Tiny Dogs That Stay Small Forever

When considering adding a dog to your family, there are several factors to take into account. From the pet's personality to its energy level, one of the most important traits is often its size. This is especially true if you live in an area with weight restrictions for pets or prefer a companion that's easy to travel with. Starting with your local animal shelter or rescue organization is always a great idea. However, if you're specifically looking for a small dog, this list provides valuable information on 40 of the smallest breeds.

Each breed has unique physical characteristics and behavioral traits that make them special. Whether you're interested in a spirited Chihuahua or a playful Yorkie, these small dogs are sure to bring joy, cozy moments, and lots of affection. Once you're ready to welcome your new four-legged friend, exploring adoption tips from experts can be incredibly helpful. Additionally, you might want to browse guides to find the perfect name for your new pet, whether it's a girl or a boy.

If you're looking for more information on small dog breeds, check out our round-up of 45 of the smallest dog breeds to help determine which tiny pup would be the best fit for your lifestyle.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai resembles a mini Husky and typically weighs no more than 25 pounds and stands at 17 inches tall. They come in three color combinations: red and white, black and white, and gray and white.

Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier may look like a Yorkie, but its coat is distinct. These affectionate and playful dogs weigh around 6 pounds.

Norwegian Lundehund

This rare hunting breed was originally trained to hunt puffins and weighs under 20 pounds. It is making a resurgence in popularity.

Cesky Terrier

As the national dog of the Czech Republic, the Cesky Terrier weighs up to 24 pounds and comes in various shades of gray. While they make great family dogs, they are relatively rare in the U.S.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

These dogs weigh between 18 to 24 pounds and are known for their watchful nature. They are better suited for homes where they have space to roam. Their coats come in either pepper or mustard colors.

Japanese Chin

Loving and friendly, Japanese Chins are ideal for those seeking a cute and approachable companion. They weigh between seven and 11 pounds and measure between eight and 11 inches tall. They also play well with other dogs.

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Maltese

With their beautiful snowy white coats and big, dark eyes, Maltese dogs are sure to attract attention. They stand between seven to nine inches tall and weigh under seven pounds. These loving pets will do anything to make you smile.

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Pomeranian

These dogs are always alert and their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs. Standing between six and seven inches tall and weighing between three and seven pounds, Pomeranians are active and make great companions.

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Chihuahua

Tiny but feisty, Chihuahuas are super energetic. Known as "purse dogs," they are between five and eight inches tall and weigh no more than six pounds. While they are playful, they are not typically the most kid-friendly.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Their long, glossy coats make Yorkshire Terriers as pretty as they are playful. Don't mistake their striking looks for aloof behavior—they're very protective. They are between seven and eight inches in height and weigh around seven pounds.

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Pug

Popular and cute, Pugs are a fan favorite. Their unique wrinkled brows and expressive faces make them adorable, even when they're being mischievous. These pups stand between 10 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds.

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Shih Tzu

Dubbed "Lion Dog," Shih Tzus are perfect for apartment living because they are content staying indoors. Weighing between nine and 16 pounds and standing between eight and 11 inches tall, these dogs are happy sitting on your lap. Plus, with virtually no shedding, you won't have to worry about constant vacuuming.

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Toy Fox Terrier

Despite their small size—measuring between 8.5 and 11.5 inches and weighing between four and nine pounds—Toy Fox Terriers are big on personality. Plus, they're easy to train.

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Wire Fox Terrier

Handsome, intelligent, and confident, Wire Fox Terriers make outstanding show dogs. Standing tall at 15.5 inches and weighing between 16 to 18 pounds, their rough and wiry coats make them distinctively adorable. Plus, they live long, full lives.

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Volpino Italiano

Not a fan of strangers, these dogs stand between 10.5 and 12 inches tall and weigh eight to 16 pounds (depending on gender). Because they barely bark, they're not the best watchdogs. BUT they make awesome companions for anyone who loves to snuggle.

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Affenpinscher

With moderate shedding, you might want to invest in a good vacuum for this breed. Hairy issues aside, they're so darn cute! They've even been likened to beloved "Ewoks," the adorable furry creatures from Star Wars. If you're in the market for one of your own, they're typically between nine and 11.5 inches and weigh between seven and 10 pounds.

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American Hairless Terrier

Standing tall between 12 and 16 inches, American Hairless Terriers are on the larger side when it comes to small breeds. Weighing between 12 and 16 pounds, they're hefty pups that live long lives. Thanks to their hairless nature, sweeping up fur will be a non-issue.

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Bichon Frise

Cute and willing to play, Bichon Frises are great pets for families. Their glorious hypoallergenic white coats make them the perfect choice for allergy sufferers. Measuring under a foot in height and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds, that signature round haircut really makes this breed stand out.

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Australian Terrier

These balls of energy are sure to keep you on your toes—and because they're extremely vocal and playful in nature, kids will enjoy their company. Their height averages between 10 and 11 inches and they weigh anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds.

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English Toy Spaniel

These snub-nosed cuties are affectionate and gentle creatures. Standing nine to 10 inches tall and rounding out at around 14 pounds, they're wonderful additions to fun-loving families.

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Brussels Griffon

Looking for a small pup with a big personality? If so, Brussels Griffon dogs are the pets for you. Weighing between eight and 10 pounds, these pooches are not ideal for young kids who tend to roughhouse.

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Cairn Terrier

Affectionate towards their owners, Cairn Terriers are delightful pups to have around. Not topping more than 13 or 14 pounds and standing between 9.5 and 10 inches tall, these dogs are protective and playful.

