Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat

List of Popular Small Dog Breeds

Read Time

14 min read

Small dog breeds

On This Page

  • List of Small White Dog Breeds
  • Small Fluffy Dog Breeds That You Would Adore
  • Small to Medium Dog Breeds
  • Best Dog Food for Small Dog Breeds

Popular Small Dog Breeds That You Will LovePeople’s first choice will always be a ‘DOG’ whenever it comes to getting a pet. No doubt, dogs are the most loyal creature on the face of this earth, and they make great companion animals. People prefer dogs to every other animal, and why wouldn’t they?Dogs are cute, loveable, affectionate, friendly, protectors, and especially some dog breeds are cuddly. Dogs have different sizes, big, medium, and small, and each size has a different personality.

Some people love to have small dogs for many reasons, including small apartments or maybe cute-looking toy dogs. If you are looking for a small dog and can’t decide which one you should get, look at the list below.

Here is a list of the top small dog breeds:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Pomeranian
  • Bichon Frise
  • Havanese
  • French Bulldog
  • Papillon
  • Toy Poodle
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • American Eskimo
  • Shih Tzu

These small dog breeds are the most popular small dog breeds around the world. They all ranked on top of the list and were loved by all people all over the globe. Let's look at the details so that you can easily decide which small dog is the best option for you.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog breed of spaniel class in the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (TKC) toy group. This breed is a regal grace, all-around beauty, even-tempered, and one of the dogdom’s noblemen. Cavalier’s originated in the United Kingdom during the early part of the 18th century. In the United States, Cavalier’s ranked 19th most popular toy dog breed.

Here is a quick overview of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel small dog breed:

Height: 12 -13 inches

Weight: 13 - 18 pounds

Color: Ruby, Blenheim, Tri-color, Black & Tan

Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Affectionate, Fearless

Life Expectancy: 9 - 14 years

Price: $800 - $2500

Hypoallergenic: No

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian dog is a spitz-type small dog breed named for the Pomerania region in the northwest of Poland, northeast Germany, in central Europe. This breed combines a tiny body with a commanding big-dog demeanor and is also known as Zwergspitz, meaning “Dwarf Spitz”. He is a descendant of German Spitz and recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale as a part of the German Spitz breed.

Here is a quick overview of the Pomeranian small dog breed:

Height: 6 - 7 inches

Weight: 3 - 7 pounds

Color: Orange, Brown, Tan, Grey-shaded, Black, White

Temperament: Active, Playful, Sociable, Intelligent, Extrovert

Life Expectancy: 12 - 16 years

Price: $500 - $1500

Hypoallergenic: No

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is a Bichon-type small dog breed that is depicted as a french dog. This small but resilient and sturdy dog stands amongst the world’s great personality dogs. He is originally from Canary Island, Spain, and was used as a sailing and herding dog. Beauty combined with charm and intelligence makes them rank among the most popular toy dog breeds around the globe.

Here is a quick overview of the Bichon Frise small dog breed:

Height: 9 - 12 inches

Weight: 12 - 18 pounds

Color: White, White & Apricot, White & Buff, White & Cream

Temperament: Feisty, Sensitive, Playful, Affectionate, Cheerful, Gentle

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years

Price: $700 - $2000

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Havanese

Havanese is a cheerful little dog with a gleam in his big brown eyes and spring in his steps. He originated from Cuba and became the national dog of Cuba. This breed is an affectionate, playful, and sociable companion which adapts well to small apartment living. These dogs shine their personality on everyone, including other pets, children, and even strangers.

Here is a quick overview of the Havanese small dog breed:

Height: 8 -11 inches

Weight: 7 - 13 pounds

Color: Red, Sable, Gold, Black, Fawn, Tan, Cream, Silver, and White

Temperament: Intelligent, Gentle, Responsive, Playful, Affectionate, Companionable

Life Expectancy: 12 - 16 years

Price: $1500 - $2500

Hypoallergenic: Yes

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a domestic dog breed originally bred to be a companion dog. This breed is a cross between local ratters and toy bulldogs. They are one of the most popular small dog breeds around the world and especially around city dwellers. These compact dogs with the stocky build and silky coat are very friendly, compassionate, and have a mild-mannered temperament.

Here is a quick overview of the French Bulldog small dog breed:

Height: 11 -13 inches

Weight: 16 - 28 pounds

Color: Tan, Brindle & White, Brindle, Fawn, White

Temperament: Easygoing, Playful, Affectionate, Athletic, Sociable, Lively

Life Expectancy: 10 - 14 years

Price: $1500 - $3000

Hypoallergenic: No

Papillon

Papillon is one of the smallest dogs who are curious, quick, singular beauty, have high energy and intelligence at the same time. This breed is a type of spaniel dog and is commonly known as Continental Toy spaniel. The name “Papillon” is derived from their “butterfly-look” of the fringed and long hairs on the ears.

