Ruby D. Gerace 
If you’re searching for the best small dog that is appropriate for living in associate living accommodations or that you’ll simply take traveling with you, a small dog is the right breed for you.
Small dogs are also great for people who want a dog but don’t want to work too hard or sacrifice their personal time by adopting a large animal. Some of the best small dog breeds include the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Pekingese, and Yorkie. These breeds are known for their loyalty, affection, and playful personalities.
They are also relatively low maintenance and easy to train. Whether you’re looking for a lapdog or an energetic little companion, there’s the best small dog breed that’s perfect for you.
One of the most difficult decisions when choosing a new dog is deciding which breed is the best small dog. The available breeds have so much variety, shape, size, and color that it can be quite overwhelming. This article will help you decide which is the best small dog for you with detailed information and pictures of each breed.
18 Best Small Dog Breeds – Smallest Dog Breed in The World
Here is some brief information about the best small dogs in the world, with all the essential options and highlights you wish to grasp before bringing your new friend into your home.
18. Papillon
The Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a small dog that has butterfly-like ears. It is a toy breed standing at 8-11 inches tall and weighing between 4-9 pounds. Papillons have been around for centuries; their history dates back to the 16th century.
The Papillon’s ears are long, fringed, and stand erect. They are said to resemble the wings of a butterfly. The coat is silky, usually white with patches of other colors such as black or apricot.
Papillon dogs are friendly and energetic, with bright and cheerful personalities. They are intelligent, eager to please their owners, and love getting attention from people they meet. They make great therapy dogs because they love interacting with children and adults alike. Papillon dogs need to be active, so you should take them on walks or play fetch with them every day.
The breed is both beautiful and dog-friendly. They are loving, friendly, and affectionate, making them great companions. They are also known to be very loyal to their owners, who bond closely with them and frequently take them for walks or other activities.
The Papillon is a small dog with a cheerful disposition. They are hardy and not prone to many health issues, although they can be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. They also have a long lifespan of about 14-16 years.
17. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small fluffy dog breed that is known for its playful and affectionate personality. This breed was originally bred in the Mediterranean region as a lapdog for nobility. They are a non-shedding breed which makes them popular with people with allergies.
The Bichon Frise has a fluffy white coat that is hypoallergenic and requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and fluffiness. Its round head has dark expressive eyes and a black nose, and its ears are long and droopy. Its plumed tail is carried over its back.
Bichon Frises are friendly and outgoing. They enjoy being around people and other animals. They are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility training. They make wonderful family pets who are great with children.
This breed is known for its playfulness and energy. They need regular exercise, both mentally and physically, to stay healthy. They are best kept as apartment dogs because they don’t like to run around in large yards. They like to play fetch and enjoy walks on their own schedule.
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed overall, but like all dogs, it can develop certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and ear infections. The dog also has a lifespan of about 12-15 years.
16. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a small, spirited dog breed that originated in Scotland. It is known as the Westie because it was originally developed by Scottish farmers as a watchdog who could be kept in a small cottage.
This breed stands at around 10-11 inches tall and weighs between 15-22 pounds. The coat is wiry, requiring regular grooming to maintain its shape and texture. It has a round head with dark expressive eyes and a black nose. The ears are small and erect and its tail is carried high.
Westies are known for their spirited and independent personalities. They are high-energy dogs that can be challenging to train, but they can be trained with consistency and patience to do well in obedience and agility training. Westies also make great family pets, thanks to their laid-back nature and gentle ways with children.
This dog breed is also known for its playful, energetic, and outgoing nature. They need regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy, so they are great for apartment living as they do not require a large yard to run around. They enjoy playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park.
The West Highland White Terrier is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies. They also have a lifespan of about 12-16 years.
15. Maltese
Maltese is a small, elegant dog breed that originated in Malta. They are a toy breed, standing at around 7-9 inches tall and weighing between 4-7 pounds. Their long, silky white coat requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and texture.
