Physical Characteristics: Bushy beard and eyebrows; colors include black, silver, and more. Chihuahuas are some of the world's tiniest dogs and are often seen toted around in carriers, but they have huge personalities. The Boston Terrier is an American breed of domesticated dog, small to medium-sized with a muscular and heavy-set appearance similar to the English terrier breeds. But it's just as important to rule out any undesirable characteristics, including high energy or the need for vigorous exercise, before deciding on a breed. The Boston terrier is cheerful, loyal, and even-tempered dog. Though a great breed for adults, the Papillon can be overwhelmed by the roughhousing and mischief of small children. Some organizations break down dog sizes into detailed groups (e.g., extra-small, small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, and giant). The miniature schnauzer is an energetic little dog with a friendly but tough personality. While it does no shed, it does require daily grooming. Personality: Independent, curious and playful. Small dogs make up for their size with huge personalities, which means they benefit from a special approach to training. They don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has more than 20 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and has been writing about pet care for the last decade. Many also do well in homes and apartments with limited space. Small dogs have big personalities. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But they're not a wimpy dog. The name ‘bichon frise’ is Spanish and it means ‘curly lap dog’ in English. This is a group for all owners of small breeds dogs to come together to share pictures, questions, stories, and advice. And they still need plenty of exercise and activities. They are short-haired and require lots of training and exercise. NO BUYING OR SELLING You must AGREE to the group rules in order to join. Physical Characteristics: Square body; short legs and face; colors include black and fawn. Certain breeds like Dachshunds or small terriers also love country life and the opportunity to run around. They tend to be fairly hardy with an alert, confident disposition. Easily recognized by its signature bearded haircut, this terrier has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward its family. Check out more mixed-breed, medium-sized and large dog breeds. Yorkies are better with older children rather than younger. This breed does better in an adult-only home. Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) The Brussels Griffon, also known as Griffon Bruxellois in Europe, is a toy dog breed. Some can have personalities that are tough as nails. The final dog on our list of small dog breeds is the Yorkie. They like lots of attention, so are not ideal for being left alone for long periods. Physical Characteristics: Low, long body; short legs; colors include chocolate, black, red, and more. If your family includes very young children, make sure the dog you’re considering has a space where it can be alone when necessary, or perhaps, research breeds that may better fit your family’s lifestyle. A to Z Small Dog Breed List. This beautiful dog is pretty adaptable to hot weather due to its short fur, but can also tolerate colder climates. Easily recognized by its signature bearded haircut, this terrier has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward its family. And they typically have lower food and medication costs than large breeds. The miniature schnauzer is an energetic little dog with a friendly but tough personality. Bichon Frise. The Yorkie is friendly and affectionate to those they know but can be wary of strangers. They can be loving companions but need activity to keep them entertained. Border … Yorkies make up for their small stature with huge personalities. First, they're considered "portable," meaning they can fit in little carriers to accompany their owners on trips. Given these requirements, we have 65 small dog breeds (67 if you count size variations). Related: 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World 2. Welcome to Small Dog Breeds! Pomeranians look like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion, thanks to their long, fluffy coat. The Basenji is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds known. They tend to be energetic and sometimes bossy dogs with an intense loyalty to their loved ones. These little, round dogs are jovial souls. Our purpose is to inform and collect the best information, profiles, & pictures of every small dog that barks and runs. Today's Maltese still loves to be pampered. Photo By: petwave.com More Information About Papillon. The Shih Tzu is basically the poster child for lap dogs, which is no surprise as the breed originated strictly as a companion. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. The Havanese is a small but hardy dog who makes an ideal family companion. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. They can be excellent watchdogs, vocally announcing any movement around the house. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. Small dogs are part of many AKC groups, so there is a perfect breed for every lover of little dogs when it comes to personality, activity level and coat type. But not all small dogs are lap…. A fan of short walks, this breed is known as the smallest in the world. Unsure about what small dog is perfect for you? By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our. This small dog breed could be a stunning, athletic, and friendly pet with howling butterfly formed ears and long and silk-soft hair.. You can teach your small pet every kind of fun tricks and you may each rejoice whereas at it!. There are similarities among breeds but the differences may make your decision a little easier. Height: Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: up to 10 inches, Weight: Miniature: 10 to 15 pounds, toy: 4 to 6 pounds, Physical Characteristics: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, black, brown, and more. As a direct result, they are highly trainable and respond positively to activities that involve mental stimulation. They have a small, compact body (weigh between 5-10 kg) with a … It's also known to be an active, vocal breed and needs a solid foundation of training. Check out the American Kennel Club's list of smallest dog breeds, including the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, and more. Anyone breaking the rules will be blocked immediately. Beagle. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues. Known to some enthusiasts as the “Westie,” this small dog breed loves to romp, run and be in the middle of the action. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. They’re smart, playful and loving, but aren’t afraid to protect their people from strangers and other threats. Bostons tend to be playful and energetic, and they love to spend time in their owners' laps. The Norwich Terrier is a small, generally healthy breed. Find out more about the Norwich Terrier. Their short coat also means they are very easy to groom. Shih Tzu – Calm Small Dog Breeds. Knowing which small dog is right for your family depends on many factors, such your lifestyle, the size of your family, the age of your children, and your willingness to train and groom the dog. Physical Characteristics: Dark, alert eyes; silky, white coat. Still, they're first and foremost affectionate companions. Physical Characteristics: Compact body; fluffy coat; colors include black, orange, and more. Temperament: Strong-willed, but friendly to kids and family. Dachshunds come in standard or miniature size, the latter being ideal for the small-dog enthusiast. A List of Small Dog Breeds from A - Z. All rights reserved. It is a very active, friendly and playful dog and plays along well with other pets as well as children. Small Dog Breeds. They are sometimes known as Africa’s barkless dog because they cannot bark; instead they will yodel. Australian Terrier. Small Dogs (typically under 12 lbs) 1) Dachshund The standard Dachshund (16-32 lbs), which is a type of hound, originates from Germany, and was bred to scent, chase and flush out badgers from their dens. Bichon Frise. But they need consistent training and boundaries to keep their strong-willed spirit in check. To keep it simple, let's look at popular breeds that fall between small and large. In this section, you can browse a list of breeds by A-Z or use our Dog Finder Tool to find the perfect breed to suit your lifestyle. While lovable and loyal, chihuahuas are also highly active and sassy with major "tough dog" attitudes. Small dogs are part of many AKC groups, so there is a perfect breed for every lover of little dogs when it comes to personality, activity level and coat type. Known as the world’s smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua also has one of the most prominent personalities when it comes to canines. Bolognese. Physical Characteristics: Compact body; silky coat; colors include black and tan, blue and tan, and more. #6 Shih Tzu. They don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. Papillon. Can get along with other dogs, but may not do well with small animals. The Maltese tends to have a gentle yet brave disposition. But not all small dogs are lap warmers! Small dog breeds are popular for several reasons. The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hotdog, and more. Basenji are an elegant small hunting dog breed of the hound family. The Crossword Solver finds answers to American-style crosswords, British-style crosswords, general knowledge crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. The Affenpinscher: loyal, curious, and famously amusing; this almost-human toy dog is fearless ou…, The American Eskimo Dog combines striking good looks with a quick and clever mind in a total…, The American Hairless Terrier, a Louisiana native, is a smart, inquisitive, and playful dog tha…, The diminutive Australian Terrier is plucky, spirited, and smart—how did they fit so much dog…, The Basenji, Africa’s “Barkless Dog,” is a compact, sweet-faced hunter of intelligence and…, Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, it is also happy-go-lucky…, Graceful terriers in sheep’s clothing, Bedlington Terriers, named for the English mining shire…, The small but sturdy and resilient Bichon Frise stands among the world’s great “personality…, The Biewer Terrier is an elegant, longhaired, tri-colored toy terrier whose only purpose in life i…, A small companion breed originating in Italy, the Bolognese is a calm, faithful dog with a long…, Admirers of the upbeat and agile Border Terrier cherish their breed’s reputation as a tough…, The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty bu…. Toy Poodles are also highly adaptable, which makes them ideal for both house and apartment lifestyles. Small dog breeds tend to go up to about 20 pounds. Click on the picture to be taken to the breed profile page. A to Z Small Dog Breed List, the world's 90 smallest dogs. A 5-star rating means this dog is always ready to play, and is absolutely bouncing off the walls with energy. There are 60+ small dog breeds in our list. Activity Level: MODERATE to HIGH. The Shih Tzu, also known as the "mini lion," makes for a good family dog -- it is very friendly and gets along with all creatures (even children). The miniature Dachshund (5-11 lbs) was bred to hunt smaller animals, such as rabbits. As very social dogs, they do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Overall, a wonderful small dog breed for families and individuals alike. Small dogs are part of many AKC groups, so there is a perfect breed for every lover of little dogs when it comes to personality, activity level and coat