a 1-Star rating means this is a lazy dog breed. 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. While lovable and loyal, chihuahuas are also highly active and sassy with major "tough dog" attitudes. RELATED: 15 … 3. This lapdog looks somewhat like a white poodle and is a very small breed, weighing a maximum of 10 kilos. 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. Welcome to Small Dog Breeds! Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They are short-haired and require lots of training and exercise. This breed does better in an adult-only home. Shih Tzu – Calm Small Dog Breeds. Physical Characteristics: Low, long body; short legs; colors include chocolate, black, red, and more. 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. According to the AKC, a small dog breed weighs less than 22 pounds and/or is shorter than 16 inches. Our purpose is to inform and collect the best information, profiles, & pictures of every small dog that barks and runs. Dog Breed Selector. Toy Poodles are a small breed with a medium energy level. 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 American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. Their short coat also means they are very easy to groom. 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. Known to some enthusiasts as the “Westie,” this small dog breed loves to romp, run and be in the middle of the action. These little, round dogs are jovial souls. 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. 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!. The name Shih Tzu may mean little lion, but there’s nothing fierce about him. 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…. The Basenji is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds known. 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. Beagle. They are cute, fluffy, white, hypoallergenic, low-shedding, and can accommodate apartment living well. Physical Characteristics: Long double coat; colors include black, blue, silver, and more. This dog is generally playful and energetic, and it bonds closely with its family. Border … The bichon frises are incredibly cheerful, friendly, playful and intelligent. They require daily exercise but not excessive amounts. They like lots of attention, so are not ideal for being left alone for long periods. One of the best known small dog breeds that are good with kids, the Beagle is an affectionate and curious breed. Personality: Independent, curious and playful. For instance, Australian silky terrier has a life expectancy of 15 years. Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) The Brussels Griffon, also known as Griffon Bruxellois in Europe, is a toy dog breed. Toy Poodles are also highly adaptable, which makes them ideal for both house and apartment lifestyles. Some can have personalities that are tough as nails. To keep it simple, let's look at popular breeds that fall between small and large. But they're not a wimpy dog. Unsure about what small dog is perfect for you? Activity Level: MODERATE to HIGH. Some organizations break down dog sizes into detailed groups (e.g., extra-small, small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, and giant). They are sometimes known as Africa’s barkless dog because they cannot bark; instead they will yodel. Physical Characteristics: Dark, alert eyes; silky, white coat. Small dogs make up for their size with huge personalities, which means they benefit from a special approach to training. 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. Standards are fairly large while miniatures and toys fall into the small-dog category. Can get along with other dogs, but may not do well with small animals. The category of small dogs tends to … As very social dogs, they do not do well when left alone for extended periods. #5 Maltese. Affectionate and even-tempered, they can fit into many different living situations. A tall dog within the small dog breed group, Basenjis are almost catlike in behavior and temperament. They tend to be energetic and sometimes bossy dogs with an intense loyalty to their loved ones. The final dog on our list of small dog breeds is the Yorkie. Refine the list of dog breeds using characteristics such as Intelligence, Exercise Needs and Amount of Shedding. The Crossword Solver found 20 answers to the small dog breed crossword clue. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues. Yorkies are better with older children rather than younger. The Havanese is a small but hardy dog who makes an ideal family companion. Easily recognized by its signature bearded haircut, this terrier has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward its family. The Maltese tends to have a gentle yet brave disposition. Here are 10 of the best small dogs to keep as pets. Enter the answer length or the answer pattern to get better results. Click on the picture to be taken to the breed profile page. But not all small dogs are lap warmers! But they do have a tendency to develop breathing problems and eye issues, so regular health checkups are a must. The Shih Tzu is basically the poster child for lap dogs, which is no surprise as the breed originated strictly as a companion. There are 60+ small dog breeds in our list. The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hotdog, and more. They're sweet and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers. Be sure to look for reputable breeders and or breed specific rescues in your area. A List of Small Dog Breeds from A - Z. Biewer Terrier. Bolognese. Small dogs have big personalities. Small Dog Breeds. They can be excellent watchdogs, vocally announcing any movement around the house. Living as long as 18 years, Chihuahuas like a warm lap and lots of cuddles. The Crossword Solver finds answers to American-style crosswords, British-style crosswords, general knowledge crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. Physical Characteristics: Alert expression; smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, and more. 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. With so many different breeds in all shapes and sizes, choosing the right dog can seem pretty difficult. This is a group for all owners of small breeds dogs to come together to share pictures, questions, stories, and advice. They don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. NO BUYING OR SELLING You must AGREE to the group rules in order to join. Pugs were once the pets of royalty and companions of Tibetan monks. The Yorkie is friendly and affectionate to those they know but can be wary of strangers. Small dog breeds are likely to outlive large dog breeds. For instance, Chihuahuas, a common small dog breed, can live between 12 and 18 years. Temperament: Strong-willed, but friendly to kids and family. Keep in mind most puppies are energetic until they mature, and as dogs get older they tend to become more calm. Dachshunds come in standard or miniature size, the latter being ideal for the small-dog enthusiast. Still, they're first and foremost affectionate companions. Due to their health challenges, some medium to large dog breed have a life expectancy of less than 7 years. But they need consistent training and boundaries to keep their strong-willed spirit in check. Large dog breeds begin around 60 pounds. Overall, a wonderful small dog breed for families and individuals alike. The miniature Dachshund (5-11 lbs) was bred to hunt smaller animals, such as rabbits. Bostons tend to be playful and energetic, and they love to spend time in their owners' laps. Basenji. A to Z Small Dog Breed List, the world's 90 smallest dogs. 18. #6 Shih Tzu. Pomeranians look like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion, thanks to their long, fluffy coat. A 5-star rating means this dog is always ready to play, and is absolutely bouncing off the walls with energy. 