Small dogs
Tiny Tots... To Have and To Hold

These small dogs are all extra special little creatures needing lots of loving care and most must live indoors and (preferably on your lap!).

50 Types of small dog breeds, small and fluffy white dogs, smooth coated black dogs, hypoallergenic dogs with long and short coats.

We have defined them to the miniature dogs; under 20 lbs or less (10 kgs or less). Detailed below are the vital statistics of many of the small dog breeds.

We specify their weight, size, types of coats, grooming requirements and most suitable family life for each of the most popular miniature dog breeds.

There is a separate list for the rare dog breeds in this weight and size group. Toy Dog Breeds, the extra tiny tots are also grouped together for easy reference.

Bichon Frise

Weight - 6.5 lbs or less (3kgs)
Height - 10-12 inches (25 to 30 cms)
Pure white, cream and apricot.
Curly outer coat
Low shedding, Daily brushing.
Companion pet
Life Expectancy about 14 years
Happy dog. A good choice of small dogs for small accommodation.

Boston Terrier Dogs

Weight - 9.5 - 23 lbs (4.5 - 11.kgs)
Height - 15 -17 inches (38 - 43 cms)
Striking black and white markings
Short and smooth coat.
Low maintenance, low shedding
Companion and family Pet
Life expectancy - 12 - 14 years
Lively, intelligent, stubborn. These small dogs are ideal with children.

Griffon Bruxellois

Weight - 6.5 - 11 lbs (3 - 5 kgs)
Height - 7 - 8 inches (18 - 20 cms)
Black, black and tan or red
Long, slightly disheveled coat
Low maintenance, hand stripping 3 times a year
Companion and good family pet
Life Expectancy - 12 to 14 years
Obedient, full of personality. Very cute types of dogs for any family.

King Charles Cavalier

Weight - 10 - 18 lbs (5 - 8 kgs)
Height - 12 - 13 inches (30 - 33 cms)
White and chestnut, red, black, tan
Long, straight and silky coat
Low maintenance, weekly combing
Loving family pet and companion
Life expectancy - Between 10 and 14 years
Soothing and non-aggressive. Perfect small dogs for older people.

Chihauhua

Weight - 2 - 6 lbs (1 to 3 kgs)
Height - 6 - 9 inches (15 - 23 cms )
Any color, solid or marked
Short glossy coat, or soft wavy
Low maintenance, weekly brushing
Lap dog, companion, not for children
Life expectancy - 12 - 14 years
Intelligent and alert. The smallest of all toy dog breeds, perfect for traveling.

Coton de Tulear

Weight - 9 - 12.5 lbs (4 to 6 kgs)
Height - 9.5 - 11.5 inches (23 - 28 cms)
White, also with champagne head.
Hypoallergenic coat, more hair than fur
Low shedding, regular brushing
Affectionate, loves his owner
Life expectancy - 14 - 18 years
Endearing and very trainable. Very pretty, cuddliest small dogs.

Miniature Dachshund

Weight - 9 - 10 lbs (4 - 4.5 kgs)
Height - 9 - 11 inches (22 to 27 cms)
Red, chestnut, black and tan, dappled
Short coat, dense or wirehaired
Minimal maintenance, Wirehaired needs brushing
Good companions,
Life expectancy - 14 - 17 years
Personality - Lively and affectionate. Should not climb on furniture.

Toy Fox Terrier
Separate Breeds include Smooth and Wirehaired

Weight - 12.5 - 16 lbs (6 - 8 kgs)
Height - 12 - 13 inches (30 to 32cms)
White with black or tan markings.
Dense coat/Wiry like coconut matting
Low maintenance occassional hand stripping.
Good family pet
Life expectancy -13 - 14 years
Very trainable. Watchdog. Best of small dogs if you love the outdoors.

Japanese Chin

Weight - 2 - 10.5 lbs (1 - 5 kgs)
Height - 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cms)
Black and white, or red and white
Profuse. long straight and silky hair
Regular bushing
Good family pet, companion
Life expectancy - 12 years
Quiet. Unobtrusive. Watchdog, One of the best of toy dog breeds for indoor living.

Lhaso Apso

Weight - 12.5 - 15 lbs (6 - 7 kgs)
Height - 10 - 13 inches (25 - 28 cms)
Golden, black, grey, white, particolor.
Straight, long sweeping coat.
Vigorous daily brushing
Loving one man dog
Life expectancy - 14 - 16 years
Wary of strangers, good watchdog. Miniature dogs for an individual.

Maltese

Weight - 4 - 6.5 lbs (2 - 3 kgs)
Height - 10 - 12 inches (20 - 25 cms)
Color - White, slight lemon markings allowed
Coat - Long, straight and silky coat
Low shedding, daily grooming essential
Ideal family pet
Life expectancy - 14 - 15 years
Lively, intelligent, sweet natured. Types of dogs - for those who are hypo-allergenic.

Miniature Schnauzer

Weight - (9 - 15.5 lbs) 4 - 7kg
Height - 12 - 14 inches (30 - 35 cms)
Black, or salt and pepper. No white markings
Hard, wiry and thick coat
Maintenance - Daily bushing and regular grooming.
Very devoted and loves children.
Life expectancy - 12 - 14 years
Alert, affectionate and territorial. These types of dogs is the top small dog breed that doubles as a guard dog.

Papillon Dogs

Weight - 8 - 10.5 lbs (4 - 5 kgs)
Height - 10 - 13 inches (20 - 28 cms)
Color - White with colour, black and white.
Coat - Long, straight and silky.
Maintenance - Regular brush, occasional bathing.
Family - House dog and companion
Life expectancy 13 - 15 years
Personality - Non aggressive and gentle. Perfect small dogs for the elderly.

Pekingese

Weight - 6.5 - 13 lbs (3 - 6 kgs)
Height - 7 - 11 inches (15 - 23 cms)
All colors except albino or liver
Long, straight coat
Thorough daily grooming
Prefers being a Lapdog
Life expectancy - 12 - 13 years
Courageous and bold. Very pretty toy dog breeds for loving family (prefer no small children).

Pomeranian

Weight - 4 - 6.5 lbs (2 -3 kgs)
Height - 10.5 - 13 inches (22 - 28 cms
Black, orange, cream, chocolate, blue.
Profuse coat. Straight and harsh texture.
Daily brushing.
Indoor pet
Life expectancy - over 15 years
Spirited and vivacious. These miniature dogs are great for those wanting a longevity dog.

French Toy Poodle

Weight - 12.5 lbs (6kgs)
Height - under 13 inches (under 28cms)
Any solid color
Abundant, very curly coats.
High maintenance, professional clipping
Great family pet
Life expectancy - 14 - 17 years
Intelligent and energetic. An expensive to maintain but one of the most beautiful of all small dogs.

Pug dogs

Weight - 12.5 - 17 lbs (6 - 8 kgs)
Height - 10 -13 inches (25 - 28 cms)
Color - Solid black or silvery, apricot or fawn.
Short, smooth coat.
Low maintenance, occasional brushing. Heavy shedder.
Excellent with children
Life expectancy - 13 - 15 years
Personality - Intelligent. Affectionate. These types of dogs are perfect for families with children.