The Cutest Small Dog Breeds In The World, Ranked

There's a reason why dogs have been by humans' side for thousands of years. They're just so cute! But which ones are the cutest? It's all a matter of personal preference. To some, small white dogs are the epitome of adorability. However, there's something to be said for flat-faced pooches. And what about pups that have the "it's-so-ugly-it's-cute" charm? Needless to say, there's a canine for everyone.

Here, we delve into dogs that undeniably have the "aww" factor, explaining their unique care considerations, temperaments, and what first-time owners should expect. While many "designer dogs" are making waves in the pet community, we're going to focus on purebred canines in the American Kennel Club's registry -– particularly those that weigh under 20 pounds.

A note: While the dogs on this list are undeniably adorable, if you're looking to adopt, be prepared to ask for key information. A breeder or shelter should readily offer details about a pup's age, health issues, and possible behavioral concerns. Having these facts will help you make an informed decision when choosing to bring a new best friend home.

Many people are familiar with Chinese crested dogs. They're easily recognizable because they're mostly hairless, save a few tufts on their head and tail. Unfortunately, Chinese crested at large have a reputation for being ugly, as evidenced in the hit movie "Deadpool and Wolverine" which features Dogpool, a pug and Chinese crested mix.

Yet, Chinese crested dogs come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Powderpuffs are covered in soft fur that almost feels like down to the touch. Standing just 13 inches at the withers, these pint-sized cuties come in many color combinations, from apricot to black and white.

These dogs are adored by their owners because they're affectionate and feel weightless in their arms. An important thing to know about Chinese crested is that, like many small dogs, they have little insulation to protect them when temperatures drop. Dressing your dog in sweaters, vests, and other wintertime apparel can not only add an extra element of style, but prevent hypothermia.

Searching for a bony little guy with doe-like eyes? Look no further than the Italian greyhound (a.k.a. Iggies), a small dog known for its sensitive, timid nature. These are the smallest sighthounds, weighing less than 14 pounds and standing up to 15 inches tall. They're not the most popular breed (ranking No. 62 out of the AKC's 201 registered breeds in 2023), but they're cherished family members who are affectionate with loved ones and thrive in the company of other, similarly-sized dogs. In the eyes of many, Italian greyhounds strongly resemble the larger whippet.

Iggies come in 17 colors according to the breed standard, including red fawn, blue, and sable. They have short fur that sheds little, and they're not big barkers, making them ideal dogs for apartment dwellers. Italian greyhounds need some patience when it comes to housebreaking, but with time, they can learn to do their business either outside or on a pee pad.

The Italian greyhound's compact frame comes with a downside: these dogs are extremely susceptible to bone breaks. That's why they're not recommended for households with young, rambunctious children. But aside from that, they are fairly healthy and can live well into their teen years with proper care.

Biewer terriers can't help themselves; they're just too cute to function! Not only are they extremely loyal, but they love playing with toys and other dogs. Their long, flowing locks make them irresistible to many owners, and they're often seen with a bow in their hair to prevent fur from getting in their eyes.

These toy terriers are tri-colored, coming in combinations of blue, black, tan, and white. To keep these dogs' coats healthy, they need daily combing to prevent mats and tangles. This does more than keep a dog looking (and feeling) its best; it also prevents the development of adverse skin conditions that can lead to hair loss.

Biewer terriers are ideal for older individuals who enjoy short walks around the neighborhood. These dogs don't crave large amounts of exercise, and they're perfectly content indoors lounging with loved ones. Here's some more good news! Unlike many other dogs in the toy group, the biewer terrier, while opinionated, isn't an excessive barker. They're also moderately trainable and can live to enjoy their Sweet 16.

Affenpinschers aren't the most popular dog, but in the eyes of many, they're certainly the funniest! Affectionately known as "monkey terriers", these small, grizzled pups love being the center of attention – even if that means engaging in a bit of mischief! There's a reason why in French, the Affenpinscher is called "diablotin moustachu", which translates to "mustached little devil".

These flat-faced dogs stand up to 11.5 inches tall and generally weigh under 10 pounds, and just like many small canines, they enjoy riding in strollers, being carried around, and admired for their perpetually grumpy faces. Affenpinschers come in five colors: red, beige, black, black and tan, and black and silver. Across many categories, from their barking level to their affection with family members, the AKC ranks these dogs in the middle. They're not terribly loud, but they're not the quietest. They're not extremely friendly, but with time, they can become loyal companions.

