Small dogs are proof that the best things do often come in little packages.

Not only are small dog breeds tiny bundles of love and attitude, they’re relatively low-maintenance and make easy traveling companions.

Given the wide range of personalities in small dogs, there is likely a breed that will fit perfectly with your family. They come in all types of dispositions, activity levels and even coat type.

Here’s a look at the top 20 smallest dog breeds by weight (according to the American Kennel Club), and why they make the best furry friends.

Top 20 Smallest Dog Breeds

1. Pomeranian

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The Pomeranian is a lively and inquisitive breed. With its majestic coat, foxy face and spirited personality, it’s no wonder this tiny dog is a favorite toy breed around the world. Pomeranians are alert, intelligent and easily trained, making them great watchdogs and family pets. They are adaptable to both the city and quiet life, and enjoy playing and short walks. Regular grooming is important for their double coat, as is regular dental care. While they love being lap dogs, Pomeranians also need regular exercise and should be supervised outdoors. Training them on a leash and housebreaking requires patience.

2. Toy Poodle

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The toy poodle may be small in size, but it is a true aristocrat of the dog world. While show poodles often come with a fussy, elaborate cut, don’t let stereotypes fool you. Poodles are energetic, athletic and smart dogs with remarkable versatility. Poodles can excel in training and various canine sports. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting, and their non-shedding coat makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers. With their high energy levels, toy poodles require daily exercise and enjoy activities like swimming, fetching and going for walks or jogs with their humans. Toy poodles are highly intelligent and trainable, thriving in positive and fun routines. They are people-oriented and aim to please, but consistency is key.

3. Toy Fox Terrier

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The toy fox terrier is a fun combination of a toy dog’s lovable personality and a terrier’s determination. Despite standing less than a foot tall, the toy fox terrier is full of charm and tenacity. Originally used as barnyard ratters, these terriers are now perfectly comfortable as cuddly home companions. They require very little grooming, with only occasional baths and nail trimming. They are quick, alert, athletic, and love to run and play, making them great additions for active families and apartment living. Their endless energy makes them popular with children, but supervision is recommended due to their small size.

4. Biewer Terrier

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The biewer terrier (pronounced Beaver terrier) is an elegant and longhaired toy terrier known for its charming and whimsical attitude. Their main purpose in life is to love and be loved, and are often seen carrying around their favorite toys. The tri-colored terriers are dedicated and loyal family members, friendly with both strangers and other animals. Despite their small size, biewer terriers are actually hearty and athletic, and are great as vermin hunters. They do require daily brushing to help maintain their long coat. The biewer terrier is mellow and easy-going, and enjoys indoor games, walks, and outings.

5. Papillon

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The papillon is a curious and beautiful toy dog that despite their refined appearance are hardy and resilient. They have distinct, large, wing-shaped ears, come in a variety of colors, and have a long, silky coat. They are dainty, elegant and make excellent companions. Owners should be cautious with their small size around stairs, furniture and larger animals. Papillons require very little grooming, including occasional combing and baths. They are active, intelligent dogs that enjoy playtime and outdoor activities. Originally bred as companions for noblewomen, papillons have a rich history of appearing in famous paintings.

6. Chihuahua

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The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a larger-than-life personality. Originating from ancient kingdoms in pre-Columbian times, these amusing “purse dogs” tend to weigh no more than six pounds. Their rounded “apple” heads, expressive eyes and erect ears are distinct features. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns with options of long or short hair. Chihuahuas are loyal, charming and possess a confident attitude. While they require training, they adapt well to city living and thrive on lap time. Regular grooming is essential, including brushing, nail trimming, dental care and ear cleaning. They love to run and play but don’t require extensive exercise.

7. Russian Toy

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The Russian toy is a lively breed with a rich history. With long legs, fine bones and lean muscles, they are both active and cheerful. These intelligent dogs love to snuggle with their human companions and can be slightly aloof with strangers. The Russian toy comes in two coat varieties: long haired and smooth. The longhaired variety requires more grooming, while the smooth-coated variety is sleek and low-maintenance. These dogs have a moderate energy level and enjoy regular exercise, whether it’s a walk or playtime in the yard. Due to their small size, it is recommended to use a harness instead of a collar for walks. The Russian toy’s history dates back to the Russian aristocracy.

8. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

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The Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, or bolonka for short, is a small and loving companion dog known for its intelligence and loyalty. Originating from the Bichon family, this breed almost went extinct until after the Cold War. The bolonka are great house pets for apartment living and are hypoallergenic. They have a funny and clever nature, and get along well with children and other animals. While they are quick to alert, they are not constant barkers when properly trained. They do require regular brushing to prevent mats, and routine care for eyes, ears, teeth and nails. The bolonka don’t require excessive exercise, but do enjoy walks and playtime. They have a fascinating history dating back to the 18th century.

9. Toy American Eskimo Dog

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The toy American eskimo dog is a stunning and intelligent breed known for its beauty and quick thinking. With a friendly and alert nature, they can be a bit reserved when meeting new people. They have a striking white coat, a lion-like ruff and a plumed tail. Eskies are social animals and crave family involvement. They do need to be regularly groomed to control shedding and maintain a clean coat. Eskies require exercise, mental stimulation and should not be left alone for long periods. They form strong bonds with their owners, making them highly trainable, and enjoy indoor living.

10. Bolognese

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The Bolognese is a friendly companion dog with a compact body and a fluffy white coat. Originally from Italy, they are calm, playful and love people. With a serene and devoted nature, they may be reserved with strangers but warm up quickly with proper socialization. Bolognese are prone to separation anxiety and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. Bolognese have a low-shedding, cotton-like coat that requires regular grooming. They make great apartment dogs since they are low-energy and only require moderate exercise. Their rich history dates back centuries, where the Bolognese were treasured by nobility.

11. Maltese

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Known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” the Maltese is a tiny toy companion with a luxurious, floor-length coat. They have been beloved lap dogs for centuries due to their playful and adaptable nature. Maltese capture hearts easily with their beautiful features and loving personalities.Despite their regal appearance, they are hardy and make alert watchdogs. Their long, white coat requires daily brushing and regular baths. Maltese are intelligent and respond well to positive training methods. While they have plenty of energy, they only need occasional exercise to stay happy and healthy.

12. Yorkshire Terrier

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The Yorkshire terrier may be small and elegant, but it has the spirit of a feisty terrier. Originally bred as ratters, these compact toy-size dogs now flaunt long, silky coats. But don’t be fooled by their daintiness—Yorkies are tenacious, brave and bossy. They make popular companions for city dwellers and are excellent watchdogs. Their human-like hair requires daily brushing and regular baths. Yorkies enjoy moderate exercise, like walks and occasional play. They are intelligent, eager to please and respond well to positive training and socialization.

13. Affenpinscher

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The Affenpinscher is a loyal and curious toy dog with a fearless and amusing personality. Their medium-length, wiry coat requires regular grooming to maintain its neat but shaggy appearance. Affenpinschers are affectionate and entertaining, though they can be willful at times. They do well with apartment living, but  enjoy walks and indoor play. It’s recommended that training with this breed be done in shorter sessions and accompanied by a lot of patience.

14. Japanese Chin

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The Japanese chin is a charming toy companion known for its aristocratic appearance and feline-like characteristics. With a silky coat and graceful demeanor, this lapdog is quiet and particular. Despite their elegant looks, Japanese chins are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They require regular brushing and monthly baths to keep their coat in top condition. They are fairly active and enjoy slow walks or exploring a secure backyard. The Japanese chin loves to learn new tricks and entertain their family, so it’s important to keep training positive and fun.

15. Brussels Griffon

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The Brussels griffon is a small toy dog with a big personality. They are smart, devoted and comically self-important. With their human-like eyes and distinctive beard, they have an air of wisdom. Griffs come in different colors and two coat types: smooth and rough. They require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Despite their small size, they need daily exercise and enjoy playtime with their owners. Early socialization and positive training are important for this sensitive breed. They thrive on companionship and may develop unwelcome behaviors if left alone for long periods.

16. Miniature Pinscher

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Known as the “King of Toys,” the miniature pinscher is a proud and fearless toy breed with a shiny coat and a compact physique. They have a confident and self-possessed personality. Their short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. They are active and athletic dogs that require regular exercise, including walks and playtime. Miniature pinschers are intelligent but can be independent, so obedience training is highly recommended. Early socialization is important for their well-rounded development. Contrary to popular belief, miniature pinschers are not mini Doberman pinschers—they are believed to be a cross of the Dachshund and Italian greyhound.

