Small dog breeds: a guide to the 20 most popular (with gallery)

 Small dog breeds: a guide to the 20 most popular (with gallery)

Tracy Wilkins

Shih Tzu, Pug, Yorkshire... besides the fact that they are some of the most popular dog breeds in Brazil and worldwide, they have another characteristic in common: they are small breeds. More and more, these small dogs are becoming popular. One of the main reasons is the fact that smaller pets are easier to care for in an apartment. If you are thinking of adopting a dog and preferfor those smaller ones, check out below a guide with the 20 most popular small dog breeds and their main characteristics!

1) The Bichon Frisé is a fun-loving, furry little dog.

The Boston Terrier is a very loyal dog and a true companion of man. It is a very calm dog and easy to deal with on a daily basis. The height of the Boston Terrier does not exceed 43 cm, while its weight is around 5 kg and 11 kg. This small dog is very humorous, does not have a habit of barking and gets along well with any person or animal. The Boston Terrier breed isplayful, but does not need intense activities. Just play with the dog at home and take him for a walk and the pet is already happy.

3) The French Bulldog is a small dog that is easily attached to its owner.

It is very common to confuse the Boston Terrier with the French Bulldog, since, because they have common ancestors, they have some physical similarities. Like the Boston Terrier, the French Bulldog has a small size and is super affectionate. The height of this dog, however, is even smaller, as it measures between 24 cm and 35 cm. The French Bulldog dog usually weighs about 8 kg to 14 kg. The pet is super companionable and attachedto the guardian (care must be taken that he does not develop separation anxiety). Very smart, docile and playful, the French Bulldog breed is perfect for children.

4) The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is famous for its long furry ears

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being a dog of royalty. Since the 17th century, it was already present in the English court and to this day it enchants everyone with its cute and charismatic way. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog is totally sociable and becomes best friends with anyone who crosses its path. Docile, kind and obedient, it does everything to see its tutor happy. In addition, it has aThe Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a height of no more than 30 cm, while its weight is between 5 kg and 8 kg. One of the most striking features of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is its long ears with hairy bangs.

5) The Chihuahua holds the title of the world's smallest dog

Not only is the Chihuahua a small dog, but a dog of this breed holds the title of the smallest dog in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The Chihuahua dog is, on average, 15 cm to 23 cm tall and weighs between 1.5 kg and 3 kg. In other words: it is extremely small! But do not think that size is a document, because the Chihuahua breed has a strong personality and has a great personality.Very energetic and agitated, the Chihuahua dog can't do without a joke. A curiosity about the Chihuahua dog breed is that all color patterns are accepted, with the exception of merle.

6) The Corgi has a protective side and a companion side

The Corgi breed is a favourite of many people because of its passionate personality. This dog measures about 25 cm to 30 cm and weighs an average of 15 kg. Even small, the Corgi has a protective instinct so evident that it was formerly bred to act in herding cattle. However, it is also a true companion dog, which is why it made it Queen Elizabeth's favourite dog. veryIntelligent and companionable, the Corgi dog loves to be with his guardian at any time of the day. Although he is very affectionate, he is also independent and therefore has no problem being left alone for a while if necessary.

7) The Dachshund has short legs and a strong temperament

The Dachshund is the famous Shaggy dog, a breed with an elongated body and short paws. Its weight is, on average, from 3 kg to 9 kg, while its height is between 20 cm and 30 cm. Faithful, playful and energetic, the Dachshund dog is up for any game. On the other hand, this dog has a very strong protective instinct, a characteristic that, together with the dog's super sharp nose, made the breed to beA great badger hunter in the old days, this instinct is still very much present today and can therefore be a bit temperamental. The Dachshund is not aggressive, but can become angry and suspicious if he thinks there is danger.

8) The Jack Russell Terrier has energy to give and sell

Originally a hunting dog, the Jack Russell Terrier is further proof that being small does not mean weakness! This dog breed is super brave, fearless and curious. In addition, the Jack Russell Terrier puppy is the owner of endless energy, being a true companion for guardians in races. All this strong personality is present in its approximately 30 cm and 7 kg. It can havesure that having a Jack Russell Terrier dog at home is synonymous with fun all the time.

9) The Lhasa Apso is a super affectionate and loyal little dog

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Famous for its long hair, the Lhasa Apso is a companion dog and super loyal to the family. Owner of a striking protective instinct, the dog of this breed is always alert and is not afraid to use its powerful dog bark if it deems it necessary. Very docile and affectionate with the family, the Lhasa Apso breed is quiet in everyday life, needing only daily walks to expend its energy. The dogThe Lhasa Apso is very small: it is between 15 cm and 20 cm tall and weighs between 5 kg and 7 kg. For this reason, it is one of the best dog breeds for apartments.

10) The Pomeranian is a companion for all hours

The Pomeranian Lulu is a small dog that has been gaining popularity in recent times not only because of its size (which is ideal for apartments), but also because of its way. Docile, fun and super affectionate, the Pomeranian Lulu dog is the best company anyone can have. In addition to being cute in personality, it is cute in appearance with its voluminous hair that forms a mini mane. The Lulu Lulu is also cute in appearance.The Pomeranian Lulu is the smallest type of the German Sptiz breed, which can have four different sizes. In the case of the Pomeranian Lulu, the height does not exceed 22 cm and its weight does not exceed 3 kg!