They have a round head with dark expressive eyes, a black nose, and small ears that are erect when they walk. The tail is plumed high as it waves behind them.
Maltese are sweet and affectionate, highly social, and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility training. They make great family pets.
This breed is known for its playful, energetic nature. They need regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They are great for apartment living as they do not require a large yard to run around.
Maltese dogs are generally healthy, but like most breeds, they can have certain health issues. They’re susceptible to dental problems, patellar luxation, and ear infections. They live an average of 12-15 years.
In conclusion, the Maltese are a great choice for anyone looking for a small, friendly, energetic, and affectionate companion.
They make great family pets because they are highly trainable, play well with children and other household pets, are great with children and people with allergies, and are hypoallergenic and easy to maintain making them a terrific choice for active families or individuals who enjoy having a playful companion by their side.
14. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small, lively dog breed that originated in Mexico. It is the smallest recognized breed of dog weighs between 2-6 pounds and stands between 6-10 inches tall. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, sable, merle, and parti-color.
The breed has a round head with dark, expressive eyes and a black nose. Its ears are large and erect and its short curly tail ends in a ball or curl at the end.
Chihuahuas are known for their lively and energetic personalities. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They are also known for being social and outgoing, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
However, if not trained properly, Chihuahuas can become yappy. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure that these traits don’t become problems later on in life.
These dogs are also known for their small size, which makes them easy to transport and care for. They can be carried around easily and do not require a large yard to run around. Despite their small size, they are active and need regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They enjoy going on walks, playing fetch, and running around the park.
Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. They can also develop dental problems and shivering. They live about 12-20 years.
In conclusion, the Chihuahua is a great choice for anyone looking for a small, lively, and energetic companion. They are highly trainable, great with children, and make great family pets.
They are also easy to care for and transport, making them great for people with busy lifestyles. A Chihuahua has a lively personality that makes it enjoyable to be around. With the right training and care, a Chihuahua can be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.
13. Pug
The Pug is a small, playful dog breed that originated in China. It stands at around 10-14 inches tall and weighs between 14-18 pounds. It has a distinctive wrinkled face and a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as black, fawn, apricot, and silver. Its round head has dark expressive eyes, a black nose, and a short curled tail.
Pugs are loving, playful, and affectionate creatures. They enjoy being around people and other animals, as well as being highly social themselves. Their intelligence is remarkable and makes them easy to train. In fact, pugs excel in obedience and agility training; they also make great family pets because they are quick to learn new skills.
This breed is known for its playful and energetic nature. They need regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They are great for apartment living and don’t require a large yard to run around; they also enjoy playing fetch and going on walks.
Pugs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can develop certain health issues. You should always keep your pup’s health in mind when making decisions about bringing home a new pet. They also have a lifespan of about 12-15 years.
With their small size and playful nature, the Pug makes an excellent option for anyone looking for a family pet. They are highly trainable, great with children, and make great family pets. They are also easy to care for and transport, making them great for people with busy lifestyles.
The Pug has a playful and energetic nature and makes a wonderful partner for active families or individuals. With the right training and care, a Pug can be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.
12. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a medium- to large-sized herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They stand at around 13-16 inches tall and weigh between 14-30 pounds. They have a thick coat of hair on their bodies and faces with a variety of colors including sable, black, and blue merle. Their bushy tails are typically carried over their backs.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly intelligent, trainable dogs. They were developed to work as herding dogs and are known for their friendly nature and gentle temperament. They make great therapy dogs, they’re friendly and gentle with children, who love them as much as their owners do. They excel in obedience and agility events, making them great therapy dogs as well.
This breed is an energetic breed that is known for its active and playful nature. They need a moderate amount of exercise, such as going on walks, running around in a fenced yard, or playing fetch. They also enjoy activities such as agility training, obedience training, and herding trials.
Shetland Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, but like most dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is one of these issues. The breed also has an increased risk for eye problems and skin allergies. They tend to live about 12-15 years.
