The 30 Most Popular Small Dog Breeds in America

Border terriers stand out because of their unique head shape. The head looks like an otter’s head. These dogs, who were bred by farmers along the Scottish-English border to run along with foxhounds, stand about 15 inches tall and weigh about 15 pounds.

The Basenji is a breed known for not barking — its nickname is Africa’s “barkless dog” (it originated in the Congo) — but it is not silent. This type of hound dog whines and whimpers just like any other breed.

Russell terriers were originally bred to be used as foxhunters in England. They are very active and energetic. These small dogs don’t usually grow taller than 12 inches and weigh between 12 and 15 pounds.

This tiny dog is known for its soft white coat that feels like cotton — or “coton” in French. Its nickname is the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” because it’s originally from the island country in the Indian Ocean.

The Chinese crested belongs to the toy group — a class of small but very affectionate dogs. They are known for their spotted pink skin and feathery tail and ears. The coated variety is called the “powderdruff.”

The Lhasa apso goes back more than a millennium with roots as sentinels in Tibetan monasteries high in the Himalayas. The breed is famous for its very long, flat-hanging coat. It is the earthly representative of Tibet’s mythical protector, the Snow Lion, according to the local folklore.

Min Pins — often called the “kings of toys” — don’t usually grow more than a foot tall. Where they come from is unclear but some experts say they may be a cross between a dachshund and an Italian greyhound.

Cairn terriers were bred to be fearless and to hunt foxes and other small prey. They like to spend time outside where they can explore and dig around. After all, these dogs lived on preserves and farms in Scotland for centuries.

Corgis are famous for being Queen Elizabeth’s favorite dogs and she’s had many since the 1940s. She has Pembroke Welsh corgis; the Cardigan Welsh corgis are their close cousins. The way to tell them apart is to look at the tail: Cardigans have tails; Pembrokes do not.

Scottish terriers have been among the most popular dogs in America since the late 1930s when Humphrey Bogart and Shirley Temple had them. Contrary to popular belief, Scotties can be trained, even though it may take longer because they are very independent.

Papillons belong in the toy group of dogs. They typically measure between 8 and 11 inches high and weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. One of their most distinctive features is their big, wing-shaped ears. They make the dog look like a butterfly, hence the name papillon, which means butterfly in French.

It’s easy to see why many people would love to have a Bichon frise. Their baby faces and fluffy fur, which is always white, and the fact that they are always happy and affectionate, make them irresistible. The Bichon, as the breed is often called, descended from the Barbet of Water-Spaniel breeds, hence the name “Barbichon,” which was later shortened to “Bichon.”

The Shiba Inu is originally from Japan. It is the smallest, and some say the oldest, spitz dog that came from the country. Just like the Scottish terrier, it may take a long time to train the Shiba Inu, and training has to start when it’s really young because it’s very free-spirited and independent.

Westies, as they are called for short, were bred to hunt underground rodents like rats. Don’t be fooled by their size — standing just about 11 inches at the shoulder — and their sweet personality, these white terriers are very strong and tough.

Basset hounds, also known as hush puppy dogs, were bred to hunt rabbits and other small prey by following their scent. They are known for their long low-set ears that drag on the ground (which helps them pick up a prey’s smell).

The Maltese is one of the friendliest dogs out there. It is extremely social and does not tolerate being alone very well. This toy dog is known for its silky, straight, and thick fur covering its body. The Maltese may be a good choice for people with allergies because it sheds very little.

The miniature American shepherd looks just like a regular American shepherd but smaller. And it loves horses. Similar to other herding dogs, the mini has a lot of energy and is very loyal.

The chihuahua is among the smallest dogs. It is no more than 5 to 8 inches tall and weighs no more than 6 pounds. It is one of the oldest South American breeds — dating back to the 15th century — and a national symbol of Mexico.

Cocker spaniels belong to the sporting group of dogs, which were bred to work with hunters. The cocker was America’s most popular breed for several years, according to the AKC. It has a lot of energy and loves to play, which makes it great pets for kids.

Havanese is the only dog breed of Cuban origin. It is very social and makes a wonderful city dog. Two of the more famous people who had Havanese are Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway.

The Pom, the smallest of the spitz breeds, is one of the world’s most recognizable toy breeds thanks to its double coat and foxy face. It is very easily trained and can quickly master tricks. The dog is typically about 6 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds.

The Shih Tzu, which means “lion dog,” is famous for being really sweet with children. It was developed by imperial breeders in the palace of the Chinese emperor — but does perfectly fine living in an apartment.

These minis were bred to be all-around farm dogs and are great watchdogs. Two of their signature features are the bushy beard and eyebrows. They were bred from their cousin, the standard schnauzer, which has a lineage going back to the 1400s.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is about a century old. It is a mixture of a toy breed with the athleticism of a sporting dog. It is a house dog that loves to hang out with people and doesn’t like to be left alone.

Fans of “The Crown,” a popular Netflix show about the British royal family, will recognize the Pembroke Welsh Corgi as it is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite dog breed. It is a herding breed that can be a wonderful pet if its owners are as physically active as it is.

The dachshund, which belongs in the hound group of dogs, is known for its long, low body and little legs. The standard breed does not usually grow higher than 8 or 9 inches; the miniature is about 5 or 6 inches tall. It is a national symbol of Germany.

Yorkies are known today as cute lap dogs but they were originally bred to be ratters in mines and mills. They may be tiny and weigh no more than 7 pounds, but they have the personality of a real terrier — tenacious, feisty, and brave.

Poodles are perhaps the most famous aristocrat dog breed. They have a reputation for being dumb and sassy but this could not be farther from the truth. They are actually among the smartest dogs. Poodles are also very athletic and can be easily trained.

The beagle, a scent dog, was bred to hunt and live in packs. It is very social and likes the company of other dogs, as well as people. There are two types of beagles but neither grows taller than 15 inches.

Famous for their “bat ears,” the French bulldog is great for people who live in the city, as it is very adaptable. The French bulldog is a relaxed and loyal dog, which makes it ideal for single owners as well as couples and families.