Small Dogs List of Breeds with Pictures

If you're looking for a small dog that's perfect for apartment living, the Bichon Frise is a great option. This playful and affectionate breed weighs in at just 7-12 pounds.

The Bichon Frise is a low-shedding breed, making it a great choice for people with allergies. They require regular grooming to prevent matting.

The Poodle is another popular small dog breed, with three sizes to choose from: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The Toy Poodle weighs in at just 6-14 pounds.

Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With proper grooming, they can live up to 15 years or more.

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Small dog breeds are a popular choice for many dog owners due to their compact size and adaptable nature.

The Chihuahua, one of the smallest dog breeds, typically weighs between 2-8 pounds and stands about 6-10 inches tall.

They are known for being energetic and lively, making them a great fit for owners who live in apartments or have limited space.

The Pomeranian, another small breed, has a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a popular choice as family pets.

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The American Eskimo Dog is a breed that's hard to resist, with their striking good looks and quick clever minds. They originally hail from Germany, not the frozen tundras of Alaska as you might think.

These dogs are undeniably cute, playful, perky, and quick at learning tricks. They tend to be protective, but in a gentle way, with herding in their genes.

Their size is one of their best features - they're relatively small, with a height of 9 to 12 inches and a weight of 6 to 10 pounds. They can live for a long time, with a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

Here are some key stats about the American Eskimo Dog breed:

Manchester is a great breed for city dwellers, and it's no surprise why - they're known for being super-friendly and great companions. The toy version is a perfect fit for hands-on pet parents, and their small size makes them easy to care for.

These little dogs are known for their loyalty and alertness, making them great watchdogs. They're also great for rooting out pests, which is perfect if you've been dealing with a pesky mouse problem at home.

Here are some key facts about the Manchester breed:

Manchester terriers are a relatively long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 15 to 17 years.

The Jack Russell is a breed that's made a name for itself, despite not being recognized by the American Kennel Club.

They've appeared on-screen in popular shows and movies, such as Wishbone and The Artist.

These intelligent workers are known for being stubborn and extremely energetic.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Biewer is a small dog breed that's as cute as it is charming. They have an irresistibly cute face and a charming little smile.

Biewers are outgoing and whimsical, making friends effortlessly with their endearing personalities. Their vibe is dainty and precious, but don't let that fool you – they're surprisingly athletic and love long walks and agility competitions.

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Biewers typically weigh between 4 to 8 pounds, which is perfect for small living spaces or city dwellers. They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but they do need regular walks to stay happy and healthy.

Here's a quick rundown of Biewer stats:

Biewers are known to be smart and trainable, mastering tricks with ease. They're a great choice for first-time dog owners or those who want a low-maintenance companion.

Yorkshire Terriers are a popular choice for many dog owners, and it's easy to see why. At a mere seven pounds, they pack an energetic punch in a small package.

Their silky fur is a standout feature, and it's also hypoallergenic, making them a great option for those with allergies.

The Maltese is one of the oldest small dog breeds, entertaining their owners for thousands of years. They're so lovable that the ancient Greeks even built tombs in their honor.

These tiny dogs are covered from head to foot with silky white hair, which requires daily brushing to prevent matting. But that just means you get to spend more time with this little angel.

Maltese dogs are typically affectionate and charming, making them a great option for families. They're also great watchdogs and athletes, with expressive eyes and outgoing personalities.

Here are some key facts about the Maltese breed:

Their adorable white fur is often cut short in pets for convenience, but is grown long on show dogs.

The Rat breed is a great choice for city-dwellers, as they're excellent exterminators. They're also loyal and cheerful companions.

Their silky-smooth coat makes them a joy to cuddle and play with.

The Bichon Frise is a non-shedding dog breed that's known for being unbelievably happy, loving, and lovable. They're intelligent, but sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak.

They're small in size, with a height of 9.5 to 11.5 inches and a weight of 12 to 18 pounds. Their white coat doesn't shed, and their skin doesn't produce much dander, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Their hair requires regular grooming via regular groomer visits to prevent matting and tangling. And, as their name suggests, they're a lap dog breed that's as sweet as the day is long.

Here's a quick summary of the Bichon Frise's key characteristics:

The Japanese Chin is a breed that's sure to capture your heart with its long, luscious fur and heavenly feathering on its legs and ears.

They're meticulous groomers, which means they'll require regular brushing to prevent matting, but it's a small price to pay for their adorable looks.

Japanese Chins are known for their self-importance and swagger, but don't let that fool you – they're happy to share their favorite spot on the sofa if you lavish them with love.

They're a bit aloof and persnickety, but that's part of their charm. They're not afraid to claim their territory, but they're also happy to snuggle up with their favorite humans.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's key characteristics:

Their lifespan is impressive, and with proper care, they can live a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.

The Miniature Pinscher is a breed that's full of surprises. They're known for being fearless and fun-loving, requiring a lot more activity than their small size suggests.