In conclusion, the Shetland Sheepdog is a great choice for anyone looking for an intelligent and trainable companion. They are great with children and make great family pets. They are also easy to care for and transport, making them great for people with busy lifestyles.
11. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, playful breed that originated in Cuba. It stands at around 8-11 inches tall and weighs between 7-13 pounds. It has a soft silky coat in several different colors, including white, cream, gold, and black. Its head is round with dark expressive eyes and a black nose. Its ears are long and droopy, and its long plumed tail is carried high above its backside.
The Havanese is a small, playful breed that originated in Cuba. It’s a toy dog that stands at around eight to eleven inches tall and weighs between seven and thirteen pounds. It has a soft silky coat in several different colors, including white, cream, gold, and black. Its head is round with dark expressive eyes and a black nose. Its ears are long and droopy, and its long plumed tail is carried high above its backside.
These dogs are known for their powerful and playful nature. They have a lot of energy, and regular exercise is important for keeping them mentally and physically healthy. They make great pets for apartment dwellers or those living in smaller homes, as they do not require a large yard to run around in. They also enjoy playing fetch and going on walks with their owners.
Havanese dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. They also have a lifespan of about 14-16 years.
10. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small, fluffy dog that originated in Pomerania, an area in northeastern Europe that is now part of Germany and Poland. They stand at around 7-12 inches tall and weigh between 3-7 pounds. They have a thick, fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors such as orange, cream, black, and brown.
The dogs have round heads with dark expressive eyes and black noses. Their ears are small and erect, as well as their plumed tails.
Pomeranians are friendly and outgoing dogs. They enjoy being around people and other animals, making them good companions for the whole family. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Their obedience and agility training make them great with children.
These dogs are known to be playful and energetic. They need regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy, and they can live in an apartment if you provide them with a fenced yard or a large area outside by which they can play. They enjoy playing fetch going on walks and running around the park.
Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as dental disease and hip dysplasia. They also have a lifespan of about 12-16 years.
9. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a breed of small dog that originated in the United States. Their height is around 15-17 inches and they weigh between 10-25 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as black, brindle, and white.
They have square-shaped heads with large, expressive eyes and black noses. The ears are small and erect and they have a short, tapered tail.
The Boston terrier is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. It enjoys being around people and other animals, making it an ideal companion for those with families. Like many terriers, it is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it easy to train. The breed excels in obedience and agility training. It makes a great family pet as well as an excellent watchdog.
This breed has a playful and energetic nature. It has a lot of energy and needs regular exercise to keep it mentally and physically healthy. It is ideal for apartment living, as it does not require a large yard to run around or play fetch. It enjoys walks and running around the park as well.
Boston Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as breathing problems, eye issues, and skin allergies. Although they have a lifespan of about 12-15 years, their average life expectancy is about 13 years.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, playful dog breed originating in China. It stands at around 8-11 inches tall and weighs between 9-16 pounds, with a long silky coat coming in a variety of colors including white, black, gold, and various shades of grey. It has a round head with dark expressive eyes and a black nose. The ears are long and droopy and it has a long plumed tail that is carried high.
Shih Tzu dogs are known for being friendly and affectionate with their owners. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility training, but are also great with children and make great family pets.
This breed has a playful and energetic nature. It needs regular exercise to keep it mentally and physically healthy, making it a great pet for apartment dwellers who do not have large yards. The dog enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park.
The Shih Tzu is a loving, friendly, and playful breed that makes an excellent family pet due to its easy maintenance and high level of trainability. They are excellent with children, making them great for families with young children or for individuals who want a companion dog.
The Shih Tzu can live anywhere from 10 to 16 years, but it is important to remember that they have some health concerns such as allergies and eye issues.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, friendly dog breed with an affectionate and gentle temperament. Originating in England, they are 12-14 inches tall and weigh between 10-18 pounds. The long, silky coat comes in four colors: Blenheim (chestnut and white), Ruby (solid red), Black and Tan, and Black and White.
