30 Small Dog Breeds That Stay Tiny Forever

Small dog breeds are the perfect companions for those looking for a furry friend that is easy to handle and doesn't take up too much space. These pint-sized pups are known for their charm, playfulness, and loyalty, making them popular pets all over the world. But with so many small dog breeds to choose from, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. That's why we've compiled a list of 30 of the most adorable and loveable small dog breeds that will stay tiny forever.

From the popular Chihuahua to the lesser-known Havanese, these small dog breeds may be small in size, but they are big in personality. Get ready to fall in love with these furry companions and find your perfect match.

The Advantages Of Owning A Small Dog

Small dog breeds offer a range of benefits that make them great pets for families, individuals, and seniors. One of the biggest advantages of owning a small dog is their size. They are easy to handle and don't require as much space as larger breeds, making them perfect for those living in apartments or small homes.

In addition, small dogs are also easier to travel with, making them great companions for those who love to explore and go on adventures. They require less food and fewer resources, making them more budget-friendly than larger breeds. Small dogs are also known for their long lifespans, meaning they will be your faithful companion for many years to come.

How To Choose The Right Small Dog Breed For You

When choosing a small dog breed, it's essential to consider your lifestyle and preferences. Do you want an active dog that loves to play, or a lapdog that will be content snuggled up next to you? Consider factors such as grooming requirements, exercise needs, and temperament before making your decision.

It's also important to research the breed's health and potential genetic issues to ensure you are prepared for any future medical needs. Adopting a small dog from a reputable breeder or shelter is always recommended to make sure your new furry friend comes from a healthy and loving environment.

30 Best Small Dog Breeds That Stay Tiny Forever

1. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the most popular small dog breeds, known for its tiny size and big personality. Originating from Mexico, these dogs have become a favorite among pet owners all over the world. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and can be quite protective, despite their small stature.

Chihuahuas are also known for their high energy levels and love to play. They make great companions for those who live in apartments or small spaces, as they don't require much exercise. However, they can be prone to barking if not trained properly.

2. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a fluffy and charming small dog breed that originated from Germany. These dogs are known for their thick coat and adorable teddy bear-like appearance. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train, making them popular pets among families.

Pomeranians are affectionate and love to be around their owners, making them great lap dogs. They are also quite active and require daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Despite their small size, Pomeranians can be vocal and may need training to control excessive barking.

3. Yorkie

The Yorkshire Terrier, or "Yorkie" for short, is a small dog breed that originated from England. These dogs are known for their luxurious and silky coat, making them irresistible to pet owners. They may be small in size, but they have big personalities and love to play and cuddle with their owners.

Yorkies are also highly adaptable and can thrive in both city and country settings. They require moderate exercise and grooming to maintain their beautiful coat. However, they may not be suitable for families with young children due to their fragile size.

4. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that originated from Tibet and was bred to be a companion for royalty. These dogs are known for their long, silky coat and friendly personality. They make great lap dogs and love to be around people.

Shih Tzus are adaptable and can do well in small spaces, as long as they get enough exercise and attention from their owners. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat but are generally low-maintenance dogs. Their loving and loyal nature makes them perfect for families and seniors alike.

5. Maltese

The Maltese is a small dog breed that has a long history dating back to ancient Greece. These dogs are known for their beautiful white coat and playful, affectionate personality. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in apartments or large homes.

Maltese dogs are also great with children and make wonderful family pets. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy and love to play, making them perfect for active owners.

6. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed that originated from the Mediterranean region. These dogs are known for their fluffy, curly coat and playful personality. They are highly adaptable and make great pets for families or individuals living in apartments.

Bichons are also intelligent and easy to train, making them popular in dog competitions. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat and can be prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies. However, with proper care and love, these dogs make loyal and loving companions.

7. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the "Min Pin," is a small dog breed that originated from Germany. These dogs are known for their alert and energetic nature, making them great watchdogs despite their small size.

Min Pins require regular exercise to burn off their energy and prevent any destructive behavior. They can also be prone to barking if not trained properly. With proper training and socialization, these dogs make loyal and loving companions for individuals or families.

8. Papillon

The Papillon is a small dog breed that originated from France and Belgium. These dogs are known for their distinct butterfly-shaped ears and friendly, energetic personality. They are highly intelligent and excel in activities such as agility training.

Papillons are also great with children and make wonderful family pets. They require moderate exercise and grooming to maintain their long, silky coat. With proper care and training, these dogs can be great companions for individuals or families living in small spaces.

9. Havanese

The Havanese is a small dog breed that originated from Cuba, where they were beloved by the aristocracy. These dogs are known for their long, silky coat and friendly personality. They make great lap dogs and love to be around people.

Havanese require regular grooming to maintain their coat and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. However, with proper training and socialization, these dogs make wonderful family pets. They are also adaptable and can do well in city or country settings.

10. Shih-poo

The Shih-poo is a small designer dog breed that is a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. These dogs are known for their friendly, playful nature and hypoallergenic coat. They make great companions for individuals or families with allergies.