Here is a quick overview of the Papillon small dog breed:

Height: 8 - 11 inches

Weight: 4 - 10 pounds

Color: White, Sable, Black & White, Fawn & White, Red & White, White & Chocolate

Temperament: Energetic, Friendly, Happy, Alert, Intelligent

Life Expectancy: 12 - 16 years

Price: $500 to $1900

Hypoallergenic: No

Toy Poodle

The toy poodle is a small dog with a big personality and stands proudly among the dogdom’s true aristocrats. These dogs have a highly developed sense of humor. These elegant dogs are extremely intelligent, Einstein-like smart, and make excellent family companions. They are also perfect lap dogs and love to sleep in your lap.

Here is a quick overview of the Toy Poodle small dog breed:

Height: 9 - 11 inches

Weight: 4 - 6 pounds

Color: White, Black, Brown, Blue, Apricot, Silver, Silver Beige, Café-au-lait, Cream, Gray, Red

Temperament: Adaptable, Friendly, Intelligent, Playful, Affectionate, Social

Life Expectancy: 10 - 18 years

Price: $1200 - $2000

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest dog of the schnauzer dog breed that originated around the mid-to-late 19th century in Germany. These dogs have a longer life expectancy, generally healthy, and make a perfect family companion. This portable size, a sporty good looking dog is all in one small package. Affection and intelligence combined with humor and extrovert temperament make them a perfect choice for dog lovers.

Here is a quick overview of the Miniature Schnauzer small dog breed:

Height: 12 -14 inches

Weight: 11 - 20 pounds

Color: White, Black, Black & Silver, Salt & Pepper

Temperament: Obedient, Spirited, Alert, Fearless, Friendly, Intelligent

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years

Price: $500 - $2700

Hypoallergenic: Yes

American Eskimo

The American Eskimo is a breed related to the spitz family that originated in Germany. A complete beauty with brains package combines striking sweet looks with a quick and clever mind. Neither aggressive nor shy and are very friendly, always alert, though a little bit conservative when it comes to making new friends. Due to their capability of performing entertaining agility stunts, they became famous as circus dogs.

Here is a quick overview of the American Eskimo small dog breed:

Height: 9 -12 inches

Weight: 6 - 12 pounds

Color: White, Biscuit

Temperament: Reserved, Alert, Protective, Intelligent

Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years

Price: $600 - $1000

Hypoallergenic: No

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is an Asian toy dog breed that originated in Tibet. Those big dark eyes look at you with a calm and sweet expression. The “Shih Tzu” means “Little Lion”; however, there is nothing fierce about this breed. They were originally bred solely to be a loyal companion; therefore, they are affectionate, loving, friendly, and true companion dogs.

Here is a quick overview of the Shih Tzu small dog breed:

Height: 9 -10 inches

Weight: 9 - 16 pounds

Color: Black, White, Black & White, Liver, Liver & White, Brindle, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Blue, Gold

Temperament: Intelligent, Playful, Affectionate, Friendly, Clever

Life Expectancy: 10 - 18 years

Price: $800 - $1500

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Having a small breed is fun. These dogs come in a compact size and are full of personality. However, to keep them healthy, you need to make sure that they are fed the right kind of food. Carefully planned vet recommended dog food offers the right nutrients to your canine.

However, your trusted vet before putting your dog on any new diet.

List of Small White Dog Breeds

  • Bichon Frise
  • Bolognese
  • Coton de Tulear
  • Cantonese
  • Havanese
  • Japanese Spitz
  • Maltese
  • Miniature American Eskimo
  • Miniature Samoyed
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Pomeranian
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Toy Poodle
  • French Bulldog
  • Puli
  • Chinese Crested
  • Chihuahua

Small Fluffy Dog Breeds That You Would Adore

  • ​Bichon Frise
  • Coton De Tulear
  • Cockapoo
  • ​Havanese
  • Pekingese
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Pomeranian
  • Shih Tzu
  • Toy Poodle
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Maltese
  • Affenpinscher
  • Labradoodle
  • Pomsky
  • Cavalier King Charles
  • Bolognese
  • Schipperke

Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

  • Poodle
  • Basenji
  • Bichon Frise
  • Welsh Terrier
  • Silky Terrier
  • Border Terrier
  • Sealyham Terrier
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Australian Terrier
  • Wire Fox Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Affenpinscher
  • Maltese
  • Bolognese
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Chinese Crested
  • Coton De Tulear
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Shih Tzu
  • Xoloitzcuintli
  • Cairn Terrier

Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark

  • Malamute
  • Basenji
  • Chow Chow
  • Shar Pei
  • Shih Tzu
  • Shiba Inu
  • Bolognese
  • Boston Terrier
  • Norwegian Lundehund
  • The Coton de Tulear
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Chinese Crested
  • French Bulldog
  • Japanese Chin
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small Dogs, Big Barkers - The Noisiest Small Dog Breeds

  • Poodles
  • Beagle
  • Pekingese
  • Maltese
  • Chihuahua
  • Pomeranian
  • Cairn Terriers
  • Toy Fox Terriers
  • Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Miniature Schnauzers
  • West Highland White Terriers
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Rat Terrier

Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Perfect for Allergic People

  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Affenpinscher
  • Maltese
  • Shih Tzu
  • Toy Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • West Highland Terrier
  • Havanese
  • Afghan Hound
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Griffon Bruxellois
  • Bolognese
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Coton de Tulear
  • Chinese Crested
  • Lagotto Romagnolo
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Small to Medium Dog Breeds

  • Dachshund
  • French Bulldog
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Beagle
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Shiba Inu
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • Whippet
  • Border Collie
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Basset Hound
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Bull Terrier
  • Wheaten Terrier

Small to Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

  • Basenji
  • Chow Chow
  • Tibetan Terrier
  • Maltese Terrier
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Norwegian Lundehund
  • The Coton de Tulear
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Poodle (Toy, Miniature, and Standard)
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Chinese Crested
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Labradoodle
  • Border Terrier
  • Schnauzer (Miniature or Standard)
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Australian Silky Terrier
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Best Dog Food for Small Dog Breeds

  • Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
  • Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food
  • Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy
  • Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy
  • Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food
  • Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate
  • Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
  • Orijen Puppy
  • Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Food
  • Eukanuba Puppy Large
  • Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy
  • Go Carnivore Puppy Chicken, Turkey, and Duck
  • Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy
  • Simply Nourish Small Breed Puppy
  • Holistic Select Grain Free Small and Mini Breed Puppy
  • Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy
  • Wellness Core Small Breed Puppy
  • Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Recipe
  • Merrick Classic Small Breed Dog Food
  • Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food
  • Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food
  • Instinct Original Small Breed Dog Food
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Adult
  • Canidae Pure Small Breed Dog Food
  • Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult Dog Food
  • Halo Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food
  • Diamond Naturals Small Breed Chicken and Rice
  • Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult Chicken

Best Wet Dog Food for Small Brees

  • Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food
  • Merrick Classic Canned Dog Food
  • Ollie Fresh Dog Food
  • Halo Wet Dog Food
  • Weruva Wet Dog Food
  • Wellness Stews Canned Dog Food
  • The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
  • Instinct Original Wet Dog Food
  • Whole Earth Farms Canned Dog Food
  • Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Trays
  • Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes Wet Dog Food
  • Eukanuba Canned Dog Food
  • Merrick® Grain-Free Grammy’s Pot Pie Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food
  • Instinct by Nature’s Variety® Original Small Breed Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Natural Wet Dog Food
  • CANIDAE Petite Small Breed
  • Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food
  • Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Wet Dog Food
  • PEDIGREE Chopped Ground Dinner Wet Dog Food
  • Wellness® CORE Chunky Centers with Beef, Lamb & White Sweet Potato Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
  • Whole Earth Farms® Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe Chicken Dinner Wet Dog Food
  • Solid Gold® Leaping Waters Chicken, Salmon & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Small & Medium Breed Wet Dog Food
  • PetKind® Tripett Green Beef Tripe & Venison Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
  • Nulo® Freestyle Turkey & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed & Puppy Wet Dog Food
  • Castor & Pollux® PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Cage-Free Duck Stew Wet Dog Food
  • Blue Buffalo® Wilderness Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Now that you know almost all the small dog breeds and the best dog food suitable for them, you can easily decide which dog you should own. You know your daily routine, i.e., how much time you can spare for daily walks, exercise, playing, or everything else. Choose the dog according to your routine so that either of you do not have any problem in the future.

Just so you know, you can make your pet animal your Emotional Support Animal. All you have to do is get an ESA letter from a certified mental health professional. Only a certified professional can write you a real ESA letter. If you do not know where to get your ESA letter, feel free to contact us.

RealESALetter.com is a legitimate website that provides real ESA letters written by professional mental health providers. You can trust us without having a second thought and get your letter within just 48 hours.


Harper Jefcoat

WRITTEN BY

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and esteemed author at RealESALetter.com. With a profound passion for animals, Harper combines extensive knowledge and personal experience to provide insightful and informative content. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he strives to empower pet owners with the tools and understanding they need to nurture and care for their furry friends effectively. Harper’s writings reflect his commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners, making him a trusted voice in the pet community.

legally complaint

DO YOU NEED A LEGALLY COMPLIANT ESA LETTER IN HAND WITHIN 24 HOURS?

Apply Now

Share this Article