Miniature dachshunds are the extra small version of the standard dachshund, barely tipping the scales at 11 pounds. What makes these little guys so special isn't just their elongated body shape or feisty personalities; they also come in many different color and pattern combinations. For example, "Isabella" miniature dachshunds almost look like a pale shade of lilac. This coloring is caused by a recessive gene that produces a diluted chocolate, and dogs with coats of this shade generally have pale green eyes, adding another layer to their allure. Miniature dachshunds also appear in black, blue, wheaten, cream, and even "wild boar," where a single strand of hair could have multiple colorations.

Here's something even better about these small hounds: their fur comes in three types. For lovers of classic miniature dachshunds, there's the short-haired variety. This requires very little grooming aside from a once-a-week brushing. For more fashion-oriented dog lovers, there's the long-haired variety, where a miniature dachshund's fur feels more like hair, and it needs daily brushing to avoid mats and tangles. Finally, there's the scruffy wire-haired miniature dachshund that need to be handstripped periodically. This requires removing dead hair to encourage new growth.

If you want to adopt a dog with an air of sophistication, the Pekingese could make a wonderful companion. As its name suggests, Pekingese were bred in ancient Peking, China, as beloved pets of the aristocracy, and even after making their way westward, these little guys still believe they're heirs to the throne. But what makes these dogs so cute? These low-to-the-ground pups have long hair that nearly obscures their legs, giving them a rolling gait. They also come in an array of rich colors, from biscuit to black to white.

Pekingese don't need a lot of space, and as a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, they don't need lots of exercise. In fact, too much exercise could lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration. These royal relics of China are perfectly content lounging at home and going for short, periodic walks up and down the block.

While not mischievous by nature, Pekingese can be opinionated and hard to train. They simply won't stand for harsh criticism and small, rambunctious children. They love being pampered and brushed with a deshedding comb to keep their double coat shiny and soft.

The papillon gets its name from French, meaning "butterfly," because its ears resemble butterfly wings! But that's not the only thing to love about this toy dog breed. For starters, these are some of the smallest dogs in the AKC's registry, weighing under 10 pounds and standing less than a foot tall. With their shimmering black eyes and small heads, papillons are often mistaken for long-haired Chihuahuas. Yet, make no mistake! The Papillon is a breed all on its own.

Papillons are often used in the creation of the Austi-pap, an emerging designer breed where breeders will combine the medium-sized Aussie with the smaller sapillon to create a pint-sized version of the beloved bobtail dog. Not only will puppies have the characteristic shaggy fur and folded ears of Australian shepherds, but they'll also inherit the papillon's affable nature.

Personality-wise, these dogs are renowned for being friendly and happy, seldom missing an opportunity to show affection or play with small children in the household. Unlike many small dogs, papillons are tiny athletes, regularly competing in agility, dock-diving, and obedience competitions. Their eager-to-please nature combined with their natural showmanship on the playing field makes them a welcome companion for any dog lover.

Meet the miniature pinscher (also called the "min pin"), the "king of toys". They make perfect companions for owners who yearn for a larger dog but simply don't have the space or lifestyle. With their fox-like ears and tails that naturally curl upward, miniature pinschers resemble the larger Doberman pinscher, but make no mistake: these dogs are not related. They also have very different personalities; whereas Dobermans are moderate barkers, miniature pinschers are known for being very yappy.

While these short-coated dogs come in many colors, only a handful are accepted in dog shows, including black and rust, stag red, and chocolate and tan. Their coats aren't as plush as, say, a Pekingese, but it's sleek to the touch. A well-maintained miniature pinscher will likely be brushed once a week to remove shed hair and dead skin.

Miniature pinschers have a distinctive walking style. It resembles a high-stepped trot, similar to a horse or pony. Although these dogs thrive with constant stimulation, they must be closely supervised to prevent broken bones and other injuries to their delicate frames. This may require some mandated naps and breaks; min pins will play and play and play for hours, risking overexertion.

Move over, Chihuahuas–there's a new purse-dwelling pooch in town! Pomeranians are tiny, 3-pound poofballs who look like scaled-down versions of the blue-tongued Chow Chow. These dogs feel weightless in their owners' arms, which is why they're often seen riding in purses or being carried around town. They come in gold, chocolate, and brindle, and more –– the list goes on and on.

There's a reason why these dogs are in the top 11th percentile of the AKC's registered breeds; they're described as being lively, bold, and pretty inquisitive for a canine this size. Moreover, these pups are here for both a good time and a long time. They routinely reach their double digits, sometimes hitting 16 years old. Even better, when properly bred, these dogs experience few health problems throughout their long lives.