Shih-poos require regular grooming to maintain their coat and can do well in apartments or larger homes. They are also highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments. With proper care, these dogs make loving and loyal companions for anyone looking for a small, fluffy dog breed. 

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog breed that originated from England. These dogs are known for their soft and silky coat, as well as their gentle and affectionate nature. They make great lap dogs and love to be around their owners.

Cavaliers require moderate exercise and grooming to maintain their coats. They are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes. These dogs make great family pets due to their loving and patient nature, making them a popular choice for families with children or seniors. However, they may be prone to certain health issues such as heart problems, so proper care and regular visits to the vet are important.

12. Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small, ancient breed that originated from China. They are known for their long, flowing coats and confident personalities. These dogs were once considered sacred in Chinese culture and were only owned by royalty.

Pekingese are independent and may be stubborn at times, but they make great companions for those who can handle their strong-willed nature. They do well in homes with adults and older children, but may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. Pekingese are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them great watchdogs despite their small size.

13. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a unique and distinctive small dog breed that comes in two varieties: the Hairless and the Powderpuff. Despite their name, these dogs did not originate from China but are believed to have originated from Africa.

They are known for their hairless bodies with tufts of fur on their head, tail, and feet. The Powderpuff variety has a full coat of long, silky fur all over its body.

Chinese Crested are loving and affectionate dogs that make great companions for individuals or families. They require regular grooming to keep their skin healthy and may need extra protection from the sun.

13. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small dog breed that originated from Italy. These dogs are known for their slim, elegant appearance and gentle demeanor. They were once popular among the nobility and are still considered a symbol of luxury.

Italian Greyhounds require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity. They do well in homes with adults and older children, but may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets.

These dogs are sensitive and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. They can adapt to apartment living as long as they have space to run and play.

14. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a small dog breed that originated from Japan, where they were known as royal lap dogs. These dogs are known for their silky coat, large expressive eyes, and graceful movements.

Japanese Chins make great companions for individuals or families due to their loving and loyal nature. They do well in homes with adults and older children, but may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have space to play and explore.

15. Miniature Dachshund

The Miniature Dachshund is a small dog breed that originated from Germany. These dogs are known for their long, low-bodied, and playful personalities. They were originally bred to hunt badgers, hence their unique body shape.

Miniature Dachshunds make great companions for families due to their friendly and outgoing nature. They do well in homes with adults and children of all ages but may need supervision around smaller children due to their small size.

These dogs require moderate exercise and grooming to keep them healthy and maintain their coat. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to move around.

16. Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that originated in the United States. These dogs were originally bred for hunting, but today they make great companions and lap dogs.

They are known for their short, smooth coat and lively personality. Toy Fox Terriers are loyal and affectionate towards their owners, making them great family pets.

These dogs require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to keep them healthy and prevent boredom. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to play and run.

Toy Fox Terriers may be small in size, but they have big personalities and will bring lots of love and joy into their owner's lives.  Their alert and curious nature also make them great watchdogs.

17. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy breed that originated from Scotland. These dogs were originally bred for hunting and vermin control, but today they make great companions and family pets.

They are known for their shaggy coat and expressive face. Cairn Terriers are friendly and outgoing, making them great with children and other pets.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They thrive in homes with active owners who can keep up with their high energy levels.

Cairn Terriers are intelligent and independent thinkers, so they may need consistent training and socialization to prevent stubbornness or aggression.

18. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small and sturdy breed that originated from Scotland. These dogs were originally bred to hunt rodents and have a strong prey drive.

They are known for their short legs, long bodies, and wiry coat. Scottish Terriers make great companions for individuals or families, as they are loyal and affectionate towards their owners.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They do well in homes with older children and may be wary of strangers, making them great watchdogs.

19. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small and spunky breed that originated from Scotland. These dogs were originally bred to hunt rodents and have a strong prey drive.

They are known for their fluffy white coat and bold personalities. Westies make great companions for individuals or families, as they are loyal and loving towards their owners.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They do well in homes with older children and may be wary of strangers, making them great watchdogs.

20. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small and sturdy breed that originated from Germany. These dogs were originally bred to hunt rodents, but today they make great companions and family pets.

They are known for their iconic eyebrows and beard, as well as their friendly and outgoing personalities. Miniature Schnauzers do well in homes with adults and children but may need supervision around smaller children.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to play.

21. Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is a small and sturdy breed that originated from Wales. There are two types of Welsh Corgis: the Pembroke and the Cardigan. These dogs were originally bred for herding, but today they make great companions and family pets.

They are known for their short legs, long bodies, and friendly personalities. Welsh Corgis do well in homes with adults and older children, but may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets.

These dogs require moderate grooming to maintain their coat and regular exercise to keep them healthy. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to play and explore.

22. Basenji

The Basenji is a small and athletic breed that originated from Central Africa. These dogs were originally bred for hunting and are known for their unique yodel-like bark.

They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Basenjis are independent and intelligent, making them suitable companions for experienced dog owners.

