needs the occasional bath to look its best.

Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent and playful dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They'll benefit from regular outdoor exercise and plenty of playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Despite their feisty personalities, Toy Fox Terriers don't enjoy rough play and may not be best suited for households with small children. However, they get along well with cats and other canines, making them a great addition to families with older kids or other pets.

With their bold and confident nature, it's no wonder Toy Fox Terriers are a class act in the dog world. They're a breed that's sure to bring joy and excitement to any family who's lucky enough to have one.

A fresh viewpoint: Best Dogs to Breed

The Miniature Schnauzer is a charming breed that's perfect for active families. They need lots of exercise due to their history as farm dogs.

These intelligent dogs will thrive with a job to do, and they'll have the time of their life. They're also low shedders, making them a great choice for families with allergies.

Miniature Schnauzers typically weigh between 11-20 pounds and stand between 12-14 inches tall.

The Whippet is a small breed that's actually related to the Greyhound. They're much smaller in size, weighing between 20-35 pounds.

These dogs are incredibly athletic and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. They're also intelligent and possess a similar speed to their larger Greyhound cousins.

Whippets have an affectionate nature and are known to bark very little.

Chihuahuas are known for their charming and sassy personalities, making them great companions.

They're one of the smallest dog breeds, with a weight range of up to 6 pounds, which is why they make great purse dogs!

Chihuahuas are full of energy and liven up any room they're in, which is usually whatever room their beloved pet parents are in.

Their height can range from 5-8 inches, making them a tiny but mighty presence in any home.

The Guinness World Record for the shortest dog by height belongs to a Chihuahua from Puerto Rico, while another Chihuahua from Florida holds the record for the shortest dog by length.

Chihuahuas' coats come in a variety of colors and can be either short- or long-haired, with the latter requiring regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.

They meet most of their exercise needs simply by following their pet parent around the house, with occasional bursts of energy throughout the day.

Chihuahuas also need several play sessions, and because of their tiny size, it's not unusual to see them wearing sweaters to help keep them warm.

Discover more: Mini Toy Poodles

Corgis are one of the top ten most popular dog breeds. They're known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and athleticism.

These dogs were originally bred as cattle herding dogs. Both Pembroke Welsh corgis and Cardigan Welsh corgis share these herding roots.

One key difference between the two breeds is their tails - Cardigan Welsh corgis have tails, while Pembroke Welsh corgis do not.

For more insights, see: Pomeranian Welsh Corgi

Yorkshire Terriers are a popular American dog breed, known for their feisty personalities and glamorous floor-length coats.

They were originally used as ratters in mines and mills, a job that required a tough and tiny dog.

Yorkies are playful, energetic, and affectionate dogs, but they don't handle the cold well.

They may be prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which is a common issue in small dog breeds.

Yorkies typically stand between 6-8 inches tall, with some weighing no more than 7 pounds.

Their rugged origins in Yorkshire County, northern England, are a testament to their hardy nature.

If you're considering keeping your Yorkie's coat long, be prepared for daily brushing and possibly even an adorable topknot to keep their eyes hair-free.

A short-clipped haircut, on the other hand, keeps grooming simple.

Additional reading: Yorkies and Chihuahuas

French Bulldogs are a popular choice for city dwellers due to their adaptable nature and affectionate personalities.

They're known for their adorable, bat-like ears, which are a distinctive feature of the breed.

One of the best things about French Bulldogs is that they don't bark much, making them a great fit for apartments and communal living situations.

Their calm demeanor also makes them a great choice for families with small children, as they're generally easy-going and patient.

French Bulldogs typically weigh up to 28 pounds, which is relatively small compared to other breeds.

Pomeranians are a popular lap dog, known for their cute strut and beautiful coat. They come in almost two dozen colors, but are usually seen in orange or red.

Their fluffy double coat requires regular brushing, especially since it's prone to shedding. Brushing several times a week is recommended to keep them looking their best.

Pomeranians are super smart and playful, and can master tricks easily. They're a great companion for active owners who can keep up with their energetic personalities.

These tiny dogs are actually descended from sled dogs, and their predecessors weighed around 30 pounds. But once they became popular, they were selectively bred to be the tiny, cute dogs we know today.

Pomeranians are relatively small, weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, and standing between 6 and 12 inches tall. They're a great choice for city dwellers or those who live in small spaces.

A different take: Popular Pomeranian Dog

The Maltese is a small white dog known for their straight, sweeping curtain of fur.

