Small dog breeds are often celebrated as wonderful companions for people. Their petite size makes them easy to care for and ideal for various living situations. These charming dogs resemble delightful toys and can comfortably settle on your lap with ease.
Their manageable size also means they require less space and are perfect for apartments or homes with limited room. If you’re considering adding a small dog to your family but haven’t decided which breed to choose, our comprehensive list of the 13 smallest dog breeds in the world can help you make an informed decision. Discover the perfect tiny friend to melt your heart.
Maltese
Maltese dogs typically weigh under 7 pounds and reach a height of 8 to 10 inches. With their long, curly white fur, Maltese dogs appear as adorable, milk-white fluff balls. They are known for being obedient, energetic, and charmingly sweet.
Unlike many other breeds, Maltese require minimal exercise, making them perfect for indoor living. A few playful activities inside your home are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions, especially for those seeking a small, manageable pet that brings joy without demanding extensive physical activity.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons typically weigh between 7 to 12 pounds and stand approximately 7 to 8 inches tall. Known for their distinctive, sometimes unhappy expressions, Brussels Griffons can be quite sensitive and moody. It’s important to approach them with kindness and patience to ensure they feel secure and happy.
Despite their occasionally serious demeanor, Griffons are gentle, friendly, and curious dogs. They thrive in a family environment and are relatively easy to get along with, making them wonderful companions. Their affectionate nature and charming personality make Brussels Griffons a delightful addition to any household looking for a small, loving pet.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas typically weigh between 4 to 6 pounds and stand 6 to 10 inches tall. Chihuahuas are easily recognized by their prominent bat-like ears and large, expressive eyes that convey their vibrant personalities. Despite their small size, these dogs are known for their bold and spirited nature.
As one of the smallest dog breeds globally, Chihuahuas make excellent protective and loyal family members. Their fierce demeanor makes them vigilant guardians, while their affectionate side ensures they form strong bonds with their owners. Perfect for both apartment living and larger homes, Chihuahuas are adaptable and thrive on companionship, bringing both charm and security to any household.
Papillon
Papillons stand between 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 5 to 11 pounds. Recognizable by their charming, butterfly-like ears, Papillons are truly unforgettable. Despite their petite size, they boast impressive intelligence, ranking among the smartest dog breeds in the world.
These lively and energetic dogs are known for their playful nature and quick learning abilities. Papillons typically get along well with humans, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Their spirited demeanor and affectionate personality ensure they thrive in various living environments, from apartments to larger homes. With their combination of brains and charm, Papillons bring joy and companionship wherever they go.
Pug
Pugs stand between 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh approximately 14 to 18 pounds. Despite their distinctive appearance, many people find Pugs incredibly charming and endearing. They are easily recognized by their short muzzle filled with adorable wrinkles and their broad skull, which often leads to characteristic wheezing and snoring sounds.
These unique features give Pugs their lovable and memorable personality. However, due to their tendency to snore, it might be best to provide them with their own sleeping space if you prefer a quiet environment at night. Pugs are affectionate, playful, and make wonderful companions, bringing joy and laughter to any household.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians typically stand between 5 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 4 to 8 pounds. Pomeranians are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, celebrated for their fox-like expressions, outgoing personalities, perky ears, and luxurious dense coats.
They boast the widest variety of coat colors among all breeds, with 23 distinct shades including tan, red, cream, orange, white, and chocolate. As heavy shedders, Pomeranians require daily brushing and combing to keep their beautiful coats in excellent condition. Their vibrant energy and charming demeanor make them delightful companions, perfectly suited for families and individuals alike who appreciate a lively and affectionate pet.
Russian Toy
Russian Toys stand between 7 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 3 to 6 pounds. As one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, Russian Toys may not fully grasp just how tiny they are. Despite their petite size, they possess a strong instinct to protect their owners when faced with danger.
If you’re seeking a loyal and devoted companion but find the larger, more popular breeds too cumbersome, the Russian Toy is an excellent choice. These little dogs offer unwavering loyalty and affection, making them perfect for individuals or families who desire a compact yet spirited pet. Their charming personality and protective nature ensure they make a delightful addition to any household.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus typically weigh between 10 to 19 pounds and stand no more than 11 inches tall. Originating from China, Shih Tzus are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. These charming little dogs are known for their calm, gentle, and loyal nature, making them excellent companions for apartment living.
While they may not serve as effective guard dogs, their affectionate and friendly demeanor makes them wonderful family pets. Shih Tzus have luxurious fur that grows similarly to human hair, requiring daily grooming to keep it long and healthy. Fortunately, their manageable size and weight make maintaining their coat an easy task. With their delightful personality and adorable appearance, Shih Tzus are a beloved choice for those seeking a small, loving pet.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers stand between 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh approximately 3 to 7 pounds. Originally bred for hunting, Yorkshire Terriers—commonly known as Yorkies—have evolved into one of the most beloved companion dogs in the United States.
