5 Best Small Dog Breeds to Own, Ranked

Little dog breeds tend to be some of the most affectionate and loyal dogs you can own.

Little dogs sometimes get a reputation for being too yappy or hyper, but that’s not always true. In fact, small dog breeds tend to be some of the most affectionate and loyal dogs you can own — with big, life-of-the-party personalities that make them extra fun to have as part of your household.

But which little dog breeds are the absolute? We think these five will give you a good place to start when looking for that perfect pooch. After all, these breeds will get along with just about anyone in any space, from mansions to studio apartments and everything in between.

Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas originated in Central or South America as descendants of a dog known as the Techichi. They are quite small — typically weighing 6 pounds or less and standing about 6 inches tall — but these little dogs have big personalities.

Their sassiness means they typically need training just like most other dog breeds because who could ever say no to those big eyes and apple-shaped face?

Brussels Griffon

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Brussels griffons, or griffs, have that cute, old-man face that we love on tiny dogs. Weighing in at no more than 15 pounds and standing no more than a foot tall, they’re slightly larger than the Chihuahua, but their big eyes and expressive bearded faces make them as cute as can be.

Their coats come in four colors — black, black-and-reddish brown, red, and black and tan — and their coats can be smooth or rough. These pups are easy to train, but they can be fragile when it comes to rough play, so a household with kids would need to pay attention to that. They also get lonely quite easily and do best in a home with other dogs or with an owner who’s always nearby.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is another common little dog breed that packs a big personality into a small frame — no bigger than 7 pounds and 7 inches tall. But the Pomeranian’s double coat gives it a lion-like face that makes it appear larger (or at least poofier).

These smart, loyal dogs make terrific watchdogs and do well with little kids, but because of their size, rough play is not something they handle well.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Just look at that face! Yorkies are about as cute as can be with their silky fur and energetic personalities. At no larger than 7 pounds and 9 inches tall, these feisty pups also make excellent watchdogs.

Plus, they’re particularly affectionate, meaning they’d do well in most family settings.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus have a slightly larger stature, standing up to a foot tall and clocking in as big (or as small) as 16 pounds. These “lion dogs” were once the stuff of royalty thousands of years ago, but today, they’re a friendly breed that’ll get along with every member of the family.

However, their playful energy means that they’ll need a bit of training if you want your pup to reach its full potential.

For more amazing little dog breeds, check out “55 Best Small Dog Breeds.”