16 Small Dog Breeds Everyone Is Obsessed With Right Now

Small dog breeds have captured the hearts of pet lovers everywhere. These compact companions offer big personalities in tiny packages, making them perfect for apartment living and family homes alike.

Whether you’re looking for a lap dog or an energetic little friend, these 16 small breeds are stealing the spotlight right now.

1. French Bulldog: The Clown in a Tuxedo

Frenchies have skyrocketed in popularity with their bat-like ears and squished faces that seem to always wear a smile. Their comical expressions match their playful personalities, making them irresistible companions for city dwellers.

Despite their sturdy build, they require minimal exercise – perfect for laid-back owners. Their affectionate nature means they’ll follow you everywhere, occasionally entertaining with surprising bursts of energy known as ‘zoomies’.

While they can be stubborn during training, their desire to please usually wins out. Just be prepared for some impressive snoring from these flat-faced cuties!

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royal Lap Warmer

Those soulful eyes could melt even the coldest heart! Cavaliers blend the athleticism of sporting dogs with the loving nature of toy breeds, creating the ultimate companion dog that adapts to almost any lifestyle.

Their silky coats come in four distinct color patterns, with the Blenheim (chestnut and white) being most recognized. Cavaliers thrive on human connection and will happily cuddle for hours, though they enjoy gentle play sessions too.

Originally bred to warm the laps of nobility, these dogs still perform this duty with unwavering dedication. Their sweet temperament makes them exceptional therapy dogs.

3. Pomeranian: Fluffy Fox-Faced Dynamo

Don’t let their cotton-ball appearance fool you – Pomeranians pack tremendous personality into their tiny frames! Descended from large Arctic working dogs, these pint-sized pooches retain a bold, confident demeanor that often makes them the boss of much larger dogs.

Their fox-like faces with alert expressions and magnificent double coats create an unmistakable look. Poms are surprisingly athletic and enjoy brisk walks despite weighing just 3-7 pounds.

Queen Victoria adored these little fluffballs, helping skyrocket their popularity in the 1800s. Today’s Poms remain status symbols with their luxurious appearance and sassy attitudes.

4. Yorkshire Terrier: Pocket-Sized Diva

Yorkies strut around with the confidence of dogs ten times their size! Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, these tiny terriers now prefer designer doggy clothes to dirty work environments.

Their silky, human-like hair requires regular grooming but can be styled in countless adorable ways. Many owners keep the traditional ‘topknot’ with a cute bow to keep hair out of their eyes.

Feisty and fearless, Yorkies make excellent watchdogs despite their toy size. They form incredibly strong bonds with their people and often become completely devoted to one special person in the household.

5. Miniature Dachshund: Long Body, Big Attitude

Affectionately called ‘wiener dogs’ or ‘sausage dogs,’ mini Dachshunds bring endless entertainment with their distinctive body shape and determined personalities. Originally bred to hunt badgers (their name literally means ‘badger dog’ in German), they maintain a courageous spirit in their smaller package.

Available in smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired varieties and numerous colors, each Dachshund has a unique look. Their short legs don’t slow them down – these little hunters are surprisingly quick!

Famous for their stubborn streak, mini Dachshunds approach training negotiations with the confidence of skilled diplomats. Their loyal devotion makes the occasional stubbornness completely worth it.

6. Shih Tzu: The Little Lion Dog

With a name that translates to ‘little lion’ in Chinese, Shih Tzus were treasured by Chinese royalty for centuries. Their flowing double coats and distinctive underbite create an expression of regal dignity that matches their imperial history.

Unlike many small breeds, Shih Tzus were bred specifically as companions rather than working dogs. This purpose shows in their friendly, outgoing nature and desire to be wherever their humans are.

Their flat faces may cause some snorting and snoring, adding to their charm. Shih Tzus typically get along beautifully with children and other pets, making them wonderful family dogs with minimal exercise needs.

7. Boston Terrier: Dapper Tuxedo Gentleman

Known as ‘American Gentlemen’ for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers bring polite manners and boundless charm to any home. Their compact, muscular bodies and distinctive bat ears create an instantly recognizable silhouette that turns heads on every walk.

Bostons require minimal grooming thanks to their short, sleek coats. Their expressive eyes communicate a remarkable range of emotions, from playful mischief to soulful contemplation.

Wonderfully adaptable, these dogs thrive in apartments or houses with yards. Their balanced temperament – not too hyper, not too lazy – makes them perfect companions for first-time dog owners and experienced pet parents alike.

8. Maltese: Cloud-Like Companion

Floating across floors like little white clouds, Maltese dogs have been adored companions for thousands of years. Their silky white coats, which can grow to floor length, require daily brushing but reward owners with an almost ethereal beauty.

Ancient Greeks and Romans believed these dogs could cure illnesses, and while that might be stretching the truth, their joyful presence certainly lifts spirits! Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese are surprisingly sturdy and energetic.

They excel at trick training and often develop an impressive repertoire of cute behaviors to earn treats and attention. Their playful antics and devoted affection make the maintenance of their glamorous coats completely worthwhile.

