Small Dog Breeds

Explore our complete guide to small dog breeds. Find the information you need to choose your next canine companion.
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Small dog breeds offer an incredible diversity in terms of personality, appearance, and care needs. From energetic and playful companions to adorable couch guardians, they can be the perfect choice for those living in small spaces, such as apartments, or for those looking for a four-legged friend that is easy to manage.

Whether you are looking for a new member for your family, or simply fascinated to learn more about these small canine companions, this article will provide you with valuable and detailed information about each breed.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Originally from England, it is a small but sturdy and active dog. It requires a lot of exercise and constant training due to its independent and energetic nature. Its lifespan is 13-16 years. It has a short, smooth, or broken coat that requires minimal maintenance. Its health is generally good, although it can suffer from eye and skin disorders.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kai

This small to medium breed was developed in Alaska, USA. They are similar to Huskies but smaller. They need regular exercise and good grooming, as they have a dense, double coat that sheds quite a bit. Their temperament is reserved and they can be a bit distant with strangers. They live between 12-16 years. They are generally healthy, but can suffer from diseases such as hypothyroidism.

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog

Of American origin, it is a medium-sized dog. They are intelligent, playful, and need exercise and mental stimulation. They have a thick white coat that requires regular grooming. They live from 13 to 15 years and are prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia and eye diseases.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

This small Chinese breed is known for its sweet and friendly character. Although their long coat requires constant maintenance, they are excellent house companions and live from 10 to 16 years. They should be cared for with health issues such as patellar luxation and dental diseases.

Australian Silky Terrier

Originally from Australia, it is a small dog with a long, silky coat that requires regular care. They are lively, curious, and brave. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and are prone to certain diseases such as hip dysplasia and dental problems.

Beagle

Originally from England, they are medium-sized dogs known for their excellent sense of smell and friendly temperament. They are energetic and require plenty of exercise. Their short coat is easy to care for, and their lifespan is 10-15 years. Beagles are generally healthy but can be prone to obesity and eye conditions.

Wire Fox Terrier

This British breed is known for its wiry coat that requires special care. They are brave and energetic dogs that need exercise and mental stimulation. They live between 10 and 15 years and are susceptible to certain skin diseases and eye disorders.

Miniature Pinscher

Pinscher Miniatura

A small breed originating from Germany. They are energetic, curious, and require regular exercise and socialization. They have a short coat that is easy to care for, and their lifespan is 12-16 years. They are prone to health issues such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and heart disorders.

Manchester Terrier

Originally from England, they are slim and athletic dogs, known for their short and shiny coat that requires little maintenance. They are energetic and require regular exercise. They have a lifespan of 14-16 years and are generally healthy, though they can be prone to heart diseases.

Lancashire Heeler

This small English herding dog is known for its energy and agility. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their short coat is easy to care for. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years but can be prone to lens luxation and von Willebrand’s disease.

Argentine Pila Dog

This Argentine breed, small to medium in size, is known for its lack of fur. They require skin care, are intelligent, and active. The lifespan is 12-15 years. Their health is generally good, although exposure to the sun can cause skin problems.

Basenji

Originally from Central Africa, the Basenji is a small and elegant dog, known for its short coat and “barkless” nature. They are independent and require physical and mental stimulation. Their lifespan is 13-14 years and can be susceptible to health problems such as Fanconi syndrome and eye disorders.

Miniature Schnauzer

Originally from Germany, it is a small and sturdy dog. They are energetic and require regular exercise. Their rough coat needs to be trimmed. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and are prone to diseases such as cataracts and hypothyroidism.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This British breed is known for its sweet nature and long, silky coat that requires regular care. They are small to medium dogs that need moderate exercise. They live from 9 to 14 years and can suffer from diseases such as mitral valve disease and syringomyelia.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Originally from Iceland, they are medium-sized dogs, known for their thick double coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and require regular exercise. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and are prone to hip dysplasia.

Miniature American Shepherd

This breed originates from the United States, a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. They are intelligent and active dogs that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular care. Their lifespan is 12-13 years and can be prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Shiba Inu

Originally from Japan, the Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized dog with a thick coat that sheds twice a year. They are independent and reserved but need regular exercise. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and are prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia and allergies.

Perro Peruano

Also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, this breed is characterized by its lack of fur, which requires extra skin care. They are calm and loyal dogs. They have a lifespan of 12-14 years and are generally healthy, though they can be prone to skin problems due to their lack of fur.

Bichon Frise

Originally from Spain, it is a small dog with a curly and white coat that requires regular care. They are playful and energetic. They have a lifespan of 14-15 years and are prone to health issues such as cataracts and hip dysplasia.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Originally from Scotland, it is a small dog with a distinctive coat that requires regular care. They are independent but friendly. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and may be prone to health problems like intervertebral disc disease.

