If you’re looking for a tiny furry companion who stays small their entire life, you’re in luck. Some dog breeds remain petite even as adults, making them perfect for apartment living, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants a pint-sized pal.
These small dogs pack personality into every ounce, often being just as lively, loving, and clever as their larger counterparts. From popular favorites to rare breeds, this list highlights 7 dog breeds under 10 pounds, giving you a glimpse into their temperaments, activity levels, and care requirements.
Tiny dogs can be ideal for first-time owners, seniors, or anyone who wants a companion that’s easy to handle and travel with. They often require less space, and many adapt easily to urban living while still enjoying short walks, playtime, and bonding with their owners.
We’ll explore the ultimate list of small dog breeds under 10 pounds, helping pet parents choose a pint-sized pup that fits their lifestyle, home, and heart. Whether you want a playful dynamo or a gentle lap companion, there’s a tiny dog breed for everyone.
Small Dog Breeds Under 10 Lbs: The Ultimate List
1. Toy Fox Terrier
Meet the Toy Fox Terrier, or TFT, a pocket-sized powerhouse of personality. Standing under a foot tall, this little comedian packs more charisma than an entire dog park. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “TFTs are truly a toy and a terrier”—and yes, they fully live up to the hype.
Historically, TFTs were practically built for the stage—or at least a barnyard adventure. Descended from larger Fox Terriers, these pups were originally bred to catch rats and help hunters flush foxes from their dens,
Today, they may not hunt vermin, but their agility and energy are just as impressive. In fact, you might find your TFT leaping onto furniture like a tiny acrobat just to check out the view.
Energy level: High—but refined; no roughhousing with tiny humans
Compatibility: Gets along famously with cats and other dogs
Exercise needs: Short bursts of play keep them happy and healthy
The Toy Fox Terrier’s coat is short, fine, and fuss-free, meaning grooming is a breeze. A quick brush and the occasional bath, and your miniature showstopper is ready for their close-up—whether that’s Instagram fame or simply stealing your heart.
Coat: Short, fine, and low-maintenance
Grooming: Minimal—easy peasy
If you’re looking for a tiny dog with the heart of a lion and the skills of a circus performer, the Toy Fox Terrier is your pint-sized star. Just be ready for antics, zoomies, and a whole lot of personality packed into a teeny frame.
2. Bolognese
If elegance had a fur-covered ambassador, it would be the Bolognese. Hailing from the Italian city of Bologna, this little white fluffball has been charming humans since the 13th century.
Over the years, it’s rubbed paws with royalty and Hollywood stars alike—think Catherine the Great and Marilyn Monroe. Basically, if your dog could get a passport stamp, the Bolognese would have one from every fancy palace and film set.
Personality-wise, Bolognese pups are true attention-lovers. They thrive on affection, love to snuggle, and aren’t particularly high-energy—making them ideal companions for older adults or anyone who enjoys a quiet, cuddly sidekick.
But don’t mistake their gentle nature for weakness: their alertness and natural skepticism toward strangers mean they make surprisingly effective little watchdogs.
Temperament: Sweet, sensitive, and affectionate
Activity level: Low to moderate—perfect for lap naps and short walks
Watchdog skills: Alert and cautious around strangers
The Bolognese’s coat is pure white, soft, and fluffy—basically a portable cloud of elegance. While it doesn’t shed much, it can tangle if not brushed regularly. A wide-toothed comb is your best friend here, helping your pup stay runway-ready without turning grooming into a battle.
Coat: Soft, curly, and non-shedding
Grooming tips: Brush frequently to prevent tangles
Style factor: Always photogenic, even mid-nap
In short, the Bolognese is a little bundle of aristocratic charm—quiet, elegant, and impossibly cute. Bring one home, and you’re basically adopting a tiny celebrity.
3. Chihuahua
Don’t let their size fool you—the Chihuahua is proof that dynamite comes in small packages. Lively, bold, and endlessly loyal, this pint-sized pup is considered one of the world’s smallest dog breeds, but their personality is larger than life.
Chihuahuas’ coats come in a variety of colors and textures. WebMD says.
Coat types: Short-haired (low-maintenance) or long-haired (requires grooming)
Colors: Wide variety—almost every hue imaginable
Winter style: Sweaters encouraged
Short-haired Chihuahuas are low-maintenance—just an occasional brush will keep them sleek and shiny. Long-haired Chihuahuas, on the other hand, need a bit more TLC: regular brushing, baths, and occasional trimming to stay tangle-free and glamorous.
Exercise for a Chihuahua is refreshingly simple—they get plenty of activity just by following their humans around the house. But don’t be fooled: these velcro dogs still enjoy short play sessions and bursts of zoomies throughout the day, proving that big energy can come in small bodies.
Exercise needs: Minimal, but daily play is encouraged
Personality: Bold, affectionate, and loyal
Fun fact: Often thinks they’re the size of a Great Dane
In short, Chihuahuas are portable, fashionable, and brimming with character. They’re tiny companions with enormous hearts—and the perfect lap-warming, purse-worthy addition to any home.
4. Pomeranian
Small but mighty, the Pomeranian is basically a tiny puffball with the energy of a rocket. Named after the German province of Pomerania, these little spitz dogs have a long history.
Early Poms weighed up to 30 pounds and didn’t flaunt that signature lion-like mane, but once they arrived in North America, selective breeding turned them into the pint-sized fluff machines we adore today.
Pomeranians share many features with other spitz breeds: thick double coats perfect for colder climates, pointy ears, almond-shaped eyes, and an intelligent, active temperament. Despite their small size, these watchdogs are alert and confident, often thinking they’re the boss of the household—because in their minds, they totally are.
