Big personalities don’t always come in big packages. If you’re dreaming of a dog who can curl up in your lap, fit comfortably in a cozy apartment, and still bring endless joy to your home, small breeds under 22 pounds might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Small dogs can be a great fit for people who want a loving companion without taking on a dog that feels hard to manage day to day. If your schedule is busy, the right choice often comes down to finding a breed that is easier to care for, not just smaller in size.
Some little dogs need a lot of grooming or energy outlets, while others are more relaxed and simple to handle.
In this guide, we will look at 10 dog breeds weighing less than 22 pounds that are worth considering, especially if you want a companion that fits smoothly into everyday life.
Top Dog Breeds Weighing Less Than 22 Pounds to Consider
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a rare small dog breed with a bold look and an even bolder attitude. This breed is often called the Monkey Dog because of its monkey-like face, and its dark, round eyes and short muzzle give it a very expressive look.
Among small dog lovers, it stands out right away for charm and character. According to PetMD, the Affenpinscher began in 17th-century Germany, where it was originally bred to hunt rats in homes, shops, and stables.
Over time, the Affenpinscher moved from working spaces into family life as a companion. That shift makes sense because these dogs are lively, confident, and very engaging to live with.
Affenpinschers are compact dogs. Their scruffy coat may be black, gray, silver, or red, and their personality traits are often described as spirited, animated, and fearless. They are one of those little dogs that seem to believe they are much bigger than they are.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
Great for pet parents who want a small dog with a big personality in one of the cutest small packages.
Their compact size makes daily handling easier while still giving you a fun, lively companion at home.
If your family enjoys a dog with character and comic expressions, this breed brings plenty of entertainment.
2. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is an elegant little dog breed with a long-haired, tri-colored coat and a sweet purpose in life: to love and be loved. This small dog is known for a charming, whimsical attitude that often stays well into adulthood. Many carry toys around proudly, which adds to their playful nature.
This breed is a dedicated and loyal family member, and it is also friendly with strangers. Many Biewer Terrier dogs are happy-go-lucky and lighthearted, with a childlike spirit that makes spending time with them feel easy and fun.
They are also quick to alert the home when company arrives, but they are not constant barkers. Even with a small stature, the Biewer Terrier is described as hearty and athletic, and it can be an excellent hunter of vermin.
These dogs are affectionate companions with a cheerful way about them, making them great pets for homes that want warmth and personality without a heavy feel. The name is pronounced Beaver, just like the animal.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
A lovely pick for pet parents who want a small dog that is loyal, social, and still a little silly.
Their alert nature helps at home, but they are not described as nonstop noise makers.
This breed brings charm, energy, and affection without losing that toy-sized sweetness.
3. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a tiny breed with a huge presence and a bright, lively expression. This small dog has a foxy face, expressive eyes, and a full coat that gives it a standout look many people recognize instantly. It has long been loved by both royals and everyday dog owners.
Poms are known for a commanding attitude in a very small body, and that mix is a big part of their appeal. They are alert and intelligent dogs, and they are often easy to train for tricks and games. Their favorite job, though, is making people laugh and staying close to their favorite person.
This breed can do well in different living settings because activity needs can be handled with indoor play and short daily walks.
According to Hill’s Pet, Pomeranians can also make excellent watchdogs and are often well-suited to homes with older children who understand gentle handling. Queen Victoria helped make this breed especially famous, and the popularity has lasted for good reason.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
A fun choice for family life if you want a tiny companion with a lively attitude and a smart mind.
Works nicely for people in cities or suburbs thanks to flexible exercise options and compact size.
If you love fluffy dogs with a bright personality, this breed keeps things cheerful.
4. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a calm, white companion breed from Italy with a compact, sturdy body and a gentle presence. This small white dog belongs to the Bichon family and is often described as intelligent and witty rather than overly busy. It has a long, fluffy pure-white coat that gives it a soft, charming look.
Unlike some high-energy dog breeds, the Bolognese is usually more serious and serene. This small dog tends to be faithful and devoted to its person and home, while still being playful and easy-going with people it knows. It can seem shy with strangers at first, but proper socialization helps it warm up.
One important point for pet parents is that this breed does not do well alone for long periods. The Bolognese is prone to separation anxiety, so it fits best in a home where people are around often and can give regular attention.
For the right family, this breed offers steady affection and a relaxed temperament without needing constant excitement.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
A strong option for homes that want low-key companionship instead of nonstop action from a small dog breed.
Great for people who can offer time and closeness, since this breed thrives on connection.
If your routine allows more together time, this breed can be a very rewarding match.
5. Papillon
The Papillon is a quick, curious toy breed known for beauty, energy, and a happy attitude. This small dog is easy to spot because of its large, wing-shaped ears, and those adorable ears inspired the name, which means butterfly in French.
Some Papillons have erect ears, while the Phalene type has dropped ears. Even with a delicate look, the Papillon is described as hardy and athletic.
These dogs are happy, alert, and friendly, and they often enjoy joining family activities in many settings, whether in town or country. Their long coat and plumed tail add elegance, but their mindset is active and eager.
Papillons are also known for agility and trick training, and many are excellent companions for homes that enjoy interactive fun. According to Purina, Papillons usually have a white coat with black and tan markings, along with long, silky hair.
