20 Small Dog Breeds Even Big-Dog Fans Will Fall For

Big dogs might get all the glory with their impressive size and powerful presence, but don’t count out the little guys just yet. Small dog breeds often get a bad rap for being yappy, clingy, or overly delicate—but that’s far from the full picture. In reality, many of these pint-sized pups are full of grit, charm, and character that rivals even the most beloved big breeds.

For those who typically lean toward large dogs—think Labs, Shepherds, or Great Danes—the idea of living with a tiny companion might sound unappealing. But here’s the truth: small dogs can be just as adventurous, loyal, and intelligent. Plus, they come with some unexpected perks. They’re easier to travel with, tend to have longer lifespans, are gentler on the wallet when it comes to food and vet bills, and they often thrive in smaller homes or apartments where a larger dog might feel cramped.

Whether you’re a longtime “big dog person” or simply skeptical about going small, these 20 standout breeds might just change your mind. From fearless terriers to surprisingly chill lapdogs, each one brings something special to the table—without taking up much space on the couch.

Here are 20 small dog breeds that even the most die-hard big-dog lovers might find hard to resist.

1. French Bulldog: The Muscular Miniature

Stocky and muscular with bat-like ears, French Bulldogs carry themselves with the confidence of dogs twice their size. Their easygoing temperament makes them adaptable to apartment living, yet they possess enough spunk to keep up with active owners.

Frenchies rarely bark unnecessarily, communicating instead through an adorable array of grunts, snorts, and purrs that give them a uniquely expressive personality. No couch potato despite their somewhat lazy reputation!

While they can’t handle extreme heat due to their short snouts, these affectionate companions make up for it with their unwavering loyalty and clown-like antics that keep owners laughing daily.

2. Boston Terrier: The Tuxedo-Wearing Gentleman

Dapper in their natural black and white markings resembling formal attire, Boston Terriers bring class to any home. Their bright, round eyes radiate intelligence while their compact, muscular bodies move with purpose and energy that belies their small stature.

Nicknamed ‘The American Gentleman,’ these dogs combine playfulness with impeccable manners. Their adaptable nature makes them equally comfortable in apartments or houses with yards, always ready for either a brisk walk or a cuddle session.

Bostons typically weigh under 25 pounds but carry themselves with the dignity of much larger breeds. Their moderate exercise needs and affectionate temperament create the perfect balance for owners seeking a spirited yet manageable companion.

3. Miniature Schnauzer: The Bearded Guardian

Alert and spirited, Miniature Schnauzers sport distinctive beards and eyebrows that give them a wise, sometimes judgmental expression. Don’t be fooled by their size—these dogs were bred from their larger Standard Schnauzer cousins to hunt rats, and they maintain that fearless attitude.

Their intelligence makes training a joy rather than a chore. These clever canines excel at problem-solving and pick up commands quickly, though their independent streak occasionally leads to selective hearing when something more interesting catches their attention.

Farm-bred toughness combined with family-oriented loyalty makes them exceptional watchdogs who’ll alert you to everything from package deliveries to squirrels daring to enter their territory. Their non-shedding coat requires regular grooming but rewards owners with less vacuuming.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Royal Lap Warmer

Silky ears frame soulful eyes that have melted hearts for centuries in these noble little companions. Cavaliers combine the athletic abilities of sporting spaniels with the affectionate nature of toy breeds, creating the perfect balance between playful energy and cuddle-ready companionship.

Named after King Charles II who adored these dogs, Cavaliers maintain their royal connections through their elegant appearance and gentle demeanor. Their moderate exercise needs can be met with daily walks followed by their true passion: warming your lap while you read or watch TV.

Few small breeds match their combination of beauty and sweetness. Their friendly nature extends to children, strangers, and other pets, making them ideal family dogs for those seeking a peaceful household with minimal barking but maximum affection.

5. Shiba Inu: The Fox-Like Independent

Spirited and fox-like, Shiba Inus bring ancient Japanese heritage into modern homes with their distinctive curled tails and alert expressions. Their self-sufficient nature appeals to owners who appreciate a dog with its own agenda rather than one constantly seeking attention.

