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A big ball of love can come in the smallest package, thanks to these toy dog breeds.
Small dog breeds appeal to prospective pet owners for a variety of reasons. Not only are they tiny enough to be excellent cuddle partners or lap dogs, but also, depending on the breed, they may shed less, making them great hypoallergenic dogs. Small dog breeds can even be cheaper than large dog breeds in the long run because they require less food. And no matter where you're taking your fluffy friend — be it to the dog park, their annual veterinarian visit, or on a family trip — small dogs are simply easier to travel with than larger breeds. But with so many small dog breeds out there, finding your next pet can be overwhelming, especially if you aren't sure where to start.
There are various breeds to consider: sporting, hounds, working, terriers, toy, non-sporting, and herding are the main seven, according to the AKC. These small dog breeds are great options for individuals or families who don't have a ton of room but still want to welcome a pet into their home. Any dog — big or small — is bound to bring endless joy into your life. So, if you're ready to bring an adorable and fluffy baby into your life, here are some small dog breeds to consider.
If you want a husky-like dog at a fraction of the size, the Klee Kai is the pup for you. They run between six and 25 pounds depending on whether they're a toy or standard version of the breed. Just know that with their fluffy coat, they'll need a lot of grooming maintenance.
This friendly, spunky dog breed was just recognized by the American Kennel Club early in 2021. It's part of the toy breed group and clocks in at just four to eight pounds.
Chinese Cresteds are partially hairless, which means you have to take care to keep them out of too much sun. They weigh up to 12 pounds and love to snuggle in their owners laps.
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Just because these dogs are small doesn't mean they're not extremely helpful. As its name suggests, the Danish-Swedish farmdog was bred to help with rural tasks like ratting, herding, and hunting. They run between 15 and 20 pounds.
Per the AKC, this dog breed may be distantly related to the Corgi and Manchester Terrier — two other small dog breeds. They weigh between nine and 17 pounds, which made them ideal farm dogs in the 17th century and now makes them great small apartment pets.
Löwchen is German for "little lion," named for their traditional haircut of a flowing mane, and short-cropped hindquarters. These dogs hardly shed, which makes them ideal for people with allergies. They're also on the tiny side at just 15 pounds.
A full-grown standard Bull Terrier can weigh up to 70 pounds, but fortunately the miniature versions are way smaller. They weigh just 18-28 pounds. The miniature breed was created for above-ground ratting, but now they make great companions for people without a lot of room for a pet.
The Rat Terrier's name comes from how skilled they are at chasing vermin, but they're also not much bigger than rats themselves. They weigh between 10 and 25 pounds.
Standard Manchester Terriers can run up to 22 pounds, but the toy versions have the same look at a fraction of the size. They weigh under 12 pounds and stand just a foot tall.
Per VetStreet, Schipperkes are also known as "little black devils." They're high-energy dogs, so even though they're on the smaller side, they still need lots of exercise. You can expect them to grow to about 10-16 pounds.
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Named for their silky smooth hair, these terriers are often confused with the similarly-colored Yorkies. But Silkies are a bit bigger, ringing in at about 10 pounds.
According to the AKC, the miniature version of this breed weighs under 11 pounds. They are curious, and extremely friendly. They don't love long distance runs or swims, but other than that, they're ready to play all day long. Also be warned: Dachshunds make great watchdogs due to their loud barks.
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These dogs are basically five-pound fluff-balls. Their adorable faces are hidden in a poof of fur, and they're a lively breed, the AKC notes. They do have a reputation for being a bit chatty, so if you're looking for a quiet, chill dog, a Pomeranian might not be an ideal choice.
According to the AKC, the Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed that's the most popular fluffy companion in the Asian country and was brought to America in the 1950s. They're alert, sturdy, muscular dogs who have a confident, bold personality and only weigh at most 23 pounds.