Andalusian Hound Maneto

Originally from Spain, it is a small to medium-sized dog, known for its energy and its short coat that requires little care. They are intelligent and require physical and mental stimulation. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years and are generally healthy.

Cockapoo

This cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle is known for its friendly personality and curly coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and need regular exercise. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Originally from Wales, this medium-sized dog is known for its short legs and dense coat that sheds regularly. They are intelligent and require mental and physical stimulation. They live from 12 to 14 years and may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and von Willebrand’s disease.

Australian Terrier

This small and sturdy dog, originally from Australia, is known for its rough coat and energetic character. It requires regular exercise and coat care. Its lifespan is 12-15 years and they are prone to health problems like ear diseases and hip dysplasia.

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier

This small dog, originally from Germany, is known for its long and silky coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and friendly. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and may be prone to health problems like collapsed trachea and patellar luxation.

Affenpinscher

Originally from Germany, this small dog is known for its monkey-like face and hard coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and courageous. They live from 12 to 15 years and may be prone to health issues like patellar luxation and heart diseases.

Standard Dachshund or Teckel

This small to medium-sized dog, originally from Germany, is known for its long body and short legs. Its coat can be short, long, or wirehaired, and requires regular care. They have a lifespan of 12-16 years and may be prone to health issues like intervertebral disc disease.

American Hairless Terrier

This American breed is known for its lack of coat, which requires extra skin care. They are energetic and friendly. They have a lifespan of 14-16 years and may be prone to health issues like heart disease and patellar luxation.

Shetland Sheepdog

Originally from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, these medium-sized dogs are known for their long and dense coat that requires regular care. They are intelligent and require mental and physical stimulation. They live from 12 to 14 years and may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and eye diseases.

Yorkshire Terrier

This small dog, originally from England, is known for its long and silky coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and courageous. They have a lifespan of 13-16 years and may be prone to health issues like collapsed trachea and dental problems.

Miniature Poodle

This small dog, originally from France, is known for its curly coat that requires regular care. They are intelligent and need mental and physical stimulation. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and may be prone to health issues like Addison’s disease and progressive retinal atrophy.

Tibetan Spaniel

Originally from Tibet, this small dog is known for its long and silky coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and require regular exercise. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and may be prone to health issues like patellar luxation and eye diseases.

Swedish Vallhund

This medium-sized dog, originally from Sweden, is known for its wolf-like appearance and short coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and need regular exercise. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia.

Poochon

This cross between the Bichon Frise and the Poodle is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. It requires regular coat care and moderate exercise. Its lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like patellar luxation and eye diseases.

Pug

Originally from China, this small dog is known for its wrinkled face and short coat that requires regular care. They are calm and friendly. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years and may be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye diseases.

Zuchon or Shichon

This cross between the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu is known for its curly coat and friendly temperament. It requires regular coat care and moderate exercise. Its lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health problems like dental diseases and allergies.

Frenchton

frenchton

A cross between the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier, this small dog with a short coat requires minimal care. They are friendly and energetic. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like brachycephalic syndrome and patellar luxation.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

This American breed is known for its short coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 12-16 years. They are generally healthy but may be prone to hip dysplasia.

Mal-Shi

This cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu is known for its long and silky coat that requires regular care. They are friendly and require regular exercise. Their lifespan is 12-14 years and they may be prone to health problems like dental diseases and allergies.

Shih-Poo

This cross between the Shih Tzu and the Poodle is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. It requires regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 10-15 years and they may be prone to health problems like dental diseases and allergies.

Bullhuahua

This cross between the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua is a small dog with a short coat that requires little care. They are energetic and friendly. Their lifespan is 10-12 years and they may be prone to health issues like patellar luxation and heart diseases.

Cavapoo or Cavoodle

Cavapoo o Cavoodle

This cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. It requires regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 10-14 years and they may be prone to health issues like mitral valve disease and progressive retinal atrophy.

Puggle

This cross between the Beagle and the Pug is known for its short coat and energetic and friendly nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 10-15 years. They may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and eye diseases.

Cavachon

This cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. It requires regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 10-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like mitral valve disease and eye diseases.

Yorkie Poo or Yorkipoo

This cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle is known for its curly coat and energetic and friendly nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 10-15 years. They may be prone to health issues like collapsed trachea and eye diseases.

Chorkie

This cross between the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier is known for its long coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and coat care. Their lifespan is 10-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like dental diseases and allergies.

Morkie

This cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier is known for its long and silky coat and friendly nature. They require regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 10-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as dental diseases and allergies.

Maltipoo

This cross between the Maltese and the Poodle is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. It requires regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 10-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as dental diseases and allergies.