These affectionate dogs are deeply devoted to their families and can serve as effective watchdogs when properly trained. Despite their small stature, Yorkies are brimming with energy and enthusiasm, always eager to engage in activities and enjoy long walks. Their lively and spirited nature makes them excellent pets for individuals and families alike, bringing joy and vitality to any household.
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers stand between 8.5 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 3.5 to 9 pounds. Toy Fox Terriers embody a unique blend of toy and terrier characteristics, shaping their delightful personalities. As toy dogs, they are quiet, affectionate, and enjoy being held, making them excellent lap companions. Meanwhile, their terrier side brings out their alertness, pride, and spirited nature.
Equipped with keen eyesight and acute hearing, Toy Fox Terriers are quick to alert their owners to the presence of strangers with their sharp, suspicious barks. This vigilant behavior ensures that your home remains protected, giving you peace of mind. Their lively and energetic demeanor makes them engaging pets, always ready to participate in activities and bring joy to their families. With their charming mix of traits, Toy Fox Terriers are perfect for those seeking a small yet spirited and loyal companion.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers stand between 9 to 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 6 to 13 pounds. Don’t let their tiny stature deceive you—Affenpinschers are exceptionally vigilant watchdogs, maintaining a suspicious demeanor even after welcoming a guest. These active dogs thrive indoors and enjoy daily walks and exercise routines.
They are curious and playful, bringing lively energy to their households. However, Affenpinschers can be a bit stubborn and protective, requiring consistent training and socialization. Their spirited nature and keen alertness make them loyal companions, perfect for families seeking a small yet watchful and engaging pet.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises typically weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and stand 9 to 12 inches tall. The name “Bichon Frise” translates to “curly lap dog” in French, perfectly capturing their charming and fluffy appearance. These delightful dogs are an excellent choice for individuals with allergies, as they shed minimally.
Bichon Frises are renowned for their patient and gentle nature, making them wonderful companions for families. Their naturally social temperament allows them to get along seamlessly with children and other pets in the household. Friendly and affectionate, Bichon Frises bring joy and warmth to any home, making them a beloved addition to families seeking a lovable and low-shedding pet.
Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins typically stand between 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 5 to 13 pounds. Japanese Chins are the quintessential lapdogs, renowned for their intelligence and charming demeanor. As dedicated companions, they effortlessly adapt their personalities to mirror those of their owners.
If paired with an active individual, Japanese Chins become lively and playful, enjoying various activities and engaging interactions. Conversely, with a more relaxed and quiet owner, they adopt a mellow and serene disposition, thriving in calm environments. Their versatility and affectionate nature make Japanese Chins an ideal choice for anyone seeking a loving and adaptable small dog that perfectly fits into their lifestyle.
Miniature schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers typically stand between 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh approximately 11 to 20 pounds. It’s hard to choose which feature is more captivating—the Miniature Schnauzer’s expressive, human-like eyes and bushy eyebrows, its distinguished beard and mustache, or its charmingly stocky build.
These delightful attributes make the Miniature Schnauzer the most favored among the Schnauzer varieties, alongside the Standard and Giant Schnauzers. Beyond their adorable appearance, Miniature Schnauzers are known for their outgoing and friendly nature. They thrive in family environments, forming strong bonds with their owners and getting along well with children and other pets. Their lively and affectionate personality makes them excellent companions, while their intelligence ensures they are easy to train.
Shoodle (Shih-Poo)
Shih-Poos typically stand between 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 8 to 16 pounds. If the name doesn’t give it away, this adorable dog is a delightful cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. With a Shih Tzu’s super affectionate and charming nature combined with the Poodle’s playful, comedic, and intelligent traits, Shih-Poos embody the best qualities of both parent breeds.
Additionally, both Shih Tzus and Poodles are known for their minimal shedding, making Shih-Poos an excellent choice for those seeking a low-shedding companion. These lovable and friendly dogs are highly adaptable, thriving in various living environments from apartments to larger homes. Their intelligent and eager-to-please personalities make them easy to train, while their affectionate demeanor ensures they form strong bonds with their families.
Chiweenie
Chiweenies, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund (also known as a Choxie), typically stand between 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh approximately 5 to 15 pounds. We absolutely adore this sweet, tiny toy dog breed. Can you guess its parentage? The Chiweenie is a delightful designer mix of Chihuahua and Dachshund, combining the best traits of both breeds. Despite their pocket-sized stature, Chiweenies boast a giant personality, filled with spunk, moxie, and fearless loyalty to their favorite humans.
