It’s kind of wild that Great Danes and Chihuahuas are the same species, but here we are. Also surprising? The incredible variety of small dog breeds available to canine lovers. Don’t be fooled by the stature of the pups on this list. Many of these cute dogs believe themselves to be as tall and powerful as the big dogs. Others are content being members of the small dog club, watching the world go by from a carrier. If you’re considering getting a pet but aren’t sure if small dog breeds are for you, consider the following itty-bitty puppy committee.
While every dog is an individual, there are trends among small dog breeds that are worth noting. For instance, small dogs may be more difficult to house train, according to a 2019 survey administered by three animal behavior research centers. The sample size was small (just over 700 pups out of the 65 million pet dogs in the U.S.), but only 66% of small breeds were housetrained, compared to 95% of large breeds. Small dogs also tend to live longer, yet require more safety measures than big dogs. A fall from the couch, a busy sidewalk or a crowded dog park could be treacherous for tiny pups, so dog safety should be top of mind
The Smallest Dog Breeds
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1. Biewer Terrier
- Height: 7-11 inches
- Weight: 4-8 pounds
- Personality: smart, loving
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Don’t mistake these tiny pups for Yorkies! Their white, tan and black coloring is as unique as they are charming. Biewers originated in Germany in the 1980s. They’re known for being happy-go-lucky and incredibly devoted to their families. Be prepared for lots of social interactions when you take Biewers for walks—these dogs love meeting new people and other animals according to the Biewer Terrier Club of America. Their affectionate nature makes them eager to please you, so training often becomes easy and fun. Unless you want to care for their long, silky hair, Biewers will need to visit the groomer’s frequently for a trim.
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2. Brussels Griffon
- Average Height: 7-10 inches
- Average Weight: 8-10 pounds
- Personality: sensitive, loyal
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Don’t leave Brussels Griffons home alone for long stretches—they’ll take it personally and miss you too much. Though they aren’t ideal for kids, these make great companions for adults looking for goofy, ride-or-die canine pals. When training commands and skills, keep in mind the Brussels Griffon’s sensitive nature. Avoid harsh tones and always reward good behavior. These are smart puppies and would definitely enjoy bonding with you over some agility or tracking training if given the chance.
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3. Chihuahua
- Height: 5-8 inches
- Weight: < 6 pounds
- Personality: charming, intelligent
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Chihuahuas have been around for centuries and may use this old-soul wisdom to take advantage of you. They’re smart and learn quickly, but may be stubborn and follow their own rules. It’s hard not to love their dedication and charm, though. As the smallest dog breed out there (Chihuahuas don’t weigh more than six pounds), they’re also one of the most popular. According to Rover’s 2024 Most Popular Dog Breed survey, these tiny sweethearts came in sixth overall and ranked third in terms of loyalty.
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4. Miniature Dachshund
- Height: 5-6 inches
- Weight: < 11 pounds
- Personality: independent, affectionate
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Miniature Dachshunds are smarties with independent streaks, so training and socialization early is key to a happy dog. Use rewards-based training and don’t give up if your pup grows stubborn. Always up for an adventure, Mini Dachshunds go anywhere with their favorite person. Watch them around stairs and ledges! Dachshunds get so pumped for activities they’ve been known to trip when taking stairs too quickly, injuring their backs or legs. These outgoing dogs see themselves as such fierce protectors, that The Dachshund Club of America says “shyness is a serious fault.”
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5. Italian Greyhound
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 7-14 pounds
- Personality: playful, sweet
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
- Trainability: stubborn but trainable
Though taller than many breeds on our list, the Italian Greyhound is certainly one of the leanest. Miniature versions of standard-sized Greyhounds, these skinny dogs enjoy snuggling on the couch to keep warm and racing after toys. If you’ve always wanted to dress your dog up for special occasions, this is the one. They need extra layers when it gets chilly. Don’t let their delicate build and bony legs fool you—these are sighthounds with high prey drives. Chasing after small animals is instinctual. Italian Greyhounds have sensitive souls, so stick to positive reinforcement training when teaching commands.