So, what else is there to know besides being cute and long-lived? Pomeranians are excellently suited for families, holding nothing back when it comes to showing love and affection. They also fare well with other dogs and are generally content hanging out at home.

Ever heard the term, "It's so ugly, it's cute"? Look no further for a little wheezing goblin than the pug. Popularized by the 1997 film "Men in Black", pugs are flat-faced, mischievous little guys who love children and aren't afraid to show their emotions. They have a Latin phrase associated with them: "multum in parvo", which translates to "a lot in a little".

Weighing 18 pounds at most, pugs are easily recognizable by their fawn bodies and black masks. Yet, they can also come in all black. Their corkscrew tail draped over the lower back offers another layer of cuteness to this ancient yet ever-evolving breed. Many owners can't resist their sparkling dark eyes below their wrinkled foreheads.

If you're looking for a versatile, small dog, the pug could make a solid choice. They're great for both small and large spaces and suitable for families and single-person households. Even better, unlike many dogs in the AKC's toy group, they're not big barkers. They're just too friendly to make efficient guard dogs!

Toy fox terriers are truly the "best of both worlds" for admirers of toy dogs and tenacious terriers. Sporting a smooth satin coat, these pups stand just 11.5 inches at the shoulders and rarely pass the 9-pound mark. But don't let size fool you! This is not a low-maintenance breed. As a true terrier, these dogs thrive with steady mental stimulation and activities. A bored toy fox ferrier may resort to excessive barking and mischief to get its owner's attention!

Like miniature pinschers, toy fox terriers have cat-like ears and sleek, short fur. These lively dogs are always on the move and won't waste a moment's time when alerting their owners to suspicious happenings – even if it's just the mailman. Per the AKC's breed standard, there's no such thing as a solid-coated toy fox terrier. These dogs come in combinations of white and black, white and tan, and even white, chocolate, and tan. Many of them have markings that resemble eyebrows, adding to their naturally inquisitive nature.

Within the poodle breed, there are three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Many people are drawn to toy poodles because they offer the same intelligence, trainability, and goofiness of standard poodles but in a compact (and arguably cuter!) package. Measuring no more than 10 inches, toy poodles have plush, fine fur that feels like hair as it grows. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, poodles molt less than other dogs, therefore releasing fewer allergens that trigger coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Aside from being tiny, toy poodles have versatile coats that lend themselves to different grooming styles. The French poodle cut is a classic trim that leaves hair atop the dog's head, tail, and where the joints meet. While the style is undeniably fashionable, it once held a utilitarian use for these water-loving dogs.

Other styles include the "teddy bear cut", where the fur on the dog's body is kept short but is longer on the face and ears. It's never recommended to shave a toy poodle, as this can affect how the pup regulates their body temperature. Yet, a groomer may shave a dog if there are too many mats and tangles.

Named for Havana, Cuba, these dogs get 10s across the board for their affection, loyalty, and ability to co-exist with other household pets. These cheerful little pups, with their silky coats and sparkling brown eyes, are becoming increasingly popular for city dwellers. They don't require a lot of space, and while moderate barkers, they view strangers as friends.

These double-coated canines revel in being regularly combed as a way to bond with their owners. Because their hair can grow into their eyes, many pet parents adorn their Havanese with bows so they can see. Havanese can weigh up to 13 pounds and stand 11.5 inches tall. Under the right conditions, they can live well into their teen years. There's a color for everybody, as these dogs come in gold brindle, silver, and of course, the iconic white.

If you love playing with a dog who only has eyes for you, look no further. Smart, personable, and undeniably funny, the Havanese is well-suited for any household. Just be prepared to engage in long play sessions; these pups love to have fun!

Bolognese isn't just the name of a tasty Italian dish; it's also the name of a rare (yet adorable) dog breed. A member of the bichon family, these small white dogs are fairly easy going compared to Maltese and bichon frisé. They also take themselves quite seriously, sometimes wearing a judgmental frown that seems to ask, "Really? You're doing that?"

Bolognese generally weigh 6 to 10 pounds, standing about a foot high at maximum. Their wavy, long fur seldom sheds, and they only need combing once every other day to maintain their overall appearance. In the small dog world, the Bolognese is a couch potato. They'll only play when you want to, and they're perfectly content falling asleep in your lap while you watch TV.

A word of advice: Bolognese are extremely devoted to their owners, almost to a fault. They can become quite stressed if left alone for even a few hours. They hate being excluded! For that reason, if you work a nine-to-five job, you may consider getting a more independent dog. Yet, if you've recently retired, the Bolognese will make the most of your golden years.