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A to Z Small Dog Breed List
A to Z Small Dog Breed List, the world's 90 smallest dogs.
By Janice Jones
|Last Updated November 2025
Unsure about what small dog is perfect for you? There are similarities among breeds, but the differences may make your decision a little easier. Click the picture to go to the breed profile page.
A "Quick Facts" Section in each profile will give you a, well, quick overview of the breed if your time is short. Happy Hunting.
Oh, and by the way, none of these dogs pictured are hybrids, mixed breeds or designer dogs.
Our Designer Dog List is the place to find information about hybrid breeds.
Did I forget a breed that you think should be added to this list? Please use the contact form at the end of this article to alert me of my omission. I assure you it was not done deliberately.
The Small Dog Breed List contains:
- Purebred Dogs Only
- Dogs less than 35 pounds
- Popular and Rare Breeds
- Links to Breed-Specific Articles (Click on the photo to be taken to the breed profile page
Listing all of these breeds in alphabetical order is one way to organize this large group of dogs, but it is not the only way. If you would prefer to begin your search for a dog by grouping (terriers, toys, herding dogs, non-sporting) check out Breeds of Small Dogs Based on Groups.
Breed Trend Watch 2025
All 90 Small Dog Breed List A to M
Dog Breeds N - Z
Origin: Germany
Original Purpose: Lapdog, Vermin hunter
AKC: Toy
Playful, Spunky, Affectionate
Origin: Alaska, USA
Original Purpose: Companion
UKC: Northern Breed
Alert, Vocal, Loyal
Origin: Germany
Original Purpose: Companion, Watchdog
AKC: Non sporting
Affectionate, Playful, Intelligent
Origin: USA
Original Purpose: Companion Watchdog
AKC: Terrier
Curious, Intelligent, Lively
Origin: Australia
Original Purpose: Hunting mice & rats, sometimes tending sheep
AKC: Terrier
Spirited, Courageous, Alert
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Original Purpose: Vermin hunter
AKC: Hound
Quiet, Intelligent, Curious
Origin: England 1000-1300
Original Purpose: Rabbit Trailing
AKC: Hound Group
Independent, Gentle, Energetic
Origin: Northumbria (England) 1800s
Original Purpose: Hunt rabbits, foxes, weasels AKC: Terriers
Energetic, stubborn, athletic
Read the Bedlington Terrier Breed Profile
Origin: France or Spain 1300s
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Non-sporting Group
Affectionate, Playful, Friendly
Origin: Germany
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Toy
Spirited, Courageous, Alert
Origin: Italy
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Miscellaneous
Spirited, Courageous, Alert
Origin: Border between England & Scotland 1700s
Original Purpose: Catching fox and other small game
AKC: Terrier
Loyal, Affectionate, Inquisitive
Read the Border Terrier Complete Breed Profile
Origin: Boston U.S. 1970s
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Non-Sporting
Affectionate, Devoted, Good Watchdog
Origin: Brazil 1880s
Original Purpose: Catch vermin
AKC: No, FCI (Terriers)
Spirited, Courageous, Alert
Origin: Belgium 1800s
Original Purpose: Exterminate vermin
AKC: Toy
Self confident, Sensitive, Lively
Origins: Scottish Highlands
Original Purpose: Hunt fox, badger, otter
AKC: Terrier
Cheerful, Inquisitive, Independent
Origins: Wales
Original Purpose: Driving Cattle
AKC: Herding
Alert, Devoted, Serious
Origin: England (around 1600)
Original Purpose: Lapdog,
AKC: Toy
Friendly, Loving, adaptable
Read Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Complete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: The Czech Republic
Original Purpose: Hunt hare, fox, deer
AKC: Terrier
Energetic, Playful, Protective
Origins: Mexico, 1500s
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Toy
Loyal, Mischievous, Spirited
Origins: Mexico, Circa 1500s
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Toy
Curious, Agile, Loyal
Origins: China, Africa: 1200s
Original Purpose: Ratter
AKC: Toy
Cheerful, Happy, Devoted
Origins: China 1200s
Original Purpose: Ratter
AKC: Toy
Cheerful, Happy, Devoted
Origins: Sicily (Antiquity)
Original Purpose: Hunting hare, rabbits, game birds
AKC: Hound
Friendly, Independent, Affectionate
Read the Cirneco Dell'Etna Complete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: Spain, England
Original Purpose: Hunt Game Birds
AKC: Sporting
Gentle, Affectionate, Loving
Origins: Madagascar
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Toy
Devoted, Intelligent, Clownish
Origins: Germany 1500s
Original
AKC: Hounds
Calmist of the three varieties
Origins: Germany 1500s
Original Purpose: Badger Hunter
AKC: Hounds
Liveliest of the three, Affectionate
Danish Swedish Farm Dog By Canarian - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, LinkOrigins: Denmark & Sweden
Purpose: Multi-purpose farm dog and companion
AKC: Working Group
Intelligent, Lively, Alert
Read about the Danish Swedish Farm Dog
Origins: Border between England & Scotland
Original Purpose: Kill Vermin
AKC: Terrier
Independent, Affectionate, Persistent
Read the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Complete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: The Netherlands 1800
Original Purpose: Ratter
AKC: None
FCI, UKC: Terrier
Charming, Playful, Friendly
Origins: England 1600s
Original Purpose: Lapdog
AKC: Toy
Sweet, Gentle, Quiet
Origins: France 1800s
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Non Sporting
Playful, Affectionate, Cheerful
Origins: Germany, Ancient Breed
Original Purpose: Companion, Farm Dog
AKC: Miscellaneous Class
Friendly, Playful, Vocal
Origins: Cuba
Original Purpose: Lapdog
AKC: Toy
Affectionate, Sturdy, Willing to Please
Origins: Iceland
