Small Dog Breed Pictures

Small may be a relative term when it comes to dog breeds, but all the dogs you'll meet here, including this sassy Pug, fit that description in one way or another. If you see a breed that interests you, click on "More Details" to learn more about it.

Bichon Frises are sturdy little dogs with happy-go-lucky natures. Their beauty comes at a price, though. They require quite a lot of grooming and regular trimming to keep their coats in good shape.

The average Bichon stands between 9-1/2 and 11-1/2 inches tall at the shoulder.

Boston terriers are known for their ability to get along well with family members of all ages, from babies to seniors. They are intelligent, gentle dogs, but they can also be quite playful and rambunctious when the occasion calls for it.

Bostons require very little grooming, so they are a favorite with owners who need an easy-to-care-for breed. They range in weight from 15 to 20 pounds.

Chihuahuas may be small, but they have the attitude of a big dog - bold, feisty, and intelligent. They are also a bit territorial and may not get along well with other dogs. However, proper socialization at an early age will go a long way toward overcoming this issue.

Chihuahuas can be smooth coated or long coated, and either variety is fairly easy to care for. Ideally, these dogs should not weigh more than 6 pounds.

Japanese Chins are thoughtful little dogs which were bred to be loved and admired. They have a very even temperament, which makes them wonderful for families. Chins do require more grooming than the average breed, and they need to be brushed at least three times a week to prevent matting. Most of these dogs are between 8 and 11 inches tall.

Maltese have gentle, loving natures that make them natural lap dogs. However, they can also be playful and quick to learn tricks with the proper motivation, which is usually a tasty little treat. The breed's beautiful white coat is prized by many dog owners, but it requires daily brushing, weekly bathing, and occasional trimming to keep it in good condition.

Maltese are typically fine boned and ideally range between 4 and 6 pounds, but they shouldn't exceed 7 pounds.

Eager to please their owners, Pomeranians are smart and energetic little dogs that truly love spending time with their favorite people. They do not relish long hours spent alone, so they aren't the best choice for people who work long hours away from home unless the dog can go with them.

Poms have thick, double coats that require thorough brushing to prevent matting. Their weight ranges anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds, but 4 to 6 pounds is just about ideal.

A Pug can be a fun-loving and affectionate addition to any household. Like many small dog breeds, Pugs are intelligent and loyal, but they can become bored with training, so keep training sessions short and focused.

This breed's short coat needs an occasional brushing to collect loose hairs, but the facial wrinkles should be wiped clean daily to prevent them from harboring smelly bacteria.

Size-wise, Pugs range 14 to 18 pounds, with males typically ranging larger than females.

Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal dogs with a generally happy personality. They are also good watchdogs, quick to bark at unfamiliar people. A Shih Tzu's coat never stops growing, so these dogs require a lot of thorough brushing, bathing and trimming to keep them looking in top shape. This is true even if they are kept in a puppy trim.

These dogs range 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh an average of 9 to 16 pounds.

Toy Poodles are intelligent and highly trainable dogs. They have happy and lively dispositions that make them ideal family companions. This breed's thick, wavy coat needs a lot of brushing and trimming to keep it neat and mat free. Many owners rely on professional groomers to keep their pets looking good.

The smallest of the three Poodle varieties, toys should measure less than 10 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Yorkshire terrier is a glamorous little dog with an endearing personality. Don't let those cute looks fool you though. These dogs can be quite feisty. Yorkies have long, flowing coats that are very similar to human hair. They need to be brushed daily and bathed weekly unless they're kept in a short puppy trim.

These dogs range from 4 to 7 pounds on average.

French Bulldogs are affectionate, pleasant, and playful pets that form strong bonds with their owners. They tend to amuse their companions with their goofy antics and funny personalities. Frenchies have short, smooth coats which are very easy to care for, but they do need to have their facial folds washed on a daily basis to keep them clean.

Although relatively small, Frenchies are very solid dogs. However, they should not exceed 28 pounds.

With distinctive looks and gentle personalities, Basset Hounds make great family dogs. They are generally well-behaved and obedient dogs but, like any hound, they can become easily distracted by smells.

Although these dogs may not seem particularly small when you compare them to Chihuahuas or Yorkies, they only stand about 14 inches tall or less at the shoulder.

Dachshunds are curious and lively dogs. Despite their small size, they tend to have bold personalities and can be prone to excessive barking and digging. These dogs come in two size varieties, both comparatively small. Standards weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds while miniatures should weigh no more than 11 pounds once they reach a year old.

What these dogs lack in stature is compensated by their big, adorable personalities. And as you can see, there are many small breeds to explore. If you haven't seen one that appeals to you yet, take a look at some medium and large breeds and find out what they have to offer.