17. Chinese Crested

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With their unique appearance of spotted pink skin, a crested hairdo, furry socks and a feathery tail, the Chinese crested stands out from other breeds. This playful toy dog comes in two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless type has smooth skin with tufts of hair, while the coated variety has a soft and silky coat. Despite their odd appearance, the Chinese crested are elegant and graceful. They are devoted companions who thrive on love and attention. Grooming is essential to maintain their skin health and coat condition. They enjoy short walks and playtime with their owners, and surprisingly do well in agility and obedience. The breed’s origin dates back to ancient times, with theories suggesting they were bred from a mix of the African hairless dog and selective breeding for size reduction.

18. Shih Tzu

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It’s hard not to be charmed by the adorable shih tzu, known as the “lion dog” for its adorable face and expressive eyes. With a beautiful coat that comes in a variety of colors, shih tzus are great around children and are perfectly happy living in apartments. The breed requires daily brushing and occasional baths to keep them looking their best. Shih tzus require little exercise, so they are fine with short walks and indoor playtime. The little dogs aim to please, so training with positive reinforcement is key. These little dogs hold a piece of Chinese history, originating from imperial breeders who developed them centuries ago from Tibetan ancestry.

19. Silky Terrier

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Not to be confused with the Yorkshire or Australian terrier, the silky terrier is a lively terrier full of energy and curiosity. The silky terrier has distinctive features including a wedge-shaped head and expressive almond-shaped eyes with erect ears. Their glossy blue-and-tan coat feels like human hair and requires regular brushing and grooming to maintain their overall health. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation, and are actually great in activities such as agility. Silky terriers thrive in homes where they receive attention and playtime with their family.

20. Miniature Dachshund

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With their unmistakable long torsos, short legs and big personalities, Dachshunds are one of the most distinctive small breeds of the dog world. The little dogs come in standard and miniature size, and with one of three three different coat types: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired. They all share a bold and spirited personality, and are moderate shedders and relatively clean. They require regular exercise but should avoid activities that could strain their long backs. Training can be a challenge due to their intelligent yet independent streak. With a rich German history, Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, making their long, low bodies perfectly suited for the job.

Small Dog Breed Health Concerns

Just like big dog breeds, small dog breeds do come with their own particular set of concerns to keep in mind.

Taking care of your small dog’s teeth

Putting in the time and making an effort to take care of your dog’s teeth is even more important with small breeds.

“Dental care is very important with small breed dogs, as they develop periodontal disease at a higher rate and earlier,” Dr. Wendy Hauser, D.V.M., founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting and veterinary advisor for ASPCA Pet Insurance.

“I educate my clients with small breed dogs to brush teeth daily and be prepared for the likelihood of more frequent professional cleanings under anesthesia,” Hauser says.

A recent study in The Veterinary Journal found that about one-fifth (18.2%) of dogs in the U.S. have periodontal disease, and small dog breeds are more predisposed than larger breeds to dental issues. In fact, breeds under 14.3 pounds have five times greater risk of getting periodontal disease.

It’s believed that small dogs are more prone to dental issues for a number of reasons, including having larger teeth relative to the size of their mouth, which can lead to overcrowding and plaque build-up.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs were classified as overweight or being obese in 2022.

Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight is critical for small and large breeds. But the way small dogs tend to be pampered by their owners can lead to them putting on excessive weight.

In addition to being carried around (less exercise) quite a bit, owners are sometimes guilty of overestimating how much food their small dog actually needs to eat.

More Prone to Orthopedic Injuries

Small dog breeds can be more susceptible to orthopedic injuries, such as patellar luxation and intervertebral disc degeneration, notes the Veterinary Practice News.

This often looks like the dog is skipping a step when walking—which may seem normal, but could be an indication of something more serious.

Their petite build can also make them more prone to injuries from jumping out of their owner’s arms or on and off furniture.

Bottom Line

Owning a small dog may seem like the easy way to enjoy the unconditional love and companionship of a dog, but they require care and commitment to their unique needs, including dental care, proper exercise and nutrition, and regular vet visits.

Small dog breeds are beloved for their tiny size, adorable faces, and their feisty personalities. With some homework, you can find the perfect little dog to welcome into your family.

Other Top Pet Breeds

• Top 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds
• Top 20 Most Popular Cat Breeds
• Top 20 Largest Dog Breeds
• Top 20 Popular Toy Dog Breeds
• Top 20 Most Popular Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Small Dog Breed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)