Looking for a little dog with a big personality? Dog breeds under 20 pounds prove that great things truly do come in small packages. These compact canines are full of spunk, charm, and loyalty—perfect for those who want all the fun of a furry friend without the need for tons of space or heavy lifting.
Everyone has their favorite dog breeds, but adopting a small dog breed comes with several advantages. You’ll likely spend less on food and treats, and many small breeds tend to be quieter. Their compact size also makes them excellent companions for seniors, offering both comfort and convenience.
Whether you live in a cozy apartment, travel frequently, or simply prefer a dog you can scoop up for cuddles, these tiny breeds are designed to fit into your lifestyle seamlessly. From lap dogs that live to snuggle to smart, trainable companions that fit in your tote bag, there’s a small breed for everyone.
Today, we’ll explore the best small dog breeds under 20 pounds—diving into their temperaments, care needs, and what makes each one a standout choice for small-dog lovers.
Get ready to fall in love with dogs that may be little in size but are giants when it comes to love.
Dog Breeds Under 20 Pounds
1. Affenpinscher
Weight: 7–10 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
Think of the Affenpinscher as the tiny terrier with a big personality, like if a little rascal decided to dress up for a fancy gala every day. These pint-sized pups are full of spunk and confidence, perfect for apartment living but not couch potatoes. They’re also a hypoallergenic dog, so sneeze sufferers can rejoice!
Affenpinschers have a scruffy coat that comes in colors like black, gray, silver, or red. They’re most recognized for their expressive faces, featuring a short muzzle and dark, round eyes that give them a distinctive, monkey-like look.
Despite their small size, Affenpinschers think they’re the king (or queen) of the castle. They usually get along fine with other dogs but might look at your hamster or pet rodent like it’s some kind of alien invasion. So, keep those critters safe and sound!
Why Affenpinschers are fantastic companions:
✔️ Small dog, big attitude—watch out, world!
✔️ Hypoallergenic coat means fewer allergy drama days
✔️ Adaptable to apartment life but full of feisty energy
These charming little dogs are lively and affectionate companions, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With a moderate energy level, they enjoy playtime and short walks but are equally content to relax quietly at home.
Purina says that even though the Affenpinscher is small in size, it still sees itself as a working terrier and therefore needs proper training!
Affenpinschers can become anxious in new or unfamiliar situations if they haven’t been well socialized. They are naturally vocal and tend to bark often to alert you of changes around them, but with proper training, excessive barking can be controlled.
2. Biewer Terrier
Weight: 4–8 pounds
Height: 7–11 inches
Meet the Biewer Terrier—basically a walking, tail-wagging fashion statement. These tiny fluff balls are like the runway models of the dog world with their silky, tri-colored coats and lively personalities. Don’t let their fancy fur fool you, though—they’re playful, loving, and ready to be your best tiny buddy.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), despite its small size, the Biewer Terrier is a sturdy and athletic dog, known for being an excellent hunter of vermin.
Biewers are affectionate and get along well with kids and other pets, making them perfect little family companions. They’re also quite smart and love to learn new tricks—plus, they’ll happily curl up in your lap during Netflix marathons.
They typically have a relatively long lifespan, averaging between 12 to 15 years, and can live even longer with proper care.
Why Biewer Terriers steal hearts:
✔️ Silky, gorgeous coat with a personality to match
✔️ Playful and affectionate—your perfect tiny sidekick
✔️ Smart enough to learn tricks but cute enough to get away with ignoring you sometimes
Biewer Terriers are great companion dogs that flourish with plenty of human interaction. They do best in homes where family members can offer consistent attention and social engagement.
Biewer Terriers have long, silky, tricolored single coats that need consistent grooming. To reduce the amount of maintenance at home, many owners opt to have a professional groomer trim their dog’s hair short.
So, although a Biewer’s small size makes them perfect for apartment living, they still require regular chances to burn off their energy. Although Biewers are energetic, their energy levels aren’t extremely high. A daily walk combined with some playtime is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.
3. Pomeranian
Weight: 3–7 pounds
Height: 6–7 inches
Pomeranians might be small, but they pack enough personality to fill a stadium. Imagine a fluffy little firecracker wrapped in a cloud of fur—that’s a Pom for you! These tiny fluff balls are a super popular small dog breed and for a good reason: they’re playful, affectionate, and downright adorable.
