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Small dogs are quickly becoming the top choice on every pet lover’s wishlist, and it’s no surprise why. These tiny dogs are adored by many for their cute appearance and lively personalities.
In metropolitan cities especially, many prefer small dogs over larger dogs, as their maintenance and lifestyle tend to be more economical. Whether it’s routine vet visits, food costs, or grooming expenses, it all tends to be cheaper. They also have longer lifespans and their small stature makes it easy for them to adapt to apartment living effortlessly.
Being travel-friendly adds another star to their portfolio. Thanks to their small size, it is easy to pop these pups in a cute carrier and take them wherever you go. While all small dog breeds share these fun characteristics, they come in many different shapes, colors, and personalities. Here’s a guide to some of the most charming small dog breeds for you to obsess over.
1. Chihuahua
Standing at approximately 5 to 8 inches tall, the Chihuahua is recognized as the smallest dog in the world. These tiny dogs are often referred to as “purse dogs” because they can quite literally fit into a purse. They typically weigh between 3 to 6 pounds and have a life expectancy of around 12 to 20 years.
There are two types of Chihuahuas: the smooth-coated and the long-coated. The long-coated variety requires extra grooming to keep their fur free from mats, while the smooth-coated ones are lower-maintenance. Both types are characterized by their oversized, pointy ears, which only add to their cuteness.
Don’t let their small size fool you into thinking they are laid-back lap dogs. Chihuahuas are quite the opposite. They are high-energy dogs that can become very vocal at times. They love to zoom around, play with toys, and bark at everything in sight. Their loyalty and affectionate personalities make them everyone’s favorite.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu, meaning “little lion,” is an adorable small dog breed originating from Tibet, China. They weigh between 9 to 12 pounds, supporting all this weight on their short and tiny legs. Their height is about 10 inches tall, making them the perfect small-sized lapdog.
Many people adore Shih Tzus for their long, silky double coats. This low-shedding coat makes them hypoallergenic. Occasionally, their long hair falls over their big black eyes and ears, giving them a softer appearance. It is important to regularly brush their luxurious coat to keep it tangle-free.
Shih Tzus are lively and sociable dogs and bond deeply with their owners. Their extroverted and loving temperament makes them inseparable from their owner. They are highly intelligent, but their stubbornness can sometimes make them seem slow, especially during training when they don’t pick up commands as quickly. Overall, they make an adorable and loving companion.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are descendants of the German Spitz, inheriting their signature thick fur. These walking fluffballs stand about 7 inches tall and between 3 to 6 pounds, but their tiny bodies pack a bold and big personality.
The Pomeranian’s double coat is a sight to behold. When it grows, it fluffs into a beautiful and stunning coat that draws attention wherever it goes. It comes in a variety of different colors, such as orange, red, cream, and black. The double coat can become tangled and matted easily, so it’s important to avoid this with regular grooming.
These dogs are known for their feisty and spunky personalities. They are extremely loud and bark a lot, which makes them a good alert and watchdog but a bad choice for apartment living. They are incredibly affectionate and loyal, often following their owners around like a shadow. Their intelligence makes it easier to teach them new tricks, making them excellent pets.
4. Maltese
The Maltese dogs have been popular throughout centuries, especially among the royalty. Their long, silky white coat gives them an elegant and regal appearance. They originate from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean, where they were cherished as pets by the elite.
These dogs are small and compact, standing between 7 to 9 inches tall and weighing about 4 to 7 pounds. Their beautiful coats require regular grooming, often needing a few brush-outs a week to keep them tangle-free. Many people adore styling their Maltese with a cute little bow in their hair.
The Maltese is a friendly, playful, and intelligent dog. While this breed can be a bit headstrong at first, they quickly learn commands and tricks with consistent training. They are highly sociable, and, once they trust their owners, they can become quite protective. However, their delicate stature makes them less suitable for families with young children, as they can get hurt easily.
5. Toy Poodle
The toy poodle is a smaller variety of the standard poodle, only about a third of their size. They grow up to 10 inches tall and weigh between 4 to 6 pounds. Their unique coat, loving temperament, and high intelligence make them a popular choice among dog owners.
Their charm lies in their tightly coiled curly coat, which makes them look like teddy bears. However, their coat is prone to matting and tangling. Thus, frequent brushing, typically every other day, is necessary to keep their fur in good condition. While they are low-shedding, they are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Toy poodles are very intelligent, and they thrive on mental stimulation. If they become bored, they can exhibit unwanted behaviors like excessive barking. So, it’s important to cater to their mental needs to prevent this. They are loving dogs and can quickly form strong bonds with their owners. This can lead to them developing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
5. Pugs
This small snub-nosed dog is one of the most popular dog breeds around today. They have a short fur coat, short legs, and a small size, making them easy to scoop up and cuddle with. They stand up to 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 to 18 pounds.
