1Japanese Chin
Tara Gregg / EyeEm//Getty Images These loving pups are perfect for anyone looking for a cute and friendly four-legged friend. Weighing between seven and 11 pounds and measuring between eight and 11 inches tall, they're easy to transport. Plus, they play well with other dogs.
2Maltese
Ioannis Tsotras//Getty Images Their gorgeous, snowy white coats and big, dark eyes will earn them countless compliments. Measuring between seven to nine inches tall and weighing under seven pounds, these loving pets will do almost anything to make you smile.
3Pomeranian
GK Hart/Vikki Hart//Getty Images These pooches are always on the lookout, and their protective nature makes them great watchdogs. While they're only between six and seven inches tall and weigh between three and seven pounds, they're active—and they make great friends.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4Chihuahua
Compassionate Eye Foundation/David Leahy//Getty Images Tiny, but feisty, chihuahuas are super energetic. Known as "purse dogs," they're between five and eight inches tall and weigh no more than six pounds. While they're playful, they're surprisingly not known to be the most kid-friendly.
5Yorkshire Terrier
Zanna Pesnina / 500px//Getty Images Their long, glossy coats make Yorkshire terriers as pretty as they are playful, but don't mistake their striking looks for aloof behavior—they're very protective. They're between seven and eight inches in height and weigh around seven pounds.
6Pug
Alfredas Pliadis / EyeEm//Getty Images Popular and cute, pugs are a dog fan favorite—and for good reason. 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7Shih Tzu
© copyright 2011 Sharleen Chao//Getty Images Dubbed "Lion Dog," these homebody pooches are perfect for anyone living in apartments or lacking outdoor space—because while they're playful, they're fine with staying inside. 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.
8Toy Fox Terrier
Sergey Ryumin//Getty Images Toy fox terriers might be tiny—measuring only between 8.5 and 11.5 inches and weighing between four and nine pounds—but they're big on personality. Plus, they're easy to train.
9Wire Fox Terrier
Image by Colin Millum//Getty Images 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10Volpino Italiano
Jan Kjerrman / EyeEm//Getty Images 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.
11Affenpinscher
orders24 / 500px//Getty Images 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 rom 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.
12American Hairless Terrier
Sergey Ryumin//Getty Images 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13Bichon Frise
Anita Kot//Getty Images Cute and willing to play, bichon frisé dogs 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.
14Australian Terrier
Valeriia Chmil / EyeEm//Getty Images 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.
15Papillon
Gino Brunner / 500px//Getty Images 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16Brussels Griffon
Olesya Kalyoncu / EyeEm//Getty Images 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.
17Cairn Terrier
Alexandra Robins//Getty Images 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.
18English Toy Spaniel
Tara Gregg / EyeEm//Getty Images 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19Pumi
Arterra//Getty Images 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.
20Havanese
@Hans Surfer//Getty Images 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.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below