They have a round head with dark eyes and a nose. The ears are long, droopy, and plumed; the tail is carried high.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their friendly, affectionate personalities. They enjoy being around people and other animals and are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility training, as well as other competitive dog sports.
This breed is also known for its playful and energetic nature. It needs regular exercise to keep it mentally and physically healthy, and this can be achieved with frequent walks or runs in an open space. The breed is great for apartment living as it does not require a large yard; however, it enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include heart problems and dental issues, as well as ear infections. Their life expectancy is approximately 10-14 years.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, energetic dog breed that originated in Germany. The breed stands 11-14 inches tall and weighs between 11-20 pounds. It has a distinctive wiry coat that comes in colors such as salt and pepper, black, and silver. The square-shaped head features a thick beard and mustache, dark eyes, and a black nose. Ear carriage is low with erect ears of moderate size. The tail is docked short or not at all.
Miniature Schnauzers are energetic and lively dogs that enjoy being around people. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility competitions, making them ideal watchdogs. Miniature Schnauzers also make great family pets due to their protective nature and their affectionate disposition toward children.
This breed is also known for its high energy and active nature. It requires regular exercise, including walking, to keep it mentally and physically healthy. It enjoys going on walks, running around in a fenced yard, or playing fetch. This dog also enjoys activities such as agility training, obedience training, and tracking.
Miniature Schnauzers are generally healthy, but they can be prone to diabetes, bladder stones, and skin allergies. Their lifespan is 12-15 years. They make great companions for active families or individuals who like to travel with their pets.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a great choice for anyone looking for an energetic, lively companion. This breed is highly trainable, great with children, and makes a great family pet. They are also easy to care for and transport making them great for people with busy lifestyles. They have an energetic and active nature that makes them great for active families and individuals.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, intelligent breed that originated in Wales. The breed stands 10-12 inches tall and weighs between 24-30 pounds. Its short, thick coat comes in colors such as red, sable, fawn, black and tan. It has a foxy face with pointy ears and a docked tail.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals, but may become anxious if left alone for too long. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
They excel in obedience and agility training and make great therapy dogs due to their gentle nature with humans. They are also great with children; however, some can be aggressive with other pets if not properly socialized with them at an early age.
This breed is also known for its energetic, active nature. These dogs need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They are great apartment dogs because they do not require a large yard to run around in; however, they enjoy playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park with their owners.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally a healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and von Willebrand’s disease. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
4. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small breed of dog that originated in Germany. The breed has a distinctively elongated body and short legs, and it stands at around 5-12 inches tall and typically weighs between 16-32 pounds when fully grown. It has a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as black, tan, and red, along with wire-haired and long-haired coats.
The Dachshund has a long pointed muzzle, expressive eyes and nose, droopy ears, and an affectionate personality.
Dachshunds are known for their playful, energetic personalities. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They also have a high level of intelligence and are eager to please, making them easy to train. These traits make them ideal candidates for dog obedience classes and competitions like agility training. Dachshunds also make great family pets because they get along well with children.
This breed is energetic and active, making it a great companion for apartment dwellers who do not have large yards. The Yorkshire terrier enjoys fetching, strolling around the neighborhood, and running at the park.
Dachshunds are generally a healthy breed, but some common health issues include intervertebral disc disease and obesity. They have an average lifespan of about 12-15 years.
In conclusion, the Dachshund is a great choice for anyone looking for a small, playful and energetic companion. These dogs are highly trainable and make great family pets.
They have a playful and energetic nature, making them ideal for active families and individuals with busy lifestyles. They are also easy to care for and transport, making them great for people who travel frequently or have limited space in their homes or apartments.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” is a small energetic dog breed that originated in England. It is a toy breed, standing at 6-7 inches in height and weighing between 4-7 pounds. The coat is long and silky with colors such as blue and tan, black and tan, black and gold, or blue and gold. The head is small with expressive eyes and a black nose; the ears are small and erect; the long plumed tail is typically carried high.