They have a muscular build with a wide chest, making them look like a bulldog. Their flattened face is due to brachycephaly, a skull deformity that gives them their unique appearance. Despite their stocky build, their tiny curled tail and expressive eyes make them super adorable.
Pugs are high-energy dogs with an even temperament. You most likely wouldn’t find them chewing aggressively on furniture or excessively barking. They’re loving companions who enjoy snuggling and cuddling with their owners, as a true testament to their affection. Pugs tend to choose a favorite person and form a strong bond, sticking with them loyally.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is popularly known as the “toy-sized” tiny terrier. It is the smallest of terriers, weighing less than 7 pounds and standing up to 9 inches tall. Its origin traces all the way back to Yorkshire in England, which is where it gets its name.
The most striking feature of the Yorkie is its straight and silky, floor-length hair. It can be found in different colors like silver-blue, cream, and golden. Their coat is termed “hypoallergenic” because it doesn’t shed much, making it a suitable choice for people with allergies. Most owners style their Yorkie’s hair every day and have lots of haircuts to choose from.
This is a loud dog breed, brimming with a lot of energy. They bark a lot, so they can be good watchdogs. They have feisty personalities and can be a bit stubborn at times, and they love being the center of attention all the time. They are very affectionate dogs and love to cuddle with their owners.
7. Brussels Griffon
This tiny dog originated in Brussels, Belgium, after which it is named. They were initially bred to kill rodents but are now kept as pets by many. They can grow up to 10 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 8 to 10 pounds.
They have a tiny body, short legs, and a distinctive face that sets them apart from other small dogs. Their large puppy-like eyes and small pushed-in muzzle give them a uniquely adorable appearance. Brussels Griffon pups can have two types of coats: smooth and rough. The smooth coat is shiny and short, while the rough coat is wiry and dense.
These adorable dogs have tiny and sensitive hearts. They get very attached to their owners in no time and hate the idea of “alone time.” Their idea of a perfect evening would be resting and cuddling in their owner’s lap. They are very intelligent and can be trained quickly with a gentle approach.
8. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a tiny Pinscher toy dog originating from Germany. They have tiny bodies standing between 9 to 12 inches tall and weighing anywhere between 7 to 10 pounds. Their name can be broken down into “affe” meaning “monkey,” and “pinscher,” meaning “terrier.” They are given this name due to their unique monkey-like facial appearance.
They are covered with rough, shaggy fur that is mostly black but can also come in different colors like grey, silver, red, or tan. They have small pointy ears, dark eyes, and a small nose, making them look absolutely adorable. Their long beards and long eyebrows make them stand out even more.
The Affenpinscher tends to be as bold and mischievous as it looks. Despite its small size, it is confident and fearless, and they will enjoy playtime to the fullest, always keeping you on your toes. You can expect to find it pawing and toying at your stuff, but its fun personality is exactly what makes it so special.
9. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is one of the cutest small dog breeds you’ll lay your eyes on. From crowning the laps of royalty with its regal presence to becoming an adorable house pet nowadays, this breed has come a long way. They weigh less than 11 pounds and can grow up to 11 inches tall.
It has a small face with round, wide-set eyes and a short muzzle that gives it a cat-like appearance. It has a broad chest adorned with straight and silky fur, droopy ears, and furry hind legs, giving it a true royal-like appearance. Their fur comes in many colors, such as black and white, tan and white, and red and white.
They’re the perfect low-energy dogs that pack a lot of love in their tiny hearts. They’re intelligent pups and make great companions. However, they can be shy around new people. Overall they tend to be easy-going, loving dogs that can adjust perfectly in multi-pet households.
10. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a tiny, short-limbed toy dog that can weigh up to 14 pounds and is 6 to 9 inches tall. Its elongated body is complemented by a wide chest covered with straight, long fur resembling a lion’s mane, earning it the title of “lion dog.”
Their luxurious plush coat comes in many different colors, such as gold, red, and sable. Like Pugs, the Pekingese have brachycephaly, which explains their flattened faces and short snouts. Nonetheless, these toy dogs from China have a very cutesy and regal appearance.
The Pekingese have spent centuries in the laps of Chinese royalty, which means they have the perfect charming personalities. While they’re independent dogs, they can be very affectionate and loving towards their owners. They’re known for choosing one person in the household as their favorite and then sticking with them.
Tiny Dogs, Big Hearts
While every small dog breed shares a delicate frame, each one has its own unique and endearing qualities. From the short-haired Pugs to the long-haired Malteses and the spunky Pomeranians to the sensitive Griffs, there’s a perfect match waiting for everyone.
Though they all seem like irresistible additions to any family, finding the one that fits your lifestyle will make your bond even more special. Also, consider the temperament of the small dog you are looking to bring home. These breeds, while tiny and therefore seemingly more convenient, are not low maintenance. Ensure that you thoroughly research every aspect of the breed before committing to becoming a pup parent.