The top 10 small dog breeds in the best information for you…

small dog breeds, size may be one of the few characteristics they have in common! Some breeds tend to boast outgoing and bold personalities, whereas others are laid back and enjoy independence.

small dog breeds Coat types could range from short, straight hair to long, flowing locks or even tightly wound curls. You will meet little furry friends that can’t wait to curl up on your lap, while others are bursting with energy and always ready for the next game of fetch.  

small dog breeds

1. Maltese 

Temperament: While this breed is a loyal lap dog, they also have lots of energy and enjoy playtime. Maltese dogs are fearless—a trait believed to have been passed on from the breed’s days as rat hunters. They get along well with people of all ages, are easily trained, and love performing tricks on small dog breeds.

Grooming: While Maltese can sport a long, elegant coat, most pet parents keep their dog’s coat clipped short so it is easier to maintain. Their eyes must be cleaned often because they are prone to tear stains.

Exercise: Occasional exercise—such as a daily walk or playtime in the backyard or indoors—is sufficient for the Maltese.

Fun Fact: Also called the “Roman Ladies’ Dog,” this breed was associated with prestige in the Roman Empire. Women aristocrats often carried a Maltese around in their sleeves or on their laps, according to the American Kennel Club . 

2. Boston Terrier

Temperament: The Boston Terriers present a nice blend of humorous charm and sophistication. They are a smart, alert, and high-energy breed, but they also enjoy hanging around the house with their family. This breed is loyal to one person, although polite to all. Boston Terriers are prone to snoring because of their flat noses and narrow nostrils. 

Grooming: The Boston Terrier’s shorthaired coat only needs occasional brushing. Many Boston Terriers have adorable nose wrinkles, which should be wiped frequently to keep dirt and dust away.

Exercise: Taking a walk around the block or playing inside with the family keeps this breed in shape. 

Fun Fact: Named after their city of origin—Boston, Massachusetts—the Boston Terrier makes the ultimate city dog because their compact size is ideal for apartment living and they are always up for a quick stroll down the sidewalk!

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 3. Dachshund 

Temperament: Dachshunds have unmatched self-confidence and courage, a reminder that they were bred to fight the fearsome badger. They have a passion for their pet parents, are loyal protectors of their family, and can be stubborn at times. This breed is partly hound and partly terrier, making it an independent and feisty dog.

Grooming: The smooth-coated Dachshund has a short coat that requires the least amount of grooming compared to the Dachshund varieties. Meanwhile, the long-haired variety needs more frequent grooming and sheds the most out of the three types (although it’s easy to find other breeds that shed more!). The wirehaired Dachshund must be brushed often and trimmed to maintain a neat coat.

Exercise: Several daily walks are ideal for this breed. The walks should not be overtiring, because a Dachshund is not built for strenuous exercise. 

Fun Fact: Often called “wiener dogs,” Dachshunds actually inspired the name of the hotdog rather than the other way around. The original name of the hotdog was “Dachshund sausage,” according to hot-dog.org. 

4. Shih Tzu 

Temperament: Shih Tzus are jolly companions that twinkle with friendliness. They are one of the best for a family with younger kids. This breed’s ancestors spent most of their time lounging in royal Chinese palaces, so they naturally make a happy lapdog. 

Grooming: If maintaining a long, flowing coat for a Shih Tzu, it needs to be brushed daily, and the hair in front of the face should be kept in a topknot (tied up neatly and away from their eyes). You can also keep the coat short, which does not require as much grooming or a topknot.

Exercise: A brief daily walk or short indoor playtime is perfect for this breed. 

Fun Fact: Because Shih Tzus were exclusively pets of Chinese emperors, these dogs lived behind the walls of the royal kingdoms and were basically unknown to the outside world until the 1930s.

 5. Pug 

Temperament: The pug is affectionate, playful, and even-tempered. This lovable breed is courteous to other people and animals and gets along with both kids and adults, making them a universal favorite. Pugs enjoy sleeping, though they are prone to snoring and snorting due to their flat faces and small nostrils, which affect breathing. 

Grooming: The pug’s short coat does not require much maintenance, but it does shed. Pay attention to the face and eyes because those cute facial wrinkles may accumulate dust and dirt. 

Exercise: This breed requires daily strolls or playtime in the yard. 