type. The breed can be traced back to ancient times, where it was the beloved companion of royalty and nobility. Living as long as 18 years, Chihuahuas like a warm lap and lots of cuddles. Physical Characteristics: Long double coat; colors include black, blue, silver, and more. Affectionate and even-tempered, they can fit into many different living situations. The fact is, some small dogs are too delicate to compete with a boisterous family of young children and need to live in quieter environments. These dogs sport long, silky hair, though many owners trim the coat short for easier maintenance. Sort by popularity, name and size. Toy Poodles are a small breed with a medium energy level. Standards are fairly large while miniatures and toys fall into the small-dog category. The Crossword Solver found 20 answers to the small dog breed crossword clue. They require daily exercise but not excessive amounts. Be sure to look for reputable breeders and or breed specific rescues in your area. These little floofs may be a toy breed, but they are even-tempered and a well-suited small dog breed ideal for … RELATED: 15 … Keep in mind most puppies are energetic until they mature, and as dogs get older they tend to become more calm. Physical Characteristics: Alert expression; smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, and more. 3. These dogs are very patient with children and have the … A national symbol of Mexico, and a famous “purse dog,” the Chihuahua is a loyal, charming dog with a Napoleon syndrome, which makes it feel like a huge dog. The bichon frises are incredibly cheerful, friendly, playful and intelligent. The name Shih Tzu may mean little lion, but there’s nothing fierce about him. 18. Many bond closely with their favorite humans but are wary of anyone else. Small dog breeds suit smaller environments, tend to live longer than larger ones, and make great little companions, although they may not be the most suitable of jogging partners due to their small size.Small dogs can often gain most of their exercise requirements indoors from play, especially around kids, but they will still benefit greatly from spending time outdoors. Of course, they mostly relate to the breed's distinct appearance. Crossing the equator of our list of best small to medium dog breeds we find the German Pinscher, which weighs around 25 to 45 pounds and is around 1 ft 7 in tall on average. Physical Characteristics: Short face; smooth coat; colors include black and white, seal and white, and more. It might seem obvious for small-dog lovers to avoid breeds such as German shepherds and Siberian huskies. Basenji. With so many different breeds in all shapes and sizes, choosing the right dog can seem pretty difficult. Due to their health challenges, some medium to large dog breed have a life expectancy of less than 7 years. The average lifespan of an otherwise healthy small dog breed is going to be about 10 to 13 years, although they can live longer in some cases. Find buying advice, popularity rankings, average prices and other useful information and facts on 244 Dog Breeds using our Pets4Homes advanced dog breed selector. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, iy_2021; im_01; id_05; ih_02; imh_08; i_epoch:1609841313608, py_2020; pm_08; pd_28; ph_06; pmh_41; p_epoch:1598622100528, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Fri Aug 28 06:41:40 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1598622100528. The category of small dogs tends to … It's also known to be an active, vocal breed and needs a solid foundation of training. According to the AKC, a small dog breed weighs less than 22 pounds and/or is shorter than 16 inches. #5 Maltese. Small dog breeds are likely to outlive large dog breeds. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. This lapdog looks somewhat like a white poodle and is a very small breed, weighing a maximum of 10 kilos. In fact, many of these dogs are much smaller than the 22 pounds / 16 inches limit. Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The smaller poodles are known for their longevity, along with their intelligence and trademark curly coats. Yorkshire terriers are the quintessential "purse dog," often seen being carried in their owners' arms. This dog is generally playful and energetic, and it bonds closely with its family. They're sweet and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers. Enter the answer length or the answer pattern to get better results. Biewer Terrier. The breed originated from crossing an English bulldog with a white English terrier and was named after the city in which it was created. For instance, Australian silky terrier has a life expectancy of 15 years. Large dog breeds begin around 60 pounds. But they do have a tendency to develop breathing problems and eye issues, so regular health checkups are a must. A tall dog within the small dog breed group, Basenjis are almost catlike in behavior and temperament. They are cute, fluffy, white, hypoallergenic, low-shedding, and can accommodate apartment living well. Small Breed Dogs has 25,653 members. One of the best known small dog breeds that are good with kids, the Beagle is an affectionate and curious breed. Dog Breed Selector. Here are 10 of the best small dogs to keep as pets. The bichon frise is a small and cute dog breed originated in Spain. For instance, Chihuahuas, a common small dog breed, can live between 12 and 18 years. a 1-Star rating means this is a lazy dog breed. Pugs were once the pets of royalty and companions of Tibetan monks. Refine the list of dog breeds using characteristics such as Intelligence, Exercise Needs and Amount of Shedding. There are also a number of small breeds to choose from, each with a mix of potential pros and cons. If you’re looking for a little dog with a big, courageous heart, explore our list of small dog breeds below to find the best one for you.