They're often mistaken for being a toy version of the Doberman Pinscher, but breed historians believe they may actually be a mix between an Italian Greyhound and a Dachshund. This unique heritage is reflected in their confident and courageous personality.

Their physical characteristics include a stately sleek and shiny coat, high-perched ears, and expressive eyes. They're a bit larger than you might expect, standing between 10 to 12.5 inches tall and weighing between 8 to 11 pounds.

Here are some key stats about the Miniature Pinscher:

They're often referred to as the King of Toys, despite their small size. Be prepared for some of their more vocal qualities, as they can be quite chatty.

The Shipperke is a lively breed that's built for action. They're known as Belgium's "little captain", which gives you an idea of their adventurous spirit.

They're small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to physical activity. A Shipperke needs plenty of opportunity to run around and get some exercise.

A dark coat and foxy face make them stand out from the crowd. They're truly one-of-a-kind dogs.

Shipperkes typically weigh between 10-16 pounds, but some may be smaller, weighing around 8-10 pounds.

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The Brussels Griffon is a breed that thrives on affection and will form a strong bond with their owner. They're intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation, but can be stubborn at times.

If you're looking for a lifelong companion, the Brussels Griffon is a great choice. They're relatively small, standing between 7 to 8 inches tall.

Here are some key stats about the Brussels Griffon:

They don't like to be left alone at home, and if they are, they will probably bark their complaints for all the neighbors to hear.

The Chihuahua is a small dog breed that's known for its charming and sassy personality. They're great purse dogs due to their tiny size, weighing up to 6 pounds.

Chihuahuas can be either sweet and nice or feisty and nippy, depending on their individual personality. Some Chihuahuas might be suspicious or scared of humans, which can lead to nipping behavior.

Here are the key facts about Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are not mean dogs; they're just naturally saucy and feisty. Their lifespan can range from 12 to 20 years, which is a significant commitment for any dog owner.

Pugs are a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space, weighing in at 14 to 18 pounds.

Their royal heritage is still evident today, as they were once the chosen companions of Chinese emperors.

Pugs are happy and energetic dogs, but don't let that fool you - they'd rather cuddle than do anything too strenuous.

Their motto, "multum in parvo", translates to "a lot in a little", which suits them perfectly, considering their small size.

Here are some key stats to know about Pugs:

Overall, Pugs are a great choice for those who want a loyal and loving companion that won't take up too much space.

Corgis are great with children and make wonderful family pets. They're intelligent and willing to please, making them easy to train.

Their intelligence and trainability also make them good watchdogs, and they can be noisy with strangers. However, they're generally reserved with people they don't know.

Corgis are smart, affectionate, and athletic, despite their short stature. They're also one of the top ten most popular dog breeds, which is no surprise given their lovable nature.

There are two breeds of corgis to choose from: Pembroke Welsh corgis and Cardigan Welsh corgis. The main difference between them is that Pembroke corgis don't have tails, while Cardigan corgis do.

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The French Bulldog is a popular breed among city dwellers due to its adaptable nature. They're perfect for apartment living because they don't bark much.

Their adorable, bat-like ears make them a standout in the dog world. Frenchies are also known for their affectionate personalities, which make them great companions.

They typically weigh up to 28 pounds, making them a manageable size for smaller living spaces.

If you're looking for a small dog breed that's full of personality, the Miniature Dachshund is a great choice. They're affectionate, intelligent, and athletic, making them perfect for families with children or older adults.

Their small size is one of their best features, as they're easy to carry around and require minimal space. They're also easily trained and love to play and go for walks.

One thing to keep in mind is that their small size can also lead to back problems, due to the brittle spinal discs caused by the gene that gives them their dwarfed legs. However, with proper care and attention, they can live a long and happy life.

Here are some key facts about the Miniature Dachshund breed:

Scottish terriers are known for their dignified, humanlike manner and determination. They're not nicknamed "the Diehard" for nothing!

These dogs have a strong hunting instinct, which can sometimes make them wary of other pets. They may not play well with other dogs or cats.

Scotties are loyal companions to humans, making them a great choice for families who want a devoted pet. They weigh between 18 to 22 pounds, which is relatively small compared to other breeds.

The Cavalier Spaniel is a delightful breed that makes an excellent addition to any family. They are known for their gentle nature and affectionate personality.

Their physical characteristics are quite charming, standing at a height of 12 to 13 inches and weighing between 13 to 18 pounds. This compact size makes them a great choice for city living or for families with smaller spaces.

One of the standout features of the Cavalier Spaniel is their adaptability. They can thrive in a variety of lifestyles, whether that's an active family or a lazy couch potato household. As Dr. Rice notes, they can easily adjust to their owner's lifestyle.

Their life expectancy is around 9 to 14 years, which means they'll be by your side for a good chunk of time. With proper care and attention, they can live a long and happy life.

Here are the key stats for the Cavalier Spaniel: