43 breeds · updated Oct 2026

Best small dog breeds

Small dogs are easy to carry, simple to travel with and often well suited to city life, but small size says nothing about temperament. Some small breeds are mellow lap dogs, while others are fast, loud and relentless. Weight and personality are separate questions.

This list includes every breed in our toy and small size classes, lightest first. We rank by the top of each breed's typical weight range, so the tiniest breeds appear first and the sturdier small dogs further down. Use the energy, apartment and kid-friendliness ratings on each profile to find the right personality.

Small dogs bring particular care needs. Dental disease is very common in dogs, and VCA notes that small breeds are more prone to it, largely because of small jaws and crowded teeth. Smaller bodies are also easier to injure, so gentle handling matters, especially around young children.

  1. 1

    Chihuahua

    Toy · Toy · 3–6 lb (1–3 kg)

    The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, with an AKC standard of no more than 6 lb (2.7 kg), and a long lifespan that PetMD puts at 14–16 years. It is bold, loyal and portable, but it can be wary of st…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  2. 2

    Maltese

    Toy · Toy · 4–7 lb (2–3 kg)

    The Maltese is a tiny, silky-coated companion dog with a bold personality packed into a few pounds. It is affectionate and well suited to apartments, but the long white coat needs frequent care and small size…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  3. 3

    Morkie

    Hybrid · Toy · 4–7 lb (2–3 kg)

    The Morkie is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, a tiny companion that PetMD says weighs about 7 lb (3 kg) or less. It is affectionate, confident and often barky, with a silky, low-shedding coa…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  4. 4

    Pomeranian

    Toy · Toy · 3–7 lb (1–3 kg)

    The Pomeranian is a tiny, fluffy, fox-faced toy dog with a big personality. It is lively and fits apartment life well, but it is vocal, needs regular grooming, and is too fragile for rough handling.

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  5. 5

    Yorkshire Terrier

    Toy · Toy · 4–7 lb (2–3 kg)

    The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny, silky-coated companion with a big terrier personality. It is bold, affectionate and well suited to apartment life, but it needs steady training, a lot of coat care and gentle h…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  6. 6

    Brussels Griffon

    Toy · Toy · 8–10 lb (4–5 kg)

    The Brussels Griffon is a tiny, big-eyed Belgian toy dog, 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm) tall and 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg). It is smart, sensitive and devoted to its person, which makes it a lovable apartment comp…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  7. 7

    Miniature Pinscher

    Toy · Toy · 8–10 lb (4–5 kg)

    The Miniature Pinscher is a tiny, high-energy toy dog that stands 10 to 12.5 in (25 to 32 cm) and weighs about 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg). Min Pins are bold, funny and devoted, but they bark a lot, chill easil…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  8. 8

    Papillon

    Toy · Toy · 5–10 lb (2–5 kg)

    The Papillon is a lively, long-lived toy spaniel with butterfly-shaped ears that weighs just 5 to 10 lb (2.3 to 4.5 kg). Paps are smart, friendly and surprisingly athletic, and they fit apartments well, but th…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  9. 9

    Chinese Crested

    Toy · Toy · 8–12 lb (4–5 kg)

    The Chinese Crested is a graceful, fine-boned toy dog that stands 11 to 13 in (28 to 33 cm) tall and comes in two varieties: the nearly hairless Crested and the fully coated Powderpuff. It is affectionate, sen…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  10. 10

    Jack Russell Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 11–13 lb (5–6 kg)

    The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, tireless, white-based working terrier with a big personality, bred in England to hunt foxes. It is clever, funny and fiercely loyal, but it digs, chases and barks, and it n…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  11. 11

    Cairn Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 13–14 lb (6–6 kg)

    The Cairn Terrier is a small, scruffy, bold earthdog from the Scottish Highlands, standing about 10 in (25 cm) tall and weighing 13 to 14 lb (5.9 to 6.4 kg). Cairns are cheerful, curious and long-lived, but th…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  12. 12

    Havanese

    Toy · Small · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Havanese is a sturdy, silky-coated companion dog from Cuba, weighing roughly 7–14 lb (3–6 kg) and known for a cheerful attitude. It is affectionate, trainable and good with families, but it hates being alo…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  13. 13

    Italian Greyhound

    Toy · Toy · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Italian Greyhound is a slender, 13 to 15 in (33 to 38 cm) miniature sighthound that weighs just 7 to 14 lb (3 to 6 kg). It is a sweet, clingy lap dog that loves to sprint and curl up under blankets, but it…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  14. 14

    Pekingese

    Toy · Toy · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Pekingese is a small, lion-maned companion from the Chinese imperial court that weighs up to 14 lb (6.4 kg). Pekes are loyal, dignified and independent, and they suit calm homes, but the flat face makes th…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  15. 15

    Yorkipoo

    Hybrid · Toy · 3–14 lb (1–6 kg)