11) The Maltese is outgoing and loves to be the center of attention

Known for its completely white and long hair, the Maltese is a slender and charming little dog. It is one of the most popular dog breeds in Brazil and in the world for being a beautiful dog inside and out. The average height of the Maltese breed is around 25 to 30 cm, while its weight is about 4 to 8 kg. Affectionate and completely uninhibited, the Maltese dog loves to show up andIt's impossible not to have fun with this little dog who is easily attached to his guardian and loves him more than anything.

12) The Papillon is famous for its large, open ears

The Papillon is a small-sized dog known for its somewhat exotic appearance. This small furry dog has abundant, voluminous hair, especially in the area of the ears and tail. The ears of the Papillon dog are large and pointed upwards, resembling the shape of a butterfly. The height of this dog varies from 28 to 30 cm and it weighs a maximum of 5 kg. Very sociable and fun, thehe Papillon breed is not short of a good joke.

13) The Pekingese is independent but super loving with the family

The Pekingese does not have this name for nothing. The dog of Chinese origin has a very small size. The height of the Pekingese dog measures between 15 and 23 cm, while its weight does not exceed 6 kg. Because of its small size, it is one of the preferred breeds of dog for apartments. In addition to size, the easy-going personality is another advantage in living with this pet. The Pekingese dog breedhas an independent and calm temperament, while being playful and very friendly. The Pekingese breed has a reputation for being a little less attached to its guardian, but the truth is that it is completely in love with its family and loves to be in the company of its guardian all day long.

14) The Pinscher has a small size but enormous courage

When we talk about a small dog full of attitude, the Pinscher is undoubtedly one of the first that comes to mind. This dog is famous for its strong and determined personality. Surely you have heard that Pinscher is brave, but the truth is that this animal is just not afraid to stand up for what it thinks is right. The Pinscher dog is brave, fearless and very loyal, but not at all aggressive.There are different variations of the Pinscher breed dog according to their size. They range from 15 cm to 30 cm and the weight is between 3 kg and 6 kg. The size of the Pinscher may be small, but the personality is giant.

15) The Poodle is a calm dog that understands the human like no other

It is very easy to understand why the Poodle is so loved. This small dog has a charming little way. Very affectionate, quiet and sociable, the Poodle dog makes anyone fall in love easily. He loves to follow his guardian and make himself present in everyday life. The Poodle dog has a great sensitivity to humans, which means that he always knows if you are on a day out.Like the Pinscher, the Poodle also has variations, with the Toy Poodle (about 30 cm and 4 kg) and the Dwarf Poodle (about 35 cm and 8 kg) being the small-sized versions.

16) The Pug loves to be with his family and can't do without a good nap

Every Pug dog is super affectionate, loving and friendly with everyone. This pet is a true companion and very attached to the tutor. The Pug is an extremely easy dog to deal with on a daily basis, as it is calm and full of love to give. The puppy loves to play, but it is also part of the laziest dog breeds and loves to take a nap. The size of the Pug breed dog is small, witha height of 25 cm to 35 cm and a weight of 6 kg to 10 kg.

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17) The Miniature Schnauzer lives very well in apartments and small spaces

The miniature Schnauzer is the smallest version of the Schnauzer breed. The name says it all about the size of the animal. The height of the miniature Schnauzer dog is 30 to 35 cm, while its weight is around 4 to 8 kg. The mini breed is the most sought after version of Schnauzer, as its size allows it to live in apartments without problems. The dog of the miniature Schnauzer breed is the owner of a protective instinctkeen, in addition to being an animal attached to the family and super docile.

18) The Shih Tzu is always willing to play and have fun

The Shih Tzu is that cute dog in appearance and personality. Its voluminous coat that can have all possible color patterns is a charm. As for the temperament, we can characterize the Shih Tzu dog as extroverted, playful and attached. He is also independent and sometimes stubborn. In addition, the Shih Tzu dog practically does not bark, which only further improves the dog's personality.The size of the Shih Tzu is one of its most striking characteristics: it measures about 27 cm and weighs between 4 and 8 kg.

19) The West Highland White Terrier is super charismatic and lively

The West Highland White Terrier is named after its white coat. It is a breed of dog that does not grow much, ideal for those who live in small spaces. The height of the West Highland White Terrier is no more than 28 cm and its weight is between 6 kg and 8 kg. The little dog is playful and loves to spend all the time around the family, to whom he is super faithful. Very charismatic and fun-loving.fun, the West Highland White Terrier is a great companion, just be aware that he can be a little stubborn.

20) The Yorkshire has a strong and fearless personality

The Yorkshire is one of the main representatives of small dogs that are pure courage! This dog is part of the Terrier group and, like the other breeds of this group, is super determined and knows how to impose itself when it thinks it is necessary, including through barking. Very intelligent and loving, the Yorkshire dog is obedient and does everything he needs to make his owner happy. The pet is always well disposed to the environment.The height of the Yorkshire breed is around 20 cm. They are very small, weighing an average of 3.5 kg.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.