Are you looking for a cute dog? And are you looking for a small one? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we take you through some of the cutest small dog breeds that you can find. Read on to discover the most popular cute small dog breeds below.
How to Choose a Cute Small Dog Breed
First and foremost, it’s important to set some ground rules and guidelines; it helps to know what you should be looking for in a cute small dog breed. The good news? There’s not too much to learn.
Size
So, what is a small dog breed? Generally, a small dog breed is a dog who weighs under 20 pounds and stands 4 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Of course, variations apply, but this is what you can expect when looking for a small dog.
Temperament
While every small dog is unique in their own way, there are some common traits to be aware of. For example, small dog breeds tend to be vocal, and their barks are high-pitched.
Some small dog breeds are also known to have larger-than-life, feisty attitudes, and it can be hard to train them at times. Energy-wise, small dogs may have a lot, but more often than not, you’re looking at lapdogs.
Health Issues
Small dog breeds can become obese quickly, so keep this in mind when feeding them. Dental disease, skin allergies, and patellar luxation are also known to commonly affect small dogs.
Some cute small dog breeds, like pugs, can have breathing issues due to their short snouts (brachycephalic). Symptoms are often more apparent in particularly hot climates.
Depending on the severity, surgical intervention may be required, which can be a costly expense. You should only consider a brachycephalic small dog if you’re prepared to invest in their health.
4 Popular Cute Small Dog Breeds
Now it’s time for the fun part! Discover four of the cutest small dog breeds below.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is one of our favorite small dog breeds. They have a cute and fluffy coat and a lot of personality and energy. These traits are why they tend to look and behave like a fox (to an extent), which is where a lot of their cuteness comes from. They’re also lively, social, and good for families; just make sure you keep an eye on their coat.
Pomeranians can be hard to find due to how popular they are, especially if you go the adoption route. Therefore, we recommend using a resource like Dog Academy for more help adopting Pomeranians.
Yorkshire Terrier
Coming in at only seven to eight inches tall, the Yorkshire terrier, or Yorkie, is a staple of the small dog community. This little pup is affectionate, easy to care for, and loaded with terrier fire. However, they love to play and will also cuddle up with you, given the chance.
If their fearless attitude hasn’t won your heart over, their appearance certainly will. They have an adorable signature black and brown fluffy coat along with pointy ears. Their looks are so endearing that they are commonly shown in dog shows.
French Bulldog
The French bulldog, or the Frenchie, is another great small dog breed. They’re playful, affectionate, and highly social. Essentially, you’re getting a smaller version of the English bulldog, which is perfect for small apartments and families with children.
French bulldogs are generally trainable and easy to care for, but you do need to watch out for health issues, especially obesity and breathing issues.
Toy Poodle
The standard poodle is already totally adorable, but take their size down a notch? You get the toy poodle, aka one of the cutest dog breeds around. The toy poodle also has plenty of qualities that make them a perfect family companion. They’re sweet-tempered, trainable, and hypoallergenic (to an extent).
That said, like larger poodles, you need to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. So, while they’re cute, make sure you have the energy to care for them and train them. On average, toy poodles stand under 10 inches tall and weigh four to six pounds.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Cute Small Dog Breeds
At the end of the day, the best cute small dog breeds are the ones that resonate with you the most. Sure, we covered the four most popular, but there are dozens of other cute small pups out there.
Take some time to consider your lifestyle, home, and preferences, and evaluate each breed based on the factors we covered above. This will help you to bring home the perfect pint-sized pup for your family.
