Looking for a small dog breed as your companion? We have compiled a ultimate list of small dog breeds on this blog post.
Small in size but big in personality, these diminutive dogs are ready to steal your heart. Skip the complexities of choosing the perfect match from the vast array of small breeds – we’ve got you covered.
Our blog on the most popular small dog breeds provides a seamless journey through their origins, size, lifespan, and more. Whether you’re drawn to the energetic and playful or the calm and cuddly, discover the ideal small dog to add warmth and love to your family.
Small dogs, prominent personalities! These pint-sized companions are a global favorite, bringing joy and charm. Besides their space-friendly nature, small breeds offer economic advantages and longer lifespans, making them perfect for diverse living spaces. Yet, not every petite pup is a lap dog; their personalities and family compatibility differ.
Considering a small breed? Check out the list of ultimate small dig breeds below:
Origin: Germany
Description: Known as the “monkey-like terrier,” Affenpinschers are lively and intelligent and make great companions with a distinctive appearance.
Size: Small, around 5 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: United States
Description: A hairless breed suitable for allergy sufferers, the American Hairless Terrier is lively, intelligent, and ideal for indoor living.
Size: Small
Lifespan: Varies
Origin: Australia
Description: Originally bred for working purposes, Australian Terriers are loyal, energetic, and known for their watchdog abilities.
Size: Small, 7-9 kg
Lifespan: Varies
Origin: Australia
Description: The Australian Silky Terrier, related to the Yorkshire Terrier, is energetic and loving and enjoys an active lifestyle.
Size: Small, around 4.5 kg
Lifespan: Varies
Origin: Africa
Description: Known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is an elegant hunting breed with a unique yodel-like vocalization.
Size: Small to medium
Lifespan: Varies
Origin: England
Description: Dating back to the 1500s, Beagles are scent hounds with a friendly and active nature, making them excellent family dogs.
Size: Small to medium
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: England
Description: The Bedlington Terrier, with a distinctive appearance, is charming, energetic, and loyal, making it an excellent watchdog.
Size: Small, 7-9 kg
Lifespan: Varies
Origin: France/Belgium
Description: Dating back to the 14th century, the Bichon Frise is a fluffy, affectionate toy breed suitable for families and the elderly.
Size: Small, 3-6 kg
Lifespan: Varies
Origin: England
Description: Originally bred as a working terrier, the Border Terrier is friendly, intelligent, and known for its love of outdoor activities.
Size: Small, 5.9-7 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Belgium
Description: Brussels Griffons are known for their distinctive appearance and lively disposition, making them great companions for various living situations.
Size: Small, around 3.6-4.5 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Australia
Description: The Cavoodle, a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Poodle, is a famous designer breed known for its soft, wavy coat and intelligent, affectionate temperament.
Size: Small to medium, 30-35 cm tall, 5-12 kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Origin: Mexico
Description: The smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas, have big personalities and can be fiercely devoted, making them suitable for the elderly and families with older children.
Size: Very small, 15-23 cm, 1.7-3 kg
Lifespan: Up to 18 years
Origin: England
Description: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and energetic toy breed known for its long, floppy ears and affectionate nature.
Size: Small, 30-33 cm tall, 5-8 kg
Lifespan: 9-14 years
Origin: England/France
Description: With a distinctive appearance and clownish behavior, French Bulldogs are adaptable, friendly, and well-suited for families and apartment living.
Size: Small, 10-13 kg
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Origin: Germany
Description: Affectionate and bright Miniature Dachshunds are known for their long bodies and three coat varieties – shorthaired, wirehaired, and longhaired.
Size: Small, 13-18 cm tall, 4.9 kg (at 12 months)
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Mediterranean
Description: The Maltese, with its long white coat, is an intelligent and spirited toy breed suitable for various owners, though caution is advised with very young children.
Size: Small, 3-4 kg
Lifespan: 15 years or more
Origin: Germany
Description: Intelligent and playful, Miniature and Toy Poodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats and require mental stimulation and regular grooming.
