Some small canines are fearless and playful, while others are less aggressive and enjoy calm lifestyles. Small breeds tend to get a bad reputation, but most make excellent pets for families and individuals. Big-dog syndrome isn’t a trait for all small breeds, especially if they’re naturally social and happy dogs. Quite a few small dogs can run circles around big breeds and have amazing athleticism.
If you’re looking for a tiny canine companion, read on for the 12 best tiny canines.
The 12 Best Small Dog Breeds
1. Chihuahua
| Height | 6–9 inches |
| Weight | 2–6 pounds |
| Temperament | Tenacious, devoted, alert |
Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world. They are infamous for their feistiness and fierce loyalty to their owners. Chihuahuas can make great family pets and excellent companions, but they need frequent and early socialization to prevent territorial aggression.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
| Height | 7–9 inches |
| Weight | 4–7 pounds |
| Temperament | Lively, affectionate, feisty |
Although their bodies are small, Yorkshire Terriers have big personalities and aren’t afraid to prove it. Yorkies are brave and will stand up to just about anything they deem a threat, usually through high-pitched barking to alert the household.
3. Pomeranian
| Height | 7–12 inches |
| Weight | 3–7 pounds |
| Temperament | Upbeat, vocal, social |
Few dogs are more recognizable than Pomeranians, famous for their fluffy coats and spirited personalities. Poms need a lot of training to prevent excessive barking, but they’re great companions for many households and environments.
4. Toy Poodle
| Height | 9.4–11 inches |
| Weight | 6–9 pounds |
| Temperament | Obedient, agile, dedicated |
While Toy Poodles tend to have a negative reputation for being aggressive and dainty, the truth is that they are natural athletes with high intelligence. Poodles have some of the best obedience capabilities and can quickly learn any trick with time and patience.
5. Maltese
| Height | 8–10 inches |
| Weight | 6.6–8.8 pounds |
| Temperament | Carefree but stubborn |
Maltese dogs are happy-go-lucky canines that enjoy both the active and couch potato life as long as their favorite person is around. Though notorious for being difficult to housebreak, male and female Maltese dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn several commands and tricks.
6. Pekingese
| Height | 6–9 inches |
| Weight | 7–14 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, sensitive, independent |
Pekingese dogs enjoy following their favorite person around and become depressed if they’re left alone too long, so they’re great pets for families that are home often. Though they’re companion-type dogs and crave attention, they can also be independent.
7. Shih-Tzu
| Height | 8–11 inches |
| Weight | 9–16 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, alert, regal |
Shih-Tzus are companion dogs that were bred for royalty, so they love nothing more than to be spoiled lapdogs. These noble, tiny pups can be stubborn, but they’re somewhat easier to train compared to other toy-sized breeds.
8.Bichon Frise
| Height | 9–12 inches |
| Weight | 6.6–11 pounds |
| Temperament | Cheerful, sensitive, clever |
Bichon Frises have cheerful, playful demeanors and are generally great with children. Similar to Maltese dogs, Bichons can be hard to housebreak but can still learn obedience commands quickly.
9. Cairn Terrier
| Height | 9–13 inches |
| Weight | 13–18 pounds |
| Temperament | Determined, fearless, active |
Cairn Terriers are rugged and tough dogs, showing little to no fear or reservation in most situations. These uncommon Terriers were bred to chase vermin around cairns in the Scottish Highlands, so they’re naturally fast and athletic.
10. Pug
| Height | 10–14 inches |
| Weight | 14–18 pounds |
| Temperament | Playful, vocal, stubborn |
Pugs are popular as pets because of their clownish personalities and distinctive appearance. They are curious, playful, and feisty dogs that can be somewhat difficult to train, especially if they’d rather be napping.
11. Papillon
| Height | 7.9–11 inches |
| Weight | 7–9.9 pounds |
| Temperament | Happy, energetic, intelligent |
Papillons are upbeat and energetic dogs that enjoy playing games but are not necessarily known to be snugglers or lap dogs. Papillon means “butterfly” in French and refers to their trademark ears that resemble butterfly wings.
12. Miniature Dachshund
| Height | 5–7 inches |
| Weight | 8–11 pounds |
| Temperament | Lively, mischievous, affectionate |
Dachshunds are famously known as “wiener dogs” due to their elongated bodies and stumpy, short legs. Dachshunds are very smart and clever, but they’re notorious for being difficult to train since they march to the beat of their own drum (stubborn).
Final Thoughts
Small dogs can be just as fun and loving as larger breeds! We hope this list has given you an idea of some of the most popular small dogs you can have as a companion. Did any catch your eye? Which small dog breed warms your heart?
Featured Image Credit: BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock
