Introduction to small dogs
One of the few things all small dog breeds have in common is their diminutive size. Some dog breeds have outgoing and confident natures, while others exhibit a more independent and laid-back demeanor.
There was a wide variety of possible coat styles, from short and straight to long and flowing to tightly wound curls. Some of the furry little pals you’ll meet can’t wait to cuddle up with you, while others are full of boundless energy and eagerly anticipate the next round of fetch.
Find a tiny dog whose personality, grooming requirements, and activity level all fit your lifestyle. Consider one of these 36 best small dog breeds.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a playful toy breed with a short muzzle, round, black, glittering eyes, and a rough coat. It’s small and mischievous and has an expression similar to a monkey. Despite its small stature, this tiny dog is anything but delicate; instead, it exudes confidence and carries itself with a light seriousness.
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Alpine Dachsbracke
Originally from Austria, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a small breed of scent hound dog. The Alpine Dachsbracke was developed for hunting fox, hare, and boar, as well as injured deer.
Although it sheds, the Alpine Dachsbracke’s thick, insulating coat requires little maintenance in terms of professional grooming.
The Alpine Dachsbracke can make an effective guard dog because of its fearlessness and loyalty, but its small size is not overly intimidating.
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American Cocker Spaniel
Small in stature but large in personality, the American cocker spaniel is a popular sporting dog breed in the United States. Its long, silky hair, large, expressive eyes, and floppy ears distinguish this breed. In the United States, it is more commonly known as the cocker spaniel.
The American cocker is the smallest breed in the Sporting division of the American Kennel Club. Its primary purpose is hunting, but it also makes a great pet for any household.
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Australian Silky Terrier
These buddies, which are not to be confused with Yorkies, are larger and happier. Even though he is one of the small dog breeds, he can still kill mice and rats. As a result of their tiny size and general sociability, they make excellent city dwellers.
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Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is an outgoing and cheerful small dog breed who is happiest when spending time with his family. He’ll love spending time on the couch or playing catch with you outside.
Despite their small stature, the Boston Terriers are robust dog that, like all others, requires regular exercise and training to prevent behavioral difficulties.
Boston Terriers are extremely obedient dogs that get along with every family member in practically any sort of home, even apartments. But these energetic puppies also require a lot of exercises.
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Bichon Frise
Even the most jaded individual would be unable to resist smiling at the cute expressions of these small dogs. This fluffy white bundle was made to be cuddled.
Bichon Frise is an ideal family pet since it is so devoted and ready to please, but it does need regular training to prevent it from developing a spoiled attitude.
Given his susceptibility to injury or fear, he may prove to be an unsuitable addition to a household with young or energetic youngsters.
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Beagles
Beagles are highly spirited and intelligent small dog breeds. Originally bred for catching rabbits, these dogs’ insatiable noses may provide for some exciting strolls as they sniff out every possible scent.
Beagles can chew through just about everything, so provide them with plenty of alternatives to your shoes, furniture, and home siding.
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Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a unique purebred dog that originated when two Yorkshire Terriers accidentally shared a recessive piebald gene. These dogs are sociable, playful, and energetic, which are some of their best attributes.
These playful and affectionate small dog breeds are ideal for people who live in small spaces, such as apartments or houses without yards.
Although Biewer Terriers can be hyperactive and noisy, especially around unfamiliar people and canine companions, they make wonderful companion pets and get along well with children and other animals.
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Bolognese
The Bolognese is a loyal family pet that takes great joy in hanging around with his human family. You might not think a ten-pound furball could manipulate you, but they love getting their way and can be pretty smart about it.
To have a Bolognese as a friend is to gain a dog that is both sensitive and loving. This small dog breed has a big personality and adapts well to city living. These puppies can be difficult to teach despite their love for their owners. Use only praise and rewards when training these canines. If you follow these steps, your pet will become a devoted member of the family.
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Bolonka Zwetna
The Bolonka, or Tsvetnaya Bolonka as it is known in Russia, was developed in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia, from the forebears of smaller dog breeds such the Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and the French Bolognese.