Fun Fact: The origin of the name “Pug” is a mystery. One theory suggests it comes from the Latin word “fungus, which means “fist because a fist resembles this adorable breed’s wrinkled face.

 6. Pomeranian 

Temperament: Pomeranians are sociable with other dogs, deeply devoted to their owners, and excel as lapdogs. These cheerful and intelligent companions are keen observers, always interested in their surroundings, and possess a natural talent for watchdog duties. With proper training, they can learn an array of delightful tricks.

Grooming: Due to their constant shedding, Pomeranians require regular and thorough brushing to maintain their coat.

Exercise: Keep plenty of dog toys on hand, as Pomeranians thrive on regular exercise. They enjoy activities like walking, running, playing, and staying close to their pet parents.

Fun Fact: Pomeranians rose to popularity after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom brought one back from Italy, sparking their worldwide fame!

7. Chihuahua 

Temperament: Chihuahuas are renowned for their exceptional loyalty, a trait reciprocated by their devoted owners, who often find themselves enamored with this breed for life. Intelligent, courageous, and affectionate, Chihuahuas command—and deserve—respect. They possess a protective nature towards their owners, sometimes bordering on overprotectiveness, and while they generally get along well with other pets, they may have specific preferences in canine companions.

Grooming: Long-haired Chihuahuas require regular brushing to maintain their coats, whereas the short-haired variety needs less frequent grooming. It’s essential to clean their eyes regularly, as being close to the ground can lead to the accumulation of dirt and debris.

Exercise: Chihuahuas benefit from daily walks or simply shadowing their family members around the house to fulfill their exercise needs.

8. Yorkshire Terrier 

Temperament: Yorkies embody the quintessential terrier spirit—playful, bold, and brimming with energy. They are sociable with other pets, highly intelligent, and easily trainable, making them excellent companions. With their keen senses, Yorkies excel as watchdogs, although they can exhibit possessiveness towards their owners and prefer not to be left alone.

Grooming: For long-coated Yorkies, daily brushing is essential, along with regular trimming of the hair in front of their face or maintenance of a topknot. Many owners opt for a shorter haircut to simplify grooming, though regular brushing is still required to keep their coat in good condition.

Exercise: Yorkies thrive on moderate exercise, such as joining their owners on walks, outdoor playtime, or accompanying them on errands.

Fun Fact: Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier, holds the honor of being the first therapy dog. During World War II, she visited hospitals and brought comfort to injured soldiers, leaving an indelible mark on history, as documented by Psychology Today.

 9. Poodle

Temperament: Toy and miniature poodles epitomize intelligence and elegance, often flaunting elaborate, iconic hairstyles. Both breeds are highly trainable and excel in various athletic pursuits. While toy poodles are slightly smaller, miniature poodles are better suited for families with younger children due to their preference for a more serene environment.

Grooming: Poodles are hypoallergenic and nearly non-shedding, but their dense, curly coats necessitate daily brushing and maintenance.

Exercise: Poodles exhibit remarkable energy levels and thrive on vigorous activities such as long walks, runs, engaging in sports, and even swimming!

Fun Fact: The elaborate show coat of poodles originally served a practical purpose; hunters required them to move freely while staying warm when retrieving ducks in cold water.

10. Bichon Frise 

Temperament: The Bichon Frise is known for its friendly, affectionate, and cheerful disposition. They delight in entertaining their family and cherish spending quality time with their pet parents. This breed easily befriends older children, adults, other pets, and even strangers.

Grooming: Despite being hypoallergenic and low shedding, the Bichon Frise’s coat requires diligent care, including daily brushing to prevent matting. Regular cleaning of their eyes is essential to prevent tear stains and skin irritation.

Exercise: Bichon frises have bursts of energy, necessitating daily walks and play sessions to keep them content and healthy.

Fun Fact: During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bichon Frise was frequently featured in street performances and circus acts, captivating audiences with their adorable appearance and impressive repertoire of tricks.

Popular Small Dog Breeds for Every Home 

While each of these pups possesses its own distinct personality and characteristics, they all rank among the finest small dog breeds! However, it’s crucial to discover which one aligns best with your preferences for a furry companion.

Eager to explore additional fantastic small dog breed companions? Consider looking into the French Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Papillon, and Pekingese.