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Best Small Dog Breeds List

Ameera Mills
By Ameera Mills. Updated: July 31, 2024
Best Small Dog Breeds List
Dogs

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In the canine world we are blessed with a great variety of breeds that hold many different wonderful characteristics. These quirks range from fur of different colored fur to different shaped ears, varying personalities to eye colors and body shapes. Some people prefer larger breeds of dogs, while others look specifically for dog breeds that don't shed. This preference often depends on what you can offer the dog. For example, if you live in an apartment, does it give a larger dog enough space to expel energy or should you opt for a smaller dog breed? All of these such things need to be taken into consideration before adopting a dog for you or your family.

So, if you are looking for the best small dog breed, you cannot miss this list! Here we will be listing 13 small dog breeds that all dog lovers should be familiar with. In addition, we will be listing some cute small dog breeds and small dog breeds that don't shed. For more, keep reading here at AnimalWised!

You may also be interested in: The Best Small Asian Dog Breeds
Contents
  1. Japanese Chin
  2. West Highland white terrier
  3. Prague ratter
  4. Chinese crested dog
  5. Continental Toy Spaniel
  6. Chihuahua
  7. Small dogs that don’t shed hair
  8. Italian greyhound
  9. Miniature Pinscher
  10. Miniature Dachshund
  11. Yorkshire terrier
  12. Maltese dog
  13. Shih tzu
  14. Miniature Schnauzer
  15. Small dog breeds good with kids
See more >>

1. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, known commonly as the Japanese spaniel, used to be one of the small dog breeds most desired by ancient Japanese royalty. This is thanks largely to its small size and elegant appearance. Today, this small dog breed is considered a companion dog and is popular thanks to its its cheerful, fun and intelligent nature. Japanese chins are also very independent, so they like to have their own space to relax and play.

With respect to its size, the breed measures a scant 30 centimeters in length and weighs between 3 to 4 kilos, making it one of the most tender and small dog breeds.

For more about these cute small dogs, take a look at our list of Japanese dog breeds.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 1. Japanese Chin

2. West Highland white terrier

The West Highland white terrier, known commonly as a Westie or white terrier, used to be a hunter dog. These dogs are very small but also very strong and robust.

The breed measures only 28 centimeters in height carrying two cute erect and triangular ears. Their noses are completely black and their eyes are medium in size. This breed is known for its intelligence and are great with children. Not only this, but this is a perfect small dog breed for apartments.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 2. West Highland white terrier

3. Prague ratter

The Prague ratter is famous for being one of the smallest dogs in the world: it reaches only 23 centimeters in length and weighs a scant 4 kilos. Like many of his canine companions, he is a very attentive, affectionate and sociable. In addition, this small dog breed is great with children.

The breed of small dog has a bronze, black or red coat. They tend to be very vulnerable to cold and should therefore, never be exposed to cold climates. For more, take a look at our article where we tell you how to care for a Prague ratter dog.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 3. Prague ratter

4. Chinese crested dog

The Chinese crested dog is a very unique looking small dog breed. This small dog breed is incredibly intelligent and should be trained correctly from when they are young in order to feel properly stimulated both physically and mentally.

The breed reaches between 23 and 30 centimeters in length. Chinese crested dogs are very sociable, so it is important that they are constantly in company. For more about this tiny dog breed, take a look at our list of Chinese dog breeds.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 4. Chinese crested dog

5. Continental Toy Spaniel

The Papillon dog, also known as the continental toy spaniel, is an excellent small dog breed for people who live in small spaces. This is also a small dog breed that stays small. They are very intelligent dogs that can adapt well to different environment.

The Papillon dog can reach 28 centimeters, weighing a scant 5 kilos. It is a very affectionate and playful small dog breed, that are also great watchdogs. However, if they are not socialized or trained correctly they can become somewhat unruly.

Would you like to discover which are the most intelligent dog breeds? If so, you have to take a look at our list of the most intelligent dog breeds according to Stanley Coren.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 5. Continental Toy Spaniel

6. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. There are some chihuahuas with long hair, but they are more commonly known for having short hair.

This small dog breed stands out for measuring between 15 and 30 centimeters and weighing between 1.5 and 3 kg. The tiny dogs can be very loyal and affectionate, but can also be stubborn. Because of this stubbornness, training a Chihuahua can prove to be a little difficult. Chihuahuas have a very long lifespan and can live up to 20 years in age.

If you have a chihuahua and are finding it difficult to train, take a look at our tips on how to train a chihuahua.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 6. Chihuahua

Small dogs that don’t shed hair

What do you think of the list so far? Are you wondering which dog breeds don't shed hair, or very little? If so, make sure to keep reading, because on the rest of this list of small dog breeds, we will be uncovering the small dog breeds that don't shed a lot.

