Discover Breeds of Dogs Under 40 Pounds

If you're looking for a furry friend that won't break the bank or take over your living room, you're in luck! There are many breeds of dogs under 40 pounds that make perfect companions.

One of the smallest breeds is the Chihuahua, weighing in at just 2-8 pounds. They're also known for being one of the longest-living breeds, with an average lifespan of 12-18 years.

These tiny dogs are big on personality and can be quite feisty, but they're also loving and loyal to their owners. In fact, Chihuahuas are often described as " Velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their people.

The Bichon Frise is another breed that's perfect for small spaces, weighing in at 7-12 pounds. They're playful, friendly, and low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Despite their small size, Bichon Frises are highly intelligent and trainable, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

A unique perspective: Breeds of Dogs under 25 Pounds

Small dog breeds are a delight to own, and one of the best things about them is their ease of training. They're intelligent and quick to learn.

The Toy Fox Terrier is a great example of this, measuring in at just 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing between four and nine pounds, but big on personality.

Chihuahuas are known for being one of the smallest dog breeds out there, weighing in at a mere 6 pounds and standing about 5 inches tall.

Their big attitude and tendency to be bossy or domineering can be a result of poor training, but with proper upbringing, they can be charming and lovable pets.

As one of the longest living dog breeds, Chihuahuas have a life expectancy of 14-16 years, making them a long-term companion.

Personable and sassy, Chihuahuas are a unique breed that requires minimal exercise outside of a regular walk to go to the bathroom.

Grooming needs vary depending on their coat type, but they may need to be brushed once or more a week to stay looking their best.

Cavalier Spaniels are incredibly social dogs that thrive in families with at least one person at home most of the time.

They are loving and gentle, making them perfect companions for families with kids and other pets. Their ideal home is one with a loving atmosphere, where they can be surrounded by people all the time.

These dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring just enough activity to keep them happy and healthy. They don't need too much exercise, just enough to promote activity.

Their small size, weighing between 13-18 pounds, makes them ideal for apartment dwellers and easy travel companions. Their compact size also means they don't require a big yard to run around in.

Regular brushing is needed to maintain their beautiful coat, but it's a small price to pay for their affectionate nature. They are happy to cuddle, nap, and be by your side for hours on end.

The Russell is a high-energy breed that needs constant activity and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They love to dig and explore, and if you don't provide them with a job or purpose, they might become destructive.

Russell Terriers are bred to be workers, so they need to stay busy at all times. This means long walks, extra time at the dog park, and plenty of playtime.

They are alert and clever dogs, with a lifespan of 12-14 years. You'll want to brush their coat once or twice a week, as they have two different coat types that don't require a lot of grooming.

Russell Terriers are small dogs, weighing 12-15 pounds and standing up to 12 inches tall.

Expand your knowledge: Jack Russell Pug Dog

The Brussels Griffon is a small pup with a big personality, weighing between eight and 10 pounds. They're not ideal for young kids who tend to roughhouse.

These dogs are known for their big eyes and even bigger hearts. They have a tiny fur coat, but grooming still requires attention.

You'll want to brush your Brussels Griffon twice a week, and if you have a rough-coated Griffon, you'll need to hand-strip every three months. Their signature beard needs regular combing to prevent matting.

The Brussels Griffon is a great companion, but they do require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They love to be active and show off their athleticism.

Broaden your view: Griffon Belge Puppies

The Lakeland Terrier is an active breed that needs daily entertainment. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

This breed is a great companion for an active family who enjoys outdoor activities. They love to run around and play, making them perfect for families with kids.

Lakeland Terriers are small in size, but they have big personalities. They're known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great with people.

They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a highly intelligent dog breed. They are known for being loyal and willing to please their owners.

These traits make them an ideal sporting dog. Their intelligence and loyalty also make them a great fit for families.

One of the unique facts about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is that they are highly intelligent. This intelligence is paired with a strong desire to please their owners.

Their loyal nature makes them a great companion for active families. They can keep up with the demands of a sporting lifestyle.

A unique perspective: Corgi like Dog

The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed that's perfect for families with older children, as they can grow impatient with younger kids. They're active and playful, but don't require a lot of exercise - a short walk around the block is enough.

These dogs have a hypoallergenic coat that's a joy to behold, but they do need daily grooming to keep it healthy and mat-free. You'll need to brush and comb their curly double coat every day.

Bichon Frises are incredibly affectionate and curious, making them a great companion for families. They're small in size, measuring under a foot in height and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds.

One thing to keep in mind is that they don't shed, but their coats still require regular maintenance. With proper care, your Bichon Frise can live up to 14-15 years, bringing joy and love into your life.

