A 2019-2020 poll by the American Pet Products Association found that 63.4% of U.S. homes own a dog. In addition, they are the most unwanted pets. A staggering number of dogs (3.3 million annually, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are surrendered to shelters when their owners realise they cannot provide adequate care for them.
Doing your homework is crucial if you want to bring a dog into your home. Being a good pet owner involves being honest with yourself about your limitations. Where do you call home? Do you have a city apartment or a farm? Can a large dog run about freely in your home, or should you stick to a smaller breed? Is it important that the dog be good with children or other pets? Can you give a needy breed the attention it deserves, or would you be better off finding a less demanding pet?
Stacker is meant to make your investigation and choice-making processes easier. We have prepared a list of the 30 most common tiny dog breeds by using information from the dog profiles maintained by the American Kennel Club. Each dog on the list must measure under 20 inches in height and weigh less than 50 pounds. We used the dogs’ 2020 AKC popularity ranking to determine their order of preference.
Smaller dog breeds, such as Yorkies and shih tzus, have long been popular, and for good reason: they have a lot to give despite their size. These well-liked breeds cover the gamut from bubbly personalities to cuddly couch potatoes to high-energy sportsmen, so there should be a canine best friend for everyone.
1. Chinese crested
- Canine stature: between 11 and 13 inches
- Dogs should be 8-12 pounds in weight.
- This article’s 2019 popularity rank is #80. (of 193)
- Personality: warm, alert, and energetic
- Expected lifespan is between 13 and 18 years.
The history of the Chinese crested is mysterious, however it is believed that the breed descended from smaller hairless African dogs that were bred down in size in China. A hairless variant with fur tufts on the head, tail, and ankles, and a coated variation (called the “powderpuff”) with a silky, lustrous mane all over the body, are both available today. These friendly, jovial puppies are perfect for a family because of their kind demeanour and willingness to play.
2. Lhasa Apso
- Dog size: 10-11 inches (male), 9-10 inches (female) (female)
- Dogs between 12 and 18 pounds in size are considered medium (of 193)
- Persona: self-assured, witty, and intellectual
- 12- 15 years max. lifespan
For almost a thousand years, Lhasa Apso dogs have guarded castles and Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Since the 14th Dalai Lama gifted them to Americans in the late 1940s, the long-haired breed has become more popular in the United States. Owners should think carefully about whether or not they can meet the demands of a Lhasa Apso before taking one home, since these dogs have luxurious coats that need frequent brushing and attention to prevent matting, and may be reserved around new people.
3. Miniature pinscher
- Dogs should be 8-10 pounds in weight.
- #74 Most Popular in the U.S. in 2019 (of 193)
- Personality: Bold, Joyful, and Proud
- Twelve to sixteen years is the average lifespan.
- Height of dog: 10–12.5 inches
Miniature pinschers, which originated in Germany, are a lively, headstrong breed that has gained enormous popularity throughout Europe. Experts suggest at least two daily walks for these dogs since they aren’t usually satisfied to simply hang out at home with their owners all day. The dogs are well-known for their distinctive high “hackney” stride, which resembles that of a trotting horse.
4. Cairn terrier
- Dogs typically stand 10 inches tall (males) and 9.5 inches (females) (female)
- Dog weight: 14 lb. (male), 13 lb (female)
- As of this writing (March 2019), the phrase “popularity rank: #72” (of 193)
- Characteristics: vivacious, upbeat, and productive
- Mean lifespan is 13–15 years.
Although Cairn terriers have been used to hunt vermin and foxes in the Scottish Highlands since the 1600s, the breed’s most well-known representative, Terry, didn’t become well known outside of Scotland until 1939, when he was cast as Toto in a low-budget MGM version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Because of their boundless devotion and strong ties with both children and adults, the shaggy, alert, and lively dogs have been called the perfect friends. As long as they receive enough exercise, this breed is adaptable to a wide range of living situations, from urban flats to rural farms of any size.
5. Italian greyhound
- The ideal height for a dog is between 13 and 15 inches.
- Dog weight: 7-14 lbs.
