32 Small Dog Breeds Perfect for Those With Limited Space

Small dog breeds have been bred for their compact, manageable size. In some cases, their petite size benefited their working or hunting ability, while in other cases, they were simply desirable as lap dogs and all-around endearing little companions.

Small dogs are generally easy to transport, and they typically have lower food and medication costs than large breeds. Plus, many small dog breeds do well in homes with limited space.

Here are 32 of the best small dog breeds and their larger-than-life personalities.

Tip

Small dogs often make up for their size with huge personalities, which means they benefit from consistent training and positive reinforcement. And even small, low-energy dogs still need daily exercise and activities to stimulate their minds and bodies.

Breed Characteristics

In general, dogs that weigh around 20 pounds or less are considered small. Some small breeds are very compact and low to the ground, while others can be relatively tall and lanky. Not all small dog breeds love being lap dogs, and many have more energy than some of their larger canine counterparts.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Natasha Japp Photography / Getty Images

Many Yorkshire terriers love to sit on your lap and are fine with being carried. But they're not a wimpy dog. Yorkies make up for their small stature with huge personalities. They can be excellent watchdogs, vocally announcing any movement around the house. Still, they are first and foremost affectionate companions and don't need much space to get adequate exercise.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches

WEIGHT: 7 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bright, playful

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Long, silky; black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan

Life Span: 11 to 15 years
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Dachshund

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hot dog, and more. Of course, these names mostly relate to the breed's distinct appearance. Dachshunds come in standard or miniature size, the latter being ideal for the small-dog enthusiast. They're sweet and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound

HEIGHT: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature)

WEIGHT: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)

Personality/Temperament: Clever, playful, stubborn

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Smooth (short-haired), long-haired, and wire-haired; colors include black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red; various markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable

Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Miniature Poodle

Consuelo Almazan Carretero / Getty Images

Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Standards are fairly large, while miniatures and toys can be categorized as small dogs. Toy and miniature poodles are known for their longevity, along with their intelligence and trademark curly coats. They can be loving companions but need activity to keep them entertained. Fortunately, the smaller poodles don't need that much space to get their energy out.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting

HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches

WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Smart, gentle, playful

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Medium, curly; apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, silver, silver beige, white, cafe au lait, gray, and a variety of combinations of these hues

Life Span: 10 to 18 years
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Shih Tzu

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The shih tzu is basically the poster child for lap dogs, which is no surprise as the breed originated strictly as a companion animal. These dogs sport long, silky hair, though many people trim the coat short for easier maintenance. They tend to be fairly hardy with an alert, confident disposition.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, double coat; most commonly black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations

Life Span: 10 to 16 years

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Miniature Schnauzer

Adi Wong/EyeEm / Getty Images

The miniature schnauzer is a spunky little dog with a friendly but tough personality. Easily recognized by their signature bearded haircut, this terrier has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness when it comes to family. They're also known to be vocal and needs a solid foundation of training. Still, with daily walks and playtime, they're suitable for a small home.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier

HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 11 to 20 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, alert

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Medium, wiry double coat; black, black and silver, or salt and pepper

Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Chihuahua

SuperflyImages / Getty Images

Chihuahuas are some of the world's tiniest dogs and are often seen being toted around in carriers, but they have huge personalities. While lovable and loyal, chihuahuas are also active and sassy, with major "tough dog" attitudes. Many bond closely with their favorite humans but are wary of anyone else. The good news is that their tiny size means they don't need much space to play and get their energy out.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 5 to 8 inches

WEIGHT: Up to 6 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, alert, lively

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Smooth and short or long-haired; black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red

Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Pug

Alf Jönsson / Getty Images

These round little dogs are jovial souls. Pugs were once the pets of royalty and companions of Tibetan monks. Affectionate and even-tempered, they can fit into many different living situations, including small homes. But due to their flat faces, they do have a tendency to develop breathing problems and are also prone to eye issues, so regular health checkups are a must.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playful

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Short, smooth; fawn or black with a black face mask

Life Span: 13 to 15 years

17 Pug Mixes That Make the Perfect Pals
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Pomeranian

Andrew Fladeboe / Getty Images

Pomeranians look like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion, thanks to their long, fluffy coat. They tend to be alert and sometimes bossy dogs with an intense loyalty to their loved ones. They need consistent training and boundaries to keep their strong-willed spirit in check. Due to their small size, a couple daily walks and playtime should be enough to meet their exercise needs.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches

WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Bold, alert, lively

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, double coat; most commonly red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue

Life Span: 12 to 16 years

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Boston Terrier

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The Boston terrier is a cheerful, loyal, and even-tempered dog. The breed originated from crossing an English bulldog with a white English terrier and was named after the city in which it was created. Bostons tend to be playful, though they also love to spend time in laps. Additionally, they are generally very adaptable to apartment living.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting

HEIGHT: 15 to 17 inches

WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Short, smooth; black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white

Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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Maltese

DevidDO / Getty Images

The Maltese tends to have a gentle yet brave disposition. This dog is generally playful and friendly, and bonds closely with family. The breed can be traced back to ancient times, where it was the beloved companion of royalty and nobility. Today, the Maltese still loves to be pampered and doesn't need much room to roam.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches

WEIGHT: Up to 7 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fearless

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, silky; white;

Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Toy Poodle

Naho Yoshizawa/Aflo / Getty Images

Much like their larger counterparts, the toy poodle is known for being incredibly intelligent and athletic, regularly performing well in dog shows. This dog also boasts a charismatic personality, making them the center of attention in any situation. Toy poodles do well around children and other pets and boast a curly coat in a variety of colors.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

WEIGHT: 6 to 9 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Confident, loyal, intelligent

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Curly, dense; apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, red

Life Span: 14 to 17 years
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Bichon Frise

f8grapher / Getty Images

Hailing from Spain, bichons are beloved lap dogs, especially because they resemble a living stuffed animal and have very affectionate, playful personalities. In order to keep their fluffy coat looking its best, routine grooming is necessary. Schedule your bichon frise to be groomed every four to six weeks.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, curly; white, white and apricot, white and buff, white and cream
Life Span: 14 to 15 years

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Chinese Crested

tsik / Getty Images

This eye-catching breed also has a winning personality. Chinese crested dogs are bright, affectionate companions who excel at training and love to play. Half of all Chinese crested dogs have mostly hairless bodies with large poufs of hair on their heads, paws, and tails while the powderpuff variety has fur throughout.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Lively, playful, cheerful

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Soft, silky hair only on head, feet, and tail; "powderpuff" fully-coated variety;

Life Span: 13 to 18 years
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Italian Greyhound

christina / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

Italian greyhounds were originally bred to be companion dogs. They easily adjust to apartment life so long as there's a person nearby. Due to their low body fat, this shorthaired breed is sensitive to the cold, so investing in a dog sweater or two is a good idea as colder months approach.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 14 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, companionable

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Short, smooth; gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination

Life Span: 14 to 15 years
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Papillon

RichLegg / Getty Images

Papillon means "butterfly" in French, which refers to this small dog breed's butterfly-like ears, which can also appear in a drop-eared variety. The papillon is one of the smartest dog breeds. These dogs enjoy lounging on laps and getting plenty of exercise (two or three walks daily). A great way to exercise them is participating in dog sports, which takes care of their need for both mental and physical exercise.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, happy, friendly

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Straight, long, single-layer; white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemon

Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Cockapoo

Jackie Bale / Getty Images

This hybrid breed of the cocker spaniel and the poodle is well-loved due to their combination of their parents' best traits, including the poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat and the spaniel's loving personality. They can excel in a variety of home situations, including small apartments and homes so long as you give them plenty of attention.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Outgoing, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Curly, mid-length; black, white, buff, cream, apricot, red, chocolate; bicolor, tricolor, merle, parti, sable, roan, phantom
Life Span: 12 to 15 years

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Jack Russell Terrier

Brighton Dog Photography / Getty Images

Originating in England in the 1800s, this feisty dog was bred to catch foxes. Now, they're a great companion for energetic, experienced dog parents. Although they are small in stature, Jack Russell terriers are very active, agile dogs. Due to a high prey drive, this dog thrives best in households where they're the only small pet.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier

HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches

WEIGHT: 13 to 17 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, fearless, clownish

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short; smooth or rough; white with black, tan, or brown markings

Life Span: 13 to 18 years
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Cavapoo

Cavapoos are a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Getty Images/chrisuk1

The Cavapoo is another beloved poodle mix, parented by the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the toy poodle. They are slightly smaller than cockapoos but are just as lovable. Cavapoos have moderate exercise requirements and love their daily walks around the neighborhood. Like many other poodle mixes, they are low-shedding, making them a great choice for those with dog allergies.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 9 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, gentle
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium length; wavy or curly; cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, tri-color; can have white markings
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Rat Terrier