Valencian Rat Catcher or Gos Rater Valencià

This small-sized dog, originating from Spain, is known for its short coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 12-14 years. They are generally healthy but may be prone to patellar luxation.

Parson Russell Terrier

This small to medium-sized dog, originating from England, is known for its rough coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and coat care. Their lifespan is 13-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as patellar luxation and deafness.

Italian Greyhound or Piccolo Levriero Italiano

This small-sized dog, originating from Italy, is known for its short and soft coat and calm nature. They require moderate exercise and minimal coat care. Their lifespan is 14-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as dental diseases and epilepsy.

Havanese

This small dog, originating from Cuba, is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. They require regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 13-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as dental diseases and allergies.

Bolognese

This small dog, originating from Italy, is known for its curly coat and friendly nature. They require regular coat care and moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 12-14 years and they may be prone to health issues such as dental diseases and allergies.

Belgian Griffon

This small dog, originating from Belgium, is known for its rough coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and coat care. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as eye diseases and patellar luxation.

Petit Brabançon

This small dog, originating from Belgium, is known for its short coat and friendly nature. They require regular exercise and minimal coat care. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as eye diseases and patellar luxation.

West Highland White Terrier

Originally from Scotland, this small-sized dog is known for its white and rough coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and require regular exercise. They have a lifespan of 12-16 years and may be prone to health issues such as skin allergies and patellar luxation.

Border Terrier

Originally from Great Britain, this small-sized dog is known for its rough coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 12-15 years. They are generally healthy but may be prone to hip dysplasia.

Chinese Crested Dog

Originally from China, this dog can be hairless or with fur, both requiring specific care. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 13-15 years and they may be prone to health issues such as dental diseases and skin allergies.

Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Originally from Wales, this small to medium-sized dog is known for its long coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and coat care. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia.

Norfolk Terrier

Originally from Great Britain, this small-sized dog is known for its hard coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and coat care. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia.

Pekingese

Originally from China, this small dog is known for its long coat that requires regular care. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 12-14 years and they may be prone to health issues like heart disease and eye problems.

Brazilian Terrier or Fox Paulistinha

Originally from Brazil, this small to medium-sized dog is known for its short coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 12-15 years. They are generally healthy but may be prone to skin allergies.

Skye Terrier

Originally from Scotland, this small-sized dog is known for its long coat that requires regular care. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 12-14 years and they may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia.

Schipperke

Originally from Belgium, this small-sized dog is known for its short coat and energetic nature. They require regular exercise and their lifespan is 12-14 years. They are generally healthy but may be prone to eye diseases.

Petit Lion Dog

Originally from France, this small-sized dog is known for its long coat that requires regular care. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 12-14 years and they may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia.

Scottish Terrier

Originally from Scotland, this small-sized dog is known for its hard coat that requires regular care. They are energetic and require regular exercise. Their lifespan is 11-13 years and they may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and skin diseases.

Coton de Tulear

Originally from Madagascar, this small-sized dog is known for its soft, cotton-like coat that requires regular care. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 14-16 years and they are generally healthy.

Smooth Fox Terrier

Originally from England, this small to medium-sized dog is known for its short coat that requires minimal care. They are energetic and require regular exercise. Their lifespan is 12-15 years and they may be prone to health issues like skin diseases and allergies.

Lhasa Apso

Originally from Tibet, this small-sized dog is known for its long coat that requires regular care. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 12-14 years and they may be prone to health issues like eye diseases and hip dysplasia.

Papillon

papillon

Originally from France, this small-sized dog is known for its long coat and soft, butterfly-shaped ears. They are friendly and require moderate exercise. Their lifespan is 14-16 years, and they may be prone to health issues such as eye diseases and von Willebrand’s disease.

Remember, specific care and health details can vary from one dog to another, even within the same breed. It’s always recommended to seek advice from a veterinarian or an experienced breeder when it comes to the health and care of your pet.

Are small dogs easier to care for than large dogs?

Not necessarily. While small dogs may require less space and food than large dogs, each breed has its own care and exercise needs.

Are small dogs good for families with children?

It depends on the breed and the individual dog’s temperament. Some small dog breeds are known to be good with children, but interactions between dogs and young children should always be supervised.

Can small dogs live in apartments?

Many small dogs adapt well to apartment living, but they will still need regular exercise and mental stimulation.

What is the average lifespan of a small dog?

Lifespan varies by breed, but in general, small dogs tend to live longer than large breed dogs, often reaching 12-15 years of age.

Are small dogs more prone to specific health problems?

Some small dog breeds may be prone to certain health issues, such as dental diseases and joint problems. It’s important to research the specific breed to know about its potential health issues.

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