17 Cute Small Dog Breeds That Stay Adorably Small

There’s something irresistible about a little dog with a great big personality.

Small dogs can curl up beside you without taking over the entire couch, travel more easily than many larger breeds, and often fit comfortably into homes where space is limited. But don’t mistake small for boring. Some of the tiniest dogs around are also among the most confident, playful, clever, and entertaining.

If you’ve been searching for cute small dogs or wondering which small dog breeds stay little even when they’re fully grown, these 17 breeds are worth getting to know.

Some are fluffy. Some are sleek. Some would happily spend the afternoon in your lap, while others seem convinced they’re much bigger than they really are.

1. Chihuahua

It’s hard to talk about tiny dogs without starting with the Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas may be little enough to tuck under your arm, but their personalities rarely seem to match their size. They’re alert, expressive, devoted to their people, and often surprisingly bold.

Both smooth- and long-coated Chihuahuas are available, giving this little breed two very different looks.

They’re especially appealing to people who want a truly small companion without sacrificing personality.

What people love: Tiny size, devotion, expressive personality and portability.

2. Pomeranian

A Pomeranian sometimes looks less like a dog and more like a very small ball of fluff with a face.

Under all that fur is an energetic, intelligent little dog that tends to be curious about everything happening around the house.

Pomeranians often enjoy being involved in family life and can be remarkably confident for their size.

Their magnificent double coat does require regular grooming, but it’s also a big part of what makes a Pom so recognizable.

What people love: Fluffy coat, bright personality and that unmistakable little foxlike face.

3. Maltese

The Maltese has been a companion dog for centuries, and it’s easy to understand why.

These tiny white dogs are known for their long, silky coats, although many family pets wear a shorter “puppy cut” that’s easier to maintain.

Maltese tend to form strong bonds with their people and pack plenty of personality into their little bodies.

They’re delicate-looking dogs, but don’t assume that means they don’t enjoy playing and exploring.

What people love: Beautiful white coat, affectionate nature and petite size.

4. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier—or Yorkie—is another little dog that apparently never received the memo about being little.

Yorkies have terrier confidence wrapped in a tiny package.

Their silky coats can grow beautifully long, although many owners prefer an easier-to-manage shorter trim. They’re lively, curious and often very attached to their favorite humans.

They’re also proof that some of the cutest small dogs can have surprisingly fearless personalities.

What people love: Big personality, gorgeous coat and loyal companionship.

5. Papillon

Those spectacular butterfly-shaped ears make the Papillon difficult to mistake for another breed.

But looks aren’t the only thing this little dog has going for it.

Papillons are bright, athletic and eager to participate in what’s happening around them. Despite their delicate appearance, they can be quite active and enjoy learning new things.

For someone who wants a little dog with both beauty and brains, the Papillon deserves a closer look.

What people love: Beautiful ears, intelligence and playful energy.

6. Havanese

The Havanese combines a soft, flowing coat with a cheerful little personality.

These dogs were bred as companions, and being close to their people is still something many Havanese thoroughly enjoy. They’re playful without needing a huge backyard to have fun.

Their coat requires regular attention, but it also gives them their adorable, slightly tousled appearance.

And with those expressive eyes, they’re awfully good at convincing humans to stop what they’re doing and pay attention.

What people love: Friendly personality, cuddly appearance and people-oriented nature.

7. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu has perfected the art of looking comfortable.

Give one a soft blanket, a good lap and a spot where it can keep an eye on the household, and life can look pretty good.

Shih Tzus have long been companion dogs, and many enjoy spending plenty of time with their families. Their coats can be kept long or clipped into the popular shorter puppy cut.

They’re small, sturdy and often delightfully expressive.

What people love: Sweet expression, sturdy little build and companion-dog personality.

8. Toy Poodle

Don’t let the fancy haircut stereotype fool you.

Toy Poodles are exceptionally clever little dogs.

They’re trainable, athletic and often enjoy games and activities that challenge their minds. Their curly coats also shed differently from many other breeds, although they require regular professional grooming.

A Toy Poodle can be a particularly nice match for someone who wants a genuinely tiny dog that’s eager to learn.

What people love: Intelligence, trainability and compact size.

9. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher brings a completely different look to our list.

Instead of a fluffy coat, the Min Pin has a sleek body, short hair and an unmistakably confident stance.