Border Terriers are upbeat, agile, affectionate pups, the AKC notes, making them ideal dogs for most owners. They're known for being tough, no-frills workers when needed, but are good-tempered and trainable when home. Border Terriers grow to anywhere between 11 and 16 inches, rarely weigh more than 16 pounds, and adapt well to city life.
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Originally bred to accompany the ruling classes of ancient China, according to the AKC, Pekingese are charming, confident, sophisticated dogs with an undying loyalty to their owners. The stocky, compact breed weighs up to about 14 pounds, standing up to 9 inches high.
Shetland Sheepdogs, a.k.a. Shelties, are incredibly smart, quick, obedient herders, according to the AKC. These traits make the breed bright and eager world-class competitors. At home, Shelties take on sensitive and affectionate tendencies. They weigh 15-25 pounds.
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With their playful and adoring personalities, Cocker Spaniels are great dogs for every kind of pet parent. They're easy to train as companions or athletes, though they are considered the AKC's smallest sporting spaniel standing at 14 to 15 inches and around 20 pounds.
Known for their lively, curious demeanors, Russell Terriers pack a lot of personality into their small, rectangular bodies, according to the AKC. They're just 15 pounds max.
Beagles, the AKC notes, are excellent hunting dogs and loyal companions. Since they were bred to hunt in packs, they enjoy a lot of company and are very go-with-the-flow. Beagles stand at 15 inches or shorter and likely weigh less than 20 pounds. Not to mention, their big brown or hazel eyes and long, hound-like ears make them one of the most adorable family dogs.
According to the AKC, poodles are one of the most diverse breeds. They come in standard, miniature or toy sizes, with black, white, or apricot coats. Mini poodles stand at 15 inches or less and tend to weigh a maximum of 15 pounds. Their curly, low-allergen coat makes them ideal hypoallergenic dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers, adorably referred to as "Yorkies," are known for being energetic, affectionate pups. They only weigh about seven pounds, according to the AKC, which makes them perfect for carrying around and cuddling with.
Shih Tzus are cuddly and affectionate companions. They were bred to be house companions, according to the AKC. The nine to 16 pound dogs don't need too much exercise, making them perfect for someone with a busy work schedule or limited mobility.
Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are easy to recognize since their inclusion as one of the classic game pieces in Monopoly. As would make sense for a dog so strongly associated with a game, these dogs love to play, according to the AKC, and have a lot of energy. They weigh around 20 pounds.
These dogs get their name from their perky, wing-like ears that look like a butterfly, according to the AKC. They're known for being exceptionally smart dogs and easy to train. Plus, they're perfect lap dogs at five to 10 pounds in size.
You might see the word Eskimo and think of a huge Husky, but American Eskimo Dogs are the complete opposite, according to the AKC. Remember the adorable white puffball in Sandra Bullock's The Proposal, who almost got eaten by an eagle? This is the same dog. They're clever dogs who adore making friends. They ring in at six pounds for the miniature ones.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the AKC notes, is a cross of the Cavaliers and the Spaniel. The breed combines the gentle behavior of the smaller toy breed, while still keeping the energy of the larger dog. They're under 20 pounds.
You may recognize the Italian Greyhound from Kylie Jenner's Instagram account (she has five!), and they're too cute. The AKC notes that the tiny pups weigh no more than 14 pounds and are expected to live up to 15 years old. They adore lounging around in laps and are always around for extra lovin'.
Back in the 13th century, the Bichon Frise breed loved to hang out with the nobles, according to the AKC. But when the fluffy white canine was forced out of the kingdom during the French Revolution, their kind adapted quickly and became circus performers. So, Bichons are not only cute, but they're agile, trainable, and incredibly smart creatures. They're typically 12-18 pounds.
A tall dog within the small dog breed group, Basenjis are almost catlike in behavior and temperament, the AKC notes. Basenjis groom themselves like felines, don't bark (it sounds more like a yodel), and are expert leapers. There aren't a ton of Basenjis out there, but those who own one of the 20-pound pooches should consider themselves extremely lucky.