Best Small Dog Breeds – Complete List

Cuteness of small dogs is hard to resist and their playful and friendly nature is cherry on top. But there are just so many of them, from the feisty Chihuahua to the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, each breed is different from other.

Maybe you have also thought about getting a small dog but felt overwhelmed by all the choices. I get it. With so many breeds out there, picking the perfect tiny companion can feel like a big task. 

So to make things easy for you, whether you want a playful pup, a cuddle buddy, or even a little watchdog for your family and home, I will give you a complete small dog breeds list, the best ones to consider, and answers to common questions.

Small Dog Breeds List and Chart

Each small dog breed has unique traits that make them special. Here’s a detailed chart of some of the best small dog breeds and their characteristics:

You can also look at a small dog breeds chart with pictures for more accurate information. 

Top 10 Small Dog Breeds

If you ask what my personal favorite cute small dog breeds are, I would name these ten without hesitation.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are full of energy, extremely loyal, and love to be with their owners all the time. They come in many colors and coat lengths, showing a great diversity in their breed.

Originally from Mexico, Chihuahuas have been cherished for centuries. They can sometimes be protective and will bark at strangers, but with proper training, they make loving and devoted pets.

• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: 2-6 lbs
• Personality: Bold, loyal, full of energy
• Origin: Mexico

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, fluffy, and full of life. Despite their tiny size, they have a confident attitude and can be quite vocal. Pomeranians originally come from Germany and Poland and were once much larger before being bred down to their current size.

They are known for their thick, fluffy coats that require regular grooming. These little dogs love attention and enjoy being pampered.

• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 lbs
• Personality: Playful, intelligent, lively
• Origin: Germany/Poland

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are affectionate and love to be around people. They have a distinct look with their bat-like ears and short noses. These dogs were originally bred in France as companion animals for lace workers.

They are playful and friendly but also enjoy lounging around the house. French Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise, which makes them great pets for apartment living. 

• Height: 11-12 inches
• Weight: 16-28 lbs
• Personality: Charming, social, affectionate
• Origin: France

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and loving dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They have a soft, silky coat and expressive eyes that melt hearts. Originally bred in England as companion dogs for royalty, they love to cuddle and be pampered.

They are friendly with everyone, including children and other pets. They do require regular brushing to keep their coats looking beautiful, but their affectionate nature makes it all worth it.

• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 lbs
• Personality: Gentle, affectionate, friendly
• Origin: England

Maltese

Maltese dogs are small, white, and elegant. These dogs have been around for thousands of years and were loved by aristocrats in ancient times. Maltese dogs are playful and enjoy spending time with their owners. They don’t shed much, making them a great choice for people with allergies. 

• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: 4-7 lbs
• Personality: Sweet, affectionate, friendly
• Origin: Malta

Dachshund

Dachshunds, often called “wiener dogs,” are known for their long bodies and short legs. They were originally bred in Germany to hunt burrowing animals like badgers. These little dogs are very brave and have a curious nature.

They love to dig and explore, and they can be quite stubborn at times. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are full of personality and make wonderful companions for active families.

• Height: 5-6 inches
• Weight: 9-11 lbs
• Personality: Brave, curious, and independent
• Origin: Germany

Havanese

Havanese dogs are affectionate and love being around people. They were originally bred in Cuba as companion animals for wealthy families. These dogs have a soft, wavy coat that requires regular grooming.

They are social and enjoy playing with children and other pets. Havanese dogs are intelligent and easy to train, making them great for first-time dog owners.

• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 lbs
• Personality: Affectionate, friendly, and playful
• Origin: Cuba

Pekingese

Pekingese dogs were originally bred in China to be lap dogs for royalty. These dogs have a thick, fluffy coat and a distinctive pushed-in nose. They are very loyal to their owners and enjoy being the center of attention.

Pekingese dogs are independent and can sometimes be stubborn, but with patience and training, they become loving companions.

• Height: 6-9 inches
• Weight: 7-14 lbs
• Personality: Independent, loyal, and regal
• Origin: China

Papillon

Papillons are small, energetic dogs known for their large, butterfly-like ears. They are highly intelligent and love to learn new tricks. Originally from France, these dogs were bred as companion animals for nobility.

As their history says, papillon are social butterflies and enjoy being around people. They are also active and need regular exercise to stay happy. 

• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 5-10 lbs
• Personality: Intelligent, social, and active
• Origin: France

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” come in the tiny dog breed category. They were originally bred in England to hunt rats in textile mills, which is interesting because with their beautiful silky long coats, they don’t fit well for this ‘’job’’. Despite their small size, Yorkies are brave and confident.

They love to play and explore, making them great pets to have a fun time with.

• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: 4-7 lbs
• Personality: Confident, affectionate, and energetic
• Origin: England

FAQs

Are small dogs good for families?

Yes, many small dog breeds are affectionate and great with kids. However, some tiny breeds can be fragile, so it’s important to teach children how to handle them gently. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Havanese are great family dogs. Look at a small dog breeds chart with pictures to get a better reference. 

Do small dogs need a lot of exercise?

It depends on the dog breed. Some small dogs, like French Bulldogs, are happy with short walks, while others, like Jack Russell Terriers, need a lot of playtime and exercise to burn off their energy. Make sure to match your dog’s energy level with your lifestyle.

Are small dogs easy to train?

Some small breeds are very intelligent and eager to please, like Poodles and Papillons. Others, like Dachshunds and Pekingese, can be more stubborn. Consistent training and positive reinforcement help make the process easier.

Do small dogs bark a lot?

Some small breeds, like Chihuahuas and Terriers, are known for their barking, while others, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, tend to be quieter. Training and socialization can tame down your dog. 

Are small dogs high-maintenance?

It depends on the breed. Long-haired dogs like Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming, while short-haired breeds need less maintenance. All dogs need basic care, including regular vet checkups, exercise, and a healthy diet