Dog maintenance can be a prime issue for pet owners. As dogs age, their needs grow.
Puppies are adorable, and dog owners often wish they could stay small forever. Most dog breeds grow quickly.
But if you want a puppy that will stay small, consider choosing one of these seven small-sized dog breeds to find your perfect companion.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re not discriminating. You surely cannot base your choice of breed solely on how well the dog fits on your lap. Some people prefer large dog breeds.
However, there are other reasons to consider small-breed dog breeds, which are among the most popular dog breeds.
Little dogs need less food and often make great pets for older people and children, so they make great family dogs.
Although some small dogs are high-energy breeds and tend to bark, these pups are typically easy to train. Three of the dogs on our list, poodles, pugs, and Shih Tzus, are considered some of the best-behaved small dog breeds.
Here are our favorite small-sized dog breeds:
Toy Poodle
As the name goes, a toy poodle looks like a toy. It’s furry, small, and almost toy-perfect.
The toy poodle is smaller than a miniature poodle. The toy weighs 5-9 pounds, while a miniature weighs 14-17. Meanwhile, the teacup poodle weighs 2-4 pounds.
You might mistake a toy poodle for a furry teddy bear at a glance. These tiny dogs weigh 5-9 pounds, and you can easily carry one.
This small dog breed’s coat is curly and primarily brown, apricot, blue, grey, silver, and cream.
The dog’s coat type requires more maintenance, but weekly grooming sessions will take little time since it is small.
They’re also considered hypoallergenic dogs and are a good choice for people with allergies.
The dog’s curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Ideally, brush the dog two to three times a week and schedule professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Ear cleaning and dental care are essential to prevent infections and maintain overall health, while nail trimming is necessary to avoid discomfort.
Though small, Toy Poodles need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require 30 to 60 minutes daily through walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.
They excel in training due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, benefiting from early socialization, basic command training, and positive reinforcement methods.
While generally healthy, Toy Poodles can be prone to certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye disorders.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are crucial to their well-being, and prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who prioritize health testing.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is amongst the tiniest small-sized dog breeds.
The breed originated in England. It has long hair, pointed ears, and a flat but softly expressive face.
Yorkies weigh around seven pounds and have a life expectancy of about 11 to 15 years. They can reach a maximum height of 7 to 8 inches.
The dogs’ activity level is moderate; they need two 15- to 30-minute daily walks to stay healthy and happy.
Apart from regularly brushing its hair, the dog is relatively low maintenance.
Yorkshire Terriers have long, silky hair that needs regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy. Daily brushing and trimming hair around their eyes and ears is essential for cleanliness.
To maintain overall hygiene, dogs should be bathed with a gentle dog shampoo regularly and have their ears checked, nails trimmed, and teeth brushed.
Though small, Yorkshire Terriers are energetic and require daily exercise to stay happy. Regular walks and playtime prevent boredom, while interactive games like fetch can help meet their activity needs.
Care should be taken in hot weather, as the dogs can overheat quickly.
Training is vital for Yorkshire Terriers, who are intelligent and sometimes stubborn. Positive reinforcement techniques can lead to successful training outcomes, and socializing them with other pets and people helps develop good behavior.
While generally healthy, Yorkshire Terriers can face specific health issues, such as dental problems, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and certain genetic conditions.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment of potential health concerns, ensuring your pet’s long and healthy life.
Pug
The Pug originally comes from China.
The dog’s distinctive features include a short-muzzled, wrinkly face on a short, thick body. It’s a mini-size bulldog!
These dogs are excellent picks for anyone just starting your dog-keeping journey.
That’s because they adjust well and like loads of attention. They also adapt well to apartments and compact spaces.
Their height can reach 10-14 inches, and they may weigh up to 14-18 pounds.
These dogs live about 12 to 14 years longer than other small dog breeds.
Pugs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, typically involving weekly brushing to reduce shedding. Keep their skin folds clean and dry to prevent irritation. Consider wiping their facial wrinkles with a damp cloth several times a week.
Routine nail trimming and dental care are also essential for their overall health.
While Pugs don’t require extensive exercise, they still need daily activity—about 30 minutes of walking and playtime to stay fit.
Because they are brachycephalic, monitoring them during exercise, especially in hot weather, is crucial to prevent overheating.
Training a Pug can be enjoyable, as they are intelligent and eager to please. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, helps with basic commands and socialization. Consistency and patience are necessary since the dogs may sometimes be stubborn.
Pugs are susceptible to several health issues, including respiratory problems, eye conditions, and skin infections. Obesity is a common risk, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Regular vet check-ups can help catch and manage these issues early, contributing to a healthier, longer life for your Pug.
Chihuahua
Most people think Chihuahuas are difficult dogs to keep.
But that’s a common misconception. Chihuahuas require no extra care.
The dogs typically stand 6 to 10 inches tall and weigh 6 to 10 pounds.
Chihuahuas are classy, sassy, and super elegant.
Chihuahuas have two coat types: smooth and long-haired. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas require minimal grooming, needing a weekly brush, while long-haired ones need more frequent grooming to prevent tangles.
