small dogs

24 Cutest Small Dog Breeds you should own! (Must-See!)

If you are thinking about getting a dog and wondering, “Why Get A Cute Dog?” The reason for this is because of the social interaction that a dog can provide.

Small dogs are wonderful companions and very loyal. When you get a dog they will follow you around the house and keep you company as well as give you affection and attention.

They will also be your protector at times, going to strange places with you, playing fetch in the park, and working in the yard when you’re gardening or doing other housework.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier
Image by Josch13 from Pixabay

The Yorkshire Terrier is a very cute small dog breed. The Yorkshire Terrier breed originated during the late 19th century in Yorkshire, England. Ideally its ultimate size would be around 7 pounds. However, because of the small size of the breed, most Yorkie’s weigh no more than five pounds at full maturity.

In terms of general health, the good points about the Yorkshire Terrier include their compact muscular build, longish legs, and elegant, delicate face.

Beagle

Beagle
Photo by Joe Smith on Unsplash

The beagle exhibits very friendly, confident, and affectionate behavior with their owners. Beagles will often greet visitors in a very friendly manner, and they are known to be very friendly to children as well as other pets.

They are also very clever and can learn new tricks quickly. Many people consider the beagle to be an inferior level of dog but these dogs have been proven to be loyal. Their loyalty makes them great family pets.​​​​​​​

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier
Image by hazelw90 from Pixabay

Today, the Cairn Terrier remains a popular pet and companion. The small size of these terriers makes them perfect companions for those who do not have room for larger dogs or those who do not wish to possess a house pet.

The Cairn Terrier, although smaller than many other breeds of terriers, is an intelligent, loving companion that is eager to please. Its loyalty make it a great choice for a pet.

French Bulldog

French Bulldog
Image by Elena Rogulina from Pixabay

The French Bulldog is an excellent breed of dog, typically bred to be friendly companions. The breed is actually a mixture of local Ratters imported from England in the 1800s and later on to Paris, France.

They’re extremely compact, stocky dogs with an overall, friendly, gentle temperament. In general, they tend to do very well with children who are affectionate and who can take a gentle but firm leadership role – and they enjoy being pampered as well!

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Photo by Xiang Gao on Unsplash

One of the most popular dogs in the United Kingdom is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These are a very small breed that usually weigh around thirty pounds. These cute little dogs are perfect for people who want to get a dog but don’t have the space for a large dog.

They have a cute personality and are extremely trainable, which makes them great pets. Because these are such a cute and unique breed, there are not a lot of people who know about them or own them.

Dachshund

The Dachshund does well in a home with children because of their active and curious nature that makes it an excellent pet for family members. However, despite their playful nature, they are still very loyal and affectionate towards their master.

These dogs are very smart in their ways and like to learn. Because of their curious nature, a bored Dachshund is often an active one as they seek out objects and activities to try and investigate.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel
Photo by Dan on Unsplash

A beautiful and lively breed, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very healthy dog that will be suited to most environments. While not particularly strong or aggressive, this dog does have a playful nature that is sure to catch your attention. 

It is imperative that you establish consistency, patience, tolerance, and firmness early on to prevent the Welsh from becoming attached to any one particular thing or person. ​​​​​​​

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
Image by Robin Reuckl from Pixabay

The Cocker Spaniel is a well-built and sturdy dog with an eagerness to please its master that makes it a highly prized breed. It has a sweet nature and excellent agility and intelligence. This breed is very intelligent and able to learn new things quickly.

A happy and loving dog, the Cocker Spaniel is very affectionate and loyal towards its owner and family members. Its beautiful eyes and silky hair are complimented by a tail that is bushy and elegant.  They are temperamentally very calm and devoted dogs that make ideal companions for children. 

Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel is truly a unique dog. The Brittany is a very hardy breed of dog typically bred for bird hunting. Though it is commonly referred to by the term, the working characteristics of the breed are much more akin to that of a miniature pointer or even a setter.

