Attention all dog lovers! Are you on the hunt for a furry friend that’ll stay pint-sized forever? Look no further! We’ve rounded up 21 of the cutest, cuddliest and most loving dog breeds that’ll keep their small stature for life. From the spunky Chihuahua to the charming Pomeranian, these pooches pack a big personality in their tiny frames. Get ready to fall in love with these Forever Tiny breeds and find your perfect companion!
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small and playful breed that stands at 9-12 inches tall and weighs 7-10 pounds. These dogs are known for their mischievous personalities and are often referred to as “monkey dogs” due to their playful and curious nature.
Affenpinschers have a strong prey drive and make great watchdogs. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, and can learn a variety of tricks and obedience commands. Due to this, they can make great companions for families and seniors who are looking for a loyal and affectionate pet.
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small and energetic breed that stands at 13-17 inches tall and weighs 20-30 pounds. This breed is often referred to as the “little dog that thinks it’s a big dog.”
Alaskan Klee Kais have a high energy level and love to run and play. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them great for families and individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and obedience training. This breed is highly social and loves to be around their owners, but can be wary of strangers and other animals.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny and feisty breed that stands at 5-8 inches tall and weighs 2-6 pounds. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have big personalities and are known for their confident and loyal nature.
Chihuahuas are highly social and love to be around their owners, but can also be wary of strangers and other animals. This breed is also highly adaptable, making them great for families and individuals who live in apartments or small homes. Chihuahuas are also known for their long lifespan, with some living up to 20 years.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small, long and low breed that comes in three sizes: standard, mini, and toy. Standard Dachshunds stand at 8-9 inches tall and weigh 16-32 pounds, while mini and toy sizes stand at 5-6 inches tall and weigh 11 pounds or less. Despite their small size, Dachshunds have big personalities and are known for their confident and energetic nature.
They were originally bred to hunt badgers, and their long bodies and short legs were designed for digging into dens. Dachshunds are highly social and love to be around their owners, but can also be wary of strangers and other animals.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, well-mannered breed that stands at 10-17 inches tall and weighs 10-25 pounds. They are known for their gentle and friendly personalities, as well as their distinctive black and white tuxedo-like coats.
This breed is also highly adaptable, making them great for families and individuals who live in apartments or small homes. Boston Terriers are also known for their intelligence, making them easy to train. They make great companions for families and seniors who are looking for a small and affectionate pet.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small and spunky breed that stands at 7-12 inches tall and weighs 3-7 pounds. They are known for their thick, fluffy coats that come in a variety of colors, and their cheerful and outgoing personalities.
Pomeranians are also highly intelligent and active, making them great for families and individuals who live in apartments or small homes. Pomeranians are also known for their love of attention, so they are ideal for those who are looking for a pet that will be their constant companion.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and affectionate breed that stands at 12-13 inches tall and weighs 13-18 pounds. They are known for their soft, silky coats that come in a variety of colors, and their playful and loving personalities.
Cavaliers are excellent with children and make great family pets, as they are also highly adaptable and love to be wherever their owners are. They are also great with other animals, making them ideal for households with multiple pets. This breed is highly active and loves to play, so they are great for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Pug
The Pug is a small and affectionate breed that stands at 10-13 inches tall and weighs 14-18 pounds. They have a distinctive wrinkled face and a happy, playful personality.
Pugs are known for their love of napping, snoring, and following their owners around. They are also highly social dogs and love to be around people and other animals. Pugs are great for families and individuals who want a small, friendly, and low-maintenance companion.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the “Yorkie”, is a feisty and playful breed that stands at 7-8 inches tall and weighs 4-7 pounds. They are known for their long, silky coats that come in a variety of colors, and their confident and energetic personalities. Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers are fearless and will stand up for themselves if they feel threatened.
They are highly active and require plenty of playtime and exercise, making them a great choice for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. They make great companions for families who are looking for a small and lively pet. Yorkshire Terriers are highly intelligent and trainable, making them easy to potty train and teach new tricks. They are also low-shedding, making them ideal for those with allergies.
Maltese
The Maltese is a charming and graceful breed that stands at 7-9 inches tall and weighs 4-7 pounds. They are known for their long, silky coats that are pure white and require daily grooming to keep them looking their best. Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are energetic and playful, making them great for families with children or seniors looking for a fun companion.
Maltese dogs are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them easy to potty train and teach new tricks. They are gentle and affectionate, making them great lap dogs, but they also have a mischievous side that keeps them playful and entertaining.
Maltese dogs are highly adaptable and make great apartment dogs, but they still require daily exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies.
Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small but spunky breed that stands at 10-13 inches tall and weighs 16-20 pounds. This breed is known for its distinctive black coat, pointy ears, and energetic personality. Schipperkes were originally bred to work as watchdogs and ratters, but today they make great family pets.
They are highly intelligent, curious, and playful, making them great for families with children or seniors who are looking for an energetic companion. Schipperkes are also independent and self-sufficient, which can make them challenging to train, but they are also highly adaptable and make great apartment dogs. They require regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy, and they are also great at agility and obedience training.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, or “Frenchie”, is a small, stocky breed that stands at 11-13 inches tall and weighs 16-28 pounds. This breed is known for its distinctive “bat ears”, wrinkled face, and affectionate personality. Frenchies were originally bred for bull-baiting, but today they are beloved family pets.
