9 Popular Tiny Dog Breeds Under 10 Pounds

Tiny dog breeds may be small in size, but they pack enormous personality into their compact frames. Weighing under 10 pounds, these little companions are adored for their charm, adaptability, and ability to thrive in households where space is limited.

Forbes mentions that 44.5% of households in the U.S. have dogs, proving just how essential pups are in family life, with tiny breeds being especially popular in urban spaces.

For many dog lovers, a home feels incomplete without a furry friend by their side. In fact, studies show 31% of millennials are pet owners, and many opt for smaller dogs that fit seamlessly into apartments or busy lifestyles.

Their petite stature often means lower exercise demands, while still delivering the affection, playfulness, and loyalty that make dogs so cherished.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most popular tiny dog breeds under 10 pounds. You’ll discover their unique personalities, special care needs, and what makes these miniature pups such beloved companions across generations.

Popular Tiny Dog Breeds Under 10 Pounds

1. Chihuahua

Also known as the “Chi” and famously recognized as the national dog of Mexico, the Chihuahua is the smallest purebred dog in the world. The AKC notes that the Chihuahua, though small in size, has a bold personality.

This lively and entertaining “purse dog” is also one of the oldest breeds in America, with roots tracing back to pre-Columbian civilizations.

They come in both apple-head and deer-head varieties, with short or long coats, and are known for their lively personalities and expressive eyes. Despite their tiny frame, Chihuahuas carry themselves with confidence and charm, making them one of the most recognizable toy breeds.

When it comes to companionship, these little dogs excel. They bond fiercely with their owners, often acting like “velcro dogs” who always want to be by your side.

Their loyalty is paired with a bold attitude, which makes them excellent watchdogs despite their miniature size. While wary of strangers, they thrive on affection from their favorite humans.

Chihuahuas are also long-lived, with many reaching 14–16 years and some even surpassing 20. This extended lifespan allows them to share many years of companionship, making their small size a big advantage for families seeking a lifelong partner.

They don’t need much exercise beyond short play sessions and following their humans around, making them ideal for apartment living.

Fun fact: Chihuahuas hold multiple Guinness World Records—“Miracle Milly” from Puerto Rico is the shortest dog by height, while “Heaven Sent Brandy” from Florida is the shortest dog by length, measuring about the size of a dollar bill.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, fondly called the Yorkie, is one of the most recognizable toy breeds. Born in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, this little dog was originally bred to chase vermin in mines and textile mills.

With their silky, floor-length coat and petite frames, these terriers now shine as glamorous companions rather than working dogs. PetMD describes the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, as a small but spirited dog, well-loved for its lively and entertaining personality.

Yorkies boast a bold, confident personality. Their compact size makes them perfectly suited for apartments, where they happily curl up in a lap after short bursts of activity. They are affectionate pups who thrive on attention and enjoy being close to their owners.

As lap dogs, Yorkies balance their playful energy with a love of cuddles. Their lively yet loyal nature makes them both spirited companions and gentle snugglers. Though tiny, they often behave like they’re much larger, guarding their families with surprising determination.

Their long, silky coat does require regular grooming—whether kept trimmed or grown long with stylish topknots.

Interestingly, one Yorkie named Huddersfield Ben, considered the foundation of the breed, dates back to 1865. And in the 1940s, a dwarf Yorkie was famously described as “barely bigger than a human fist,” making it one of the smallest dogs ever recorded.

3. Maltese

The Maltese, also called the “Maltese Lion Dog,” is a toy breed with an ancient lineage tracing back thousands of years to the Mediterranean.

Known for their silky white coats, these little dogs were once companions of aristocrats, symbolizing luxury and refinement. WebMD explains that Maltese dogs are a toy-sized breed known for their delightful, playful nature and charming personality.

For families in compact living spaces, the Maltese is a natural fit. Their gentle and trusting temperament makes them affectionate companions who prefer staying close to their favorite humans.

Despite their lapdog reputation, they still benefit from daily short walks to burn off energy and maintain a healthy routine.

Their low-shedding coats are often labeled “hypoallergenic,” making them appealing to households where allergies are a concern. However, because their fine coat exposes more skin, Maltese dogs are more vulnerable to sunburn, so shade and sun protection are essential.

Compact, adaptable, and deeply people-oriented, these pups thrive in apartments or smaller homes.

Fun fact: Historians note the Maltese has been cherished for more than 2,800 years, making them one of the oldest recorded toy breeds.

4. Papillon

Often called the “butterfly dog” for its distinct wing-shaped ears, the Papillon is also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel. This elegant breed carries a refined yet approachable charm. Their silky coat, plumed tail, and expressive eyes make them one of the most stylish tiny dogs in the toy group.

Despite their small size, Papillons are lively companions who love activity. They thrive on long walks, play sessions, and mental challenges, making them low-maintenance in terms of size but demanding in attention and stimulation.

This balance makes them ideal for owners seeking a small dog that doesn’t settle for a sedentary lifestyle.

What sets the Papillon apart is its adaptability. These dogs flourish in varied climates and households, bonding closely with their families while staying alert and friendly with new faces. Their intelligence often shines in obedience and agility training, giving them a reputation as “big dogs in small bodies.”

Adding to their appeal, Papillons are among the oldest toy spaniels, appearing in European art as far back as the 16th century. This historical presence cements their role not just as tiny companions but as enduring symbols of loyalty and elegance.

5. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian, often called “Pom,” is a member of the Spitz family and descends from larger sled dogs that once weighed nearly 30 pounds. Selective breeding, especially after Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed, helped refine them into the fluffy, compact dogs we know today.