This dog breed is able to quickly become family oriented and get along well with children. Also, they can be high energy dogs who need plenty of exercise and love to play around. When properly socialized, they will become extremely amicable to most environments and very lovable dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

Historically, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been used as a hunting companion, being sent on various hunting expeditions by royal families in history. These days, it is often considered a lapdog. Although it was once an elegant and magnificent pet, the modern Cavalier King Charles has turned into a more mild-mannered companion.

This small dog can be as cute and affectionate as it is intelligent, making it a great choice for family pets. It has excellent temperaments, intelligence, and a desire to please. It is also highly athletic and can be a very good competitor in agility trials.

Havanese

Havanese
Image by Lisa Sweet from Pixabay

Havanese make a great family pet. They have excellent working abilities, and are very protective of those they love.  They are also good with children because of their protective nature and do not get along well with other animals and household pets. 

This breed is highly intelligent and can be trained to do almost anything, but this might prove to be the most difficult part of getting a pup. In addition to needing exercise, they also need proper nutrition, especially if they are going to spend much time indoors. A balanced diet is essential to keep the Havanese healthy and happy.

Pug

Pug
Photo by yang miao on Unsplash

The Pug is a small breed of dog characterized by a short, wrinkly, curly tail and a plump, upright face. The breed generally has a sleek coat which comes in various shades, most commonly black or light brown, and a square, compact body with well-developed muscles.

Pugs usually weigh between ten and twelve pounds, although they can be as small as seven pounds. Pugs were originally bred in England and are said to have first appeared on the market around 1812. The Pug was originally bred as a hunting companion for farmers, but it is now popular as a kind of house pet.

Bichon Frisé

Bichon Frisé
Image by Radovan Zierik from Pixabay

Bichon Frisé dogs are smart, well-behaved dogs that are very affectionate with their owners and other animals, but despite their small size they can be aggressive if provoked. A Bichon Frisé puppy is an adorable addition to any family and most show easily.

If you are considering one as a pet, you need to prepare your home for this big responsibility ahead of time. A Bichon Frisé requires a large area for running and exercise, a large yard for playing in, and room to run outside

Papillon

The Papillon, is one of the smallest toy dogs, is an excellent breed of dog, A friendly, gentle breed, it has a friendly personality that makes it a good choice for most families. Papillon dog is such a wonderful companion for people of all ages.

Papillon have a natural elegance in their bearing, and this is what often make them seem so graceful and aristocratic. They are very apt for those who have a sense of style and fashion.

Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terrier
Image by sevenpixx from Pixabay

The Norfolk Terrier is actually a British breed of small dog that are very easy to housebreak, as it has an astonishingly easy temperament and has the ability to learn easily. They are also intelligent, with the ability to learn at a much faster speed than most other breeds of dog, and are easily trained due to their small size and keen sense of smell. 

The personality of a Norfolk Terrier is extremely balanced, and this makes them a good choice for most family pets. They are great companions for the elderly and children alike, as they are not demanding or clingy, but rather extremely affectionate and loving.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier
Image by Thorsten Blank from Pixabay

The Boston Terrier, also called the American Gentleman, is a beautiful and lovable breed originating from the small town of Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Terrier has an athletic build and is very hearty. They tend to be good with children but can get bored if they do not have company.

They should not be house-trained because of their tendency to get into small messes. Furthermore, they enjoy long walks and love to be around you and your family. They need a great deal of attention and exercise to stay healthy.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

The Pomeranian, is an extremely playful and friendly dog with a loving disposition. The most distinguishing characteristic is its hair, which is usually curly. This breed originated from the beautiful Polish region of Pomerania. The Pomeranian has a very cute and playful personality. The Pomeranian  was originally bred to be a companion dog.

They have very good hearing abilities and are known for their affectionate behavior towards other people and animals. The small size of the Pomeranian dog makes it very popular as a house dog in the United States. A Pomeranian usually weighs no more than ten pounds at full maturity but can be as small as six pounds.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a beautiful breed of family pet, usually bred for companion dogs. The breed was originally created by a cross between local Ratters from Paris, France, and miniature Toy Dogs imported from England. They are compact, sturdy dogs with an almost friendly, gentle temperament.

