There is a breed that will suit every small dog lover in terms of personality, energy level, and coat type. They do not need to expend a lot of energy, making them ideal for apartment living.
However, not all small dogs are lap warmers! Some can have incredibly strong personalities. Certain breeds, such as Dachshunds and small terriers, enjoy country life and the freedom to run around.
If you have very young children, make sure you have a space where your dog can be left alone when necessary, or look into breeds that may be better suited to your family’s lifestyle. Some small dogs are too delicate to compete with a boisterous family of young children and must be kept in quieter environments.
Small Dog Breeds That Will Instantly Win Your Heart
As any true dog lover knows, every dog is perfect just the way he is, regardless of the size of his boopable snout. However, not every dog breed is a good fit for every pet parent; large and medium dog breeds can be mismatched in certain homes.
For instance, if you have a small space, limited mobility, or little kids, a small dog breed might be great for your home. If you’re ready to welcome a new pup to your family, scroll through our list of the top small dog breeds that are as adorable as they are sweet.
1. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized companion dog that is alert, energetic, and curious, yet reserved with unfamiliar people and situations.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small companion dog with a smooth, agile, and well-balanced gait. Its body is well proportioned, with a level topline and a length slightly longer than its height.
2. American Eskimo Dog
Eskies are always alert and friendly, though they can be a little reserved around new people. The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, and can be as tall as 19 inches at the shoulder or as short as 9 inches.
Distinctive traits include a dense, sparkling white coat with a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders; a smiling face, with black nose, lips, and eye-rims that convey a keen, intelligent expression; and a plumed tail carried over the back.
3. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier, a Louisiana native, is a smart, inquisitive, and playful dog available in both hairless and coated varieties. He is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers seeking a dog with genuine terrier grit and courage.
The American Hairless Terrier stands between 12 and 16 inches at the shoulder and comes in both coated and hairless varieties.
4. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are one of the smaller, sturdy, and self-confident terriers with a longish torso. They have distinctive coat furnishings for neck and forequarter protection, as well as a topknot of soft, silky hair that contrasts in texture with an otherwise harsh coat.
The length of the neck lends a dash of elegance to this rough-and-ready terrier, and the dark eyes sparkle with keen intelligence. Coat colors include blue and tan, solid red, and sandy.
5. Basenji
They are unique and captivating pets, ideal for owners who can meet their exercise needs and handle the challenge of training this catlike canine.
Basenjis are small, elegant hounds standing 16 or 17 inches at the shoulder. They are easy to recognize by their shiny short coat, tightly curled tail, wrinkled forehead, and expressive almond-shaped eyes that display a range of subtle, humanlike emotions.
6. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlingtons are lithe, energetic Englishmen. The crisp, curly coat, arched back, tasseled ears, scimitar-shaped tail, and fleecy, pear-shaped head are identifying features of this breed.
Rollicking, charming, and full of fun, Bedlingtons want to be their family’s center of attention and are known to be protective of loved ones. For an active family looking for a no-shedding, lively, and loyal companion, the search might end here.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, a small but sturdy and resilient dog, is one of the world’s best “personality dogs.” Since antiquity, these irresistible canine comedians have survived history’s ups and downs thanks to their charm, beauty, and intelligence.
A well-sized Bichon will stand under a foot tall at the shoulder. Their confidence and size make them excellent city dogs. Bichons train well and enjoy performing in front of their loved ones.
8. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a beautiful, longhaired, tricolored toy terrier whose sole purpose in life is to love and be loved. They maintain a charming, whimsical attitude well into adulthood.
The Biewer Terrier is a very dedicated, loyal family member and friendly with strangers. They are lighthearted, have a childlike attitude, and like to carry toys in their mouths.
9. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a gentle and devoted dog with a long, fluffy, pure-white coat. They are very playful, easygoing, and adore people. The Bolognese is short, stocky, and well-built.
He is rather serene and inactive, and devoted to his people. They can be shy towards strangers but warm up quickly if they are properly socialized.
The Bolognese is prone to separation anxiety and does not do well when left alone for an extended time. They would be unsuitable for people who work 9 to 5.
10. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by their nickname, ‘The American Gentleman.’ Boston Terriers are compact, short-tailed, well-balanced little dogs weighing no more than 25 pounds.
The stylish ‘tuxedo’ coat is available in white, black, brindle, or seal (dark brown). The head is square, the muzzle is short, and the large, round eyes reflect kindness, curiosity, or mischief. Bostons have a quick, rhythmic step and are always aware of their surroundings.
11. Brussels Griffon
Griffs come in four colors: red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black in smooth coats (like a Pug) or rough coats (like a Schnauzer).
Their black muzzle and whiskers earned them the moniker ‘bearded dogs’ in old folk songs. Griffons are alert, friendly, and easy to train. Although playful and energetic, their small size and sensitive nature make them unsuitable for children.
12. Cairn Terrier
A Cairn presents as a small, shaggy, alert dog, with head, tail, and ears up, and eyes shining with intelligence. A British breed club advertises Cairns as the “best little pal in the world.
Cairns are small enough for a laptop snuggle but strong enough for a good romp on the lawn. They thrive when they have frequent contact with their close family members. No other breed can compete with the terrier’s gameness, independent thinking, and true-blue loyalty.
13. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
They are available in a variety of coat colors, including red and the popular blue-merle pattern. Cardis can be distinguished from their cousins, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, by looking at their hindquarters.
Cardigans have tails, whereas Pembrokes do not. Cardis are trainable, loyal, and vigilant guardians with a “big dog” bark. These athletic, rugged herders enjoy the great outdoors and thrive on mental and physical activity.
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is distinguished as a noble dog by their overall beauty, regal grace, and even temperament. A toy spaniel no more than 13 inches high, the Cavalier draws you in with his face: The sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from large, round eyes is a breed hallmark.
They get along well with both children and dogs. Adaptable Cavaliers work well with both active and inactive owners; they can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes, depending on the owner’s lifestyle.
15. Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier, the national dog of the Czech Republic, is a clever and adventurous playmate for kids and an eager walking companion for adults.
They are persistent when working but tend to be more relaxed and manageable than most terriers.
Cesky Terriers are muscular, short-legged, and attractive hunters, standing no more than 13 inches tall at the shoulder. The fine, silky coat comes in several shades of gray, including a stunning platinum. A wonderful family dog, if you’re lucky enough to find one.
16. Chinese Crested
This playful and affectionate companion dog is truly unique. The Chinese Crested is a lively and alert toy breed that stands 11 to 13 inches tall. It can be hairless or coated.
The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles. The coated variety, called the ‘powderpuff,’ is covered by a soft, silky coat.
17. English Toy Spaniel
The ETS is a square, snub-nosed toy that weighs no more than fourteen pounds.
The profuse coat comes in four varieties, each with its proper name: red and white (Blenheim); black and tan (King Charles); white, black, and tan (Prince Charles); and a solid red (Ruby).
They can be proud, determined, and extremely picky about their friends. They are affectionate at home with their favorite humans and exuberant and curious when playing.
Conclusion
These small dogs are perfect if you have limited living space. In some cases, their petite size benefited their working or hunting ability, while in other cases, they were desirable as lap dogs and all-around endearing little companions.
Above, we’ve summarized 17 of the best small dog breeds and their outgoing personalities. Smaller dogs are easier to transport and have lower food and medication costs than larger breeds. Plus, many small dog breeds do well in homes with limited space.