Size: Small, 24-28 cm, 3-4 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Germany
Description: With a strong personality and energy, the Miniature Schnauzer is a famous small dog known for its loyalty and watchfulness.
Size: Small, 33-36 cm (male), 30-33 cm (female), 4.5-8 kg
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Origin: United States
Description: A toy hybrid breed resulting from Maltese and Miniature Poodle cross, Moodles are intelligent, easy to train, and known for their cuteness.
Size: Small, up to 20 cm, 2-9 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: China
Description: Pugs, with their distinctive wrinkled faces, are loyal, affectionate, and adaptable, making them suitable for various living situations.
Size: Small, 6-9 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Scotland
Description: The Scottish Terrier is a rugged and independent breed known for its distinctive appearance, wiry coats, and upright ears. Alert and energetic, they are fierce hunters with a strong prey drive. Despite being watchful and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs, they are generally affectionate with their human family.
Size: Small to Medium
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Origin: Scotland
Description: The Shetland Sheepdog resembles a smaller Border Collie, an intelligent and agile working dog. Sensitive, gentle, and devoted, Shelties thrive on human companionship. They have high energy needs and require both mental and physical stimulation to prevent behavioral issues.
Size: Small to Medium
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Origin: Japan
Description: The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed initially bred for hunting. Energetic and friendly, they have a fox-like appearance with white markings and various color options. Leash training is essential due to their tendency to roam, and they shed a substantial amount of fur.
Size: Small to Medium
Lifespan: 13-16 years
Origin: Scotland
Description: The Skye Terrier features long hair over the face and ears, standing on short legs. Loyal and affectionate, they enjoy being the center of attention. Skye Terriers do not require extensive exercise but benefit from consistent training.
Size: Small
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Origin: Varied (result of crossbreeding)
Description: Spoodles are a crossbreed known for intelligence and affection. They have an easy-going and gentle nature, making them perfect family dogs. They are rarely aggressive, tolerant of children, and can be easily trained.
Size: Small to Medium
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: England
Description: The Sussex Spaniel, with floppy ears and a calm demeanor, resembles a Cocker Spaniel. Happy and loving, they enjoy outdoor activities and may bark moderately. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat.
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Origin: Sweden
Description: The Swedish Vallhund is a cheerful and friendly Spitz Herding dog with a history of herding cattle. Eager to please, they have long, low bodies with dense, medium-length coats. They are known for their high energy levels.
Size: Small to Medium
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Tibet
Description: Despite the name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a terrier but a loving companion and watchdog. With a long double coat, they are suited for cold climates. Tibetan Terriers have large flat feet designed for moving through snow.
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Tibet
Description: The Tibetan Spaniel originated as a watchdog in Tibetan monasteries. Agile and fast-moving, they form tight bonds with their human family. While not generally yappy, they may bark at unfamiliar sounds.
Size: Small
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: England
Description: The Toy Poodle, believed to originate in England, is a lively, intelligent, and fun-loving dog. Requiring lots of human attention, they are not the best choice for families with young children due to potential impatience.
Size: Small
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Wales (Pembroke and Cardigan types)
Description: There are two distinct types of Corgi: Pembroke and Cardigan. Loyal and intelligent, they are known for their toughness despite their small size. Corgis may occasionally nip due to herding instincts and require regular exercise.
Size: Small
Lifespan: 12-15 years
The world of small dog breeds is a captivating tapestry of personalities, histories, and charm. From the spirited Affenpinscher to the regal Welsh Corgi, each breed adds a unique chapter to the book of canine companionship. As we explore their origins, sizes, and lifespans, one thing remains constant – the unwavering devotion and joy these pint-sized wonders bring our lives.
At Patog, we celebrate this bond by offering premium pet products that prioritise your furry friends’ well-being, comfort, and style. With every tail wag and playful bark, small dogs remind us that the best things often come in smaller packages, and our commitment at Patog is to make their world as extraordinary as they make ours.
Visit our shop and explore our products including, No Pull Dog Harness, Multi-Function Dog Lead and more.
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