They come in both short and long-haired varieties, inheriting the robust, compact bodies of Chihuahuas and the long, narrow tails of Dachshunds. Chiweenies are energetic and affectionate companions, making them perfect for individuals or families seeking a lively and devoted small dog.
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically stand between 12 to 13 inches tall and weigh approximately 13 to 18 pounds. If there were a competition for the most comfort-bestowing toy dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would undoubtedly be a top contender. Known for their mild-mannered nature, Cavaliers exhibit boundless affection and an unwavering eagerness to please their owners.
They effortlessly meet the qualifications for being one of the best breeds for emotional support, seamlessly balancing roles as both therapy dogs and beloved family members. “They adapt well to their owner’s lifestyle, so they can be very active or lazy couch potatoes,” says Dr. Abens. Their versatility and heartwarming demeanor make Cavaliers ideal companions for individuals seeking both emotional support and a loving family pet.
Havanese
Havanese typically stand between 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weigh approximately 7 to 13 pounds. “Havanese are typically born trainable extroverts with silly personalities, and they can be excellent watchdogs,” says Dr. Abens. These charming dogs are only vocal when something noteworthy occurs, making their barks a reliable indicator that something’s up.
Havanese thrive on a variety of activities, including performing tricks, clowning around, and playing with toys, showcasing their playful and energetic nature. As happy extroverts, they shed minimally, making them a great choice for those concerned about shedding. However, their silky coats require daily grooming to remain smooth and free of tangles.
Cavachon
Cavachons typically stand between 9 to 14 inches tall and weigh approximately 12 to 25 pounds. The Cavachon is an adorable mixed breed resulting from the union of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. This delightful combination produces a sweetheart of a pooch, known for its affectionate, sensitive, and gentle nature.
Cavachons thrive on human companionship and enjoy cuddling, making them excellent lap dogs. However, their sociable personality means they also love to mingle and play with both humans and other animals. Energetic yet adaptable, Cavachons are perfect for families and individuals alike, bringing a perfect balance of love and playful energy to any household.
Miniature pinscher
Miniature Pinschers typically stand between 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 8 to 12 pounds. We know what you’re thinking—we did too. The Miniature Pinscher appears to be a pint-sized version of the Doberman Pinscher, right? Think again. This spirited toy breed, also known as the Min Pin, would be the first to correct that misconception.
Despite standing just around 30 centimeters tall and weighing about 4.5 kilograms, the Miniature Pinscher proudly holds the title of the “King of Toys.” This regal nickname is well-earned, thanks to their confident and courageous personality, stately sleek and shiny coat, high-perched ears, and expressive eyes. Miniature Pinschers exude a bold demeanor and lively energy, making them both charming and commanding companions.
Pekingese
Pekingese typically stand between 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh approximately 14 to 18 pounds. The Pekingese is an enchanting toy breed that radiates a dignified demeanor complemented by a hint of aloofness. Historically cherished as royal lap sitters, these dogs still carry an air of nobility—evident in their distinctive bluish-black tongues.
Despite their regal heritage, Pekingese are surprisingly easy-going and make affectionate companions. Their abundant, luxurious fur is perfect for snuggling, requiring regular grooming to maintain its splendor. With their charming personality and elegant appearance, Pekingese are ideal for those seeking a small, graceful dog that embodies both grace and warmth.
Biewer terrier
Biewer Terriers typically stand between 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 7 to 10 pounds. The Biewer Terrier (pronounced “beaver”) is as cute as a button, boasting an irresistibly adorable, angelic face paired with a charming little smile. This calm dog breed effortlessly makes friends thanks to its outgoing and whimsical personality.
While they exude a dainty and precious vibe, Biewer Terriers are surprisingly athletic, relishing long walks and excelling in agility competitions. Their delightful combination of sweetness and energy makes them perfect companions for active individuals and families alike. With their elegant coat and playful spirit, Biewers bring both grace and joy to any household, embodying the perfect blend of charm and vitality.
Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears typically stand between 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 8 to 14 pounds. Fluffy yet lively, the Coton de Tulear (KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE) is a happy-go-lucky pup known for its adorable smile and charming personality. Their alluring, cottony-soft coat is perfect for endless snuggles, making them irresistible companions.