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. 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. They can be loving companions but need activity to keep them entertained. The Boston terrier is cheerful, loyal, and even-tempered dog. Related: 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World 2. The smaller poodles are known for their longevity, along with their intelligence and trademark curly coats. Small Breed Dogs has 25,653 members. As a direct result, they are highly trainable and respond positively to activities that involve mental stimulation. Anyone breaking the rules will be blocked immediately. The breed can be traced back to ancient times, where it was the beloved companion of royalty and nobility. Find buying advice, popularity rankings, average prices and other useful information and facts on 244 Dog Breeds using our Pets4Homes advanced dog breed selector. They tend to be fairly hardy with an alert, confident disposition. There are similarities among breeds but the differences may make your decision a little easier. 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. Of course, they mostly relate to the breed's distinct appearance. Check out more mixed-breed, medium-sized and large dog breeds. The miniature schnauzer is an energetic little dog with a friendly but tough personality. 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. 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. Check out the American Kennel Club's list of smallest dog breeds, including the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, and more. Many bond closely with their favorite humans but are wary of anyone else. Yorkshire terriers are the quintessential "purse dog," often seen being carried in their owners' arms. They don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. Physical Characteristics: Compact body; fluffy coat; colors include black, orange, and more. But not all small dogs are lap…. 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. Though a great breed for adults, the Papillon can be overwhelmed by the roughhousing and mischief of small children. It is a very active, friendly and playful dog and plays along well with other pets as well as children. 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. There are also a number of small breeds to choose from, each with a mix of potential pros and cons. Papillon. The breed originated from crossing an English bulldog with a white English terrier and was named after the city in which it was created. Find out more about the Norwich Terrier. These dogs sport long, silky hair, though many owners trim the coat short for easier maintenance. While it does no shed, it does require daily grooming. These little floofs may be a toy breed, but they are even-tempered and a well-suited small dog breed ideal for … They have a small, compact body (weigh between 5-10 kg) with a … 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. Physical Characteristics: Bushy beard and eyebrows; colors include black, silver, and more. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. It's also known to be an active, vocal breed and needs a solid foundation of training. And they still need plenty of exercise and activities. Certain breeds like Dachshunds or small terriers also love country life and the opportunity to run around. Basenji are an elegant small hunting dog breed of the hound family. Small dog breeds are popular for several reasons. Photo By: petwave.com More Information About Papillon. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Given these requirements, we have 65 small dog breeds (67 if you count size variations). This beautiful dog is pretty adaptable to hot weather due to its short fur, but can also tolerate colder climates. Yorkies make up for their small stature with huge personalities. In fact, many of these dogs are much smaller than the 22 pounds / 16 inches limit. All rights reserved. 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. A fan of short walks, this breed is known as the smallest in the world. 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. The bichon frise is a small and cute dog breed originated in Spain. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our. They’re smart, playful and loving, but aren’t afraid to protect their people from strangers and other threats. Physical Characteristics: Compact body; silky coat; colors include black and tan, blue and tan, and more. Chihuahuas are some of the world's tiniest dogs and are often seen toted around in carriers, but they have huge personalities. Bichon Frise. The name ‘bichon frise’ is Spanish and it means ‘curly lap dog’ in English. And they typically have lower food and medication costs than large breeds. Many also do well in homes and apartments with limited space. Known as the world’s smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua also has one of the most prominent personalities when it comes to canines. Today's Maltese still loves to be pampered. It might seem obvious for small-dog lovers to avoid breeds such as German shepherds and Siberian huskies. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. It's also known to be an active, vocal breed and needs a solid foundation of training. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Small dog breeds tend to go up to about 20 pounds. Easily recognized by its signature bearded haircut, this terrier has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward its family. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Australian Terrier. Physical Characteristics: Short face; smooth coat; colors include black and white, seal and white, and more. Sort by popularity, name and size. These dogs are very patient with children and have the … Physical Characteristics: Square body; short legs and face; colors include black and fawn. The miniature schnauzer is an energetic little dog with a friendly but tough personality. The Norwich Terrier is a small, generally healthy breed. A to Z Small Dog Breed List. First, they're considered "portable," meaning they can fit in little carriers to accompany their owners on trips.