There is typically a thick undercoat on them. The Bolonka is easily recognizable due to its nearly hairless body. He doesn’t have a yearly shedding of hair. These small dog breeds are lively, quick-witted, and exceptionally bright. In addition, they are approachable and sociable, both toward humans and other canine companions.
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Basenji
Basenjis in Africa were respected for their intelligence and independence when used as hunting dogs. What’s most notable, though, is that the “barkless dog” doesn’t actually bark; instead, it makes an unusual chortle-like noise.
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Border Terrier
The alert, good-natured Border Terrier was initially bred to aid in foxhunts by flushing foxes out of cover for the hounds to pursue. They are now wonderful family members who adore their humans.
Border Terriers retain a strong desire to hunt and dig and a high level of energy that allows them to keep up with horseback hunters. For some humans, these characteristics might make Border Terriers a frustrating pet; for others, they are fantastic companions that play hard and love harder.
They can adjust to apartment living as long as they exercise frequently. Give this dog plenty of exercises, and you’ll have a lifelong companion who is devoted and affectionate.
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Cairn Terrier
Small dog breeds, the Cairn Terriers, were created on the Scottish island of Skye. Farmers required dogs with boldness, persistence, and intelligence—qualities still present in the Cairn today—to rid their property of vermin.
Cairn Terriers are intelligent, independent, and sociable dogs that make excellent family pets. Small and loving, these dogs adapt well to small spaces and big houses with both inexperienced dog owners and seasoned dog lovers. They do, however, have a lot of energy, so their owners will need to take them on walks and engage in playtime to keep them entertained.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dog breeds with a sporting temperament like their spaniel forebears, despite being bred to be companions.
Although it may be in their nature to chase birds, they also enjoy going on long walks in the woods and spending time with their devoted owners.
These small dogs are excellent therapy pets since they are lively, perceptive, and generally happy. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels thrive in households with older kids who can play outside with them and provide them with the necessary exercise.
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Corgi
These intelligent canines come in two varieties: Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, both developed as cattle herding dogs.
The greatest distinction between the two breeds is that Cardis have tails and Pembroke Corgis have not. But despite their small stature, both types are intelligent, loving, and athletic. They rank among the top 10 most popular dog breeds.
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Coton de Tuléar
Dedicated to the city of Tuléar in Madagascar, the Coton de Tuléars are small dog breeds. The Coton de Tulear dog breed is always up for a good time since it is sweet, affectionate, and has a clownish disposition.
These low-maintenance dogs can even flourish in the homes of inexperienced dog owners. It would be difficult to find a better breed if you were searching for a loving, perceptive, and fun addition to your family.
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Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may appear quiet, but they are attitude powerhouses. They are infamous for being obnoxious and demanding, incessantly barking at unfamiliar canines and biting kids (maybe not the best choice for a house with kids). The Chihuahua is a good choice for an elderly person living in a peaceful environment.
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Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog breed in the terrier family. These toy dog breeds were initially bred for otter and badger hunting. They are quiet and reserved and still possess the terrier tenacity and love of the hunt, earning them the moniker “the gentleman of the terrier family.”
Due to their small size and low exercise requirements, Dandie Dinmont Terriers are suitable for both metropolitan and rural homes. These dogs are independent but kind, giving their owners a lot of love without making excessive demands on their daily exercise routine or grooming requirements.
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Dachshund
The Dachshund is also known as the wiener dog. The small dog Dachshund, bred to hunt down vermin, is a superb watchdog. It will grow quite close to her owner and her family, but she can also be hostile around children she doesn’t know. The adventurous and curious hunting dog, the Dachshund breed, enjoys digging, hunting, pursuing prey, and scent-tracking.
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German Spitz
The German Spitz is one of the oldest dog breeds to have come from Europe. These puppies possess some of the best characteristics of small dog breeds available: they are attentive, active, and faithful.
Despite having the propensity to be yappy, these charming canines are suitable for any type of household or family and can make excellent apartment dogs due to their petite stature.
This dog might be the one for you if you’re looking for a vivacious “firecracker” that will keep you on your toes, warn you of any hazards, and adore you no matter what.
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Havanese
The Havanese are small dog breeds, but it is highly trainable and surprisingly active, making it a great choice for jobs as diverse as circus performers and service dogs.