These dogs are known for being highly active and may not do well in apartments or small homes. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

23. Pug

The Pug is a small and affectionate breed that originated from China. They were originally bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty and have since become popular companion animals.

They are known for their wrinkled face, curly tails, and charming personalities. Pugs do well in homes with adults or families, as they are friendly and adaptable.

These dogs require minimal grooming but may be prone to health issues due to their short snout. They do not require a lot of exercise and can thrive in small apartments or larger homes.

Pugs are known for being clownish and playful, making them great companions for those looking for a fun-loving dog.

24. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, is a small and muscular breed that originated from France. They were originally bred as companion animals for lace workers and have since become popular pets.

They are known for their bat-like ears, compact body, and friendly personalities. Frenchies do well in homes with adults or families, as they are affectionate and adaptable.

These dogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They do not require a lot of exercise and can thrive in small apartments or larger homes.

French Bulldogs are known for being playful and loving companions, making them a popular choice for dog owners looking for a smaller breed with lots of personality.

25. Beagle

The Beagle is a medium-sized breed that originated from England. They were originally bred for tracking and hunting small game, but today they make wonderful family pets.

They are known for their long, droopy ears and friendly personalities. Beagles do well in homes with adults or families, as they are social and outgoing dogs.

These dogs require regular exercise and moderate grooming to keep them healthy and happy. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to run and play.

Beagles are known for being curious and energetic, making them great companions for those looking for an active dog with a big heart.

26. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized breed that originated from France. They were originally bred for hunting small game, but today they make loving family pets.

They are known for their long ears, wrinkled faces, and gentle personalities. Basset Hounds do well in homes with adults or families, as they are friendly and easy-going dogs.

These dogs require minimal grooming but may need regular exercise to prevent obesity. They do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to roam and sniff around.

Basset Hounds are known for their sad-looking faces and loyal nature, making them great companions for those looking for a loyal and loving dog.  Basset Hounds are known for their sad-looking faces and loyal nature, making them great companions for those looking to add a loving and devoted dog to their family.

27. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized breed that originated from Japan. They were originally bred for hunting, but today they make wonderful family pets.

They are known for their fox-like appearance, curly tail, and independent personalities. Shibas do well in homes with experienced dog owners or families with older children.

These dogs require minimal grooming and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough space to explore.

Shiba Inus are known for their strong-willed nature and may be challenging for first-time dog owners. However, with proper training and socialization, they can make loyal and affectionate companions.

28. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small and unique breed that originated from Scotland. They were originally bred for hunting otters and badgers, but today they make great family pets.

They are known for their long body, silky coat, and affectionate personalities. Dandies do well in homes with adults or families, as they are loyal and gentle dogs.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They can adapt to apartment living but may also do well in larger homes.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are known for being brave and tenacious, making them great watchdogs and companions.

29. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a small and unique breed that originated from Belgium. They were originally bred to hunt rats, but today they make wonderful companion animals.

They are known for their expressive faces, wiry coats, and big personalities. Brussels Griffons do well in homes with adults or families, as they are playful and loyal companions.

These dogs require regular grooming and moderate exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They do well in apartments or larger homes, as long as they have enough mental and physical stimulation.

Brussels Griffons are known for their comical behavior and love to be the center of attention, making them a great choice for dog owners looking for a unique and entertaining companion. 

30. Schipperke

The Schipperke, also known as the "little captain," is a small breed that originated from Belgium. They were originally bred as watchdogs and companions for canal boat owners, but today they make great family pets.

They are known for their compact body, thick coat, and spirited personalities. Schipperkes do well in homes with adults or families, as they are loyal and energetic dogs.

These dogs require regular grooming and moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They can adapt to apartment living but may also do well in larger homes with a securely fenced yard.

So these were some of the most popular and unique dog breeds that make wonderful companions for different types of households. Remember, no matter what breed you choose, every dog has their personality and will bring joy and love into your life.

FAQs

Are These Breeds Suitable For First-Time Dog Owners?

Some of these breeds, like the Shiba Inu and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, may be more challenging for first-time dog owners due to their strong-willed nature. It is important to do research and consider a breed's characteristics before welcoming them into your home.

Do These Breeds Have Specific Exercise Or Grooming Needs?

Yes, each breed may have different exercise and grooming requirements. It is important to research and understand the needs of a specific breed before bringing them home.

Can These Breeds Adapt To Apartment Living?

Many of these breeds can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough mental and physical stimulation through exercise and playtime. However, it is always best to consider the specific needs and energy levels of a breed before making a decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog breed for your household is an important decision that requires research and consideration. These breeds are just a few examples of the many unique and lovable dogs that can make wonderful companions.

Remember to always provide proper care, training, and love for your furry friend, regardless of their breed.  So whether you have a small apartment or a large house, there is a perfect dog out there waiting to become your loyal and loving companion.  So take the time to find the right breed for you, and enjoy all the joy and happiness that comes with having a furry friend by your side.  Happy dog hunting!