Small dog breeds are some of the most popular pets. Small breeds are great dogs for apartments or other small living spaces because they don't need a lot of room and often meet weight restrictions. They're good for people who are older because small dogs need less exercise. Small dogs are also a great choice for people that like to travel since they're easy to take with you.
Whether you just want a small dog because of their cuteness or you need one based on your lifestyle or living space, which one should you choose? Here are five of the smallest dog breeds by height and weight and other important things you should know about them.
5 smallest dog breeds
Chihuahua
- Height: 5-8 inches
- Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world. They are also one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a lifespan of up to 16 years, although some have been known to live 20 years or more. So, if you want a small dog that also lives a long time, a Chihuahua is a good choice.
Chihuahuas are not suitable for everyone though. They can be temperamental and sassy and don't tend to do well around small children. They also bond really closely to one person. Chihuahuas are best for single people, older people, or people without children or whose children are older.
Pomeranian
- Height: 6-7 inches
- Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Pomeranians are one of the most popular toy dog breeds. Poms are similar to Chihuahuas, but they are bit more affectionate and better for homes with smaller children. Pomeranians are very lively little dogs that tend to bark a lot and they have a very protective nature.
These fluffy little dogs require quite a bit of maintenance to keep their coats in good shape. They need to be groomed regularly, so you will have to shell out money for a professional groomer or learn to do it yourself at home.
Yorkshire Terrier
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: Up to 7 pounds
The Yorkshire Terrier, or the Yorkie for short, has a big personality for such a small dog. Yorkies are known for being fearless and sprightly, but they are very affectionate with their family, especially with young children. Yorkies are also very friendly, open to strangers, and curious but this can also get them into trouble because they have a tendency to wander off if you don't watch them closely.
Yorkies consistently rank in the top 15 most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Their coat also needs a lot of grooming, but it can be kept long or short. Yorkies are very easy to train, but they can be yappy.
Maltese
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Weight: Up to 7 pounds
The Maltese is a white dog with long hair. They are very sweet dogs and great for children, but their hair does need a lot of maintenance, especially if you keep it long. You can also keep their hair cut short to cut down on the need to brush it every day.
Maltese are known for being hypoallergenic, so they are great dogs for people with allergies. They don't bark as much as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. But Maltese are very playful and tend to do well in agility courses. They're easy to train as long as you provide them with plenty of treats.
Biewer Terrier
- Height: 7-11 inches
- Weight: Up to 8 pounds
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced like beaver) is a lesser-known dog breed, which may make them desirable for people who want a dog that not everyone has. Biewer Terriers are very affectionate dogs, but they are also one of the best dogs to have if you have other dogs. Because of this, they are very playful and aren't the best watchdogs.
Biewer Terriers have a naturally long coat like the Yorkie and Maltese, so they do require a lot of grooming. They are tri-colored dogs that are usually found in black, tan, and white or gray (blue), tan, and white.
These are the smallest dog breeds by height and weight, but there are plenty of other small dog breeds out there that weigh less than 15 pounds. Just make sure you research a dog's needs before you bring one home, to make sure that they are suitable for your lifestyle.