    The Yorkipoo is a tiny, lively cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. It is usually bold, affectionate and talkative, with a soft coat that needs regular grooming. With no breed stand…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  16. 16

    Coton de Tulear

    Non-Sporting · Small · 8–15 lb (4–7 kg)

    The Coton de Tulear is a small, fluffy, white companion dog from Madagascar that stands 9 to 11 in (23 to 28 cm) tall and weighs 8 to 15 lb (3.6 to 6.8 kg). It is cheerful, people-loving and easy to train, and…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  17. 17

    Border Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 11.5–15.5 lb (5–7 kg)

    The Border Terrier is a small, scruffy, good-natured working terrier, about 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) tall and 11.5 to 15.5 lb (5.2 to 7 kg). It is affectionate, good with kids and easy to groom, but its stron…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  18. 18

    Shih Tzu

    Toy · Small · 9–16 lb (4–7 kg)

    The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little lap dog, 9–16 lb (4–7 kg), bred for centuries to keep people company. It is cheerful, people-focused and happy in an apartment, but the long coat needs near-daily care and the s…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  19. 19

    Bichon Frise

    Non-Sporting · Small · 12–18 lb (5–8 kg)

    The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, curly-coated companion dog that sheds very little but needs regular professional-style grooming. It is sociable and playful, adapts well to apartments, and does best in homes wh…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  20. 20

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Toy · Small · 13–18 lb (6–8 kg)

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, people-loving toy spaniel known for its soft expression and easygoing nature. It makes a wonderful companion, but it needs company, regular grooming and a breeder…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  21. 21

    Lhasa Apso

    Non-Sporting · Small · 12–18 lb (5–8 kg)

    The Lhasa Apso is a small, long-coated Tibetan watchdog that stands 10 to 11 in (25 to 28 cm) tall and typically weighs about 12 to 18 lb (5 to 8 kg). It is loyal, alert and independent, with a bold personalit…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  22. 22

    Pug

    Toy · Small · 14–18 lb (6–8 kg)

    The Pug is a compact, flat-faced companion dog known for a clownish streak and a deep need to be near its people. It does well in small homes and with children, but its short muzzle means heat, exertion and we…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  23. 23

    Maltipoo

    Hybrid · Toy · 5–20 lb (2–9 kg)

    The Maltipoo is a tiny, affectionate cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, usually a devoted lap dog with a soft, high-maintenance coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by P…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  24. 24

    Miniature Schnauzer

    Terrier · Small · 11–20 lb (5–9 kg)

    The Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, bearded terrier with a lively mind and a loud voice. It is friendly, trainable and a low shedder, but it needs regular professional grooming, careful fat control and a cons…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  25. 25

    West Highland White Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 15–20 lb (7–9 kg)

    The Westie is a small, sturdy, snow-white Scottish terrier with a big, cheerful, self-assured personality. It is friendly, entertaining and adaptable, but it still has a terrier's love of digging, chasing and…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  26. 26

    Cavapoo

    Hybrid · Small · 9–22 lb (4–10 kg)

    The Cavapoo is a small, affectionate cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a lap-loving companion with a soft wavy coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by Pood…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  27. 27

    Scottish Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 18–22 lb (8–10 kg)

    The Scottish Terrier is a compact, dignified and fiercely independent little terrier that stands about 10 in (25 cm) tall and weighs 18 to 22 lb (8 to 10 kg). Scotties are loyal and bold watchdogs, but they ca…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  28. 28

    Shiba Inu

    Non-Sporting · Small · 17–23 lb (8–10 kg)

    The Shiba Inu is Japan's smallest native spitz breed, a fox-like 17–23 lb (8–10.5 kg) dog that is bold, clean and famously independent. It is a rewarding companion for patient owners, but it sheds heavily, has…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  29. 29

    Basenji

    Hound · Small · 22–24 lb (10–11 kg)

    The Basenji is a small, athletic African hunting hound, about 16 to 17 in (41 to 43 cm) tall and 22 to 24 lb (10 to 11 kg), famous for not barking in the usual way. It is clean, clever and fiercely independent…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  30. 30

    Boston Terrier

    Non-Sporting · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion weighing up to 25 lb (11 kg). It is friendly, funny and easy to groom, but its short face means it overheats easily and can have breathing and eye probl…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  31. 31

    Cavachon

    Hybrid · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Cavachon is a small, cuddly cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, typically sweet-natured, sociable and happiest close to its family. With no breed standard, size, coat and heal…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  32. 32

    Rat Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 10–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Rat Terrier is a compact, smooth-coated American farm terrier that comes in two sizes: Miniature, 10 to 13 in (25 to 33 cm), and Standard, over 13 and up to 18 in (33 to 46 cm). Most weigh 10 to 25 lb (5 t…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  33. 33

    Shetland Sheepdog

    Herding · Small · 15–25 lb (7–11 kg)