Despite weighing only 20 pounds, Shibas possess the dignity and confidence of much larger breeds. Their cleanliness borders on cat-like, often grooming themselves and typically housetraining with minimal effort.

Originally bred for hunting in mountainous terrain, these athletic dogs enjoy challenging hikes and outdoor adventures that satisfy their bold spirits. Their loyalty runs deep once they’ve accepted you as their person, though they maintain a respectful independence rather than neediness that big-dog enthusiasts often appreciate.

6. Border Terrier: The Countryside Companion

Rugged and weather-resistant, Border Terriers pack working-dog determination into a frame that rarely exceeds 15 pounds. Their wiry coats and otter-shaped heads give them a distinctive, no-nonsense appearance that reflects their farming heritage along the England-Scotland border.

Unlike some terriers, Borders typically maintain an even temperament that balances independence with affection. Their natural instinct to hunt doesn’t translate to destructiveness at home, making them surprisingly adaptable to apartment living despite their countryside roots.

Endurance rather than speed defines these little athletes. A Border Terrier will happily match your pace on a long hike or bike ride, then settle contentedly by your side afterward. Their intelligence makes training rewarding, though their hunting instincts require secure fencing to prevent unauthorized adventures.

7. Cocker Spaniel: The Merry Sportsman

Flowing silky coats and expressive eyes make Cocker Spaniels instantly recognizable, but it’s their merry temperament that truly defines the breed. Originally bred as bird hunters, these versatile dogs bring sporting abilities to a package that fits comfortably in most homes.

Weighing between 20-30 pounds, Cockers strike a perfect balance between too small and too large. Their moderate energy levels adapt to your lifestyle—happy to join family hikes or settle for neighborhood walks when that’s what the day allows.

Gentle by nature, these dogs forge strong bonds with children and seniors alike. Their eagerness to please makes training generally straightforward, though their sensitive souls respond best to positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections. Regular grooming sessions become bonding time rather than chores with these appreciative companions.

8. Dachshund: The Fearless Hotdog

Long bodies and short legs create the unmistakable silhouette of Dachshunds, bred to fearlessly pursue badgers into their dens. Despite their comical appearance, these dogs approach life with serious determination and surprising courage that earns respect from big-dog admirers.

Available in two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat types (smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired), Dachshunds offer variety within the breed. Their hunting heritage gives them keen noses and tenacious personalities that make walks interesting adventures rather than simple exercise.

Fiercely loyal to their chosen people, Dachshunds form deep bonds with their families while maintaining healthy skepticism toward strangers. Their intelligence comes with independence that can challenge novice owners, but those who appreciate their cleverness find them endlessly entertaining companions who take up minimal space but maximum heart.

9. Jack Russell Terrier: The Energetic Dynamo

Boundless energy packed into a compact frame defines Jack Russell Terriers, whose athleticism rivals dogs three times their size. Created for fox hunting, these tenacious little dogs can outrun, outjump, and often outlast larger breeds with their remarkable stamina and drive.

Athletic pursuits like agility or flyball provide perfect outlets for their endless energy and problem-solving intelligence. Their work ethic and determination make them exceptional competitors in dog sports where their speed and agility shine.

Jacks typically weigh under 20 pounds but carry themselves with the confidence of much larger dogs. Their bold personalities won’t be ignored or underestimated, making them perfect matches for active owners seeking a small dog without a delicate temperament. Daily exercise isn’t optional with these dynamos—it’s essential for their physical and mental wellbeing.

10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: The Short-Legged Herder

Powerful bodies on surprisingly short legs give Pembroke Welsh Corgis their distinctive silhouette, but it’s their big-dog attitude that wins over skeptics. Despite standing less than a foot tall, these historic herding dogs approach life with confidence and enthusiasm that commands respect.

Originally bred to drive cattle by nipping at their heels, Corgis maintain their work ethic in everything they do. Their intelligence makes training a joy, though their independent thinking occasionally leads them to improve upon your instructions with their own creative solutions.

