25 Smallest Dog Breeds That Are Worth Barking About

By Alberto Roy

Updated on:

Smallest Dog Breeds

Many AKC groups include smallest dog breeds. This means that there is an ideal breed for everyone who loves little dogs. These dogs don’t need to be active, so they can live in apartments for rent in columbus oh. Not all small dogs can be lap-warmers.

Some dogs can be tough and have strong personalities. Some breeds, such as the Dachshunds and small terriers, love to be outdoors and have plenty of space. Consider if your family has young children.

If this is the case, ensure that your dog has its own space. Or, perhaps, look into other breeds that might be more suitable for your family. Some small dogs can’t compete with boisterous young children, so they need quieter surroundings.

Small Dog Breeds

Drummond’s family is not known for keeping small breeds of dog as pets. In fact, all Drummond dogs, even the Labradors and basset hounds, are larger than average. Ree loved smaller dogs long before Lucy or Duke.

Ree’s first dog was actually a Jack Russell Terrier (Breed number 18 in this list). Suzie, who was fiercely protective over Ree and her daughters. Ree jokes that she hated all men.

She would go from cuddling under me to snorting her teeth if my brothers (or my brother in law Tim) entered the room. Ree’s passion for dogs has grown over the years. She has her own line and Charlie’s ice cream shop in Pawhuska.

There are many small, playful breeds of dogs that can be as adorable as big dogs. There’s a small breed for everyone, whether you want a cuddly, relaxed dog or one that can keep up with your active lifestyle. These adorable dogs are featured in our list.

Small Size Dogs

Sometimes small dog breeds are criticized for being hyperactive, yappy, and difficult to train. But, as with all stereotypes, this is not always true.

Smallest Dog Breeds

The various small breeds of dogs, even toy ones, pack a lot into their tiny bodies. These tiny dogs can be loyal companions and show affection with children and adults alike.

These adorable, small dogs are happy in all kinds of spaces, including a big home or a studio apartment.

They also tend to live longer than larger dogs (from 12 to 20 year old). You shouldn’t put them all together in one box. These small dog breeds are unique in their personalities.

Chihuahua

best small dog breeds chihuahua

Our list starts with the smallest dog in the canine kingdom. Chihuahuas have a charming personality and make great purse dogs. They also look great in a s’mores costume.

Weight: 6 to 7 pounds

Pug

best small dog breeds pug

These pugs are descendants of royalty. They were once the preferred companions of Chinese emperors. They are also excellent house dogs, especially for homes with small outdoor spaces.

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Yorkshire Terrier

best small dog breeds yorkie

Yorkies are most well-known for their glamorous, floor-length, lustrous coats at dog shows. However, the breed was once used as ratters in mines, mills, and other places. Yorkies are a popular American breed. Their owners love them for the feisty personalities and love Yorkies.

Weight: 7 pounds

Corgi

best small dog breeds corgi

Two breeds of smart dogs are available: the Pembroke Welsh Corgis (pictured here) and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Both were originally bred to be cattle herding dogs. Their tails are the biggest difference:

Pembroke Corgis have tails while Cardis don’t. Both breeds are intelligent, affectionate and athletic, despite being short in stature. They are also among the top 10 most loved dog breeds.

Weight: Maximum 30 Pounds

Affenpinscher

best small dog breeds affenpinschner

These furry beauties are compared to the Ewoks and Wookies of Star Wars. Affens, despite their small stature, are full of personality. They’re known for being extremely curious and entertaining.

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Toy Poodle

best small dog breeds toy poodle

Toy poodles, just like their larger cousins, the standard and miniature poodles of their breed, are well-known for their intelligence. According to the American Kennel Club, poodles can sometimes behave more like humans than they do as dogs.

Weight: 4-6 pounds

Shih Tzu

best small dog breeds shih tzu

These cute dogs come in many different coat colors and were originally bred for living in Chinese royal palaces. They are great for small apartments or smaller spaces. They are known for being very affectionate and charming with children.

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Pomeranian

best small dog breeds pomeranian

The fluffy double coat of Lovable Poms is what makes them so special. It comes in nearly two dozen colors, but most often seen in orange and red. Poms are smart and playful and can learn tricks and play games quickly.

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Maltese

best small dog breeds maltese

The mantle is silky white and covers the entire body of these pups, except for show dogs. Maltese dogs make great family pets. They are loyal and affectionate.