These dogs have become very popular as house pets because they are so easy to maintain. They are very intelligent and eager to please, which make them ideal companions for the elderly or handicapped.

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin
Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

The Japanese Chin, better known as the Japanese Greyhound, is an exceptional dog recognized for its status as a member of the Japanese royalty. It is also renowned for its impressive strabismus of its eyes. Being both a house pet and a hunting dog, this unique toy breed has an interesting heritage. Like most Toy breeds, the Japanese Chin is developed through selective breeding.

There is even a class of purebred Japanese Chins and these are sold at high prices. The Japanese Chin,  is an extraordinary dog recognized internationally for its high social status. It’s also regarded as a best friend and lap dog, particularly for children. Being both a family pet and a show dog, the beautiful breed has an exceptional genealogy. 

Brussels Griffon​​​​​​​

The Brussels Griffon may be an energetic dog but is gentle with a very affectionate temperament. This breed is a very good “pet” for children who do not want an active puppy. They are wonderful companions to older people who do not have to exercise much because they are very lazy.

They will tire you out if you take too long to run up and down the stairs, but you will enjoy spending time with this small, cheerful dog. They need lots of exercise, but they are great to have around at home.​​​​​​​

Shih-Tzu​​​​​​​

Shih-Tzu​​​​​​​
Image by Rachel Nelson from Pixabay

As with any other kind of breed, a Shih Tzu requires a good home environment for its optimal health and quality of life. Some care requirements for the Shih Tzu include getting your pet neutered if breeding is intended and making sure that you house train your pet as soon as possible to reduce the incidence of destructive behavior such as scratching. 

Shih Tzus is a sturdy breed and very healthy so long as they receive the proper care. They are very intelligent and loyal pets that make great companions. If you have decided to keep a Shih Tzu as a pet then you have made a great decision in terms of breed and personality.

Pekingese​​​​​​​

Pekingese​​​​​​​
Image by Madhurima Handa from Pixabay

The Pekingese is actually a very cute, sweet breed of small toy dogs, originally originating in China. They are now gaining popularity in North America and Europe, being used as a companion or show dog. The Pekingese, is an excellent choice for a first-time owner of a toy breed. They are bred to be friendly and have lots of energy, the Pekingese requires little training.

This is because they are very social and enjoy being around other dogs, even those that they don’t personally own. This active breed will chase any small animal on your hand and can also be somewhat shy or nervous around other people, but overall this is a good breed to start training because of the large amount of energy it has.

Maltese

Maltese
Image by Jo Quek from Pixabay

The Maltese is actually a cross breed of the Irish, the British and the Italian breeds of dogs. It is believed to have originally originated from dogs of low spitz-type breed. However, despite its name, it has none confirmed historical or documented historical link to the beautiful island of Malta.

There is some speculation that the Maltese dogs were brought over in ships during the Middle Ages when the Portuguese were distributing their goods all over the world. Today, the Maltese dogs are still being raised and bred as hunting dogs. This is because their size prevents them from doing well as guard dogs.

Chihuahua​​​​​​​

The Chihuahua is perhaps the cutest little breed of all dogs and was named by the Mexican people as the breed which should be on top of your list if you are searching for a new pet. And why not? Chihuahuas are small and funny animals with lots of personality. They are extremely good-natured and always endearing, making them ideal companions for kids and adults alike.

The Chihuahua can turn out to be a wonderful pet and a loyal companion if you know how to handle it well. The Chihuahua has a lot of love energy and will try to please you by doing everything that it can to please you. The Chihuahua also has a mind of its own, which means that it may sometimes behave in a strange way, and this is normal. 

Author

  • Karin S

    Welcome to All About My Small Dog, where my love for small dogs and years of hands-on experience meet your need for trusted information. As a dedicated small dog enthusiast and pet parent, I'm deeply committed to sharing expert insights, reliable advice, and a community of support. Every blog you read here is crafted with the utmost care, guided by my passion and expertise. You can trust that you're in the right place for valuable insights and a warm community that understands the unique joys and challenges of small dog ownership. Together, we'll make sure your small dog's world is filled with love, care, and knowledge.

    View all posts