DogBreedsFinder

Small Dog Breeds

Small dog breeds typically weigh under about 22 lb (10 kg) and stand below roughly 15 inches at the shoulder. Their compact size makes them practical for smaller homes, easier for many owners to handle on lead, and convenient for travel — but size alone is a poor predictor of how a dog will fit your life. A small breed can still be high-energy, vocal, or grooming-intensive. The breeds below are sized-down, but each one has its own temperament profile worth reading before you commit. Use the cards as a starting point and follow through to the individual breed pages for the practical detail.

112 breeds in this category

FB small

French Bulldog

From France

Adaptable, charming, even-tempered

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
B small

Beagle

From England

Cheerful, curious, amiable, determined

Hound Energy 4/5
D small

Dachshund

From Germany

Lively, clever, bold, sometimes stubborn

Hound Energy 3/5
PW small

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

From Wales

Alert, loyal, outgoing, spirited

Herding Energy 4/5
MS small

Miniature Schnauzer

From Germany

Spirited, friendly, smart, alert

Terrier Energy 4/5
BT small

Boston Terrier

From United States

Friendly, bright, amusing, adaptable

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
H small

Havanese

From Cuba

Affectionate, social, playful, clever

Toy Energy 3/5
SS small

Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)

From Scotland

Bright, responsive, loyal, sensitive

Herding Energy 5/5
SB small

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

From England

Clever, courageous, affectionate, bold

Terrier Energy 4/5
B small

Basenji

From Central Africa

Smart, curious, independent, poised

Hound Energy 4/5
SI small

Shiba Inu

From Japan

Alert, confident, spirited, reserved

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
BF small

Bichon Frise

From France

Cheerful, affectionate, sensitive, playful

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
LA small

Lhasa Apso

From Tibet

Independent, loyal, alert, dignified

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
P small

Pug

From China

Charming, mischievous, loving, sturdy

Toy Energy 2/5
MP small

Miniature Pinscher

From Germany

Fearless, curious, lively, bold

Toy Energy 4/5
JR small

Jack Russell Terrier

From England

Bold, energetic, clever, driven

Terrier Energy 5/5
PR small

Parson Russell Terrier

From England

Alert, lively, confident, intelligent

Terrier Energy 5/5
CT small

Cairn Terrier

From Scotland

Cheerful, alert, independent, tough

Terrier Energy 4/5
WH small

West Highland White Terrier

From Scotland

Friendly, confident, spirited, smart

Terrier Energy 4/5
ST small

Scottish Terrier

From Scotland

Steady, confident, independent, alert

Terrier Energy 3/5
WF small

Wire Fox Terrier

From England

Friendly, bold, quick, assertive

Terrier Energy 5/5
AC small

American Cocker Spaniel

From United States

Merry, affectionate, responsive, gentle

Sporting Energy 4/5
PB small

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

From France

Merry, bold, curious, vocal

Hound Energy 4/5
PS small

Pyrenean Shepherd

From France

Intense, smart, devoted, agile

Herding Energy 5/5
SV small

Swedish Vallhund

From Sweden

Cheerful, watchful, energetic, bold

Herding Energy 4/5
IS small

Icelandic Sheepdog

From Iceland

Happy, alert, friendly, energetic

Herding Energy 4/5
AE small

American Eskimo Dog

From United States

Bright, alert, playful, affectionate

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
NL small

Norwegian Lundehund

From Norway

Alert, agile, curious, sensitive

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
LT small

Lakeland Terrier

From England

Confident, cheerful, game, independent

Terrier Energy 4/5
NT small

Norfolk Terrier

From England

Fearless, friendly, alert, energetic

Terrier Energy 4/5
NT small

Norwich Terrier

From England

Affectionate, energetic, fearless, alert

Terrier Energy 4/5
ST small

Sealyham Terrier

From Wales

Calm, brave, inquisitive, humorous

Terrier Energy 3/5
ST small

Skye Terrier

From Scotland

Loyal, dignified, spirited, reserved

Terrier Energy 3/5
WT small

Welsh Terrier

From Wales

Happy, confident, alert, friendly

Terrier Energy 4/5
BT small

Bedlington Terrier

From England

Gentle, spirited, intelligent, affectionate

Terrier Energy 4/5
MT small

Manchester Terrier

From England

Bright, spirited, observant, loyal

Terrier Energy 4/5
MB small

Miniature Bull Terrier

From England

Comical, courageous, stubborn, affectionate

Terrier Energy 4/5
AH small

American Hairless Terrier

From United States

Lively, curious, alert, affectionate

Terrier Energy 4/5
RT small

Rat Terrier

From United States