They typically weigh 7 pounds or less and stand between 7-9 inches tall.

Maltese dogs are affectionate and loyal, making them a great option for families.

Despite their long coat, they aren't a heavy shedder and are often labeled as "hypoallergenic".

However, there's no truly hypoallergenic dog, so if you have allergies, be aware that a Maltese may still trigger some reactions.

Maltese can be prone to sunburn due to their thinner coat, so provide them with plenty of shade if you're spending time outside.

They need daily walks for exercise, but be careful not to carry them around too much, as they can get tired easily.

Maltese are known to be gentle, loving, and trusting, often staying close to their pet parent and following them around the house.

You might enjoy: What Is the Most Hypoallergenic Dog Breed

The Shih Tzu is a small breed that weighs between 9-16 pounds. They were originally bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to look like a little lion.

These tiny dogs are very attached to their owners and thrive on attention. They have long and luxurious coats that need to be brushed a few times a week to stay tangle-free.

Shih Tzus are best suited for families who are willing to provide regular grooming and attention.

Toy Poodles are smart and playful dogs, and they probably don't mind bath night, which should be every two to four weeks.

They are the smallest of the Poodle breeds, with a weight of 4–6 pounds.

These elegant dogs have Einstein-like smarts and they make excellent family dogs.

Toy Poodles are intelligent, which makes them a joy to train and interact with.

See what others are reading: Toy Poodles Pros Cons

The Bichon Frise is a small white dog that weighs between 12-18 pounds.

These dogs are known for being curious and friendly, making them a great companion for many families.

Their eager-to-please nature also makes them easy to train, which is a bonus for first-time dog owners.

Bichons are a popular breed for a reason - their loving and playful personalities shine through in their behavior.

The Biewer Terrier is a small and adorable breed that's perfect for lap dogs. They weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand at a height of 7-11 inches.

Their unique genetic twist gives them a white coat with patches of color, making them instantly recognizable. You might mistake them for a Yorkshire Terrier at first, but they're officially one of the AKC's recognized breeds.

Regular brushing is essential for the Biewer Terrier due to their long coats that can grow to the ground. Their loyal nature and hunting instincts make them great companions, but they'll likely spend most of their time in your lap.

The Biewer Terrier has a distinctive feature - a full tail that flows over their back, unlike the Yorkie's sparse tail. Their three-color coat is another distinguishing factor from the Yorkie's two-color coat.

Cairn Terriers are shaggy, athletic dogs bred in Scotland to hunt foxes and other small mammals. They weigh around 13-14 pounds.

These little dogs were originally bred for hunting, and their energetic nature makes them perfect for active owners.

The King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog that weighs between 13-18 pounds.

These sweet puppies were especially beloved by King Charles I and his son, Charles II, and were eventually named after them.

You'll find that King Charles Spaniels are clever, friendly, and eager to please, making them the perfect choice for first-time pet parents.

Their small size is ideal for apartment living, and they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Border Terrier is a small breed that weighs between 11-16 pounds. They have a distinctive "otter head" that's hard to resist.

These little dogs are bursting with energy and need at least an hour of exercise every day to thrive.

Silky Terriers are surprisingly energetic for their small size. They love having a job to do and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy.

Their long, luscious coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. This is a big responsibility for pet parents who want to keep their Silky looking its best.

One of the most gentle mannered dogs, Silky Terriers are great family dogs due to their playful and affectionate nature.

You might like: Are American Staffordshire Terriers Good Dogs

Boston breeds are known for being easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are also easy keepers, preferring to remain by their owner's sides.

Tiny and loveable dogs are a joy to have around! They bring immense joy and fun into your home.

Their small size is perfect for city living or for families with limited space. They're also great companions for people who live alone.

Some tiny breeds, like the Yorkipoo, weigh as little as 3-15 pounds and are friendly, lively, and intelligent. They make great first pets, especially for kids and other pets.

Their playful nature is infectious and can liven up any room. Chihuahuas, for example, are full of energy and can brighten up even the gloomiest of days.

Despite their small size, some tiny breeds, like the Pomeranian, are super smart and can master tricks easily. They're also known to be fluffy and adorable, with almost two dozen colors to choose from.

Tiny dogs like the Maltese and the Biewer Terrier are ideal lap dogs and love their family. They're perfect for people who want a companion that will stay close by.

They still need daily exercise, though, so be sure to take them for walks and provide them with plenty of playtime.