Royal connections (as favorites of Queen Elizabeth II) haven’t diminished their working-class roots and practical nature. Athletic despite their short stature, Corgis excel at activities from agility to hiking, always with the serious dedication of a dog with an important job to do.

11. Cairn Terrier: The Scrappy Scottsman

Weatherproof double coats and determined expressions reflect the rugged Scottish origins of Cairn Terriers, made famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. These hardy little dogs were developed to root out vermin from rock piles (cairns) in the harsh Highlands, and that toughness remains in their modern personalities.

Weighing just 13-14 pounds, Cairns approach life with the confidence and attitude of much larger dogs. Their natural hunting instincts make them excellent vermin controllers, while their alert nature makes them effective watchdogs who won’t be intimidated by size.

Intelligent and independent, Cairns think for themselves rather than constantly seeking direction. This self-sufficiency appeals to owners who appreciate a dog with its own agenda rather than one constantly seeking approval. Their moderate exercise needs adapt well to active families or single owners.

12. Italian Greyhound: The Elegant Sprinter

Graceful lines and delicate features make Italian Greyhounds living art, but beneath their refined appearance lies surprising athletic ability. These miniature sighthounds can reach speeds of 25 mph in short bursts, channeling their larger Greyhound cousins in bodies weighing just 7-14 pounds.

Ancient origins as companions to nobility show in their aristocratic bearing and gentle nature. Despite their fragile appearance, most Italian Greyhounds possess a playful streak that emerges in sudden bursts of energy—racing circles around the yard before returning to their preferred position as elegant lap warmers.

Minimal grooming requirements make them practical despite their glamorous looks. Their short coats shed minimally but provide little insulation, making sweaters necessary in cold weather. Their sensitivity extends to their emotions—these perceptive dogs form deep bonds with their people and thrive on loving attention.

13. West Highland White Terrier: The Bright-Eyed Charmer

Snow-white coats and coal-black eyes give Westies their unmistakable appearance, while their upright carriage reflects their confident personalities. Developed in Scotland for hunting small game, these sturdy terriers bring working-dog attitudes to family life, approaching each day with enthusiasm and determination.

Westies typically weigh 15-20 pounds but carry themselves like much larger dogs. Their self-assured nature makes them excellent companions for owners who appreciate independence rather than neediness, though they form strong bonds with their families.

Playful well into adulthood, Westies maintain puppy-like joy throughout their lives. Their intelligence makes training generally straightforward, though their independent thinking occasionally leads to selective hearing when something more interesting catches their attention. Their double coats require regular grooming but reward owners with a distinctive appearance that turns heads on every walk.

14. Pug: The Wrinkled Comedian

Expressive wrinkled faces and curled tails make Pugs instantly recognizable, but it’s their charming personalities that convert the skeptics. These ancient companions to Chinese emperors bring centuries of people-pleasing experience to modern homes, with an innate understanding of human emotions that makes them exceptional therapy and family dogs.

Pugs approach life with good humor rather than intensity. Their moderate energy levels adapt well to various lifestyles, though their stocky builds and short noses require caution in hot weather or during strenuous exercise.

Social butterflies by nature, Pugs rarely meet strangers—only friends they haven’t been properly introduced to yet. Their natural empathy makes them sensitive to your moods, offering comfort during tough times and celebrating good moments with their signature head tilts and prancing happiness that’s impossible to resist.

15. Havanese: The Silky Cuban Companion

Flowing silky coats and springy steps give Havanese their distinctive appearance, reflecting their development as companions to Cuban aristocracy. Unlike some small breeds, these dogs typically approach strangers with friendly curiosity rather than suspicion, making them excellent choices for social households.

Weighing 7-13 pounds, Havanese adapt beautifully to apartment living while maintaining playful energy that keeps them entertaining at any age. Their remarkable intelligence makes them quick learners who excel at tricks and dog sports despite their non-sporting heritage.

Natural performers, Havanese thrive on attention and interaction rather than independence. Their non-shedding coats require regular grooming but make them suitable companions for many allergy sufferers. Few small breeds match their combination of portability, trainability, and genuine affection that wins over even dedicated big-dog enthusiasts.