They can thrive in warm or cool climates and often show a bright, ready-to-learn attitude that keeps life interesting. For pet parents who want a little dog breed with both charm and energy, the Papillon offers a lively balance.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
A great pick for active family homes that want a small dog with brains and bounce.
Their upbeat nature makes games and training sessions feel fun instead of like a chore.
If you want tiny size with real athletic spark, this breed delivers in style.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a classic toy breed with a long history and a graceful look that many people adore. This small dog is covered in a long, straight coat and has a compact body, dark eyes, and a black nose that creates a very sweet expression. The overall look is elegant, but the personality is lively and charming.
Maltese dogs are affectionate and adaptable, and they are known for making friends of all ages. They can also act as alert little watchdogs while still being affectionate and playful at home.
Despite the polished appearance, these dogs are described as hardy and game enough to enjoy activities like agility.
This breed is often seen as a lap favorite, and many people love the silky hair and smooth movement that give it a refined feel. At the same time, the Maltese can be a bit stubborn, so reward-based work helps.
For pet parents seeking a loving small dog that mixes charm with spirit, this breed remains a very appealing option.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
Ideal for people who want one of the classic lap dogs with a social, bright personality.
A nice choice for family settings where a tiny companion can be both cuddly and alert.
If you enjoy a polished look with a spirited side, this breed gives you both.
7. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a compact terrier breed with a satin coat and a lively, amusing personality. Breed fans often say it is truly a toy and a terrier, and that description fits the way this small dog combines charm and grit. It is lithe but sturdy, with large upright ears and dark eyes full of eager intelligence.
This breed began as a barnyard ratter, so it comes from practical working roots, even though it is now a companion. That background helps explain the tenacity people notice so quickly. At the same time, it carries the lovability of a lapdog, which gives it a very entertaining mix at home.
The Toy Fox Terrier is often described as a little comedian, and its charisma can fill a room. These dogs may be small, but they are packed with energy and personality in a balanced frame.
For pet parents who like little dogs with sparkle, humor, and confidence, this breed offers a fun presence that rarely feels dull.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
A smart choice if your family wants a compact companion with spirit and lots of personality.
This small dog brings playful energy without losing the close, cuddly side many people want.
Perfect for homes that enjoy a dog that can make everyone laugh.
8. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is a compact terrier breed known for a friendly demeanor and keen intelligence. This small dog came from East Anglia, England, in the late 19th century and was originally bred for ratting and hunting. Even today, that background shows in its alert expression and sturdy build.
Its history is closely tied to the Norfolk Terrier, and the two were officially separated in 1979 based mainly on ear type.
Norwich Terriers have erect ears, which help give them a sharp, attentive look. Aside from that difference, the breeds remain similar in appearance and temperament.
The Norwich Terrier has a weather-resistant wiry coat that can appear in red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.
This breed brings a bright mind and compact strength that many pet parents appreciate in small terriers.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
Good for people who want a sturdy small dog with working roots and a friendly attitude.
The compact size is easy to manage, but the breed still feels capable and confident.
A nice match for homes that enjoy an alert companion with a terrier spirit.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a tiny but spirited companion with a very recognizable look. This small dog is known for being spunky and entertaining, and many people love the confident attitude packed into such a small stature. The Yorkshire Terrier often feels bigger than its size suggests.
Before becoming a popular companion, this breed was thought to chase rodents in textile mills for Scottish weavers who moved to England in the mid-1800s.
That practical background adds an interesting layer to a dog now often seen as one of the most stylish lap dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier still carries plenty of energy and feistiness.
A full-grown Yorkie stands about 7 to 8 inches tall and weighs up to 7 pounds. One of the most notable features is the long, blue, and tan hair, often cut into a fashionable style, and the texture is often compared to human hair.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
A strong option for people who want a small dog with style, confidence, and a lively presence.
Their tiny size works well for many homes while still giving you a bold companion.
Great for anyone who enjoys a fashionable look paired with a feisty spirit.
10. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny breed with a huge personality and a long cultural history. This small dog is the national dog of Mexico and one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, with roots tied to pre-Columbian times.
Its rounded apple head, bright expression, and compact shape make it instantly recognizable. Chihuahuas come in long or short coat varieties, and both share the same core breed traits.
They are balanced, graceful dogs with erect ears and luminous eyes, and they often show strong loyalty and charm in everyday life. Their personality can be bold enough that people describe them as a miniature version of a much larger dog.
Training matters with this breed because they are clever and confident, and without guidance, they may try to run the house.
Chihuahuas are ideal city pets and adaptable when they get quality time with their person, though care is needed around rough play and cold weather. For many pet parents, this small dog becomes a true velcro dog in the best way.
Why This Breed Is a Good Fit
Excellent for people who want a tiny companion that loves closeness and brings a big personality.
Their compact size suits city living, especially when the family can give plenty of attention.
A fun pick if you like little dogs that act like they own the room.
Conclusion
Choosing from dog breeds under 22 pounds is not just about size. The right fit comes from matching a breed’s energy, social style, and care needs with your real routine. Some small dogs are lively and comic, while others are calm and deeply devoted.
That variety is what makes this group so appealing. If you want a companion that fits your home, focus on temperament first and looks second. A dog that matches your day-to-day life is easier to enjoy and care for.
These breeds show that a small package can still bring heart, personality, and plenty of joy. With the right choice, your family gets a companion that feels like a natural part of everyday life.
