The 15 Smallest Dog Breeds

Is a small breed right for you? Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary and expert on all things dog, shares the 15 smallest dog breeds and their winning attributes.

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1. Chihuahua

Not exceeding six pounds, the Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a big personality. The breed is known to be loyal and charming with a big dog attitude. Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs with strong natural instincts. They are courageous and extremely devoted and protective

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2. Affenpinscher

Part of the toy group and weighing only seven to 10 pounds, Affenpinschers are courageous, bold, and feisty. Although often independent and stubborn, they are very intelligent and generally eager to please the humans that they’ve bonded with.

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3. Brussels Griffon

Weighing eight to 10 pounds, the Brussels Griffon is part of the toy group. Griffs are known to be alert, curious, and loyal. They are typically quite sensitive and devoted to their people, but they’re also sociable and easily trained.

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4. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a toy breed weighing only four to eight pounds. They’re known to be amusing, devoted, and intelligent. They are also easy to train, making for a great family pet.

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5. Poodle (Toy)

A member of the toy group, the Toy Poodle weighs in at four to six pounds. With an abundance of steady character and intelligence, the Toy Poodle is easy to train.

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6. Papillon

The Papillon is a happy, friendly, and alert dog. Part of the toy group, they weigh only five to 10 pounds. They are intelligent dogs and eager to please the humans that they’ve developed a bond with.

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7. American Eskimo Dog (Toy)

A member of the non-sporting group, the American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: toy (weighing 6–10 lbs), miniature (10–20 lbs), and standard (20–25 lbs). Eskies are known to be alert and friendly, although sometimes reserved with strangers. They are among the most trainable breeds; clever, kid-friendly, and eager to please.

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8. Yorkshire Terrier

Weighing only around seven pounds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a lot of dog in a little package. Part of the terrier group, the Yorkie is described as sprightly, tomboyish, and affectionate. Yorkies love their owners and are very intelligent and eager to please.

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9. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers are eight to 10 pounds of pure affection. This breed is great with other dogs and loves to play. They require a lot of mental stimulation and chit chat to get through the day. You will always feel loved and protected with this breed.

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10. Russian Terrier

The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, lively dog weighing up to 6.5 pounds. They are active, cheerful, smart, and eager to please. They love to be close to their humans but can be aloof with strangers.

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11. Manchester Terrier (Toy)

The Toy Manchester Terrier is an affectionate breed that does not reach over 12 pounds. They are extremely playful, adaptable, and protective of their loved ones. This breed is truly a family dog.

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12. Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers are a true mix of a toy and a terrier. Weighing between four and nine pounds, these entertaining and playful little dogs possess the spirit and courage of a terrier. They are typically playful their whole lives.

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13. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins are a very sociable breed that get along with other dogs and people. They typically weigh between seven and 11 pounds and are an extremely affectionate family dog.

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14. Maltese

This lovey-dovey breed is well behaved around other dogs and strangers. You can always count on this breed for a cuddle. Malteses typically weigh under seven pounds and are highly adaptable.

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15, Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is an affectionate family dog. Weighing between three and seven pounds, these adaptable little dogs are easy to train and always have the energy to play.

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!