While the Coton de Tulear delights in cuddle sessions, they also require creative outlets to channel their sometimes boisterous and clownish antics. These playful dogs thrive on interactive playtime with their owners and enjoy a variety of interesting and challenging toys and games. Additionally, the Coton de Tulear boasts one of the longest lifespans among dog breeds, living between 15 to 19 years, ensuring many joyful years together.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka typically stands between 9 to 12 inches tall and weighs approximately 7 to 12 pounds. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a charming, spirited, and intelligent miniature dog with a grand name that’s initially hard to pronounce (Svet-NE-ya Bo-LON-ka) but quickly rolls off the tongue. This rare and delightful breed may be unfamiliar to many, but once you discover their endearing qualities, you’ll likely want one for yourself.
These sweet little pups are exceptionally friendly, effortlessly turning strangers into fast friends with just a single look. Primarily a lapdog, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka thrives on companionship and affection rather than athletic pursuits. However, like all dogs, they benefit from daily exercise. A short walk around the block, playtime in a fenced yard, or a visit to the dog park are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Norwich terrier
Norwich Terriers typically stand between 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 11 to 13 pounds (4.5 to 6 kg). Portable and adorable, the Norwich Terrier is the perfect companion for on-the-go lifestyles. Weighing just around 4.5 kg, this honey of a pup is always ready to travel, whether you’re navigating the city streets or exploring the countryside.
Norwich Terriers have a natural curiosity that drives them to take in their surroundings and interact enthusiastically with people. Their lively and inquisitive nature is satisfied through engaging activities such as agility training, flyball, and playtime at the dog park. These energetic pursuits help expend their boundless energy, ensuring they’re ready to unwind and enjoy cuddle time afterward.
Chorkie
Chorkies typically stand between 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh approximately 4 to 12 pounds. The Chorkie, a delightful crossbreed between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, embodies the lively and sassy personalities of its parent breeds. Spending time with a Chorkie reveals their spirited nature and boundless energy, making them engaging and entertaining companions. Both Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are known to be wary of strangers, a trait that Chorkies inherit as a testament to their unwavering loyalty to their favorite humans.
These affectionate dogs love their owners deeply and are protective of their territory, often showing little tolerance for outsiders encroaching on their personal space. Chorkies thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and interaction, making them ideal for individuals and families who can provide the love and dedication they crave.
Cesky terrier
Cesky Terriers typically stand around 14 inches tall and weigh approximately 18 to 25 pounds. While most terriers were originally bred to hunt and eliminate rodents and other small pests, today’s terriers are more focused on play while still maintaining their independent streak and high energy levels—often exhibiting zoomies and a touch of mischievousness. However, the Cesky Terrier distinguishes itself from its terrier counterparts with its more mellow and dignified demeanor.
Unlike other terriers that thrive on constant activity and can be somewhat aughty, Cesky Terriers are cooperative and easier to train, making them wonderful family dogs. Their balanced temperament combines spirited energy with a calm disposition, allowing them to adapt well to various household environments.
Toy American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog, lovingly known as Eskies, surprisingly originates from Germany rather than Alaska’s frozen tundras. These charming dogs come in both standard and miniature sizes, standing between 9 to 19 inches tall and weighing from 20 to 50 pounds. Eskies are undeniably cute, playful, and perky, with a remarkable ability to learn tricks quickly.
They possess a protective nature rooted in their herding heritage, yet remain gentle and never exhibit aggressive behaviors like nipping. Both miniature and standard varieties share this balanced temperament, making American Eskimo Dogs intelligent and friendly companions. Their affectionate and loyal personalities make Eskies beloved pets for families seeking both charm and a watchful guardian.
Toy poodle
If you’re seeking an adorable toy dog breed that resembles a teddy bear, the Toy Poodle is an excellent choice. Fluffy and compact, they weigh around 2.2 kg and stand under 25 cm tall, making them as portable as a stuffed animal. These devoted sidekicks are not only cuddly but also playful, ensuring fun companionship for years.
“Many toy poodles live into their upper teens. I’ve even seen some 24-year-old toy poodles,” says Dr. McCarthy. As the smallest poodle breed, Toy Poodles are followed by miniature poodles at 25 to 38 cm and standard poodles at about 38 cm high. Their longevity and charming personality make them beloved pets for those seeking a small, affectionate, and lively companion.
English toy spaniel
If you’re seeking an adorable toy dog breed that resembles a teddy bear, the Toy Poodle is an excellent choice. Fluffy and compact, they weigh around 2.2 kg and stand under 25 cm tall, making them as portable as a stuffed animal. These devoted sidekicks are not only cuddly but also playful, ensuring fun companionship for years.
“Many toy poodles live into their upper teens. I’ve even seen some 24-year-old toy poodles,” says Dr. McCarthy. As the smallest poodle breed, Toy Poodles are followed by miniature poodles at 25 to 38 cm and standard poodles at about 38 cm high. Their longevity and charming personality make them beloved pets for those seeking a small, affectionate, and lively companion.
