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What Are the Smallest Dog Breeds? Toy, Teacup, Mini & Small Dogs Explained

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Small dog sleeps while being pet gently on the head

16 Dog Breeds

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Jack Russel Terrier dog breed laying down with head up tilted against a white background

Jack Russell Terrier

A firecracker of a dog, the Jack Russell Terrier’s personality is bigger than its body. They don’t know they’re as small as they are and are ready to take on each day with enthusiasm. Jack Russells are friendly towards people, have a sense of humor, and have boundless energy thanks to their working dog past life. They are fast moving and fast thinking dogs that often lack impulse control, something that can be worked on with training. They like humans and other dogs they are raised with but don’t do well with cats. 

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Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed sitting down against a white background

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed is a highly spirited, sparky pup. They are goofy yet hardy, used to spending days dodging cattle kicks, although more likely now they are spending their days romping in a backyard. They can be well-behaved at home but do bark to alert. They can be scrappy with other dogs and reserved with strangers, but fun-loving and adoring with their owners. 

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Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed laying down looking at camera with white background

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Highly valued as companion pets, the Cavalier is sweet, gentle, playful, and eager to please their owners. They are affectionate and quiet, happy to go wherever their owners go, whether to the couch or on a walk. They are affable and easygoing towards other pets, family members, and strangers. They do retain spaniel instincts, so they love to explore, sniff, and chase when playing outside. 

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Mostly black Dachshund dog breed standing side view with face forward against a white background

Dachshund

Close to the ground, short and sassy Dachshunds aren’t built to win any canine races, but they are built to win hearts. Part cuddle bug and part tiny dictator, this pup can be a pinch stubborn but remains endearing even in its most frustrating moments. Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs since they are always on high alert for their surroundings.

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Close up of a Miniature Dachshund dog breed looking up against a white background

Miniature Dachshund

The pint-sized Miniature Dachshund dog is bold and curious, always ready for an adventure. They enjoy chasing, digging, and engaging in scent-related games or activities. While they can be independent, they love to join in on family activities whenever possible. Dachshunds are generally good with children in their own families, though some may need careful introductions to unfamiliar children.  They tend to be reserved with strangers, and some are prone to barking. The long-haired variety is often quieter and less terrier-like, while the wire-haired variety tends to be more outgoing. Some miniatures may be more timid.

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Lhasa Apso dog breed laying down with white background

Lhasa Apso

While this lion dog might look like a happy-go-lucky lap pup, the Lhasa Apso is a tough, independent, and bold breed. They have been bred for thousands of years as companions to Tibetan monks and can adapt well to small spaces despite also loving romping around outside and mental games. They love nothing more than being close to their owners, and going on as many adventures as they’ll allow. They can be reserved with strangers but are overall highly adaptable. 

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Sitting Norwegian Lundehund dog breed panting against a white background

Norwegian Lundehund

Independent and curious, the Norwegian Lundehund is a free thinker. They can climb and dig, which means they can get up to no good quickly, so it’s important to train them well. They get along well with kids and pets if raised with them. Alert and vigilant watchdogs, they can tend to bark excessively. 

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Miniature Poodle dog breed laying on the grass with head up eagerly looking at the camera

Miniature Poodle

The Mini Poodle is a quick-witted, funny, intelligent, and playful dog in a more compact size than the Standard Poodle. They are eager to please, responsive, obedient, and overwhelmingly popular due to their temperament and non-shedding coat. These pups can be sensitive and initially aloof with strangers. They get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. A bored Mini Poodle can be a noisy one. 

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Shetland Sheepdog breed sitting sideway with head facing the camera and tongue out

Shetland Sheepdog

Bright, sensitive, and willing to please, the Sheltie is an adaptable and hearty farm dog. They are devoted to their families. Their active minds take some time to quiet, and learning how to settle is an important part of their training. They get along well with children, albeit older ones since they are prone to nipping heels and herding while playing which might not be suitable for smaller children. Strangers might find them aloof and reserved, or on the end of a barking fit—Shelties take their job as watchdogs very seriously. 

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Fawn colored Chihuahua dog breed laying down looking at the camera against white background

Chihuahua

Don't be fooled by their dainty size—the Chihuahua packs a spicy personality. These little bundles of curiosity are always on the lookout for adventure, their bright eyes sparkling with mischief and intelligence. While some Chihuahuas possess a regal air, others lean into their feisty side, always ready with a playful nip or a sassy strut. But beneath the bravado lies a heart of pure gold, brimming with love and a devotion that will warm you from the inside out.

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fluffy pekingese dog breed sitting in front of a white background

Pekingese

While they are small pups, they are not timid lap dogs. Courageous and tenacious, these Chinese lion dogs can be outgoing and loving although not overly affectionate. Pekingese dogs are fiercely independent and have a stubborn streak, and some can be aloof. They can be playful around family members but might not be playful enough for children. They don’t like being roughly handled and can be injured easily by small children. 

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Close up of an English Toy Spaniel dog breed panting against a white background

English Toy Spaniel

Happy and smiley, the English Toy Spaniel was bred as a companion dog for the wealthy.  They are eager to please, affectionate, and devoted to their owners. They can have a stubborn streak when training, but consistency and a gentle hand can help motivate them. They are calm, quiet, and friendly dogs that can be aloof with strangers. 

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Maltese dog breed with pony tail sitting against a white background

Maltese

One of the most ancient European toy breeds, the Maltese enjoys its position as a lap dog, although they can have a wild streak and love to romp and play. When socialized well, they are active, friendly, trusting, and a friend to all. Their innocent looks betray the fact that they can be bold and feisty, challenging dogs 10 times their size. They can be reserved around human strangers, but bond exceptionally well with their owners, following them everywhere.  

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Miniature Pinscher

Though classified as a Toy dog, the Miniature Pinscher packs a tenacious terrier's spirit in a pint-sized package. Pinscher translates to "terrier," a fitting description for their bold, fearless, and inquisitive personalities. Min Pins are known to be one of the most active terrier breeds, so be prepared for an energetic partner in crime. Their playful and curious nature can be endearing, but their stubborn streak and independence require consistent training and loads of patience. While reserved with strangers, they shower their loved ones with affection.

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Pomeranian dog breed sitting looking up with tongue out against a white background

Pomeranian

These pint-sized powerhouses are bursting with pep. Don't let their poofy exteriors fool you, Pomeranians are vigilant watchdogs, too. Playtime with other dogs is important for socialization and to ensure good behavior. These tiny alarm systems are ready to shout out should anything be suspicious. Even with all that bark, they're delicate little creatures under all that fur.

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Long haired Yorkshire Terrier dog breed laying with head up against a white background

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies pack a lot of attitude into their small bodies. Lively, curious, and into everything, owners will have to get used to being tailed everywhere by this inquisitive shadow. These pups need a lot of stimulation. Long walks are helpful, but games and toys keep their busy brains occupied.

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