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6. Japanese Chin
- Average Height: 8-11 inches
- Average Weight: 7-11 pounds
- Personality: proud, quiet
Activity Level: moderate - Shedding Factor: low to moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Bred to lounge in the lap of luxury, these dogs enjoy the simple pleasures in life. They’re loyal to their owners, but aren’t worried about following commands. They’ve been compared to cats, which should tell you something about their mellow yet proud demeanor. The Japanese Chin Club of America recommends asking your vet to test for certain eye ailments common in brachycephalic breeds to get ahead of any health problems. Japanese Chins are ideal for apartment dwellers with ample attention to give.
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7. Japanese Terrier
- Average Height: 10-13 inches
- Average Weight: 10-12 pounds
- Personality: independent, athletic
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate to high
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
These tiny terriers are very smart and eager when it comes to playtime. They are, however, wary of strangers, so be cautious on walks around other people and dogs. Japanese Terriers have strong independent streaks, so training will be difficult. The AKC recommends working with a dog trainer familiar with stubborn terriers. Japanese Terriers also have unique coloring—their bodies are entirely white and their heads are black, brown or tan. One look at those floppy ears and big brown eyes will make you swoon.
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8. Maltese
- Average Height: 7-9 inches
- Average Weight: < 7 pounds
- Personality: adaptable, alert
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Yes, the Maltese’s gorgeous snow-white coat may exude pompousness, but they are athletic and happy to go with the flow. Maltese pups tend to bark to signal intruders—or friends—but they are jovial at heart, eager to mingle and play. Training a Maltese isn’t for the faint of heart because they can be stubborn, but positive reinforcement and perhaps a little agility or course work could make the experience more fun for them. Like Yorkie and Biewer Terriers, these tiny dogs need lots of grooming, whether you’re brushing their hair or taking them in for a trim.
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9. Papillion
- Average Height: 8-11 inches
- Average Weight: 5-10 pounds
- Personality: happy, outgoing
- Activity Level: high
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
- Trainability: trains well with positive reinforcement
Papillon means “butterfly” in French, which suits these tiny dogs well since their ears resemble wings and they are truly the social butterflies of the Toy Group. This is a great example of a small breed who considers itself one of the big dogs, ready to roll around and play fetch. Papillons also adapt well to just about any household. The Papillon Club of America says, “Papillons thrive on stimulation – obedience work, agility, therapy, anything that gives them an opportunity to use their brains and shine for humans.” So train early and keep the fun coming!
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10. Pekingese
- Average Height: 6-9 inches
- Average Weight: <14 pounds
- Personality: proud, loyal
- Activity Level: low
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Already a proud breed, the Pekingese has even more to brag about after being named Westminster’s Best in Show in 2021. Aside from the lengthy, fluffy coat and short muzzle, you’ll know a Pekingese by its confidence (barking at strangers) and loyalty (more barking at strangers). Training a dog that has spent centuries as a companion animal with no real job to speak of might prove difficult. Approach training a Pekingese with a positive attitude and the understanding that they might just not be that into following orders.
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11. Pomeranian
- Average Height: 6-7 inches
- Average Weight: 3-7 pounds
- Personality: lively, adaptable
- Activity Level: moderate to high
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Trainability: trains best when young
Talk about a teeny frame with a huge personality. Pomeranians are fluff balls of joy, willing to romp around with kids (gently) or frolic in the yard with other pets. Whether you reside in the city or country, Poms will be content, as long as you house train them early. Both the AKC and the American Pomeranian Club urge parents of these dogs to leash train right away and never let them off leash in unfenced spaces. They love to run and play but underestimate dangers like busy streets.
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12. Silky Terrier
- Average Height: 9-10 inches
- Average Weight: 10 pounds
- Personality: feisty, friendly
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Trainability: stubborn but trainable
Silky Terriers are cousins of Yorkshire Terriers and were originally bred in Australia. They have big personalities and don’t like being ignored (aka, they can become destructive if left alone too long or without ample mental stimulation). The Silky Terrier Club of America claims that once you have a Silky in your family, you never go back! Of course, this requires lots of firm training early on to ensure good behavior. Training should include lots of socialization, as these fearless pups have a tendency to become very protective and may snip at strangers.