The German Spitz is often confused with the Pomeranian due to its size and shape and appearance of its white fluffy coat. But this breed can get much bigger than an average Pomeranian depending on whether you get a klein (small) or mittel (medium) size Spitz.

They are fiercely loyal and independent, ready to defend family and home from strangers or anything else the dog perceives as a threat to the homestead. This loyalty is a wonderful trait, but it also means they can be wary of new people and environments.

Here's an interesting read: Miniature German Spitz Dog

They do very well in just about any type of climate, so you can live with a German Spitz in Florida or New Hampshire and the breed will feel right at home. This adaptability makes them a great choice for people who move around a lot or live in different environments.

Their life expectancy is between 14-16 years, which is a significant commitment for any dog owner. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

They need regular consistent combing and brushing due to the extent of their shedding. This is a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it to keep their coat looking its best.

They are energetic dogs that need the opportunity to run and play, and they love to go racing around the house at a moment's notice. A brisk walk and hearty playtime on a daily basis is a must for this breed.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How Long Do Jack Russels Live

French Bulldogs are a popular small dog breed for city inhabitants, perfectly suited for apartment and city life.

They are friendly, mild-mannered, and smart dogs, great with toddlers and young children. Their calm disposition and disinclination to bark excessively make them wonderful household dogs.

One of the best things about French Bulldogs is their easy-care nature - they have a short coat that's low on shedding and don't need regular brushing. However, you should plan to devote some time each day to cleaning their cute facial folds.

French Bulldogs are relatively small, weighing no more than 25-28 lbs, making them incredibly easy to tote around town. They are also low-key and laid-back, making them a great fit for couples and families alike.

With a life expectancy of 10-12 years, French Bulldogs require moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy - a nice long walk can help to expend their energy. They are also intelligent and playful, making them a joy to be around.

It's essential to note that French Bulldogs can be prone to breathing difficulties and overheating in certain environments due to their flat face. Make sure to provide them with access to air conditioning when the temperature rises above 85°F.

The Havanese is a small dog breed that originated in Cuba and is known for its lively and friendly personality. They are bursting with energy and get along great with other dogs and people.

These dogs have a silky coat that's hard to resist stroking, and they require regular grooming to prevent tangles. If you let their hair grow long, they'll need daily brushing to keep it looking its best.

Havanese dogs are small in stature, weighing between 7-13 pounds and standing up to 11 inches tall. They are intelligent and spirited, making them a joy to be around.

They are not overly energetic, but they still need plenty of engagement and playtime with their loved ones. A daily walk or play session should keep them happy and content.

One thing to keep in mind is that Havanese dogs can get very attached to their human companions, so it's not recommended to leave them alone all day. They make wonderful city dwellers and travel partners, though, due to their small size and moderate exercise needs.

Their long coats need regular professional grooming, but they're worth it - they're just too cute to resist!

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Pomeranians are great watchdogs due to their protective nature.

They're tiny, weighing between three and seven pounds, but they're active and love to play.

Life expectancy for Pomeranians is 11-13 years, which is a relatively long time for a small dog.

Their temperament is courageous and curious, making them perfect for families with kids.

Pomeranians shed a lot, so be prepared for daily grooming and vacuuming.

They're vocal, which can be a challenge, especially in homes with nearby neighbors.

Proper training can help curb excessive barking, but Pomeranians will still speak up when they need to.

Their height is between 6 and 12 inches, making them a great choice for apartment living.

Pomeranians love to play and get plenty of stimulation from kids, keeping them busy and entertained.

Additional reading: Are Pomeranians Chihuahuas

Shih Tzus are perfect for apartment living, weighing between nine and 16 pounds and standing between eight and 11 inches tall.

These small dogs are happy to stay indoors and are fine with minimal exercise, making them ideal for city dwellers.

Shih Tzus are affectionate and gentle creatures, standing nine to 10 inches tall and rounding out at around 14 pounds.

They are wonderful additions to fun-loving families and are great companions for babies, toddlers, and young children.

Their small size and easy-going nature make them wonderful apartment and city dogs, perfect for those lacking outdoor space.

Shih Tzus have beautiful, flowing, and silky locks, and their outgoing and alert temperament makes them a joy to be around.

However, they can be prone to stubbornness, so routine training at an early age is crucial to prevent disobedience later in life.

With virtually no shedding, you won't have to worry about constant vacuuming, making them a low-maintenance pet.

Toy Fox terriers are tiny dogs, measuring between 8.5 and 11.5 inches in height.

Their small size is matched by their big personality, which makes them a joy to be around.

They weigh between four and nine pounds, making them a great choice for city living or for families with small children.