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Pumi

Energetic and incredibly affectionate, these dogs are nimble-footed with origins from Hungary. Their black corkscrew hair sets them apart from the pack. Because they're known for their need to assess situations, getting them acquainted and comfortable with their surroundings is key. They stand between 15 and 18.5 inches—and while males can weigh up to 30 pounds, female pups land between 22 and 24 pounds.

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Havanese

Native to Cuba, these lively pooches are bursting with energy. They get high marks across the board when it comes to friendliness, are super social, and play well with others—including other pups. Their silky coats make stroking hard to resist.

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Cocker Spaniel

Their big, welcoming eyes and soft, floppy ears make Cocker Spaniels one of America's most popular and beloved breeds. Plus, their lush coats come in a variety of colors. Standing about 14 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 20 and 30 pounds (depending on gender), they're short, but sturdy and solid. While you're drooling over how adorable these precious pups are, don't forget to keep a towel handy because they're prone to a little dribble too.

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Chinese Crested

With virtually no shedding, hair cleanup won't be a problem with Chinese Crested dogs. They move gracefully and love to frolic with family. Measuring between 11 and 13 inches in height and weighing between eight and 12 pounds, these ultra-affectionate, furry-tailed friends make great companions.

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Miniature Bull Terrier

A bit on the heftier side, Miniature Bull Terriers stand between 10 and 14 inches and weigh about 28 pounds. They can be a bit on the mischievous side, but they're super spirited, fun-loving, and affectionate.

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Miniature Pinscher

Measuring between 10 and 12 inches and weighing between eight and 10 pounds, Miniature Pinschers are often referred to as the "King of Toys." These pups have shiny coats, with colors ranging from black and rust, black and tan, chocolate and tan, and chocolate and rust to red and stag red. They also have a distinguished stride akin to a horse's trot.

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Papillon

Thanks to their medium-size coats, be prepared for a bit of shedding—but luckily, grooming will only be required every few weeks. Always alert, Papillon dogs stand between eight and 11 inches tall and weigh around five to 10 pounds. They are friendly and make great pets for those who enjoy happy and energetic pups.

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Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds live an average of 14 to 15 years, so you can expect to have one of these dogs in your family for a very long time. Standing tall between 13 and 15 inches and weighing between seven and 14 pounds, these high-stepping hounds are friendly with everyone, even strangers.

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Bolognese

Not a fan of super hyper pups? A Bolognese might be for you, because they're calm and don't tend to be high-energy. Measuring 10 to 12 inches tall, their square bodies, covered in pure-white coats, weigh between six and 10 pounds.

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Scottish Terrier

Independent and protective, Scottish Terriers make good watchdogs. They measure 10 inches in height and weigh between 18 and 22 pounds (depending on gender). Their distinctive beards and piercing eyes give them a friendly appearance, but they're not always on their best behavior around other dogs.

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Dachshund

All Dachshunds are small in size. The standard ones stand between eight and nine inches, while the miniature ones are a mere five or six inches tall. The former can weigh up to 32 pounds and the latter typically weigh less than 11 pounds. If barking bothers you, you might want to admire this breed from afar.

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Toy Poodle

We dare you to name a pup as cute as a Toy Poodle. They stand no more than 10 inches and weigh between four and six pounds. Not only are they adorable, but they're known to be affectionate with family and good with young children.

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Basenji

If you want a pup that doesn't make a peep, Basenjis are a sure bet. They don't bark, but they know how to communicate in subtle ways that are reminiscent of humans. Standing 16 or 17 inches tall and weighing up to 24 pounds, these canines have cat-like qualities, thanks to their personal grooming habits.

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Miniature Schnauzer

The smallest of the Schnauzer breed, these incredibly obedient dogs make great companions. Their outgoing personality and friendly demeanor make them ideal options for families. Measuring between 12 and 14 inches in height and weighing between 11 and 20 pounds, they can thrive in small apartments or patrol sprawling spaces.

Pekingese

Crown the Pekingese the most regal pooch of the pack. After all, they do have the word "king" in their name and they're one of the several breeds created for the ruling classes of ancient China. Famous for their lioness mane, they stand between six and nine inches tall and weigh up to 14 pounds. While they're cute, kids should give them their space.

Russian Toy

Weighing up to six-and-a-half pounds and standing between eight and 11 inches, these sweet and charming pups are perfect for those who love to snuggle. Plus, they love to be on the move, so be ready for a lot of playtime.

Toy Fox Terrier

Lithe and sturdy, Toy Fox Terriers measure between eight-and-a-half and 11.5 inches and weigh between four and nine pounds. They're very trainable and want everyone to be their BFFs.

Swedish Vallhund

Owners can count on protective Swedish Vallhunds to keep an eye out. They stand between 12.5 and 13.75 inches tall and weigh up to 35 pounds.

Silky Terrier

Weighing around 10 pounds, Silky Terriers are small, but mighty—and very alert. Their famous blue-and-tan coat rarely sheds.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu dogs are protective, but they're not the easiest pups to train. Measuring between 14.5 and 16.5 inches and weighing up to 23 pounds, this ancient Japanese breed is strong.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

These easy-to-please terriers are fun to be around and will brighten any owner's day. While they're considered to be one of the smaller breeds, they can still reach 40 pounds.

Bedlington Terriers

Standing between 15 and 17.5 inches tall and weighing between 17 and 23 pounds, Bedlington Terriers look sophisticated and regal—and they can live up to 16 years. Their hair and coat has a wool-like texture, giving them a distinctive look that will turn heads.