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13. Toy Fox Terrier
- Average Height: 8-12 inches
- Average Weight: 4-9 pounds
- Personality: sweet, energetic
- Activity Level: moderate to high
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Toy Fox Terriers have silky smooth, short coats and tall, perky ears. They need lots of exercise; this energy is often best spent outdoors with people. One huge perk for anyone who abhors house breaking: Toy Fox Terriers can be trained to use puppy pads indoors. These are smart dogs eager to learn, so commands and tricks come easily.
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14. Toy Poodle
- Average Height: <10 inches
- Average Weight: 4-6 pounds
- Personality: intelligent, confident
- Activity Level: moderate to high
- Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Poodles of all sizes are extremely smart and highly trainable. They make outstanding family pets for this reason, not to mention their willingness to join in any activity. Grooming can be time-consuming and expensive, but they are hypoallergenic. Despite the extremely tiny stature of the Toy Poodle, the Poodle Club of America says these tiny dogs are hardy and sturdy pets.
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15. Yorkshire Terrier
- Average Height: 7-8 inches
- Average Weight: 7 pounds
- Personality: affectionate, lively
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Perhaps the quintessential small dog breed is the Yorkshire Terrier. These are energetic balls of fun who enjoy cavorting around town with their families. Despite their yippy reputation, they are workers through and through. Yorkies actually excel at sports like agility and rally, but even learning new tricks at home will keep their bodies and minds sharp. Get ready for a friendly, albeit slightly stubborn, companion.
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16. Affenpinscher
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 7-10 pounds
- Personality: goofy, proud
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: stubborn but trainable
Affenpinschers are goofy dogs known for their big personalities. Some people say they look like Star Wars Ewoks, while in France they’re called “mustached little devils,” according to the American Kennel Club. No matter what you see in your Affenpinscher, be prepared for loyal companionship and lots of playtime (these dogs enjoy exercise!). Like many toy breeds they are certainly stubborn, but their intelligence makes them eager to learn commands if you’re firm and consistent.
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17. Bichon Frise
- Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Personality: cheerful, adaptable
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Hypoallergenic and adaptable, Bichon Frises are great family dogs. They get along well with everyone and enjoy learning commands (as long as you teach them early). Sure they might bark if they get excited, but this is their way of getting in on the action. Bichons also know when it’s time to calm down and will love lounging on your lap. They definitely require frequent brushing or a nice trip to be groomed every six weeks or so.
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18. Coton de Tulear
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Personality: charming, social
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 15-19 years
- Trainability: easy to train
“Coton” means “cotton” in French. As soon as you pet a Coton de Tulear, you’ll feel a white coat as soft as cotton. They come from Tulear in Madagascar and love people. Bred as companion animals for the wealthy, today they make great family pets because they’re social and enjoy outdoor time. Training is a necessity because these tiny pups can become territorial. As long as training sessions are engaging and fun (Cotons bore easily), they’ll be ready to absorb your lessons.
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19. English Toy Spaniel
- Height: 9-10 inches
- Weight: 8-14 pounds
- Personality: devoted, sweet
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
English Toy Spaniels might seem to have split personalities. While they are endlessly devoted to their humans, they may turn their noses up at strangers. Bred and developed as agile hunters, English Toy Spaniels can definitely be stubborn. Be prepared for push back during training. It’s also wise to keep in mind these dogs have shorter snouts and shouldn’t be overworked or exercised in very hot weather.
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20. Manchester Toy Terrier
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: <12 pounds
- Personality: lively, intelligent
- Activity Level: moderate to high
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Check out those bat ears! Toy Manchester Terriers are compact dogs with lots of energy and intelligence. While they love to love their families, they may be wary of strangers, so introduce them to new people and dogs slowly. Training should be a cinch, as long as your methods are positive and lessons don’t last too long. These smarties get bored quickly.
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