16. Lhasa Apso: The Ancient Guardian

Flowing floor-length coats hide the tough-minded nature of Lhasa Apsos, whose history as monastery sentinels in Tibet spans over a thousand years. Despite their small size (typically under 15 pounds), these dogs approach guarding duties with serious dedication that earns respect from big-dog enthusiasts.

Regal in bearing and independent in thought, Lhasas form strong bonds with their families while maintaining healthy skepticism toward strangers. Their intelligence comes with a streak of stubbornness that challenges novice owners but rewards those who earn their respect with unwavering loyalty.

Surprisingly athletic under all that hair, Lhasas enjoy moderate exercise that keeps them fit without overtaxing their small frames. Their longevity often reaches 15+ years, making them lifetime companions who grow alongside children and remain steadfast through life’s changes.

17. Brussels Griffon: The Bearded Character

Expressive human-like faces and beard-framed features give Brussels Griffons their distinctive appearance that rarely fails to draw smiles from passersby. Originally bred to hunt rats in Belgian stables, these dogs bring working-class sensibility to companion life, with sturdy bodies that belie their toy classification.

Weighing just 8-10 pounds, Griffons pack outsized personalities into small packages. Their sensitivity to human emotions makes them exceptional companions who often follow their people from room to room, offering silent support or comic relief as the situation demands.

Intelligent and observant, Griffons approach training with enthusiasm when methods engage their quick minds. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs despite their size, announcing visitors with authority that suggests a much larger guardian. Their moderate exercise needs adapt well to urban living while their sturdy build handles rough-and-tumble play.

18. Scottish Terrier: The Dignified Highlander

Distinctive bearded profiles and dignified bearing give Scottish Terriers their unmistakable appearance, while their serious approach to life earns respect from big-dog enthusiasts. Originally bred for hunting foxes and badgers in the Scottish Highlands, these sturdy terriers bring working-dog determination to family life.

Weighing 18-22 pounds, Scotties possess remarkable strength for their size. Their independent thinking reflects their hunting heritage, when they needed to make decisions without human guidance while pursuing prey underground.

Loyal to family but reserved with strangers, Scotties form deep bonds with their people while maintaining dignified boundaries. Their intelligence makes training rewarding when approached with respect for their independent nature. Regular brushing maintains their distinctive beards and eyebrows that contribute to their wise, sometimes judgmental expressions that seem to evaluate the world around them.

19. Basenji: The Barkless Wonder

Elegant proportions and wrinkled foreheads give Basenjis their distinctive appearance, while their unique vocalizations—ranging from yodels to chortle-like sounds—replace traditional barking. Ancient origins in central Africa created a primitive breed that maintains cat-like cleanliness, often grooming themselves and typically lacking the doggy odor common in other breeds.

Weighing 22-24 pounds, Basenjis combine independence with athleticism that appeals to owners seeking a small dog without neediness. Their remarkable jumping ability and speed require secure fencing, as their hunting heritage gives them strong prey drive and determination to pursue interesting scents.

Curious and clever, Basenjis approach training as a negotiation rather than blind obedience. Their problem-solving intelligence makes them fascinating companions for owners who appreciate their unique approach to life that often seems to split the difference between canine and feline personalities.

20. Toy Manchester Terrier: The Sleek Gentleman

Glossy black and tan coats accentuate the sleek, athletic lines of Toy Manchester Terriers, whose appearance resembles miniature Dobermans but whose history as ratters predates their larger lookalikes. Weighing just 6-8 pounds, these elegant terriers bring surprising athleticism and intensity to a toy-sized package.

Originally developed in Manchester, England for rat-catching competitions in pubs, these dogs maintain their working heritage through keen intelligence and natural hunting abilities. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs who miss nothing happening in their territory.

Clean by nature with minimal grooming needs, Manchesters represent practical elegance without high maintenance requirements. Their moderate exercise needs adapt well to urban living, though their terrier energy benefits from regular play sessions that engage both body and mind. Few small breeds match their combination of sleek appearance and sporting ability.