SMALL BREEDS :
Chihuahua
Weight: 6 pounds or less
Height: 5–8 inches
Chihuahuas are charming little dogs who make adorable companions thanks to their sassy personalities and spunky nature. One of the longest living dog breeds, Chis are full of energy and liven up any room they’re in—which is usually whatever room their beloved pet parents are in.
Pomeranian
Weight: 3–7 pounds
Height: 6–7 inches
With their cute strut and beautiful coat, Pomeranians are a popular lap dog. But they weren’t always the little dog breed we know today—Pomeranians are actually descended from sled dogs, and their predecessors weighed around 30 pounds. But once they captivated Queen Victoria and became more popular, Poms were selectively bred to be the tiny, cute dogs we know today.
Yorkshire Terrier
Weight: 7 pounds
Height: 7–8 inches
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog. Like other small dog breeds, Yorkies don’t handle the cold well and may be prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Shih Tzu
Weight: 9–16 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
Small but mighty, the Shih Tzu was bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to look like a little lion. These tiny, cute dogs are very attached to their pet parents and their long and luxurious coats need lots of attention to stay tangle-free. This breed does best with an attentive family who will brush them a few times throughout the week.
Papillon
Weight: 5–10 pounds
Height: 8–11 inches
Elegant and stylish, Papillons are named after their wispy ears that resemble butterfly wings (papillon means “butterfly” in French). This small dog is also highly intelligent and needs ample activity and mental stimulation to ward off boredom. Some of the Papillon’s favorite pastimes are taking long walks, running an agility course, and playing with their favorite people.
Toy Poodle
Weight: 4–6 pounds
Height: 10 inches or less
Toy Poodles are the smallest of the Poodle breeds (the other two being the Standard and the Miniature). Like their larger cousins, Toy Poodles are smart and playful, and they probably don’t mind bath night (which should be every two to four weeks).
Affenpinscher
Weight: 7–10 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
German for “monkey terrier,” it’s easy to see how the Affenpinscher got their name: Their distinctive flat, bearded face makes this small dog breed look more like a monkey than a pup. Like other little dogs, Affenpinschers have a long lifespan that can reach 15 years or more.