Coat: Luxurious double coat—soft undercoat with a fluffy outer layer
Distinctive features: Pointy ears, fox-like face, and expressive eyes
Personality quirks: Bold, playful, and surprisingly bossy
That fluffy coat isn’t just for show—it’s a maintenance commitment. Poms shed… a lot. Regular brushing several times a week keeps tangles at bay and helps maintain that signature “lion’s mane” look. With proper care, this little dynamo can go from couch potato to runway-ready in minutes.
Grooming needs: High—brush several times a week
Shedding: Frequent, so prepare for some fluff on your clothes
Style factor: Always camera-ready and utterly photogenic
In short, the Pomeranian is a tiny bundle of charm and energy with a mane that demands attention. Don’t be fooled by the size—they’ll steal your heart, your lap, and possibly your favorite sweater.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, may be small in size, but it’s big in personality—and history. Born in 1885 in Yorkshire County, northern England, the first Yorkie, Huddersfield Ben, was raised in a gritty industrial town of coal miners and mill workers.
These tiny terriers were bred to be fierce little vermin hunters, darting through textile mills and mine shafts with determination far exceeding their size.
Yorkies are small but mighty. While the Chihuahua holds the official records for shortest dog by length and height, Guinness World Records notes a dwarf Yorkie from the 1940s that was “barely bigger than a human fist”—making it arguably the tiniest dog ever. Talk about pint-sized royalty!
Size: Tiny—often under 7 lbs
Fun fact: One dwarf Yorkie may have been the smallest dog in history
Temperament: Bold, confident, and full of spunk
Grooming a Yorkie can be as stylish—or as simple—as you like. These hypoallergenic dogs have long coats that are luxurious and eye-catching, but they require daily brushing to avoid tangles. A cute topknot keeps their hair out of their eyes and adds a dash of fashion flair.
Prefer low-maintenance? A short-clipped cut keeps your Yorkie sleek, tidy, and ready for any adventure.
Coat options: Long, silky, and flowing OR short and practical
Grooming: Daily for long hair; occasional for short cuts
Style bonus: Topknot = instant cuteness
In short, the Yorkshire Terrier is proof that great things come in tiny, stylish packages. Brave, fashionable, and full of attitude, these little terriers can conquer vermin—or simply conquer hearts on the couch.
6. Papillon
Don’t let their dainty size fool you—Papillons (aka “Paps”) are tiny dynamos with more energy than a double espresso.
While they might look like the perfect lap dog, these playful little spaniels would much rather chase a ball than snooze on the couch. Highly intelligent and quick learners, they shine in agility, obedience, and other dog sports—no wonder they’re frequent trophy winners!
Papillons are one of the oldest toy spaniels, appearing in European portraits as far back as the 16th century. Their distinctive ears earned them their French name, and their bright, alert expression makes them look like they’re always ready for adventure—or mischief.
Size: Tiny and compact, perfect for apartments or houses
Personality: Playful, intelligent, and energetic
Activity needs: Lots of mental stimulation and exercise
Their long, silky coat is gorgeous but requires some attention. Frequent brushing and baths help prevent tangles, keep shedding under control, and ensure your Papillon always looks runway-ready—even after zoomies around the living room.
Coat care: Frequent brushing and occasional baths
Maintenance level: Moderate
Style factor: Butterfly ears + flowing coat = always photogenic
Purina says that these dogs are quite compact and adapt well to a variety of living spaces, whether it’s a cozy apartment or a house with a spacious garden.
With brains, energy, and undeniable charm, the Papillon proves that small dogs can have big personalities—and a flair for dramatic entrance leaps.
7. Maltese
If elegance had a miniature ambassador, it would be the Maltese. This ancient breed hails from the small Mediterranean island of Malta and has been charming humans for thousands of years.
Phoenician sailors even brought Maltese dogs aboard their ships to protect food rations from rodents—proof that this little dog has always been both stylish and practical.
Maltese are affectionate lap dogs who love to follow their humans around, sit in laps, or be cradled in arms. But don’t let their tiny size fool you—they still need daily walks and play sessions to stay healthy and happy.
Exercise needs: Moderate—daily walks are a must
Personality: Loyal, gentle, and affectionate
Lifestyle fit: Great for small apartments or homes
Their signature white, silky coat doesn’t shed much, making the Maltese a good option for allergy-prone households. However, their thin hair and visible skin mean they can sunburn easily, so a shady spot or sunscreen is a must for outdoor fun. Regular baths and a whitening dog shampoo help keep their coat dazzling.
Coat: White, silky, low-shedding
Grooming needs: Frequent brushing and occasional baths
Special care: Protect from sunburn
Small in size but royal in appearance, the Maltese combines history, elegance, and affection into one pint-sized package. They’re basically a tiny Mediterranean princess with a heart as big as their luxurious coat
Conclusion
Even the tiniest dogs can bring immense joy, fun, and companionship into your home! These toy breeds are full of personality, offering playful energy, affectionate cuddles, and a lifetime of cherished memories. While small in size, they often have big hearts and a strong bond with their families.
Some other popular small breed dogs include Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Poodle, Shih Tzu, Miniature Pinscher, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Biewer Terrier, Chinese Crested, Toy Poodle, and Italian Greyhound.
These toy dogs are perfect for apartment living, smaller spaces, or families seeking a devoted companion. Despite their tiny stature, they make great family dogs, combining intelligence, charm, and affectionate personalities that brighten every day.