Havanese may be the perfect addition if your family has never had a dog before. His intelligence and energy make him a joy to be around.
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Italian Greyhound
Female nobility in the Middle Ages often kept Italian Greyhounds as pets. Despite its small stature, this hound had the necessary speed, stamina, and will to pursue even the smallest of prey. Today, this breed is a popular household pet that excels in dog sports like obedience, agility, and rally.
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Jack Russell Terrier
Most Jack Russell terriers, like Ree’s late dog Suzie, are extremely loyal and high-strung. Their large, wide eyes and floppy ears just add to their cuteness. There are three different types of Russell terrier coats, all of which are mostly white with tan, black, or both tan and black markings.
This breed is full of life and zeal and prone to romping around the house and jumping up on the furniture. However, you may make your dog far more tamed with the right training.
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Lhasa Apso
Intelligent and vigilant, these canines are wary of outsiders and quick to bark at them. They are fiercely loyal to their loved ones yet otherwise fiercely independent.
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Maltese
Maltese dogs have a full coat of silky white hair that owners usually keep short for practical reasons in pets but they grow it long on show dogs. People know Maltese for their warmth and loyalty, which makes them excellent pets for families.
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Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a toy-sized Spitz dog with a proudly Norwegian heritage. Although the Norwegian Lundehund is a talented acrobat, they also have a tendency to bark excessively and dig, so you should only have one if you have the time and energy to provide extensive training and supervision. They can be quite challenging to litter-train.
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Pomeranian
The fluffy double coat of a Pomeranian, which can be one of nearly two dozen colors but is most commonly seen in orange or red, is a defining characteristic of this lovable breed. When it comes to learning new games and skills, Poms have a natural talent.
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Poodle
The poodle can be found in three distinct sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The standard breed is out of the question if you’re looking for a small dog, but the miniature or toy version may be perfect. Like their larger relatives, the standard and miniature poodles, toy poodles are renowned for their intelligence.
According to the American Kennel Club, poodles are so smart that they often display human-like behavior. Poodles are intelligent, responsive, and fierce competitors in dog sports.
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Pug
These pugs have a royal pedigree, as they were originally the favorite pets of Chinese emperors. They make excellent companions for people who live in small spaces, such as apartments.
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Papillon
The large, fringed ears of this toy spaniel’s breed are sometimes compared to those of a butterfly, hence the name.
Papillons are renowned for being particularly patient and kind with infants and toddlers, making them ideal family pets. These playful puppies are not only lovable but also highly trainable.
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Pekingese
Some lap dog’ breeds, including these toy canines, date back to ancient China’s aristocracy. They are well-known for their regal “lion’s mane” coats and their friendly temperament.
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Shih Tzu
The Chinese royal family specifically developed the Shih Tzu breed, and it places a high value on providing and receiving affection. This breed takes pride but does not act haughty and enjoys the attention and perks that come with being spoiled.
Therefore, owners often pamper the Shih Tzu. They need to provide consistent instruction because the Shih Tzu may engage in mischief if they become bored or if owners allow them to do whatever they want.
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Sealyham Terrier
The original purpose of the Sealyham Terrier dog breed was to hunt badgers, otters, and foxes. These terrier clowns are now mostly companion dogs and a fantastic choice for new pet owners.
No matter if the family resides in an apartment or a big house with a backyard, these amiable, loving dogs will get along with everyone. However, they will require some activity to maintain their weight and happiness.
Additionally, they will require strict and ongoing instruction, particularly when it comes to housetraining, as well as some socialization, preferably beginning at a young age.
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Wirehaired fox terrier
The wire fox terrier is well-known for being a social, active, and charismatic breed of dog. This dog has a great sense of humor and would make a great addition to any family. And because they shed very little, they require hardly any maintenance from their owners.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies, also known as Yorkshire terriers, are famous for their beautiful long coats seen at dog competitions. But did you know their ancestors used them as rat hunters in factories and mines? Nowadays, the Yorkshire Terrier has become one of America’s top small dog breeds, and there’s a good reason for it: they have independent and spirited personalities.
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