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40 Small Dog Breeds That Stay Tiny Forever

These cute pups are pint-size for their whole lives.

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If you're looking to bring a dog into your home, be prepared for a lot of responsibility and even more love. The first step to finding your new pet is deciding what kind of pooch you want. If you're on the hunt for a small dog, you're in luck. We've compiled a robust list of some of the smallest dog breeds.

We cover everything you need to know about them, from their weight and height to their behavioral traits, so consider this a crash course in small canine education. Whether you've been considering a chihuahua or contemplating a Yorkie, these cute pooches are sure to bring immeasurable joy, sweet snuggles, and endless licks.

Once you're ready to welcome your new four-legged friend, check out these expert adoption tips. And as soon as you've found the one that makes your heart skip a beat (congrats!), use these best girl dog names and best boy dog names for inspiration.

But first, use this handy round-up of 40 of the smallest dogs to figure out which forever pint-size pup is right for you.

1

Japanese Chin

high angle portrait of japanese chin standing on grassy field in park small dog breeds
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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.

2

Maltese

maltese dog portrait smallest dog breeds
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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.

3

Pomeranian

pomeranian dog smallest dog breeds
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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.

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4

Chihuahua

portrait of chihuahua sitting smallest dog breeds
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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.

5

Yorkshire Terrier

yorkshire terrier dog sitting close up on nature smallest dog breeds
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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.

6

Pug

dog running on grass smallest dog breeds
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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.

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7

Shih Tzu

walking shih tzu smallest dog breeds
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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.

8

Toy Fox Terrier

toy fox terrier smallest dog breeds
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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.

9

Wire Fox Terrier

wire fox terrier on a hilltop pedestal smallest dog breeds
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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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10

Volpino Italiano

portrait of white dog on field smallest dog breeds
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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.

11

Affenpinscher

close up of black purebred dog standing on field smallest dog breeds
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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.

12

American Hairless Terrier

american hairless terrier smallest dog breeds
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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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13

Bichon Frise

portrait of a bichon frise dog smallest dog breeds
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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.

14

Australian Terrier

portrait of dog smallest dog breeds
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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.

15

Papillon

close up of running papillon dog smallest dog breeds
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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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16

Brussels Griffon

brussels griffon stands outdoors in summer, looks at the camera and shows tongue smallest dog breeds
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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.

17

Cairn Terrier

cairn terrier dog in garden smallest dog breeds
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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.

18

English Toy Spaniel

portrait of cavalier king charles spaniel sticking out tongue smallest dog breeds
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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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19

Pumi

pumi smallest dog breeds
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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.

20

Havanese

walking dog smallest dog breeds
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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.

Headshot of Karla Pope
Karla Pope

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. 

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