Of those already mentioned, we cannot forget to mention that the Westie and Chinese crested also make it onto our list of small dogs that don't shed a lot of hair.

7. Italian greyhound

The Italian Greyhound, or small Italian hound, is a dog breed recommended for people who are looking for a quiet companion animal. They are agile and fast, have excellent vision and their legs are long and strong.

The Italian greyhound is characterized by its incredible loyalty towards its human companions. This small dog breed do however have a tendency of becoming depressed when denied social contact. It is a smart and elegant dog breed, whose fur grows in various different shades, including: yellow, black, gray or spotted.

This is one of the largest small dog breeds on our list, measuring a maximum of 34 centimeters and weighing about 5 kg. But, it is still considered a small dog breed that stays small.

If you like sighthounds like the Italian greyhound, you have to check out our list of sighthound dogs.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 7. Italian greyhound

8. Miniature Pinscher

The miniature pinscher is a breed of refined appearance with erect ears, an elongated snout, robust torso and alert gaze. This tiny dog breed measures between 25 and 28 centimeters and weighs between 5 and 7 kilos. It is very curious by nature dog breed, in addition to also being a skillful and excellent watchdog.

In addition, the pinscher is a naughty dog, therefore, we recommend training them from when they are puppies to avoid problems when they are older.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 8. Miniature Pinscher

9. Miniature Dachshund

The miniature dachshund is a very peculiar breed of dog that exists in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. The elongated shape of its torso is caused by a genetic mutation, which results in a disproportion in limb sizes. Like the chihuahua dog, the miniature dachshund comes in two varieties, one with short hair and the other with long hair. However, it is the short-haired miniature dachshund that doesn't shed much hair.

Regarding its size, this miniature dog breed measures a maximum of 35 centimeters. These dogs are very fun, active, obstinate, happy and stubborn.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 9. Miniature Dachshund

10. Yorkshire terrier

The Yorkshire terrier small dog breed is the result of two crosses from England and Scotland. Since the Victorian era, the Yorkshire terrier has been considered a great companion dog. It is in fact one of the most venerated dog breeds in the world, thanks to its evident beauty.

This small dog breed weighs about 3.5 kilos and its fur presents a mixture of black and brown. Although these dogs carry a silky coat, they are considered a small dog breed that don't shed. In addition, they are also a small dog breed that stay small.

The Yorkshire terrier usually measures 20 to 30 centimeters, but despite this small size it is an excellent guard dog. This is a naughty dog breed, but this naughtiness parallels a cheerful kind and challenging nature. Also, we cannot forget to mention, this dog breed loves to bark!

For more, take a look at our article where we discuss how to care for a Yorkshire terrier.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 10. Yorkshire terrier

11. Maltese dog

The origins of the dog breed date back to ancient Egypt, although its characteristics are traced to the Mediterranean. Maltese dogs measure at about 23 centimeters and weigh up to 4 kilos.

With respect to his personality, the Maltese dog is considered an excellent companion. These dogs are cheerful, playful and easy to socialize.

If you've just adopted a cute Maltese dog, don't miss our list of Maltese dog names for males and females.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 11. Maltese dog

12. Shih tzu

The shih tzu is a a small dog breed from Tibet. This small dog measures around 27 centimeters and weighs between 4 and 7 kilos. Its abundant and dense coat can appear in different colors, including brown, gold, black and white.

The shih tzu is considered a loving and loyal dog. Despite its small size, they are also know for being good guard dogs. In addition, these dogs are great with children!

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 12. Shih tzu

13. Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is not only a small dog breed that doesn't shed, but it's also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world! This small hypoallergenic dog breed comes from Germany. It measures at about 30 centimeters and weighs up to 7 kilos. It carries a rigid and dense coat. There are many different varieties of Schnauzer dogs.

This popular small dog is friendly and intelligent, as well as protective. With the right training, they are able to master many tricks and commands.

For more about this small dog breed, take a look out our miniature schnauzer breedfile.

Best Small Dog Breeds List - 13. Miniature Schnauzer

Small dog breeds good with kids

And to finish our list, we have decided to list the best small dog breeds for children and families;

  • Pugs
  • Bichon Frise
  • Toy Poodle
  • Maltese
  • Cotton de Tulear

If you want to read similar articles to Best Small Dog Breeds List, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category.

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2 comments
Rating:
Dolores Mandrigues
I'm looking for mini pin, mine j
ust assed away she was 14years my other dog is missing her not eating or playing she needs sister or baby brother, where can I fine or save one please can u help me and Silly my teacup
Rating:
Delila
These small dog breeds are so cute!
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Best Small Dog Breeds List