43 Best Small Dog Breeds
Some are hypoallergenic, others are rare, but all are so cute!
As any real dog lover knows, every canine is simply perfect just as it is — no matter what size his boopable snoot. But not every size dog is an ideal fit for every pet parent; large dog breeds and medium dog breeds can be a mismatch for certain homes. For instance, if you have a small space, limited mobility or little kids, a small dog breed might be just the right forever addition to your home.
If you're ready to welcome a new pup to your family — or you just need a serotonin pick-me-up — scroll through our list of the top small dog breeds that are adorable as they are sweet. These popular small dog breeds include playful Jack Russel Terriers, cuddly Pomeranians, energetic (and hypoallergenic!) Yorkshire Terriers, lovable Maltese and even some toy dogs, who are very miniature in nature.
Looking for more pet adoption inspiration (or just the pure pleasure of scrolling through tons of cute dog pics)? Check out our roundups of the smartest dog breeds, quiet dog breeds that barely bark, laziest dog breeds that are total couch potatoes, as well as the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
And when you do bring your new pal home, make your companion as comfy as can be with one of the best dog beds and best (a.k.a indestructible!) dog toys destined to become their very favorites.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Love huskies but don't quite have the space for a medium-sized dog? May we introduce you to the Alaskan Klee Kai — this dog looks just like a husky, but will only weigh up to 15 pounds. If you need more convincing, this is the breed of Sophie Turner's adorable pup.
Chihuahua
Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, these loyal and energetic dogs prove that good things do come in small packages — about five pound packages, to be exact.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Playful, bright and alert, corgis are great with children. They're intelligent and willing to please, making them easy to train. They're good watchdogs, and can be noisy and reserved with strangers.
Jack Russell Terrier
Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, Jack Russell terriers have made a name for themselves by appearing on-screen in Wishbone, The Artist and My Dog Skip, to name a few. The intelligent workers can be stubborn and extremely energetic.
Pomeranian
Don't be fooled by these puff ball's cuddly coat, the Pomeranian's playful demeanor will keep you active with short daily walks.
Yorkshire Terrier
At a mere seven pounds, Yorkies pack an energetic punch in a small package. That gorgeous, silky fur has an additional upside too: It's hypoallergenic!
Maltese
Although it's tough to distinguish between all the small white dog breeds out there, this one counts as one of the oldest. Maltese have entertained their owners for thousands of years. They're so lovable that the ancient Greeks even built tombs in their honor.
Rat Terrier
Beyond being excellent exterminators (hello, city-dwellers), they're loyal, cheerful and have a silky-smooth coat.
Yorkipoo
With the tiny stature of a Yorkshire terrier and the intelligence of a miniature poodle, this playful, mixed breed dog makes the perfect pet for families. Plus, they're hypoallergenic!
Bichon Frise
These non-shedding dogs are known for being unbelievably happy, loving and lovable. They're intelligent, although sometimes they exhibit a stubborn streak.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are so charming, they'll definitely warm your heart. They're gentle and loyal, yet proud with an aristocratic temperament. They can be stubborn at times.
Pug
Loyal and affectionate to everyone (including strangers), these dogs are extremely playful and always ready for a game. They're intelligent, although stubbornness makes this breed hard to train.
Miniature Poodle
Even though all poodles are considered one (extremely intelligent) breed, they come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy. The miniature variety typical weighs in at a manageable 15 to 17 pounds. As for that fancy haircut, the "poodle clip" is designed to protect the joints and organs in cold water.
Japanese Chin
A longtime companion of Japanese royalty, these regal pups make a sweet and cuddly lapdog. The only downside to this breed is that you'll have to deal with the fact that they'll always have better hair than you.
Pumi
With their corkscrew curls and big, bashful eyes, Pumis are the cutest breed of dog that you've never heard of.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Cousin of the equally fluffy Bichon Frise, Bolonkas are a breed of curious and intelligent lapdogs that are popular in Russia.
RELATED: 40 Famous Dogs from Movies and TV Shows Who Stole Our Hearts
English Cocker Spaniel
These spaniels weigh slightly more than their popular American counterparts, but their merry personalities win over families just as easily. Get them outside, and they're quite the happy campers.
Whippet
Reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, whippets are the fastest animal of their size, according to the American Kennel Club. A couple of all-out sprints will tire them out for an entire afternoon.
RELATED: 22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems
Miniature Pinscher
Fearless and fun-loving, Min Pins require a lot more activity than their 10-pound frames suggest. Be prepared for some of their, ahem, more vocal qualities as well.
Basenji
Basenjis originally worked as hunting dogs in Africa, prized for their intelligence and independence. Most notably, however, the "barkless dog" makes an odd chortle-like sound instead of a typical "woof."
Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY, and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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