- Position #67 on the All-Time Most-Used List for 2019 (of 193)
- Lifespan: 14-15 years; Personality: lively, attentive, and sensitive
This little dog with the shortest hair is the smallest of the Gazehound (or sighthound) family, and it has its roots in the region that is now Turkey and Greece approximately two thousand years ago. Italian greyhounds are beloved by A-listers like Kylie Jenner because they are kind and energetic. Although they are low-maintenance dogs overall, Italian greyhounds need more attention during the colder months since their low body fat requires extra precautions like sweaters and boots to keep them warm.
6. Cardigan Welsh corgi
- Canine stature: between 10.5 and 12.5 inches
- Puppies and males should weigh between 25 and 34 pounds, while adults may weigh up to 38 pounds (female)
- In terms of expected interest in 2019, this term comes in at position #66. (of 193)
- Characteristics: Warm, Loyal, and Intelligent
- 12- 15 years max. lifespan
A Cardigan Welsh corgi’s appearance would not lead you to believe that this breed is especially active or fond of the great outdoors, but you’d be very much incorrect. One of the earliest British breeds, Cardigan Welsh corgis are believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Celts about 1200 B.C. The little dogs may not seem like much, but they have a “big dog” bark and are very loyal and loving toward kids. The gregarious breed, however, requires daily walks and plenty of outdoor area to run about in.
7. Scottish terrier
- The average dog is 10 inches tall.
- We recommend that your dog not weigh more than 19-22 pounds (males) or 18-21 pounds (females) (female)
- It is now at #56 on the most popular list for 2019. (of 193)
- Personality traits: intrepidness, self-reliance, and a strong sense of adventure
- A twelve year lifespan is the norm.
Scottish terriers, often known as “the diehard,” are reserved and cranky, making them better suited to roles other than that of a lapdog. The breed has been used as a hunting companion for thousands of years, earning it the title of “the oldest variation of the canine race indigenous to Britain” from one specialist. The 1930s and 1940s were the heyday of the Scottish terrier breed, with Fala, President Roosevelt’s dog in World War II, rising to prominence as the breed’s most well-known representative.
8. Soft coated Wheaten terrier
- Size of dog: 18-19 inches (males), 17-18 inches (females) for the Size of dog: 18-19 inches (males), 17-18 inches (females
- Dog weight range: 30-35 lbs. (female), 35+ lbs (female)
- Positioned at #54 on the All-Time Most-Used List for 2019 (of 193)
Lifespan: 12-14 years; Personality: sociable, upbeat, and dedicated;
Wheaten terriers, sometimes known as “iron fist in a velvet glove” dogs, are sturdy agricultural animals known for their luxurious golden coats. Irish puppies are wonderful for families that are ready to put in the time and effort to teach and exercise their affectionate but obstinate natures.
9. papillon
- Size of a dog: 8-11 inches
- Canine mass: 5-10 lb.
- The 2019 popularity ranking for this phrase is #53. (of 193)
- Personality: outgoing, alert, and cheerful
- Average lifespan is just 14-16 years
The term “papillon” comes from the form of the dog’s big ears, which resemble wings (papillon is French for butterfly). Royalty across Europe favoured the breed, and Marie Antoinette even had one of her own, which she named Thisbe. The papillon is a wonderful house pet since it doesn’t need much in the way of particular care. They do well in any temperature, its long coat doesn’t need to be groomed often, and they get along with people of all sizes.
10. English cocker spaniel
- Male dogs average 16-17 inches in height and females 15-16 inches (female)
- Dog weight range: 28-34 lb. (males) and 26-32 lb (female)
- Position #50 on the All-Time Most-Used List for 2019 (of 193)
- Personality: upbeat, joyful, and receptive
- Average lifespan is 12-14 years
Hundreds of years before hunting guns were invented, Englishmen started raising spaniels to help them with bird hunting. This pairing produced English Cocker spaniels, who were popular among Victorian period hunters for tracking down and retrieving feathered prey. The dogs with the silky coats are happy, eager to please, trainable, and wonderful friends.