Toy-sized pups get a bad rap for not being “proper” canines, but if you get to know them? You’ll find that they boast larger-than-life personalities and are just as lovable as big dogs! Not only that, but toy-sized pups are also utterly adorable, a lot more manageable, and typically have longer lifespans.
There are plenty of dog breeds under 15 pounds, each unique in personality and care needs. Below, we’ll delve further into some of the best toy-sized pooches out there to help you find your perfect forever friend.
The Pomeranian is outgoing and has a lovable, affectionate demeanor that very few breeds can rival. They do have a spunky side, so you can expect a lot of mischievous (yet lovable) antics, and they appreciate having a playmate around the house.
Pomeranians are smart and can pick up most commands quickly. However, they do have an independent streak and need an owner who can be strong-willed and persistent with them.
Most Pomeranians stand 6 to 7 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 3 to 7 pounds. They have short, compact builds and thick double coats that give them a teddy bear-like appearance. Pomeranians typically come in orange or red, but other recognized coat colors include blue, black, chocolate, cream, and white.
Pomeranians are adaptable and will happily adjust to your lifestyle, as long as their needs are met. Most Pomeranians need at least half an hour of exercise per day to stay happy, healthy, and fit, and they need frequent brushing to keep their double coats in good condition.
If you decide to adopt a Pomeranian, you should also take them to a professional groomer once a month. A groomer can cut their fur to a more manageable length and effectively tackle mats and tangles without causing pain or irritation.
Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs and most lead long lives. However, they are prone to some health conditions, including patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and tracheal collapse.
The Chihuahua is a feisty pup who’s essentially a big dog in every aspect apart from size. They’re alert, devoted, and lively, and they never turn down a challenge — even if that challenge is twice or even three times their size!
While the Chihuahua is gentle and affectionate, they aren’t the best choice for families with children. Their body is extremely fragile, and a kid’s boisterous roughhousing can leave them with life-threatening injuries. They also struggle with loud noises, sudden movements, and incessant petting (all things kids are renowned for).
The Chihuahua is widely considered to be the smallest dog in the world, reaching only 5 to 8 inches tall and weighing under 6 pounds. They have large, erect ears, rounded heads, and full eyes that are alert and expressive.
Chihuahuas typically have short, smooth coats, though some have long coats that are either straight or wavy in texture. Most long-haired Chihuahuas also have prominent feathering around their tails, legs, and ears.
Chihuahuas usually need at least half an hour of exercise per day in the form of short walks, runs, and interactive games. Their grooming needs can vary depending on which coat type they have.
Short-haired Chihuahuas only need to be brushed once a week because their fur doesn’t tangle easily. However, this isn’t the case for long-haired Chihuahuas; they’ll need to be brushed more frequently to keep tangles at bay, ideally three times a week.
Most Chihuahuas live for 14 to 16 years with proper care, but they are susceptible to eye problems, Legg-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella.
Papillons are energetic, happy-go-lucky pups who love nothing more than a long play session with their owners. They’re also extremely intelligent, work-driven, and eager to please — all qualities that make them highly trainable.
Papillons are sociable and thrive in households where they have company throughout the day. They also warm up to strangers quickly, especially with some treats, praise, and cuddles.
Papillons can feel at home in any household environment, but they are vocal and aren’t the best fit for thin-walled apartment buildings.
The papillon has an elegant stature, a long silky coat, and a plumed tail. However, their most distinctive physical feature is their extremely large, feathered ears that resemble a butterfly’s wings in shape.
Papillons come in a wide array of different colors and color combinations, but they’re usually white with black, sable, tan, or red markings.
Papillons are generally easy to care for because they respond to training well and can adapt to their owners’ routines and lifestyles. However, their gorgeous coats do require regular brushing. Papillons also need around 40 minutes of exercise per day with plenty of play sessions.
Papillons have an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. Health conditions to be mindful of include dental problems, luxating patella, and cataracts.
The Yorkshire terrier or “Yorkie” is a courageous, brave, and feisty dog who gets up to all kinds of hilarious and endearing antics.
While they’re loyal, they can be stubborn and aren’t afraid to test their owner’s boundaries. They need a family who won’t overlook their problematic behaviors and can nip them in the bud with effective training before they get out of hand.
The Yorkie is also alert and protective, so they can make a particularly great companion for those after a watchdog. Of course, don’t expect their small frame to ward off any threats — their primary purpose will be to warn you with barks as soon as they detect something suspicious.
