45 Small Dog Breeds That Stay Tiny Forever
These cute pups are pint-size for their whole lives.
When adopting a dog, there's a lot to consider, from personality to activity level. But one of the most important traits is often size, especially if you live somewhere with weight restrictions on pets or you'd prefer an animal you can easily travel with. We always recommend starting with your local animal shelter or rescue site. But if you're on the hunting for a small dog, start with this list.
We're including all the details about 40 of the smallest dog breeds! Find details about these cute and cuddly pooches' physical characteristics and unique behavioral traits. Get ready for an intense crash course in small canine education. Whether you've been considering a spunky chihuahua or contemplating a playful Yorkie, these small dogs are sure to pull at your heartstrings and bring you lots of joyful moments, cozy snuggles, and endless licks of affection. Once you're ready to welcome your new four-legged friend, check out Country Living's adoption tips from experts. And as once you've found the perfect pooch to make your heart skip a beat, browse fun guides to the best girl dog names and best boy dog names to find the rights one for your fur baby. Check out our round-up of 45 of the smallest dog breeds to figure out which forever pint-size pup is right for you.
Check out the Country Living Pet Lab and more pet related content:
Alaskan Klee Kai
If you think the Klee Kai looks like a mini husky, you're right! The pint-size breed tops out at 25 pounds and 17 inches. You'll find breeds in three color combinations: red and white, black and white, and gray and white.
Biewer Terrier
The Biewer terrier could easily be confused for a Yorkie, but their coats are distinctive. They're known to be affectionate and playful and weigh in at just around 6 pounds.
Norwegian Lundehund
This hunting dog breed is rare, but it's making a bit of a resurgence. Weighing in at under 20 pounds, it was originally trained to hunt puffins.
Cesky Terrier
The Cesky is the national dog of the Czech Republic. The small terriers weight up to 24 pounds and come in several shades of gray. They make great family dogs but are rare in the U.S.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This jaunty breed weighs in at 18 to 24 pounds. They're known to be watch dogs and are better suited in homes where they have some room to roam. They have big personalities, and their coats come in either pepper or mustard.
Japanese Chin
These loving pups are perfect for anyone looking for a cute and friendly four-legged friend. Weighing between seven and 11 pounds and measuring between eight and 11 inches tall, they're easy to transport. Plus, they play well with other dogs.
RELATED: Expert Tips on Introducing a New Dog into a Household With Pets
Maltese
Their gorgeous, snowy white coats and big, dark eyes will earn them countless compliments. Measuring between seven to nine inches tall and weighing under seven pounds, these loving pets will do almost anything to make you smile.
RELATED: 10 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested by the Pet Lab
Pomeranian
These pooches are always on the lookout, and their protective nature makes them great watchdogs. While they're only between six and seven inches tall and weigh between three and seven pounds, they're active—and they make great friends.
RELATED: Dog-o'-Lanterns Ideas for Fall!
Chihuahua
Tiny, but feisty, chihuahuas are super energetic. Known as "purse dogs," they're between five and eight inches tall and weigh no more than six pounds. While they're playful, they're surprisingly not known to be the most kid-friendly.
RELATED: The Best Indestructible Dog Toys
Yorkshire Terrier
Their long, glossy coats make Yorkshire terriers as pretty as they are playful, but don't mistake their striking looks for aloof behavior—they're very protective. They're between seven and eight inches in height and weigh around seven pounds.
RELATED: Most Loyal Guard Dog Breeds to Consider Adding to Your Family
Pug
Popular and cute, pugs are a dog fan favorite—and for good reason. Their unique wrinkled brows and expressive faces make them adorable...even when they're being mischievous. These pups stand between 10 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds.
RELATED: Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe at Seasonal Parties
Shih Tzu
Dubbed "Lion Dog," these homebody pooches are perfect for anyone living in apartments or lacking outdoor space—because while they're playful, they're fine with staying inside. Weighing between nine and 16 pounds and standing between eight and 11 inches tall, these dogs are happy sitting on your lap. Plus, with virtually no shedding, you won't have to worry about constant vacuuming.
RELATED: How Often Should I Wash My Dog?
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy fox terriers might be tiny—measuring only between 8.5 and 11.5 inches and weighing between four and nine pounds—but they're big on personality. Plus, they're easy to train.
RELATED: Best Dog Quotes that Express Their Loyalty
Wire Fox Terrier
Handsome, intelligent, and confident, wire fox terriers make outstanding show dogs. Standing tall at 15.5 inches and weighing between 16 to 18 pounds, their rough and wiry coats make them distinctively adorable. Plus, they live long, full lives.
RELATED: Hiking With Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Volpino Italiano
Not a fan of strangers, these dogs stand between 10.5 and 12 inches tall and weigh eight to 16 pounds (depending on gender). Because they barely bark, they're not the best watchdogs. BUT they make awesome companions for anyone who loves to snuggle.
RELATED: The Best Lap Dog Breeds to Netflix and Chill With
Affenpinscher
With moderate shedding, you might want to invest in a good vacuum for this breed. Hairy issues aside, they're so darn cute! They've even been likened to beloved "Ewoks," the adorable furry creatures rom Star Wars. If you're in the market for one of your own, they're typically between nine and 11.5 inches and weigh between seven and 10 pounds.
RELATED: This Dog Onesie Keeps Your Pup from Shedding
American Hairless Terrier
Standing tall between 12 and 16 inches, American hairless terriers are on the larger side when it comes to small breeds. Weighing between 12 and 16 pounds, they're hefty pups that live long lives. Thanks to their hairless nature, sweeping up fur will be a non-issue.
RELATED: This Heated Bed Will Keep Your Dog Warm — Because Your Pup Gets Cold, Too
Bichon Frise
Cute and willing to play, bichon frisé dogs are great pets for families. Their glorious hypoallergenic white coats make them the perfect choice for allergy sufferers. Measuring under a foot in height and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds, that signature round haircut really makes this breed stand out.
RELATED: This Tiktok-Favorite Dog Brush Is Only $6 on Amazon
Australian Terrier
These balls of energy are sure to keep you on your toes—and because they're extremely vocal and playful in nature, kids will enjoy their company. Their height averages between 10 and 11 inches and they weigh anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds.
RELATED: Dogs Breeds that Make the Best Family Pets
English Toy Spaniel
These snub-nosed cuties are affectionate and gentle creatures. Standing nine to 10 inches tall and rounding out at around 14 pounds, they're wonderful additions to fun-loving families.
RELATED: Create a Custom Playlist for Your Pet to Keep Them Company While You're at Work
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
Janece Maze is the former Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covered DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
15 of the Dog World's Biggest Drama Queens
18 Dogs That Can't Get Enough of Winter Weather
21 of the Most Obedient Dog Breeds
17 Great Dog Breeds That Cat People Will Love