Alert, playful, intelligent, tenacious

Terrier Energy 4/5
AT small

Australian Terrier

From Australia

Spirited, alert, affectionate, courageous

Terrier Energy 4/5
S small

Schipperke

From Belgium

Alert, confident, curious, mischievous

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
AK small

Alaskan Klee Kai

From United States

Alert, curious, energetic, reserved with strangers

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
A small

Alopekis

From Greece

Calm, companionable, cooperative, loyal

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
AD small

Alpine Dachsbracke

From Austria

Reliable, determined, sociable, even-tempered

Hound Energy 4/5
AB small

American Bullnese

From United States

Affectionate, playful, easygoing, loyal

Toy Energy 2/5
BA small

Basset Artésien Normand

From France

Sweet, calm, determined, companionable

Hound Energy 3/5
BB small

Basset Bleu de Gascogne

From France

Even-tempered, sociable, persistent, calm

Hound Energy 3/5
BF small

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

From France

Merry, determined, friendly, clever

Hound Energy 4/5
BH small

Bichon Havanais

From Cuba

Affectionate, bright, social, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
BF small

Bench-Legged Feist

From United States

Energetic, keen, loyal, eager

Terrier Energy 4/5
BT small

Bohemian Terrier

From Czech Republic

Cheerful, clever, calm, affectionate

Terrier Energy 3/5
BT small

Border Terrier

From United Kingdom

Plucky, affectionate, game, trainable

Terrier Energy 4/5
BT small

Brazilian Terrier

From Brazil

Alert, cheerful, smart, spirited

Terrier Energy 4/5
CW small

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

From Wales

Loyal, clever, watchful, affectionate

Herding Energy 4/5
CT small

Cesky Terrier

From Czech Republic

Calm, courageous, pleasant, loyal

Terrier Energy 3/5
CD small

Coton de Tulear

From Madagascar

Happy, affectionate, witty, sociable

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
CT small

Czesky Terrier

From Czech Republic

Calm, brave, friendly, loyal

Terrier Energy 3/5
DD small

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

From Scotland

Determined, gentle, dignified, friendly

Terrier Energy 3/5
DF small

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

From Denmark

Friendly, lively, attentive, willing

Working Energy 4/5
D small

Drever

From Sweden

Even-tempered, determined, friendly, calm

Hound Energy 4/5
DS small

Dutch Smoushond

From Netherlands

Friendly, lively, affectionate, alert

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
GH small

German Hunt Terrier

From Germany

Tenacious, bold, intelligent, energetic

Terrier Energy 5/5
GS small

German Spitz (Medium)

From Germany

Lively, attentive, affectionate, bold

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
GO small

Glen of Imaal Terrier

From Ireland

Spirited, patient, loyal, brave

Terrier Energy 3/5
GB small

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

From France

Happy, determined, friendly, independent

Hound Energy 4/5
HP small

Hungarian Puli

From Hungary

Lively, smart, vocal, loyal

Herding Energy 4/5
IS small

Indian Spitz

From India

Alert, playful, intelligent, loyal

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
IG small

Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier

From Ireland

Gentle, courageous, patient, game

Terrier Energy 3/5
J small

Jagdterrier

From Germany

Tenacious, bold, intelligent, energetic

Terrier Energy 5/5
JS small

Japanese Spitz

From Japan

Lively, affectionate, alert, intelligent

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
JT small

Japanese Terrier

From Japan

Clever, lively, loyal, alert

Terrier Energy 4/5
K small

Kokoni

From Greece

Lively, cheerful, smart, loyal

Toy Energy 3/5
K small

Kooikerhondje

From Netherlands

Friendly, attentive, agile, sensitive

Sporting Energy 4/5
K small

Kromfohrlander

From Germany

Friendly, lively, affectionate, intelligent

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
K small

Kyi-Leo

From United States

Affectionate, calm, playful, alert

Companion and Toy Energy 3/5
LH small

Lancashire Heeler

From United Kingdom

Alert, smart, cheerful, confident

Herding Energy 4/5
LA small

Lhasa Apso

From Tibet

Aloof, loyal, lively, confident

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
LT small

Lucas Terrier

From United Kingdom

Friendly, cheerful, steady, affectionate

Terrier Energy 3/5
L small

Lundehund

From Norway

Alert, curious, affectionate, independent

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
L small

Löwchen

From France

Friendly, lively, affectionate, outgoing

Toy Energy 3/5
L( small

Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)

