When thinking of small dog breeds, names like the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, or Yorkshire Terrier often come to mind. But beyond these familiar faces, many lesser-known dog breeds offer distinct traits and lively personalities that make them perfect for apartment life, families, or solo pet parents.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), small dogs are among the most popular dog breeds worldwide because they take up less space, tend to live longer, cost less to take care of, and often have surprisingly big personalities.
Among the breeds discussed here, you’ll find dogs originally bred for tasks ranging from hunting puffins to guarding royal courts. Many of them weigh between 6 and 18 pounds and boast friendly energy, a loyal temperament, and unique grooming needs.
Let’s explore some lesser-known but best small dog breeds that deserve more attention.
Lesser-Known Dog Breeds Under 25 Lbs
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is one of the lesser-known dog breeds that offers a bold personality in a compact frame. This little dog was originally bred to expel rats, giving it a working terrier spirit despite not being a terrier by breed. According to Purina, the breed gets its name from the German word for “ape terrier,” and is considered a rare find among modern small dog breeds.
Appearance and Size
The Affenpinscher weighs around 7 to 10 pounds and stands about 9 to 11 inches tall, making it ideal for apartment life and smaller living spaces. It has a dense, wiry double coat that gives it a unique, scruffy look, often requiring grooming to maintain.
Personality and Suitability
Don’t be fooled by their size. These toy dogs are full of energy, curiosity, and spunk. Their affectionate personality makes them a loyal companion dog, though they’re best suited for households without very young children. Their alert nature and love for fun make them an excellent choice for people seeking a little dog with a big heart.
2. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a distinctive and charming small dog with a long body, short legs, and a signature silky topknot. Weighing between 18 to 24 pounds, this toy breed offers a unique look and a calm, affectionate demeanor that makes it a great companion for those seeking a quieter, low-key pet.
Origin and Personality
According to PetMD, Dandie Dinmonts date back to the 1700s and were originally bred along the border of England and Scotland to hunt vermin on farms. Their friendly and intelligent personality, combined with an independent spirit, reflects their history as hardworking farm dogs. Today, they’re known for their cute appearance and are popular in the show dog world.
Living and Grooming Needs
With a soft undercoat and a harder outer layer, the Dandie’s double coat needs regular grooming to stay in top shape. Though calm indoors, they enjoy daily exercise to satisfy their terrier energy. Their compact size and gentle temperament make them well-suited for apartment living or quieter households looking for a loyal, loving pet.
3. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the world’s most unusual and rare dog breeds, weighing around 13 to 15 pounds. This small, agile dog has several physical traits found in no other breed, making it a truly fascinating choice for those seeking a unique companion dog under 25 pounds.
History and Rare Traits
The Lundehund was originally bred on remote Norwegian islands. Their job was to scale steep cliffs and retrieve puffins, yes, puffins, from their nests. To do this, the breed developed six toes on each foot, flexible necks that can bend backward and forward, and forward-folding ears. These features gave them a remarkable advantage in narrow cervices and rocky terrain.
Coat, Energy, and Living Suitability
The Lundehund’s double coat is weather-resistant but requires moderate grooming, especially during shedding season. They thrive in active homes that provide mental stimulation and daily exercise, as they can become bored easily. Their small size and loyal disposition make them suitable for apartment life, but they do best in homes where their energy and quirks are appreciated.
4. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a lively and rare small dog breed, typically weighing between 9 to 13 pounds. This breed was originally bred for hunting rabbits in Portugal’s rugged terrain, making it a great choice for active owners looking for a spirited companion dog.
Unique Physical Traits
Podengos stand out with their large, upright ears and smooth or wire coat varieties. Their slender yet muscular build allows them to move quickly and gracefully, a perfect match for their energetic nature. Despite their small size, they have a sturdy frame and excellent stamina. Their compact structure and low body weight also make them ideal for apartment life.
Personality and Social Behavior
Portuguese Podengos are intelligent dogs that can be a bit reserved with strangers but form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for their alertness and independence. They enjoy interactive play and require consistent training to channel their energy positively.
5. Russian Toy
Among the smallest known dog breeds, the Russian Toy can weigh as little as 3 pounds, with some individuals even dipping close to 2 pounds. However, anything around 1 pound is typically considered unhealthy and unethical.
Personality and Compatibility
With big eyes and fine bones, this breed is elegant, alert, and affectionate. It does best with experienced owners who understand the fragility and energy of toy-sized dogs. This little companion dog is deeply attached to its owner.
Coat and Exercise Needs
The Russian Toy comes in both smooth and long-coated varieties. They enjoy regular play sessions and short walks, although they are small in size. Their small stature and lively nature make them a great option for apartment life and people looking for a fun, engaging toy breed.
6. Cesky Terrier
Elegant yet tough, the Cesky Terrier is a small, muscular breed originally developed in Czechoslovakia by crossing Sealyham and Scottish Terriers. Typically weighing around 16 to 22 pounds, these terriers are intelligent, devoted, and calmer than many of their more spirited terrier cousins.
Coat, Size, and General Appearance
The Cesky Terrier’s hallmark is its silky, wavy coat, which requires regular grooming but sheds minimally, making it suitable for allergy-prone households. This breed features a long body, short legs, and a dignified beard and eyebrows that give it a noble appearance. Cesky Terriers strike the perfect balance of sturdiness and manageability for families in both rural and urban environments.
Temperament and Suitability for Homes
While they still carry a bit of terriers’ independence, Cesky Terriers are known to be more mellow and people-oriented than other breeds in the group. They tend to be reserved with strangers but affectionate with family, making them excellent companion dogs for quieter households. Their moderate energy levels mean they enjoy play sessions and walks.
7. Toy Manchester Terrier
The Toy Manchester Terrier stands out not just for its looks but for its sharp mind and confident personality with a sleek coat and expressive eyes. Typically weighing around 7 to 12 pounds, this breed offers a lot of presence in a little package.
A Stylish Blend of Elegance and Utility
The Toy Manchester Terrier was bred in England to control rats in urban settings. Its short, glossy black coat with rich mahogany markings lends it a refined look that made it a favorite in Victorian households. These dogs were built for a purpose. Quick on their feet and alert, they maintain that spirited terrier edge.
Independent Spirit With a Soft Side
This breed is known for its sharp intelligence and bold demeanor. Though often reserved with strangers, it’s deeply bonded to its family and does well in a home where its mind is kept active. It’s not overly clingy, but it enjoys companionship and play, making it a great fit for singles or couples.
Conclusion
These lesser-known dog breeds under 25 lbs prove that great things come in small packages. From the elegant Russian Toy to the playful Toy Manchester Terrier, each of these breeds offers a distinct personality, manageable weight, and unique background. While none are quite a 1-pound dog, the Russian Toy comes close at just over 3 pounds, and the Dandie Dinmont brushes the 25-pound limit.
If you’re looking for something beyond the well-known Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, or Yorkshire Terrier, these small dogs bring joy, loyalty, and charm into any living space. Whether you’re in a small apartment or a larger home, these toy breeds make excellent, affectionate, and sometimes rare companions that you’ll love for life.