9. Havanese: Cuba’s Bouncy National Treasure

Havanese dogs seem to bounce rather than walk, skipping through life with infectious joy that captivates everyone they meet. As Cuba’s only native breed, these little charmers were once beloved by Cuban aristocracy but now democratically spread their affection to families worldwide.

Their silky, slightly wavy coats come in almost every color and pattern imaginable. Many owners enjoy learning creative grooming techniques to style their Havanese in adorable ways.

Remarkably intelligent, these dogs quickly learn tricks and games that showcase their natural showmanship. They’re especially talented at understanding human emotions, often serving as unofficial therapy dogs by instinctively comforting anyone feeling sad.

10. Miniature Schnauzer: Bearded Sentinel

Those distinctive beards and eyebrows give Mini Schnauzers an appearance of wisdom beyond their years! Originally farm dogs bred to hunt rats, these intelligent terriers now excel as family companions while maintaining their alert, spirited nature.

Their wiry double coats shed minimally, making them popular with allergy-sensitive owners. Regular professional grooming maintains their characteristic look, though many owners learn to hand-strip or clip their dogs at home.

Mini Schnauzers form deep bonds with their families but remain somewhat suspicious of strangers – making them excellent watchdogs. Their combination of playfulness with children and dignified behavior in public settings creates the perfect balance for active households.

11. Papillon: Butterfly-Eared Athlete

Named for their distinctive butterfly-shaped ears (papillon means ‘butterfly’ in French), these elegant little dogs combine dainty good looks with surprising athletic ability.

Watch a Papillon in a dog agility competition and prepare to be amazed by their speed and precision! Their silky coats require less maintenance than many small breeds – just regular brushing keeps them looking beautiful.

Despite weighing under 10 pounds, Papillons approach life with confidence and enthusiasm that belies their tiny size. Highly intelligent, they learn commands quickly and often seem to understand complex human conversations.

Marie Antoinette reportedly clutched her beloved Papillon as she faced the guillotine – a testament to the deep bonds these dogs inspire.

12. Italian Greyhound: Elegant Miniature Racer

Italian Greyhounds move with such grace they seem to barely touch the ground! These slender speedsters are essentially miniature versions of full-sized Greyhounds, with the same elegant lines but in a much more apartment-friendly package.

Their short, fine coats come in various colors and require minimal grooming. Despite their delicate appearance, IGs can reach impressive speeds during play – watching them run at full tilt is truly breathtaking.

After exercise, these dogs transform into world-class cuddlers who burrow under blankets and perfect the art of lap-warming. Their sensitive nature means they form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, often becoming loving shadows that follow from room to room.

13. Pekingese: Ancient Imperial Guardian

Pekingese dogs carry themselves with the dignity of the Chinese emperors they once served. Their distinctive flat faces and luxurious manes create an unmistakable lion-like appearance that commands respect despite their small stature.

For centuries, only members of the Chinese Imperial Palace could own these sacred dogs – stealing one was punishable by death! Modern Pekes maintain that air of exclusivity, often bonding deeply with one person while remaining aloof with others.

Their independent nature means they’re less needy than many small breeds. Pekingese prefer to be treated as respected companions rather than cuddly toys, though they do enjoy gentle affection on their own terms.

14. Chihuahua: Tiny Dog with Giant Personality

Chihuahuas pack more attitude per ounce than perhaps any other creature on earth! As the world’s smallest dog breed, they often compensate for their tiny size with oversized confidence and unwavering loyalty to their chosen person.

Available in countless colors and with either smooth or long coats, each Chihuahua has a distinctive look. Their expressive eyes and alert ears telegraph their emotions clearly – from curious interest to indignant outrage.

Ancient Aztecs considered these dogs sacred, and many Chihuahua owners today feel similarly about their pint-sized companions. Their portable size makes them perfect travel buddies who can adventure almost anywhere in a comfy carrier.

15. Bichon Frise: Cotton-Ball Charmer

Bichons bounce through life with perpetual good humor that’s absolutely contagious! Their powder-puff appearance comes from a distinctive double coat that grows outward rather than down, creating that characteristic rounded silhouette.

Originally performed as circus dogs, Bichons retain their people-pleasing showmanship and love being the center of attention. Their hypoallergenic coats make them popular with allergy sufferers, though regular professional grooming is necessary to maintain their fluffy appearance.

Surprisingly sturdy for their size, Bichons adapt well to various living situations and family dynamics. Their friendly, non-aggressive nature makes them wonderful companions for children and excellent therapy dogs who brighten nursing homes and hospitals.

16. Cairn Terrier: Toto’s Tenacious Cousin

Famous as the breed that played Toto in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Cairn Terriers bring working-dog toughness in an adorable shaggy package. Developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt between rock piles (called ‘cairns’), these hardy little dogs excel at digging and exploring with tireless enthusiasm.

Their weather-resistant double coats come in several colors, with wheaten being most recognized. Rather than traditional grooming, Cairns require hand-stripping to maintain their characteristic scruffy look.

Independent thinkers with strong prey drives, Cairns approach training as a negotiation rather than blind obedience. Their alert nature and distinctive vocalizations make them excellent watchdogs who announce every neighborhood happening.