In recent years, small designer dog breeds have skyrocketed in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a city dweller looking for a tiny companion or a family wanting a hypoallergenic pet, designer micro dogs combine the best of both worlds. These tiny dog breeds are adored for their small size and their affectionate personalities, curly coats, and intelligence.
As VCA Hospitals notes, many micro designer dogs are specifically bred through purposeful breeding to balance physical traits and temperament, making them perfect for first-time dog owners or those in search of a low-shedding, loving companion.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beloved popular designer dog breeds. Each designer breed brings something special to the table, making them perfect for a variety of homes and lifestyles.
Whether you’re searching for a new furry friend or simply curious about the latest hybrid breeds and mixed breed trends, this guide will help you discover the perfect petite pup for your family.
Top Designer Micro Dog Breeds
1. Morkie
The Morkie is a delightful mix of the feisty Yorkshire Terrier and the gentle Maltese, typically weighing under 7 pounds. These affectionate, lively dogs make excellent companions, known for their friendly demeanor and love for human interaction.
According to Purina, the Morkie’s size, shape, colors, and coat types can vary depending on how the crossbreeding has occurred, with some Morkies bred from a first-generation cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, or bred back to one of the original breeds.
Morkie’s Personality & Traits
Morkies are energetic and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. Their playful nature ensures they bring joy to any household, making them the perfect companions for families.
2. Shihpoo
The Shihpoo is a friendly, highly social dog, combining the Poodle’s playful intelligence with the Shih Tzu’s affectionate nature. According to Hill’s Pet, this hybrid usually weighs between 8 to 18 pounds and stands around 8 to 18 inches tall, fitting the small dogs to tiny category.
Shihpoos are highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and family homes. Their coats vary widely; some have long, silky fur like a Shih Tzu, others have curly hair like a Poodle, and many fall somewhere in between. Thanks to their loyal and affectionate personalities, Shihpoos are great for first-time dog owners and families.
Coat & Grooming Needs of the Shihpoo
Shihpoos often inherit a curly coat or wavy fur that is low-shedding but requires regular grooming to stay healthy. Their soft coats, combined with their charming temperament, make them a favorite among allergy-conscious pet lovers.
3. Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a loving, playful, and intelligent hybrid dog, typically weighing between 8 and 25 pounds and standing about 9 to 14 inches tall. According to PetMD, the Poodle parent in this mix can be either a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle, which influences the size of the full-grown Cavapoo.
Known for their affectionate nature, Cavapoos thrive in family environments and adapt well to apartment or house living. Their soft, hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming but sheds minimally, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Cavapoo’s Ideal Family Fit
Cavapoos are social, gentle, and great with children and other pets, making them ideal companions for families seeking a playful yet calm dog. This breed’s friendly disposition and intelligence make it easy to train and a popular choice among first-time dog owners.
4. Pomchi
The Pomchi is a small dog with a big personality. Weighing between 3-7 pounds, this hybrid breed is full of energy, combining the spunky personality of the Chihuahua with the playful charm of the Pomeranian.
Pomchis are typically lively and vocal, often alerting their owners to anything unusual around the house. Despite their small size, they can be confident and stubborn, which makes early socialization and training important. Their double coat, which is fluffy like the Pomeranian’s, requires regular brushing to avoid matting.
Pomchi’s Playful Nature
Pomchis are energetic and fun-loving dogs. Their lively personalities make them ideal for active individuals or families who are looking for a small but feisty companion. Despite their size, Pomchis often think they’re much bigger and love to be involved in the action.
5. Maltipoo
Maltipoos are one of the most popular designer micro dog breeds, thanks to their affectionate nature and low-maintenance coat. This mix of the Maltese and Poodle typically weighs between 5 and 20 pounds, making them the perfect size for apartment living or homes with limited space.
Maltipoos are known for being friendly, easygoing, and great with children and other pets. Their hypoallergenic, curly coat is low-shedding, making them ideal for allergy sufferers, though it does require regular grooming.
Why Choose a Maltipoo
Maltipoos are affectionate, easy to train, and well-suited for families. Their gentle and friendly nature makes them a great companion, and their hypoallergenic coat ensures that they can live in homes where allergies are a concern.
6. Chorkie
Chorkies are small but mighty dogs, full of energy and personality. A mix of the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, they weigh less than 10 pounds. These dogs are loyal, confident, and love to be the center of attention. Chorkies are typically alert and can be excellent watchdogs, despite their tiny size.
They inherit the Yorkshire Terrier’s long, silky coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free. Small Chorkies are highly energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy.
Chorkies’ Intelligence & Independence
Chorkies are intelligent and independent, often thinking they’re larger than they actually are. They may be stubborn at times, but their loyalty and alertness make them a great choice for people looking for a small dog with a big personality.
7. Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a small, intelligent dog that combines the best traits of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. Weighing between 4 and 12 pounds, Yorkipoos are well-suited for both active families and individuals seeking a loyal companion.
They are known for their affectionate and social nature, making them excellent pets for households with children or other animals. Their curly coat, inherited from the Poodle, is hypoallergenic and low-shedding. Yorkipoos are easy to train due to their intelligence.
Health & Grooming of the Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos benefit from a hypoallergenic coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. While they are generally healthy, Yorkipoos can inherit some common small dog health problems, such as respiratory issues, so regular vet visits are essential.
8. Poochon
The Poochon, also known as the Bichon Poo, is afriendly, intelligent, and playful hybrid dog. This small designer dog typically weighs between 6 and 20 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living or families with children.
Poochons are highly affectionate and love to be around their owners, making them excellent companions. Their hypoallergenic, curly coat requires regular grooming but sheds very little. Poochons are not only friendly and loving but also intelligent, making them easy to train.
Poochon’s Adaptability
Poochons are adaptable and thrive in both apartment settings and larger homes. They enjoy being around people and other pets, making them great companions for families or individuals looking for a small, affectionate dog with a happy personality.
9. Shorkie
Shorkies are small but spirited dogs, blending the playful personality of the Yorkshire Terrier with the laid-back temperament of the Shih Tzu. This breed typically weighs between 4 and 10 pounds. Shorkies are affectionate, intelligent, and enjoy being around people.
They are known for their loyalty and can form strong bonds with their owners. While small, Shorkies have a bold, confident personality and are often eager to engage in play. They inherit the silky coat of the Yorkshire Terrier, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Training and Socialization with the Shorkies
Shorkies are highly trainable with positive reinforcement, but can sometimes be a little stubborn. Socializing them early on is important to ensure they grow up well-rounded and confident in different situations.
Conclusion
Designer micro dogs offer the perfect blend of charm, intelligence, and compact size, making them ideal companions for those looking for a small but dynamic pet. From the cute and cuddly Morkie to the affectionate and hypoallergenic Poochon, these breeds are more than just pets; they’re family members.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, these small, loving dogs bring joy and comfort to households across the globe. Choose the breed that best fits your lifestyle, and enjoy the love and companionship they offer!