Yorkshire Terriers are lively and energetic. They are highly social, enjoying human companionship and contact with other animals. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Yorkshire Terriers excel in obedience and agility training and make great family pets.
The breed is also known for its active and energetic nature. The breed requires regular exercise to keep it mentally and physically healthy. It is a great apartment dog as it doesn’t require a large yard and enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park.
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy, but they can suffer from a number of health issues such as dental problems, hypoglycemia, and liver shunts. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
In conclusion, the Yorkshire Terrier makes an excellent pet for people who are looking for a small, active dog. The breed is highly trainable and enjoys interacting with children, making it great for families. It is easy to care for and transport, making it ideal for people who lead busy lives.
2. Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in England. They are a scent hound breed, standing at around 13-16 inches tall and weighing between 20-25 pounds.
They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors such as white, black, and tan. Their head is square shaped with large eyes and ears that are long and droopy. Their tail is carried high above their rear end when they are relaxed or excited.
Beagles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them well-suited as companion animals. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also highly intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train, making them perfect for obedience and agility training. Beagles make great family pets because of their affectionate nature towards children.
This breed is also known for its energetic and active nature. It has a lot of energy, and regular exercise is required to keep it mentally and physically healthy. It is well suited to apartment living as it does not require a large yard to run around in or play fetch in. It also enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park. This breed is known for its sense of smell, so tracking activities are enjoyed by many dogs of this breed.
The Beagle breed is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues such as obesity and hip dysplasia. The average lifespan of a Beagle is 12-15 years.
In conclusion, Beagles are energetic, loving, and playful dogs. They are highly trainable and great with children. They make great family pets and can be easily cared for. They have an active nature and a strong sense of smell making them suitable for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
1. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is a small breed of dog, standing at around 11-13 inches tall and weighing between 19-28 pounds. It has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as brindle, fawn, white, and black. It has a square-shaped head with large eyes and a black nose; its ears are small and erect. The tail is tapered and usually docked by breeders.
The French Bulldog is a good choice for anyone looking for a small, friendly, and affectionate companion. They are highly trainable, making them great for families with children. They also make good pets for people who have a busy lifestyle and want a dog that can travel easily.
French Bulldogs are a highly sociable breed that enjoys people, other animals, and the company of children. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please, making them easy to train in obedience and agility. They make great family pets.
This breed is also known for its playful, energetic nature. It requires daily exercise to keep it mentally and physically healthy a long walk or game of fetch every day should suffice. This breed makes a great apartment dog as it does not require a large yard to run around in, though it enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and running around the park.
French bulldogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all dog breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of these include breathing problems, eye issues, and skin allergies. They have an average lifespan of 11-13 years.
They have a playful and energetic nature, making them ideal for active families or individuals. With the right training and care, the French Bulldog can be a loyal family member for many years to come.
Conclusion
If you are trying to decide on the best small dog for your family, there are a few things that you consider before making a final decision. The first thing is that you must understand the characteristics of each breed before jumping into ownership of any dog.
Small dogs generally do not live as long as larger breeds and have more health issues. One of the best small dog breeds is the Pomeranian because of its sweet temperament. This article will give you an overview of the pros and cons of Pomeranian ownership.
There are many small dog breeds to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and personalities. Whether you’re looking for a playful and energetic companion, a highly trainable and obedient pet, or a friendly and affectionate companion, there’s a small dog breed out there for you.
Some popular small dog breeds include the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, and Boston Terrier; however, there are many other breeds to choose from. It’s important to research different breeds and consider your lifestyle, living situation, and preferences before making a decision.
Anything To Add About The Best Small Dog List?
If you have any questions or would like to offer feedback, suggestions, or recommendations about the best small dog breeds list, please do so in the comments section below. We’d love to hear your thoughts.🐶
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