7 adorable small-sized dog breeds that stay tiny

Caring for a dog can be a significant concern for pet owners, especially as their dogs age and their needs evolve. While puppies are undeniably adorable, many dog owners wish they could remain small forever. However, most dog breeds grow rapidly.

So, if you’re looking for a puppy that will stay small, consider selecting one of these seven small-sized dog breeds to find your ideal 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 dogs, which are among the most popular breeds.

Little dogs need less food and often make great pets for older people and children, making them 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

Did you know Toy Poodles are actually one of the smartest dog breeds in the world?

They rank second in canine intelligence and were initially bred as water retrievers, not just fancy companions.

As the name suggests, 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, or 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, and they benefit from early socialization, basic command training, and positive reinforcement.

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 among the smallest dog breeds.

The breed originated in England. It has long hair, pointed ears, and a flat but softly expressive face.

Yorkies were originally bred to catch rats in Victorian-era clothing mills. These tiny terriers were working dogs before becoming the glamorous lap dogs we know today.

Yorkies weigh about 7 pounds and have a life expectancy of 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 regular brushing, 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 develop specific health issues, including 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.

Pugs have been charming royalty for over 2,000 years. Chinese emperors treasured them and even had their own mini palaces and guards.

The dog’s distinctive features include a short-muzzled, wrinkly face on a short, thick body. It’s a mini-sized bulldog.

These dogs are excellent picks for anyone just starting their 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 ranges from 10 to 14 inches, and they may weigh 14 to 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 factor, underscoring 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.

Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas have the biggest brain-to-body ratio of any dog breed. They’re also named after the Mexican state where they were first discovered.

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 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, including walks and interactive play. Monitoring them for signs of fatigue, especially in hot weather, is essential.

These intelligent dogs respond well to training, particularly when using positive reinforcement methods such as 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 was nearly extinct in the 1950s.

All Havanese in the U.S. today descend from just 11 dogs brought over by Cuban refugees.

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 it always sticks close to its owner.

The dogs reach 8.5 to 11.5 inches and weigh up to 13 pounds.

The Havanese requires regular grooming due to its long, silky coat, which should be brushed 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

Pomeranians were once royal lap dogs favored by Queen Victoria, and they formerly weighed up to 30 pounds before she bred them down to their current tiny size.

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. The dogs were bred exclusively for Chinese royalty and were considered so precious that China refused to sell or trade them for decades.

Their name means “lion dog.”

These dogs are best suited to colder climates, and their long hair helps insulate them and keep them 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.

Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, Shih Tzus may be prone to respiratory problems, eye disorders such as cataracts, and skin conditions.

Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are crucial in managing these risks.

Temperament

The temperament of small dog breeds can vary significantly, with each breed bringing its unique personality traits that make it a special companion.

For instance, Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are highly trainable and often excel in obedience and agility tasks. These dogs are friendly and playful, forming strong bonds with their owners and thriving on companionship.

Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are spirited and confident, characterized by their curiosity and energy.

Despite their small size, they often exhibit a big-dog attitude, displaying loyalty and occasionally a touch of stubbornness. They are affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers.

Conversely, Pugs are charming and sociable, often considered the clowns of the dog world.

They make delightful companions with a lively spirit and playful nature. They adapt well to various living situations and enjoy being the center of attention.

Chihuahuas are bold and spirited little dogs with strong personalities. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and form strong attachments. They are often playful and energetic with those they trust, while being reserved with strangers.

Havanese are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive on social interaction, are playful and gentle, and get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions.

Pomeranians are lively and confident, displaying a playful and curious disposition. They thrive on attention and can be entertaining with their cheerful antics. They often exhibit a sense of sassiness while remaining loyal and loving.

Shih Tzus are affectionate and friendly, and known for their sweet temperament and outgoing nature. They bond closely with their families, get along well with children and other pets, and enjoy snuggling and relaxation.

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, 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 their dogs need to stay healthy and well-behaved.

Make sure small dogs get high-quality food with good ingredients, like grain-free turkey dog food. Your small breed dog must get all the nutrients it needs to stay happy and healthy.

Give a tiny pup a second chance

Why consider adoption?

Where to adopt small-sized dogs 

• Local animal shelters: Check regularly, as small breeds are adopted quickly
• Breed-specific rescues: Organizations dedicated to Yorkies, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and other specific breeds
• Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet: Search databases by breed, size, and location

Support responsible ownership

Final thoughts on small-sized dog breeds

While there are more small-sized dog breeds, these seven are among the best-loved and most popular. They 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, alerting you to strangers and potential dangers.

In addition to the dog breeds featured here, other popular small-sized dog breeds include Dachshunds, Papillons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frise, French Bulldogs, and Miniature Pinschers.

Start your pet-parenting journey with a small breed and try others 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.  

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