    The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small, long-haired herding dog that stands 13 to 16 in (33 to 41 cm) tall and weighs 15 to 25 lb (7 to 11 kg). Shelties are bright, devoted and eager to learn, but they…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  34. 34

    French Bulldog

    Non-Sporting · Small · 16–28 lb (7–13 kg)

    The French Bulldog is a compact, bat-eared companion dog that weighs under 28 lb (13 kg). Frenchies are affectionate, easygoing and well suited to apartments, but their flat faces make breathing, heat and exer…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  35. 35

    Beagle

    Hound · Small · 20–30 lb (9–14 kg)

    The Beagle is a compact, merry scent hound that weighs up to about 30 lb (14 kg). Friendly with children and other dogs, it is easy to groom but hard to train off-leash, because a Beagle's nose and voice often…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  36. 36

    Cockapoo

    Hybrid · Small · 6–30 lb (3–14 kg)

    The Cockapoo is a cheerful cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, typically small to medium, affectionate and quick to learn. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by Poodle parent, litter a…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  37. 37

    Cocker Spaniel

    Sporting · Small · 20–30 lb (9–14 kg)

    The Cocker Spaniel, known in the United States as the American Cocker Spaniel, is a cheerful, affectionate sporting dog with a silky coat that needs a lot of care. It is a good companion for families who can c…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  38. 38

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–30 lb (11–14 kg)

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy herding dog with a big personality, short legs and a fox-like face. It is smart, funny and eager to work, but it sheds heavily, barks readily and can gain weight and…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  39. 39

    Puggle

    Hybrid · Small · 14–30 lb (6–14 kg)

    The Puggle is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle, a sturdy, sociable small dog that PetMD says weighs about 14 to 30 lb (6 to 14 kg). Puggles are affectionate, food-motivated and nose-driven. Because the Puggl…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  40. 40

    Dachshund

    Hound · Small · 8–32 lb (4–15 kg)

    The Dachshund is a long-bodied, short-legged scent hound bred in Germany to hunt badgers. Bold, funny and loyal, it makes a lively small companion, but its long spine is vulnerable to disc disease, and its stu…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  41. 41

    American Eskimo Dog

    Non-Sporting · Small · 6–35 lb (3–16 kg)

    The American Eskimo Dog is a bright, fluffy white spitz that comes in three sizes, from about 6 lb (2.7 kg) to 35 lb (16 kg). Eskies are affectionate, very trainable and good with kids, but they shed heavily,…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  42. 42

    Pomsky

    Hybrid · Small · 10–35 lb (5–16 kg)

    The Pomsky is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, popular for its miniature-Husky look. It is lively, vocal and independent, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily. With no breed standard,…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids
  43. 43

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–38 lb (11–17 kg)

    The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low, fox-tailed herding dog that stands 10.5 to 12.5 in (27 to 32 cm) tall and weighs 25 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg). Cardigans are intelligent, loyal and a bit reserved with str…

    Energy level
    Apartment living
    Good with kids

How we ranked them

Every breed in our toy or small size class qualifies. We rank them by the upper end of each breed's typical adult weight range, lightest first, so very tiny dogs come before sturdier small ones. Weights come from our breed profiles, which draw on breed standards and breed clubs. Hybrids and individual dogs vary, so your dog may weigh more or less than the range.

See how we research and rate breeds.

Before you choose

Start dental care early. VCA calls daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste the most effective way to control plaque, and your vet can advise on professional cleanings. Our guide to brushing your dog's teeth shows how to get started.

Take training seriously. Small dogs are easy to indulge, but good manners and house training matter as much as they do in a big dog. Use rewards and keep sessions short and fun.

Watch portions. Overweight dogs tend to live shorter lives, and the effect appeared stronger in very small breeds, where a few pounds are a large share of body weight. The dog food calculator helps you plan, and our apartment dog list is useful for city living.

Frequently asked questions

Do small dogs live longer than big dogs?

Generally, yes. Research on companion dogs links larger body size with shorter lifespans, though individual dogs and breeds vary. See our longest-living dogs for typical life spans.

Are small dogs good with children?

Some are, but small bodies are fragile and some small breeds are less tolerant of rough handling. Check the kids rating on the profile, supervise all contact and teach children to be gentle. The AVMA advises never leaving a baby or small child alone with a dog.

Do small dogs bark more?

Not as a rule. Barking varies by breed. Some small breeds are chatty and others are quiet, so check each profile's barking rating.

Why do small dogs get more dental problems?

Small jaws and crowded teeth let plaque build up more easily, which is why VCA says small and short-nosed breeds are more prone to periodontal disease. Regular brushing and dental checks at the vet help.

Sources

  1. VCA Animal Hospitals: Dental Disease in Dogs
  2. AKC: Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?
  3. AVMA: Preventing dog bites

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