From France

Happy, affectionate, sociable, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
L( small

Löwchen (Little Lion Dog, Alt)

From France

Affectionate, playful, alert, friendly

Toy Energy 3/5
MT small

Manchester Terrier (Standard)

From England

Bright, spirited, loyal, keen

Terrier Energy 4/5
M small

Markiesje

From Netherlands

Friendly, calm, intelligent, alert

Toy Energy 4/5
MA small

Miniature American Eskimo

From United States

Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
MA small

Miniature American Shepherd

From United States

Smart, energetic, loyal, biddable

Herding Energy 5/5
MP small

Miniature Poodle

From France

Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
MF small

Mountain Feist

From United States

Alert, lively, loyal, keen

Terrier Energy 5/5
NK small

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

From Netherlands

Friendly, attentive, agile, affectionate

Sporting Energy 4/5
NG small

New Guinea Singing Dog

From Papua New Guinea

Alert, curious, independent, vocal

Primitive, Pariah, and Feral Energy 4/5
N small

Norrbottenspets

From Sweden

Alert, friendly, agile, lively

Working Energy 4/5
NA small

North American Miniature Australian Shepherd

From United States

Energetic, devoted, intelligent, responsive

Herding Energy 5/5
PT small

Patterdale Terrier

From England

Fearless, tenacious, lively, loyal

Terrier Energy 5/5
P small

Pembroke

From Wales

Affectionate, smart, bold, friendly

Herding Energy 4/5
PW small

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

From Wales

Outgoing, smart, bold, loyal

Herding Energy 4/5
PR small

Perro Ratonero Andaluz

From Spain

Alert, cheerful, agile, affectionate

Terrier Energy 4/5
PB small

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

From France

Merry, bold, friendly, curious

Hound Energy 4/5
PT small

Plummer Terrier

From United Kingdom

Bright, alert, determined, self-confident

Terrier Energy 4/5
P( small

Poodle (Miniature)

From France

Intelligent, eager, lively, affectionate

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
PP small

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

From Portugal

Playful, alert, friendly, hardy

Hound Energy 4/5
P( small

Puli (Pulik)

From Hungary

Lively, smart, loyal, vocal

Herding Energy 5/5
RT small

Russell Terrier

From England, Australia

Alert, lively, active, keen

Terrier Energy 5/5
RS small

Russian Spaniel

From USSR, Russia

Hard-working, enduring, intelligent, contact-seeking

Sporting Energy 4/5
ST small

Scottish Terrier (Scottie)

From Scotland

Courageous, dignified, spirited, loyal

Terrier Energy 3/5
SF small

Smooth Fox Terrier

From England

Alert, fearless, friendly, quick

Terrier Energy 5/5
SS small

Sussex Spaniel

From England

Happy, gentle, steady, affectionate

Sporting Energy 3/5
TR small

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

From United States

Lively, loyal, smart, playful

Terrier Energy 4/5
T small

Telomian

From Malaysia

Alert, loyal, intelligent, active

Energy 4/5
TT small

Tenterfield Terrier

From Australia

Cheerful, alert, affectionate, bold

Terrier Energy 4/5
TS small

Tibetan Spaniel

From Tibet

Gay, assertive, intelligent, alert

Toy Energy 3/5
VI small

Volpino Italiano

From Italy

Lively, affectionate, alert, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
WD small

Westphalian Dachsbracke

From Germany

Faithful, friendly, serious, alert

Hound Energy 4/5

How we choose breeds for this list

Breeds categorised as "small" in the dataset, typically below 22 lb adult weight.

Frequently asked questions

Are small dog breeds easier for first-time owners? +

Smaller dogs are often physically easier to manage, but training needs, exercise requirements and grooming all vary widely between small breeds. A small terrier and a small companion lap dog can have very different needs.

Do small dogs need less exercise? +

Not always. Many small breeds were bred for active work and still need substantial daily exercise. Always check the specific breed page for exercise expectations.

Are small dogs better for flats? +

Often yes, but apartment suitability also depends on noise tolerance, energy level and how much time the dog spends alone. Several larger breeds adapt better to flat life than some small ones.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

Explore other categories