The Yorkshire terrier has a compact, athletic build and a long silky coat. While they may look dainty, they have a confident gait and an alert, fierce expression. Yorkies are typically black and tan, but other possible color combinations include blue and gold, black and gold, and blue and tan.
The Yorkie is moderately difficult to care for because of their stubbornness, slowness to housebreak, and high prey drive. However, those who can manage their care needs will be rewarded with an extremely loyal pup who’s sure to watch over you and help you feel safe and secure.
Yorkies require regular grooming, around two to three times a week, with occasional trips to a professional groomer for a trim. They’re also spritely pups and will need at least 40 minutes of exercise per day.
Yorkshire terriers usually lead long lives, and the breed has an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. However, they are prone to conditions such as bladder stones, tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Proudly stubborn with an eye (and nose) for adventure, the miniature dachshund isn’t a companion for the faint-hearted. But for those who are happy to work with them and train them regularly? They make a devoted, friendly, and affectionate companion who will accompany you everywhere you go.
Most miniature dachshunds are upbeat, playful, and gentle, and they do have a bold streak that makes them confident around strangers. They’re also intelligent and are perceptive of their surroundings.
Miniature dachshunds are famous for their adorably short legs and elongated, weiner-like bodies. They reach 5 to 6 inches tall and weigh under 11 pounds.
Miniature dachshunds also have floppy ears, almond-shaped eyes, and large paddle-shaped front paws that are built for digging. Most pups have short, smooth coats that come in black, tan, chocolate, cream, red, and fawn. However, there are also miniature dachshunds with long-haired coats and wired coats.
Despite their small stature, the miniature dachshund is an active pup who needs at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise per day to thrive. On top of that, they also require plenty of play sessions and attention throughout the day.
Most miniature dachshunds only need to be brushed weekly, though long-haired pups will need a good brush at least three times a week.
Most miniature dachshunds live for up to 16 years. However, they are susceptible to health issues such as obesity, luxating patella, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Due to the way their bodies are structured, they’re also prone to injuries, so roughhousing should be kept at a minimum.
Italian greyhounds are even-tempered yet sensitive pups who appreciate a quiet, peaceful environment where they can relax and nap throughout the day. They also get along well with other dogs and aren’t known to be excessive barkers. Most Italian greyhounds are affectionate, gentle, and polite with strangers.
Italian greyhounds stand 13 to 15 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 7 and 14 pounds. They have agile, slender builds, long muzzles, and deep chests. They also have extremely short coats that are smooth in texture.
Their coats come in over a dozen recognized colors and color combinations, but the most typical hues are fawn, brindle, blue, and red.
Italian greyhounds are gentle and eager to please their owners, so they take to training well. However, they are extremely sensitive to stress and struggle in chaotic or loud environments. Due to this, they’re not the best choice for families with young, boisterous kids.
Italian greyhounds require minimal grooming, but they do need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep fit and happy.
While Italian greyhounds are a healthy breed overall, they are prone to bloat because of their deep necks. You can help to minimize the chances of bloat by slowing down their eating with a slow-feeder bowl. You should also avoid exercising them immediately after they have consumed a large meal.
The toy poodle is an extremely affectionate pup who is well-suited to first-time owners. They are incredibly intelligent, easy to train, and get along well with most people and animals. While they have a calm demeanor, they can also be incredibly playful and enjoy long walks with their family.
The toy poodle reaches 10 inches tall at the withers and weighs 4 to 6 pounds. They have a graceful appearance, with a slender muzzle and a well-proportioned, square build.
Toy poodles are famous for their distinctive soft curly coats, which come in colors such as apricot, black, brown, cream, and red. Their coats rarely shed and are considered ‘hypoallergenic.’
Toy poodles are easy to care for because they housebreak quickly and adapt well to their owners’ lifestyles. However, their low-allergen coats are prone to matting and do need daily brushing with a slicker brush. They also need plenty of mental stimulation and around 40 minutes of exercise each day to thrive.
Toy poodles have an average life expectancy of 10 to 18 years, making them one of the longest-living dog breeds out there. However, some conditions they are prone to include thyroid issues, dental problems, and hip dysplasia.
Dog breeds under 15 pounds may be small, but they make tremendous companions for those who can respect their fragile statures, provide them with a loving home, and meet their care needs.
These breeds are also typically easier to manage than larger dogs. Most only requiring around 30 to 40 minutes of exercise per day and a good brush once or twice a week.
There are plenty of dog breeds under 15 pounds to explore, and each is better suited to certain homes and lifestyles. It’s important you take the time to familiarize yourself with each breed and not base your decision solely on looks; this will ensure you find the best toy-sized companion for you and your family.