These little dogs are also easy to train, which is a big plus for first-time dog owners.

Wire Fox Terriers are handsome, intelligent, and confident dogs that make outstanding show dogs. They stand tall at 15.5 inches. Their rough and wiry coats make them distinctively adorable. They weigh between 16 to 18 pounds.

Cairn Terriers are delightful pups to have around, and they make excellent apartment dogs due to their small size. They weigh no more than 13-14 pounds and stand between 9.5 and 10 inches tall.

These dogs are protective and playful, and they thrive on attention from their loved ones. They can be unhappy being alone for long hours during the day.

Cairn Terriers are intelligent, fearless, and cheerful dogs originally bred to hunt mice and rats in barns. They have a well-padded front feet that are larger than their back ones.

They are also known to be southpaws, which is a unique characteristic of this breed. You'll need to make rules and reward them with toys and treats for positive behaviors.

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Cairn Terriers have a stubborn and independent streak, which means they will challenge your authority. They need long daily walks or vigorous play to keep them happy and healthy.

They are loving and loyal pups, but they're also curious wanderers who love to dig around in your backyard and other areas of your property. They have a short and easy-to-maintain coat that requires combing only once a week.

Their life expectancy is around 13-15 years, and they are generally a healthy breed with minimal grooming needs.

The Pumi is a small dog breed that's full of energy and affection. They're known to be nimble-footed.

Their unique black corkscrew hair sets them apart from other breeds. They're originally from Hungary.

Getting a Pumi comfortable with their surroundings is crucial, as they're known to be careful about assessing situations. This means introducing them to new environments gradually.

Pumis typically stand between 15 and 18.5 inches tall. Males can weigh up to 30 pounds, while females usually weigh between 22 and 24 pounds.

The Miniature Pinscher is a lively breed that packs a big personality into a small package. This diminutive dog has a fearless and proud temperament, making it a great companion for those who want a confident canine.

They're relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, requiring only the occasional brush to keep their coat looking its best. Extremely easy to groom, the Miniature Pinscher is a great choice for busy owners.

A daily walk should suffice to keep this dog happy and healthy, as they don't need much exercise. Life expectancy is around 12-16 years, making them a long-term companion.

Their small size is another advantage, weighing in at just 8-11 pounds and standing about 10-13 inches tall.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a lively companion that will be your shadow for much of the day, every day. They are recognizable by their bushy brows and long beard, and they want only to be involved in everything you're doing.

Life expectancy for Miniature Schnauzers is 12-15 years, making them a long-term friend. Their active nature means they need plenty of exercise and attention.

Grooming requirements for Miniature Schnauzers can get complicated and lengthy, from clipping to trimming to stripping the coat. They need to be groomed every four to six weeks, plus baths at home a few times a month and brushing with a slicker brush every day.

Miniature Schnauzers are wonderful with kids of all ages and will protect them. They are also wary of strangers and can get into big trouble if they're not kept on a leash.

They need an hour of exercise every day, whether it's a long walk or some playtime in the backyard – or both. This can do them a world of good and help keep them happy and healthy.

At 11-20 pounds and 12-14 inches in height, Miniature Schnauzers are a great size for city or country living. They easily adapt to their surroundings as long as they get the exercise they need.

The Papillon is a toy dog breed that's full of energy and confidence. Its name, which means "butterfly" in French, comes from the fact that its ears resemble a set of butterfly wings.

This breed is known for its joyful and friendly temperament, making it a great companion for many families. With a life expectancy of 14-16 years, you can expect a long and happy relationship with your Papillon.

The Papillon is a small dog, weighing in at 5-10 pounds and standing up to 11 inches tall. Despite its tiny size, it's a rough customer and loves to adventure.

To keep your Papillon happy and healthy, you'll need to provide regular exercise and playtime. This breed has a lot of energy, so don't be surprised if it keeps you on your toes.

Grooming is relatively easy for the Papillon, requiring only an average level of brushing and combing.

The Pug is a loyal people pleaser of a pet, known for its larger than life outgoing personality.

They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Pugs shed a lot, so a weekly brushing is a must to get rid of all that dead hair.

Despite their small size, Pugs are not high maintenance dogs when it comes to exercise, but they do need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

They are prone to breathing difficulties and heatstroke after excessive exercise or time spent in hot and humid weather, so it's essential to keep them cool and comfortable.

A Pug's weight typically ranges from 14-18 pounds, with no specified standard height.

The Scottish Terrier is a breed that's willing and able to be trained, but you'll need to dedicate plenty of time and patience to training.

They're smart and confident, with a strong will that can sometimes get in the way. Their independence can make training a bit of a challenge.

Life expectancy for Scottish Terriers is 12-13 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a small breed.

With their high energy levels, they require long walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Here's an interesting read: Scottish Dogs Breeds

The Shetland Sheepdog, or "Sheltie" for short, is a small but mighty breed. They're often mistaken for a small Collie, but they have a unique personality all their own.

Their life expectancy is around 12-14 years, which is a good thing for anyone who falls in love with one of these adorable dogs. They're loyal and funny companions, always ready to brighten up your day.

At about 25-28 pounds and 13-16 inches in height, Shelties are small but agile dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A long walk is a great way to keep them entertained and exercised.

To keep their beautiful coats in top condition, Shelties need regular brushing and combing. It's a small price to pay for the joy of owning one of these friendly dogs.

The Shiba Inu is a very intelligent dog of small stature, hailing from Japan.

They have a big personality, which can make training a bit of a challenge, especially if you don't start early.

Life expectancy for Shiba Inus is between 13-16 years, so be prepared for a long-term companion.

Shiba Inus are active and alert, so they need regular exercise, such as a trip to the park a couple times a week.

Their grooming needs are minimal, requiring only weekly brushing and combing.

They weigh between 17-23 pounds and reach a height of up to 16.5 inches, making them a compact but lively companion.

The Whippet is a breed that's often mistaken for an Italian Greyhound, but don't let that fool you - it's a dog that can run up to 30 miles an hour.

Whippets are incredibly friendly and loyal, making them great companions for families with children of all ages.

They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that sheds very little, requiring only basic grooming.

These dogs are bred from greyhounds and terriers, so they're naturally athletic and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Whippets are surprisingly adaptable, and can thrive in small spaces like apartments, as long as they get regular exercise and attention.

They're also intelligent and affectionate, making them great travel companions and neighbors.

Whippets can weigh between 18-48 pounds and stand up to 22 inches tall, making them a medium-sized breed.

They're not hyperactive, but they do love to run and play, and will happily sprint up to 35 miles an hour if given the chance.

Whippets are generally quiet, but they will let you know when someone is at the door - they just won't be too keen on being a guard dog.

Small dog breeds are perfect for city living or for those who don't have a big backyard. Miniature Pinschers, for example, are quick and active, with a lively curiosity.

They typically stand between 10 and 12.5 inches tall and weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. This size makes them ideal for apartment living.

These little dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Toy Fox Terriers, another small breed, are easy to train and have big personalities despite their tiny size.

They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only an average level of brushing and combing.

They're small but mighty, and for good reason - Miniature Schnauzers are smart, trainable, and consistently cheerful. They have a unique appearance with their walrus-like beards and expressive eyebrows.

Standing 12-14 inches tall and tipping the scale at 20 lbs, Miniature Schnauzers have warm and spunky personalities. They are famous for their distinctive look and are wonderful with kids of all ages, protecting them with loyalty.

Miniature Schnauzers are wary of strangers, but they easily adapt to city or country life as long as they get an hour of exercise every day. They'll always want to touch you or be near you, but they can also be stubborn and dig-into-the-sand if bored.

These little dogs are also great watchdogs, but they tend to bark at larger dogs without worrying about the consequences and chase after smaller animals. This swagger can get them into big trouble, so it's essential to keep them on a leash.

Their average size is 12-14 inches in height and 11-20 lbs in weight, making them a great fit for apartment living or city dwellers.

Beagles are happy, lovable, and gentle hound dogs known for their square-cut nose, big beautiful eyes, and excellent sense of smell.

They're great around kids due to their easy-going and tolerant nature.

Beagles have incredible stamina, bred for long hunts, and make wonderful adventure companions.

However, they can be determined scent hounds and may follow their noses if not leashed on the trail.

They don't make good guard dogs, but will spring into action if their owners and other family members are in danger.

Their small stature makes them easily one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and Canada.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a lively and athletic breed that's perfect for families with kids. They're known for being busy and inquisitive, always looking for something to do.

Life expectancy for Cardigan Welsh Corgis is 12-15 years, so you can enjoy their company for a good chunk of time. With proper care, they can thrive and become beloved family members.

For more insights, see: Pomeranian Welsh Corgi

Their weight and height range from 25-40 pounds and up to 12.5 inches, making them a great option for smaller living spaces. Their small size is a bonus for city dwellers or those with limited yard space.

Weekly grooming is necessary to keep their coat looking its best. You'll want to get into the habit of combing and grooming your Cardigan Welsh Corgi regularly to prevent matting and tangling.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis need plenty of exercise to harness their energy, so be prepared to take them on regular walks or playtime in the yard. With enough physical activity, they'll be happy and healthy companions.