Their petite size makes them perfect companions for owners on the move. Whether it’s riding in a carrier or simply being tucked into a cozy travel bag, Poms adapt quickly to traveling. Their confidence and curious nature often help them handle new environments better than many other toy breeds.

Despite their small frames, Pomeranians carry a bold, energetic personality that ensures they never go unnoticed. This lively spirit makes road trips or city strolls more entertaining, as they’re eager to stay close to their owners while exploring.

With proper training, their barking can be managed, making them less disruptive travel companions.

Beyond being portable, their affectionate attachment to their families means they thrive wherever their humans are. Their thick double coats require brushing during travels, but the payoff is a dog that looks like a cheerful puffball on the go.

6. Toy Poodle

Known as the smallest of the Poodle family, the Toy Poodle shares lineage with the Standard and Miniature Poodle but packs all that elegance into just 4 to 6 pounds of charm.

With their curly coats and graceful posture, these little dogs carry themselves with a big-dog confidence that instantly turns heads.

Despite their delicate frame, Toy Poodles are famously intelligent and quick to learn, making them excellent companions for first-time pet parents. Their eagerness to please, paired with their playful personalities, means training sessions often feel more like games than chores.

These tiny dogs adapt beautifully to smaller living spaces and don’t require excessive exercise, though they enjoy daily walks and playful interactions at home. Their minimal shedding also makes them a practical choice for families who prefer a tidier household.

One thing to note is their grooming needs—Toy Poodles’ continuously growing coats require trims every four to six weeks.

Fun fact: Bath night isn’t a struggle for this breed, as many Toy Poodles are surprisingly tolerant of frequent washes.

7. Biewer Terrier

Also pronounced “Beaver Terrier,” this breed is a rare offshoot of the Yorkshire Terrier, first recognized by the AKC in 2021.

Originating from Germany, Biewers carry the rare piebald gene that gives them their distinctive tricolor coats—white fur with striking patches of black, blue, or gold. These toy-sized companions are perfectly suited for tiny living spaces.

What makes them especially popular with first-time dog owners is their affectionate nature. Unlike some terriers that are more independent, Biewers bond closely with their humans and are happiest when snuggled in a lap.

Their playful yet gentle disposition allows them to thrive in family environments, even in apartments where space is limited.

Biewer Terriers also adapt well to different lifestyles. Their small stature means they don’t require strenuous exercise, but they enjoy short walks and play sessions. Because they are eager to please and relatively easygoing, training them tends to be less challenging for new pet parents.

Their glamorous, floor-length coats do demand regular grooming, but with proper care, these pups remain picture-perfect.

Fun fact: Biewer Terriers are still rare in the U.S. due to their small litter sizes, making them a sought-after breed among toy dog enthusiasts.

8. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher, also known as the “Monkey Terrier,” is a toy breed with a flat, bearded face that gives it a quirky, almost human expression. Their spirited nature and longevity—often living up to 15 years—make them a lasting companion for families in small spaces.

When it comes to children, the Affenpinscher can be a delightful playmate if interactions are gentle and supervised. Their small size makes them vulnerable to rough play, so families benefit from teaching kids how to handle them with care. In return, these dogs often shower little ones with energy and affection.

For seniors, this small breed’s manageable exercise needs and loyal temperament create a wonderful match. A short daily walk and some indoor playtime keep them content, while their amusing antics bring daily joy. Their protective streak also makes them surprisingly good watchdogs.

Though generally confident, Affenpinschers may display anxiety in new environments if not socialized early. They are vocal dogs, quick to alert their families of changes, which adds reassurance for both children and older adults.

Fun fact: This breed originally worked in German stables, ridding them of rats long before becoming a beloved household companion.

9. Brussels Griffon

Also called the “Griff” or “Griffon Bruxellois,” the Brussels Griffon is a toy dog. Known for their human-like expressions and wide-set eyes, they carry an unmistakably charming look.

Their compact size and expressive faces make them a favorite among city dwellers looking for a lively yet manageable companion.

These small dog breeds have enormous personalities. Affectionately dubbed “Velcro dogs,” they thrive on closeness with their humans and dislike being left alone. Their devotion, combined with their playful yet cuddly nature, makes them ideal lap dogs who still enjoy bursts of activity.

Griffs also showcase remarkable sensitivity and loyalty. They are intelligent, alert, and curious, but because of their sensitive temperament, they’re better suited to adult households than homes with small children.

This combination of charm and selectivity highlights how even the tiniest breeds can bond deeply with their chosen family.

Adding to their appeal, Brussels Griffons bring with them a touch of pop-culture fame: their expressive look inspired the Ewoks in Star Wars. It’s just another reminder that while they may be small in size, their hearts — and impact — are larger than life.

Conclusion

Tiny dogs may weigh between four and nine pounds, but they carry hearts much bigger than their size. From playful companions to loyal watchdogs, these breeds prove that strength and spirit don’t depend on stature.

Many of them, like the toy Fox Terrier or Miniature Pinscher, balance energy and charm, while others, such as Italian Greyhounds, shine with elegance and agility. Their fluffy fur, silky coat, or even traits of a hypoallergenic dog make them appealing choices for households seeking both style and companionship.

Beyond appearances, these small breeds adapt well to life alongside other dogs and thrive as a devoted family dog. Whether you’re drawn to the sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the cheerful American Eskimo Dog, these pups prove that small truly can be mighty.

For those seeking loyal, playful, and portable companions, the popular tiny dog breeds under 10 pounds bring endless love and joy into everyday life.