Getty Images

Also known as a "rattie," the rat terrier is a born hunter with lots of love and affection for family. This dog thrives in an environment where they have access to a large space for running around. If you live in an apartment and don't have access to a fenced-in area, long walks coupled with training games will do wonders for this small dog breed.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier

HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches (miniature); 13 to 18 inches (standard)

WEIGHT: 10 to 25 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, inquisitive, affectionate

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Smooth, shiny, short; white, black, brown, tan, gray

Life Span: 12 to 18 years
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

As the name suggests, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a long history of being adored by royalty for generations due to an affectionate, family-friendly personality. This dog thrives in environments where they're able to socialize, whether with humans or other dogs. The breed distinguishes itself from other spaniels by sporting wispy, feathered features, giving them a gentle appearance that matches their gentle demeanor.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, patient

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, sleek, silky; feathering on ears, feet, chest, tail; tricolor, Blenheim (red and white), ruby, and black and tan

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

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Havanese

@Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty Images

The Havanese has an easygoing temperament and loves companionship—two characteristics that likely led to this breed being named the national dog of Cuba. To keep your Havanese looking and feeling their best, make sure to brush their coat once or twice per week. The silky coat not only looks great but also protects them from the hot sun and keeps them warm during the winter.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, even-tempered

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Double coat; long, silky, and straight or wavy with ringlets; one or two colors including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or red

Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Miniature Pinscher

Miniature pinschers look like tiny versions of Doberman pinschers. Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock

The miniature pinscher is a toy dog breed that, despite the name, is not related to the Doberman pinscher at all. The min pin is a bold, energetic dog. Because of their appearance, they could be confused with a Chihuahua, but there's one sure way to tell the min pin apart: their walk. Miniature pinschers have what is called a "hackney gait," which resembles a horse's prance but only affects the front feet.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 10 to 12.5 inches

WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, intelligent

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short, shiny; solid red, stag red (red with some black hairs), black with rust markings, chocolate with rust markings

Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Pekingese

Alan Shapiro/Moment/Getty Images

This wrinkly small dog is known as the Pekingese, originally bred to accompany Chinese royalty. Legend has it that the breed was actually created by the Buddha by shrinking a lion down to a compact size. The Pekingese is an independent yet charming lap dog who is better suited for experienced dog parents due to the amount of coat maintenance and resistance to training.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches

WEIGHT: Up to 14 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, intelligent

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, thick, double coat; variations of gold, red, or sable; occasionally black and tan, white, cream, sable, and gray

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

53 Chinese Dog Names
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Schipperke

Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images

This small dog breed was originally developed in Belgium to be a barge watchdog. Today, schipperkes are adorable, mischievous dogs that love to have fun with their humans, especially around water—a tribute to their roots. This dog breed has a distinct, fox-like appearance and most often has a solid black coat. Schipperkes are naturally curious dogs and known escape artists, so make sure to keep your feisty pup on a leash.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting

Height: 10 to 13 inches

Weight: 10 to 16 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Curious, faithful, playful

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Abundant, straight, slightly harsh to the touch; black; shades of cream, ivory, wheaten, gold, red, white, blue, and chocolate occur rarely

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images

The Pembroke Welsh corgi is the shortest member of the herding dog breed group due to being achondroplastic (a dwarf breed with shortened legs). Pembrokes are one of two types of corgis and are the smaller of the pair. This corgi also has a rich origin story, with experts believing the breed dates back to 1107 A.D. They're excellent at dog sports, and require at least an hour of exercise every day to release their energy. If you can provide the correct amount of exercise outside the home, they can make great apartment dogs.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding

HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches

WEIGHT: 24 to 30 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, protective

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat; black and tan, red, sable, or fawn; typically with white markings

Life Span: 12 to 13 years

25 Herding Dog Breeds for Managing Livestock
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Pumi

Rita Fodorne Mate / iStock / Getty Images

The curly-haired pumi is well-known for exceptional intelligence, a unique personality, and athleticism. The breed is thought to have originated in the country of Hungary, and to this day, the dog is most commonly found in Hungary, Finland, and Sweden. Be aware that these dogs love to voice their opinions, so if you share walls with a neighbor, the vocal pumi may not be for you.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding

HEIGHT: 15 to 18.5 inches

WEIGHT: 22 to 29 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, protective

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Curly, wavy, medium-length, double coat; black, fawn, gray, silver-gray, white, brown (some born gray or brown, which fades over time)

Life Span: 12 to 13 years
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Affenpinscher

With a name that originates from the German word for "ape" or "monkey," the affenpinscher is a goofy-looking small dog that has a playful, amusing personality to match. As a flat-nosed breed, this dog can overheat quickly, so the best way to exercise them is to go on multiple brisk walks per day instead of one long stroll. When it comes to grooming, give your affenpinscher a brush and comb at least twice a week and make sure the hair gets trimmed enough to not block their sightline.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 9 to 11.5 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 10 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Lively, fearless, friendly

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Wiry, short- to medium-length; black, black and silver, black and tan, belge (black and reddish-brown), red with a black mask

Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Brussels Griffon

8-month-old Brussels Griffon Photo © Aaron & Katie

Brussels griffons (griffs) are small dogs that possess charming looks, complete with distinctive facial hair, and a playful and joyful demeanor. They are also known for forming strong bonds with their humans, craving companionship and affection. With their lively nature, griffs make delightful companions for those seeking a devoted and entertaining canine friend.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

Height: 7 to 10 inches

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, loyal

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Smooth or rough; red, black and tan, black, or belge (black and reddish-brown)

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

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Biewer Terrier

Pavel1964 / Getty Images

Thanks to their compact size and larger-than-life personality, the German-born Biewer terrier is an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. With proper socialization and training, the Biewer terrier thrives in various living environments, from apartments to suburban homes. They also are infrequent barkers and rarely shed, making them an all-around low-maintenance—and not to mention adorable—small dog breed.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 8 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, friendly, affectionate

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, silky, single coat; blue/black, gold/tan, or white

Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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French Bulldog

Jessica Peterson/Getty Images

The French bulldog, affectionately known as the "Frenchie," is a popular small dog breed renowned for distinctive bat-like ears, trademark face wrinkles, and a sturdy yet compact build. Despite their muscular appearance, French bulldogs are gentle and affectionate. And while they can be a bit stubborn, their level of intelligence and eagerness to please make them perfectly trainable.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting

HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 19 to 28 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Short, smooth; brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white

Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Japanese Chin

Liliboas / Getty Images

Originating from ancient China and later refined in Japan, this small dog breed is distinguished from other toy breeds by large dark eyes, a small round head, and luxurious silky hair. With a lively and affectionate temperament, the Japanese chin is known for their devotion to their humans. And despite a more royal demeanor, this breed maintains a playful and mischievous streak, delighting in interactive games and entertaining you along the way.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 9 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Alert, loyal, loving

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, sleek, smooth; black and white; lemon and white; sable and white; red and white; black, white, and tan

Life Span: 10 to 14 years
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Beagle

Many Beagles get along well with cats.

As a family favorite, the beagle is one of the most recognizable dog breeds. They are known for their floppy ears, compact body, and upright tail. Beagles are energetic and great family dogs that get along with a variety of other pets—even cats. Originally rabbit-hunting hounds in England, beagles today still enjoy regular exercise. When it comes to grooming, beagles are very low-maintenance thanks to their short coats that are water-resistant. Just make sure to wipe the insides of their floppy ears to prevent ear infections.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound

HEIGHT: Under 15 inches

WEIGHT: 20 to 25 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Active, companionable, attentive

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short; tricolor combinations include tan, black, white, reddish brown, and pale lemon

Life Span: 10 to 15 years

Breeds to Avoid

It might seem obvious for small-dog lovers to avoid large breeds, such as German shepherds and Siberian huskies. But it's just as important to rule out any undesirable characteristics. However, you can make for a great owner of any of these small dog breeds if you're willing to commit to their individual needs.

FAQ

What is the calmest small dog?

Several small dogs are quite calm, but the Chinese Crested and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are two of the calmest small dog breeds.
What's the most low-maintenance small dog?

Italian greyhounds and beagles are two small dog breeds that are low maintenance, thanks to their short coats that require minimal grooming and family-friendly demeanors.
What is the friendliest tiny dog?

Toy dog breeds are especially known for their friendliness, due to being bred primarily for companionship. Some of these breeds include the pug, shih tzu, and Maltese.

32 Small Dog Breeds Perfect for Those With Limited Space

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