They are known for being loving, loyal, and playful. Frenchies are also adaptable and low-energy, which makes them great apartment dogs. They are generally low-maintenance, requiring only moderate exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
They can also be stubborn, so early and consistent training is key. Overall, Frenchies are cute, cuddly, and affectionate dogs that make great companions for families and seniors.
Papillon
The Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a small dog breed with a charming personality and unique butterfly-like ears. Standing at an average height of 8-11 inches and weighing anywhere between 5-10 pounds, they are the perfect lap dog. These dogs are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for families and seniors.
Papillons have a long history of being popular lap dogs for royalty, including Louis XIV and Mary, Queen of Scots. They are also excellent at agility and obedience training, often excelling in dog shows.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed with a distinctive appearance and a spunky personality. Standing at an average height of 12-14 inches and weighing anywhere between 11-20 pounds, these dogs make great apartment pets. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and loyalty, making them a great choice for families and seniors alike.
Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms in Germany. They have a distinctive “pepper and salt” fur pattern and their beard and eyebrows give them a charming, whimsical appearance. They are also known for their love of digging, so be sure to provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained!
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, calm, and charming dog breed that has a distinctive, wrinkled face with a long, silky coat. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them great companions for families and seniors alike. In terms of size, Japanese Chins typically weigh between 7 to 11 pounds and stand at 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Fun fact: The Japanese Chin is sometimes referred to as the “Japanese Spaniel” because of their luxurious, spaniel-like coat. They are also known for their cleverness and their tendency to bond closely with their owners. This breed was highly prized by Japanese royalty in ancient times and was even kept as a lapdog by Japanese emperors!
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the “King of Toys,” is a confident, energetic and playful breed. With a height of 10-12 inches and weight of 8-10 pounds, they are one of the smallest dog breeds. Despite their size, Miniature Pinschers have big personalities and are known for their courage and sass.
Miniature Pinschers are sometimes referred to as “miniature Dobermans” due to their similar appearance and fearless nature. This breed is great for families and seniors who want a small and energetic companion.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, cheerful, and affectionate breed. This little companion stands at an average height of 8-11 inches and weighs between 9-16 pounds. Shih Tzu means “lion dog” in Chinese and were originally bred for royalty in Tibet.
The Shih Tzu’s long, luxurious coat is a standout feature and requires daily brushing to keep it tangle-free. Despite their size, Shih Tzu’s are known for their confident and friendly personalities and love to be the center of attention. They make great apartment dogs and are a great choice for seniors and families.
Havanese
The Havanese, a charming and lively little dog, is a popular breed that stays small forever. These dogs weigh anywhere between 7 to 13 pounds and reach a height of 8.5 to 11.5 inches. Originally from Cuba, the Havanese was a favored pet of Cuban aristocracy and was even referred to as the “velvet paws” due to their silky coat. They are known for their intelligence and playful nature, which make them great companions for families and seniors.
In addition to being great lap dogs, Havanese are also known for their impressive trainability and make great therapy dogs. With their cheerful and affectionate disposition, Havanese are sure to bring joy and laughter into any home.
Related: Top 17 Dog Breeds With Floppy Ears
Pekingese
The Pekingese, also known as the “Lion Dog,” is a small but mighty breed that stands at 6-9 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 8-14 pounds. These cute pups have a long and impressive history, as they were once exclusively owned by the imperial families of China. Today, Pekingese make wonderful companion dogs for families and seniors, thanks to their affectionate and confident personalities.
Pekingese are known for their distinctive mane of long, thick fur around their necks, which only adds to their regal appearance. These dogs are also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their coats do not shed much and are easy to care for. They are playful and adventurous, but also love to cuddle and nap with their owners. With their charming personalities and cute looks, it’s no wonder Pekingese have been popular pets for centuries!
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a delicate and graceful breed that is sure to steal your heart. Standing at just 13 to 15 inches tall and weighing in at a mere 7 to 14 pounds, these pint-sized pups are the epitome of small dog charm. Despite their petite stature, they have a strong and athletic build, making them perfect for families who love to be active.
Fun facts about Italian Greyhounds include that they were once bred for hunting small game, but now make wonderful lap dogs. They are also known for their affectionate and gentle demeanor, making them great companion pets for seniors and families. With a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, and a cheerful and adaptable personality, the Italian Greyhound is a fantastic choice for any pet parent looking for a forever friend who will stay small forever.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon are charming and playful little dogs that were originally bred to hunt vermin in Belgium. With their endearing wrinkled faces, mischievous grins, and curious personalities, these dogs are true clowns of the canine world. Standing at an average height of 8 to 10 inches and weighing between 8 to 12 pounds, they are a small and sturdy breed that is full of energy and life.
They are known to be loyal, affectionate, and intelligent, making them ideal pets for families, seniors, and single individuals alike. Their unique Ewok-like appearance, combined with their lively and entertaining personalities, makes them a truly one-of-a-kind breed that will bring joy and laughter to your life.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a loyal and affectionate companion or a playful and energetic friend, the 21 dog breeds that stay small forever offer something for everyone. With their small size and charming personalities, these breeds make great pets for families, seniors, and individuals who live in apartments or small homes. So, if you are looking for a furry friend that will stay small and bring joy to your life for years to come, consider adopting one of these 21 adorable breeds!