These little dogs tend to be lively and curious. They often seem to approach life as though something interesting might happen at any second.

They’re small, but they’re certainly not decorative couch accessories.

What people love: Sleek appearance, confidence and energetic personality.

10. Japanese Chin

With its silky coat, feathered tail and expressive face, the Japanese Chin has an elegant appearance all its own.

They’re small companion dogs that can be playful one minute and perfectly content relaxing nearby the next.

The breed has an almost aristocratic look, yet their personalities can be surprisingly amusing.

They’re not as commonly seen as some of the other dogs on this list, which may make them especially interesting to someone searching for a less familiar small breed.

What people love: Distinctive appearance, manageable size and charming personality.

11. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon has one of those faces you don’t forget.

Their expressive eyes and almost human-looking expressions have earned them plenty of admirers.

They’re tiny dogs, but there’s a lot going on behind that little face. Griffons can be curious, sensitive and strongly attached to their people.

If you like a dog with a slightly quirky appearance and plenty of character, this one deserves a look.

What people love: Unforgettable face, compact size and enormous personality.

12. Pekingese

Few little dogs can look quite as regal as a Pekingese.

Their abundant coat, broad face and dignified expression make them appear as though they know perfectly well that people once treated their ancestors like royalty.

Pekingese are compact companion dogs with a long history. Their beautiful coat needs regular care, and their short muzzle means prospective owners should learn about the special considerations that come with flat-faced breeds.

What people love: Regal appearance, luxurious coat and independent personality.

13. Italian Greyhound

If fluffy isn’t your thing, the Italian Greyhound offers something completely different.

These elegant little dogs have slender bodies, long legs and smooth coats. They look like miniature versions of their much larger Greyhound relatives.

Italian Greyhounds can be affectionate and playful, and many are enthusiastic about finding the warmest, softest place in the house.

Their fine build also means they need thoughtful handling, particularly around rough play.

What people love: Elegant appearance, affectionate personality and easy-care coat.

14. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier may be less familiar than the Yorkie, but Pinterest lovers of beautiful little dogs should appreciate this one.

Their long, flowing tri-colored coat gives them an eye-catching appearance, while their small size makes them unmistakably part of the tiny-dog club.

They’re companion dogs with playful personalities and an appearance that practically begs to be photographed.

What people love: Gorgeous coloring, petite size and cheerful appearance.

15. Chinese Crested

If you want a little dog that stands out in a crowd, meet the Chinese Crested.

The hairless variety has smooth exposed skin with silky hair on the head, feet and tail. But there’s also the Powderpuff Chinese Crested, which is covered in a soft coat from head to toe.

Both varieties stay small.

They’re affectionate companion dogs with a truly distinctive appearance—and proof that small dogs certainly don’t all look alike.

What people love: Unique appearance, affectionate personality and two very different coat varieties.

16. Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier combines the compact size of a toy dog with the lively personality you’d expect from a terrier.

They’re sleek, alert and athletic little dogs that often enjoy having something to do.

This isn’t necessarily the breed for someone looking for a dog that plans to spend every waking hour on a pillow. A Toy Fox Terrier can bring plenty of energy and entertainment into a small package.

What people love: Playful nature, smooth coat and spirited personality.

17. Affenpinscher

We’ll finish with one of the most distinctive little dogs of all.

The Affenpinscher’s shaggy face and confident expression have helped earn it a reputation as a wonderfully amusing little character.

They’re compact but hardly timid-looking. In fact, an Affenpinscher can give the impression that it’s completely unaware of how small it actually is.

For people who love dogs that are a little unusual, a little scruffy and packed with personality, this breed is hard to overlook.

What people love: Comical expression, fearless attitude and unusual appearance.

Small Dogs Can Have Very Big Personalities

One of the best things about small dogs is just how much variety can fit into such little packages.

You can find silky coats, fluffy coats and barely any coat at all. Some little dogs are enthusiastic athletes. Others are happiest sticking close to their favorite person. Some are outgoing social butterflies, while others can be more selective about who earns their affection.

The AKC notes that small dogs occur across several breed groups and can differ substantially in personality, coat and activity level. So size should be only one part of choosing a dog. American Kennel Club

Think about grooming, exercise, training, children or other pets in the home, and how much time you want your dog to spend accompanying you.

Because while all 17 of these dogs may stay adorably small, there’s nothing small about the role the right dog can eventually play in your life.