Weight: Maximum 7 Pounds

French Bulldog

French bulldogs are a popular breed, especially with city dwellers. Their adorable ears are reminiscent of bats and their affectionate personalities make them a favorite.

best small dog breeds french bulldog

Frenchies don’t bark often, which makes them great for apartment living and other communal situations.

Weight: Maximum 28 Pounds

Daschund

This smart breed of watchdog, also known as wiener dogs, was bred in Germany more than 600 years ago to hunt badgers.

best small dog breeds dachshund

Their big personalities and unique looks are what make them so beloved. These cheese knives will be a hit with Dachshund owners.

Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), under 11 pounds (miniature)

Boston Terrier

best small dog breeds boston terrier

These cute American-bred dogs are well-known for their elegant tuxedo patterns, earning them the nickname “The American Gentleman.”

Weight: 12-25 pounds

Rat Terrier

best small dog breeds rat terrier

Legend has it that Teddy Roosevelt was the one who gave this breed its name. Rat Terriers are very playful due to their past as working dogs. They make great playmates for children when they get older.

Weight: 10-25 pounds

English Cocker Spaniel

best small dog breeds cocker spaniel

The floppy-eared, energetic dogs are beloved for their upbeat personalities and lively demeanour. They’re also gorgeous on the outside. They come in many colors and patterns and can be cuddled and soft to the touch.

Weight: 26-34 pounds

Whippet

best small dog breeds whippet

This narrow-faced dog might look like a greyhound, but it is actually a whippet. It is a smaller breed. Whippets are lightening fast, just like greyhounds. It’s essential that whippets have lots of space outside to run and play.

Weight: 25-40 pounds

Beagle

best small dog breeds beagle

A beagle is a great choice for any type of dog, whether you are looking for a hunting companion or a playful, cuddly pet. Their owners often call them “merry” and beagles can bark and howl quite a lot.

Weight: Maximum 30 Pounds

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

best small dog breeds cavalier king charles spaniel

The name cavalier King Charles spaniel comes from its connection to British history. Charles I, the unfortunate King Charles II, was known for his love of toy spaniels during the 17th century.

These soft, silky-soft dogs are available in four colors: Blenheim (chestnut marks on white), tricolor(black markings white), black and Tan (black with tan) and ruby red (pictured below).

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Jack Russell Terrier

best small dog breeds jack russell terrier

Like Ree’s beloved pup Suzie, Jack Russell terriers can be fiercely loyal and very energetic. Their expressive ears and big eyes make them adorable. There are three types of Russell terriers. They come in white, black or a combination of both.

Weight: 9-15 pounds

Shiba Inu

best small dog breeds shiba inu

Although this ancient Japanese breed is considered the most beloved companion dog in Japan it was only introduced to America 60 years ago. Its adorable, bear-like face, sweet disposition, and cute personality have made it a popular dog in America. It’s now common to see Shibas across the country.

Weight: 17-23 pounds

Miniature Schnauzer

best small dog breeds schnauzer

Miniature schnauzers are funny because of their bushy eyebrows and beards. Because of their gentle nature, mini schnauzers are great family dogs. You won’t need to clean up their fur as often as you would with a high-shedding breed like mini schnauzers.

Weight: 11-20 pounds

Westie

best small dog breeds westie

The West Highland white terriers are also known as Westies. They are well-known for their playful personality and toy-like faces. They are strong and resilient despite their cute appearances.

Weight: 15-20 pounds

Pekingese

best small dog breeds pekingese

These toy dogs were among a few breeds that were bred to serve as lapdogs to the ancient Chinese ruling classes. Their glamorous “lion’s mane”, coats, and affectionate personalities are what make them so popular.

Weight: Up to 14 Pounds

Bichon Frise

best small dog breeds bischon frise

Bichon Frises are known for their intelligence and charm. Bichon Frise’s most distinctive feature is their white hypoallergenic coat. This makes them a great small dog breed for allergy-prone families.

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Miniature Pinscher

best small dog breeds mini pinscher

Min Pins are small, protective watchdogs that are known affectionately as Min Pins. They are very energetic and have a lot of personality despite being tiny. They come in solid red, chocolate and rust, and black-and rust.

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Japanese Chin

best small dog breeds japanese chin

These adorable indoor-friendly companions are great for lap dogs as they’re intelligent, sensitive, and cute! A bonus? They are beautiful with a thick coat that doesn’t need much care.

Weight: 7-11 pounds

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