Regular ear checks, teeth brushing, and nail trimming are essential for their health.
Though small, Chihuahuas are energetic and need 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily, including walks and interactive play. It is essential to monitor them for signs of fatigue, especially in hot weather.
These intelligent dogs respond well to training, particularly with positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. Early socialization is crucial for them to develop into well-adjusted companions, though their stubborn streak can sometimes challenge training efforts.
Chihuahuas are prone to patellar luxation, dental problems, and heart issues. They can also be sensitive to temperature extremes and may be prone to obesity if overfed.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and an active lifestyle can help them live long, healthy lives.
Havanese
The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, and it’s super cute!
These dogs have long hair, short legs, super-expressive eyes, and long drooping ears.
One plea for play, and we tell you, you’re taking it home.
What’s more, the Havanese have a super friendly and cuddly nature.
It is also known as a velcro dog because they always stick close to their owners.
The dogs reach a maximum of 8.5 to 11.5 inches and weigh a maximum of 13 pounds.
The Havanese requires regular grooming due to its long, silky coat, which requires brushing several times weekly to prevent matting.
Exercise is vital for this breed; daily walks and playtime help keep the dogs fit and stimulated.
Basic training and socialization should start early to ensure good behavior and adaptability.
Potential health issues in Havanese may include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining their health.
Pomeranian
Pomeranian is one of the best small-sized dog breeds and has a cute short name, i.e., Pom.
And these dogs are what their name says: they are mini living pom poms!
These tiny furballs have fluffy coats and fox-like faces, making them appear even fluffier.
They weigh 3 to 7 pounds and reach a maximum height of about 7 to 12 inches.
The average lifespan of this super inquisitive toy breed is about 12 to 16 years.
The Pomeranian is a lively breed with a thick double coat that needs regular grooming to prevent tangles. They require consistent brushing, occasional baths, and professional grooming to maintain their fluffy look.
Energetic by nature, Pomeranians enjoy daily walks and playtime for physical and mental stimulation.
Early socialization and obedience training are essential to manage their spirited behavior.
They can be prone to dental issues, patellar luxation, and heart disorders, so regular veterinary care is essential.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu originates from Tibet.
These dogs are best suited to colder climates, and their long hair helps insulate them and keep these tiny dogs reasonably warm.
The Shih Tzu can reach a maximum height of 11 inches and weigh 8 to 16 pounds.
This popular small-sized dog breed lives up to 16 years.
The Shih Tzu is considered one of the calmest small dog breeds.
The Shih Tzu is a small yet lively breed known for its long, luxurious coat and charming personality. Grooming is essential for this breed due to its thick, double coat, which requires regular brushing—ideally every other day—to prevent matting and tangles.
Regular visits to a professional groomer can also help maintain their coat and overall hygiene, including nail trimming and ear cleaning.
In addition to grooming, exercise is vital for Shih Tzus to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Despite their small size, they enjoy daily walks and playtime, which can help prevent obesity—a common concern in the breed.
Training is equally important, as Shih Tzus can have a stubborn streak; consistent, positive reinforcement techniques work best to encourage good behavior.
Potential health issues in Shih Tzus due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure may include respiratory problems, eye disorders such as cataracts, and skin conditions.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are crucial in managing these risks.
Exercise and training needs
Considering their exercise and training needs regarding small dog breeds is essential.
Despite their size, many small-sized dog breeds are energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Daily walks, interactive playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to prevent behavioral issues arising from pent-up energy.
Regarding training, small dog breeds are often just as intelligent and capable as larger breeds.
Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods work well with small dogs.
Training should focus on basic obedience and socialization and may also include fun activities like agility training.
Being patient and understanding is essential, as small breeds sometimes exhibit stubborn behavior.
Overall, regular exercise and positive training will help small dog breeds thrive.
Challenges of owning small dogs
Potential challenges of owning small dogs include health conditions and feisty personalities.
Small dogs are prone to health issues like dental problems, luxating patella, and hypoglycemia.
Additionally, they are often known for their feisty and stubborn personalities, which can require extra patience and training from their owners.
Prospective small dog owners should be aware of these challenges and prepared to provide the care and attention necessary to keep their dogs healthy and well-behaved.
Make sure small dogs get good food with high-quality ingredients, like grain-free dog food with turkey. Your small breed dog must get all the nutrients it needs to stay happy and healthy.
Final thoughts on small-sized dog breeds
While there are more small-sized dog breeds, these seven are some of the best-loved and most popular and make ideal choices for pet parents.
And that’s because they are super easy to maintain and adorable.
They’re also tiny but mighty. Don’t let their small stature fool you. Even toy dog breeds can make excellent watchdogs who can alert you to strangers and potential dangers.
In addition to the dog breeds featured here, other popular small-sized dog breeds include Dachshunds, Papillions, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frise, French Bulldogs, and Miniature Pinschers.
Start your pet parenting journey with a small dog breed and try different types later.
Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in business and technology has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He also likes writing engaging articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.