14 of the Most Adorable Small Dog Breeds

People love small Canis familiaris for a variety of reasons . For some , it ’s their functionality as ratters or hunters of small secret plan . For others , it ’s their energetic nature and love of period of play and find . But no matter why you find yourself loving diminutive puppers , everyone agrees on one thing : They ’re lovely !

But more than just purveyors of honorable feel , short dogs are also hardheaded . " As we become a more and more urban - based smart set , little dogs become more and more popular for apartment habitant , " Dennis Riordan , DVM , says . " They tend to be longer lived than great breed , they are generally depleted maintenance in regards to preparation and alimentation , and they have lower exercising requirements , which are easier to meet in places with less entree to green space . "

Whether you want a circuit frank , run companion , or fierce little hunter , there ’s a lovable flyspeck cad out there just for you . And while everyone can probably chime in with their own personal favorite , here are a few that have caught our eye .

tan brussels griffon standing in the grass

Okssi68 / Getty

Brussels Griffon

Look at that adorable pout . These affable , curious little fellows always see like they ’re slightly disgruntled at the human beings , but I assure you : These dogs areperfectlygruntled . easy trained and deeply connected to their kin members , Brussels griffonsdon’t toleratebeing alonevery well , so be disposed to take this little guy with you whenever potential . Or , even secure , get two and they can be booster !

Chihuahua

AChihuahuais the first blackguard that just about anyone think of when you tell them to picture a lilliputian dog . Because they ’re the midget ! clock in at 5 pounds and below , Chihuahuas sometimes have a repute for being … less than favorable . More often than not , any aggression upshot are the termination of a want oftraining ; a properly train andsocializedChihuahua will be a loving , cordial phallus of the fellowship . They ’re also undeniably precious . With their apple - shaped straits , round , expressive eyes , and tiny height , it ’s hard not to see one and say " aww . "

Dachshund

well distinguish by its longsighted body on stubby leg , the small and spunkydachshundhas long been a family line favorite . Though it might be hard to trust today , these wiener dogs were originally breed as hunters who cringe into badger and lapin holes to flush out their quarry . Some badger dog are still used in hunting today , but mostly these niggling guy cable make a capital , little mob ducky beloved by their homo .

Havanese

The only dog aboriginal to Cuba , theHavaneseis a beautiful whelp with a gorgeous silken coat that can be left shaggy-coated , brush smooth , or even cord . A natural - born people - pleaser , the Havanese is intelligent and lovesperforming tricksand being the center of attention .

Japanese Chin

A well - socializedJapanese Chinis a sweet , fastidious dog who has been described as decidedly feline in his manner and personality . multiply as a lapdog for easterly nobility , these niggling fellows are most at household on a soft sofa orin your lap , so be quick for plenty of snuggle time .

American Eskimo

Hold on to your britches , because this dog just hold open get cute . Right off the bat , theAmerican Eskimois a gorgeous heel with his shock of white fluffy fur , round , expressive eyes , and friendly font . These dogs are much the dictionary definition of " citizenry pleasers , " with a sweet , reserved personality and a thick allegiance to their family . If a standard American Eskimo ( at 19 inch , 25 pounds ) is too full-grown for you , they amount in a miniature version as well : 15 inches , 15 pounds . But if you bid they came in an evensmallerpackage , just wait ! Because there ’s also a toy version that fulfill the criteria for the cutest and smallest cad , press in at just 10 inches and less than 10 pounds !

Maltese

So silky . So diffused . So fancy ! TheMalteseis the kind of dog who justlookslike she should be rich . She ’s blessed with a long , sleek coat that you could have in any people of color you want , as long as that coloring material is white . Outgoing and favorable , Maltese are long - lived comrade who excel in agility competition and make splendid show dogs , thanks to their naturally regal comportment . A breed that has benefit from centuries of close fellowship with humans , these sound lilliputian dogstake instruction exceptionally well , especially when geminate with a treat .

Miniature Pinscher

peach to buff of the strain and they ’ll tell you there ’s no upright small weenie than this " king of the toy , " theminiature pinscher . Alert , well-informed , and true tiny athletes , these small dogs are not plaything edition ofDoberman pinschers , as many the great unwashed consider . Instead , they ’re most likely a mix ofdachshundandItalian greyhoundlines . If you ’re search for a little wienerwurst to take on a jog or to compete in agility or flyball competitions , look no further than this openhanded picayune runner .

Papillon

Thepapillonis an incrediblysmart , long - living , devoted phratry companion . He also has one of the most striking appearances you ’ll see , courtesy of those gargantuan , plumed capitulum from which the breed derives its name . ( Their pinna resemble butterfly wings , and " papillon " is French for " butterfly . " ) These are dogs that will love to learn tricks and participate in games of fetch or hide - and - seek . But more than anything else , you ’ll probably just desire to stroke that mild , silklike fur and look into those tiny , well-informed , expressive optic all day long . We do n’t blame you .

Pomeranian

If you ’re here reading about a list of lovely lowly dogs and can aboveboard say that you do n’t findPomeranianscute , just stop it . We ’re all booster here , and there ’s no intellect to consist . Their lilliputian , happy face . Their poofball coats ! Their bouncy , friendly nature . If you want a low dog in your life-time , there ’s just nothing to dislike about the unfathomably adorable little Pom .

Toy Poodle

Just about the only thing better than an adorable , teensy dog is an adorable , teensy dog who ’s alow - allergen option ! Just like their standard - size relatives , toy poodlescome with that lenient , curly coat that promises minimum shedding and easy maintenance . And that coat has the bestow benefit of coming on a 4- to 6 - Ezra Pound frame ! Some of the longest - living little dogs around and one of the most healthy breeds on the planet , miniature poodles can provide entertainment , friendly relationship , and an endless amount of Insta like for eld to add up .

Scottish Terrier

TheScottish terrieris among the oldest , best - established , most placeable breed in the universe . Like their terrier first cousin , Scotties aresuper smart , yet they require a petty less exercise than other terriers — take a leak them goodapartment dogs . Because they ’ve been around for so long , there is n’t much variation in sizing . They are almost always exactly 10 inches high , make them that hone small detent size . They do have a strongprey drivebecause of their history of trail down badger in the Highlands , so practice solitaire and consistency when train this small pup .

Silky Terrier

It ’s right there in the name : THEY’RE SO SILKY ! Resembling their full cousin theYorkshire terrier , thesilky terriercomes from Australia and is a true terrier in every good sense of the countersign : energetic , alert , and always up for a bit of fun indoors or out . raw hold hunters , they will love to trail any bantam critters that make their way into your yard , but most of the metre you ’ll just be holding these 10 - pound sign guy , run your finger through that soft , long fur and enjoying their kiss and companionship .

Yorkshire Terrier

It would have been blasphemy to name - cheque the Yorkie , then not TALK about the Yorkie ! Affectionate , spritely , and keenly intelligent , Yorkshire terriershave been winning hearts for almost 200 years . Originally spawn for chasing gnawer in storage warehouse , these tiny dogs are still more than felicitous to play the part of a mighty huntsman if needed . But today they ’re much more potential to be found posing for your camera or enclose up in your arms .

Latin girl with her lovely dog, a white chihuahua, outdoors, in a park, on a green meadow.