10th Century
Original Purpose: Herding
AKC: Herding
Playful, Alert, Active
Read about the Icelandic Sheepdog Complete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: India
19th Century
Original Purpose: Companion
Dog Registry of America (DRA) Indian National Kennel Club (INKC)
Read about the Indian Spitz
Origins: Italy, Greece or Turkey, Around during the Roman Empire
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Toy
Gentle, Devoted, Calm
Origins: England, 1800s
Original Purpose: Fox Hunting
AKC: Not Registered
Friendly, Playful, Affectionate
Read the Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed Profile
AKA German Hunting Dog
Origins: Germany 20th century
Original Purpose: Hunting
AKC: Accepted into the Terrier Group of FSS
Read the Jagdterrier or German Hunting Dog Complete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: China (Antiquity)
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Toys
Playful, Sensitive, Cheerful
Origins: Japan (Early 1900s)
Original Purpose: Companions
FCI, CKC, KC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC The AKC does not recognize these dogs because of the close resemblance to other white dogs
Read about the Japanese Spitz Breed Profile
Origins: Japan (Early 20th Century
Original Purpose: Hunt vermin
FCI, UKC: Terriers
Calm, Friendly, Affectionate
Origins: The Netherlands 1500's
Original Purpose: Duck Tolling
AKC: FSS Sporting
Friendly, Eager to Please, Even-Tempered
Origins: Germany, mid 20th Century
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: FSS Non-sporting
Highly intelligent, playful, High Spirited
Read about the Kromfohrlander Compete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: England 1700s
Original Purpose: Killing vermin
AKC: Terriers
Clever, Playful, Curious
Origins: England
Original Purpose: Herder & Drover
AKC: Herding
Alert, Friendly, Playful
Origins: Tibet (Antiquity)
Original Purpose: Watchdog, companion
AKC: Non-sporting
Playful, Bold, Loyal
Origins: France, Germany 1500s
Original Purpose: Companion
AKC: Non-sporting
Affectionate, Spunky, Devoted
Origins: Sicily (Antiquity)
Original Purpose: Lap Dogs
AKC: Toys
Lively, Sweet, Fearless
Origins: England 1500s
Original Purpose: Catching Vermin
AKC: Toy Group
Lively, Curious, Playful
Read about the Toy Manchester Terrier Complete Dog Breed Profile
Origins: U.S. 20th Century
Original Purpose: Companion Dog
AKC: Not Recognized
Affectionate, Lap dog, Friendly
Origins: United States, 1960s
Original Purpose: Herding small stock, companion
AKC: Herding
Smart, Devoted, Hard-working
Read about the Miniature American Shepherd
Origins: England, 1800s
Original Purpose: Ratter & Dog Fighting
AKC: Terrier Group
Playful, Comical, Friendly
Origins: German 1600s
Original Purpose: Hunting Vermin
AKC: Toy Group
Spunky, Curious, Stubborn
Origins: Germany, 1800s
Original Purpose: Watchdog, Ratter
AKC: Terrier Group
Friendly, Devoted, Energetic
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What qualifies as a small dog breed?
1. What qualifies as a small dog breed?
Most kennel clubs classify small breeds as dogs that weigh under 35 pounds and stand less than 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Some breeds on this list may exceed that slightly, but are still widely accepted as “small dogs.”
Are small dogs easier to care for than large dogs?
Are small dogs easier to care for than large dogs?
They generally eat less and require less space, making them ideal for apartments or smaller homes. However, small dogs can be more sensitive to cold, need careful handling, and often require just as much exercise and training as larger breeds.
Which small dog breeds shed the least?
Which small dog breeds shed the least?
Popular low-shedding or “hypoallergenic” small breeds include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Regular grooming is still essential for coat health.
What is the best small dog for families with children?
What is the best small dog for families with children?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, and Pug are known for gentle, social temperaments. Always supervise interactions between small dogs and young children to prevent accidental injury.
Do small dogs live longer than large breeds?
Do small dogs live longer than large breeds?
Yes—small dogs often live 12–16 years, while some toy breeds can reach 18 years or more with good care.
How can I choose the right small dog breed for my lifestyle?
How can I choose the right small dog breed for my lifestyle?
Consider activity level, grooming needs, allergy concerns, and temperament. Browse each breed’s profile for quick facts
How often is this list updated?
How often is this list updated?
This page is reviewed and updated every year (last updated 2025) to include new AKC recognitions, weight or group changes, and new links to breed profiles.
Aren't Small Dogs just the best?
If you are thinking about which dog to get, the decision can be overwhelming because there are just so many of these little guys to choose from.
Do you want fluffy and cute, or sleek and smart?
Luckily, there is that special small breed dog just waiting to be loved by you.
Many of the dogs listed on this page can be registered through the American Kennel Club.
But some are so rare in the U.S. that, although they are purebred, they have not as of yet been entered into this registry. Around the world, however, they may be much more common.
We continue to add to this small dog breed list as we research new breeds, so check back often -- your perfect breed might just be here waiting for you.
References used for this List:
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
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