As per WebMD, Pomeranians are among the more colorful dog breeds, with coats that come in at least 24 different colors. Orange and red are the most common shades seen in this breed.
Don’t let their cuteness fool you—they’re surprisingly confident and love to be the center of attention. Poms are also surprisingly good watchdogs, alerting you to anything suspicious… like the mailman or a squirrel passing by. Just a heads-up: their fluffy coat needs a bit of grooming TLC to keep that puff looking fabulous.
Why Pomeranians are top small dog companions:
✔️ Big personality in a tiny, fluffy package
✔️ Alert and lively — perfect little watchdogs
✔️ Great for apartments, but they love lots of playtime
Another important point to keep in mind before getting a Pomeranian is that they tend to bark quite a bit, which might be bothersome in some households.
On the plus side, they rarely drool and shed very little. Pomeranians are also highly adaptable and trainable, making them a great fit for a wide range of lifestyles.
Pomeranians enjoy being lap dogs but are also full of energy. Because of this, they benefit from frequent short bursts of exercise. Activities like playing fetch indoors or taking short walks usually provide enough stimulation to keep them happy.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Weight: About 7 pounds
Height: 7–8 inches
The Yorkie is the diva of the dog world: small, stylish, and always ready to steal the spotlight. These little charmers are fiercely loyal and love to be pampered, but heads up—they’re not fans of the cold and might need a cute sweater when temperatures drop.
Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming because of their long, silky coats. They’re also sensitive to cold weather, so using dog coats or cute sweaters can help keep them warm and comfortable.
Although Yorkies have a small stature, they have big personalities and high energy, and often see themselves as much larger dogs. This confident attitude can lead to frequent barking.
Why Yorkies make fabulous companions:
✔️ Tiny size with a sparkling personality
✔️ Loyal and loving—your perfect pocket-sized buddy
✔️ High maintenance in the best way—style and health care included!
Despite their impressive intelligence, Yorkies can be a bit stubborn and aren’t always easy to train. Many aren’t highly motivated by food, which can make training sessions more challenging.
Yorkshire Terriers are smart and spirited, with just enough sass to keep life interesting. They do need a bit of extra care to manage potential low blood sugar, so regular snacks and check-ups are a must. If you’re up for a small dog with a big heart and even bigger attitude, Yorkies are ready to make your life fabulous.
5. Shih Tzu
Weight: 9–16 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
Meet the Shih Tzu, the royal court jester of the dog world—cute, cuddly, and always ready to charm your socks off. With their luxurious flowing coat and sweet little face, these little lions scream, “I’m fancy, but also here for belly rubs.”
Known as “lion dogs” for their name and appearance, Shih Tzus were linked to Buddhism and bred by imperial rulers to alert their homes with sharp barks. Over time, they shifted from guardians to companion dogs as they were crossbred with Western breeds like Pugs and Pekingese.
Shih Tzus are total lap dogs who love hanging out with their humans, soaking up all the attention like the little royalty they are. Shih Tzus retain their alert dog temperament from their origins, often barking to signal the arrival of someone or something new even today.
Why Shih Tzus make lovable companions:
✔️ Regal looks meet a goofy, lovable personality
✔️ Great for snuggling and chilling on the couch
✔️ Perfect for smaller living spaces—no need for a backyard royal garden
Shih Tzus shed very little and are often considered “hypoallergenic,” though no dog breed is completely allergen-free. Their coat, however, is prone to tangling and matting.
Shih Tzus don’t require too much exercise and are well-suited for individuals or families with a relaxed lifestyle. They typically require about 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity each day, which can be met with one or two short, leisurely walks combined with some indoor playtime.
Because Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed with short noses, they are prone to overheating and should not be exercised in hot weather or subjected to intense physical activity.
They might have a bit of a stubborn streak, but that just means they know exactly what they want—usually more treats and snuggles. Bonus: Their smaller size and calm demeanor make them excellent apartment companions.
6. Bichon Frise
Weight: 12–18 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
The Bichon Frise is like a fluffy little cloud of happiness on four legs. They’re cheerful, playful, and always up for making new friends—both human and furry. They arrived in the United States around 1950 and have since gained popularity as show dogs, companion pets, and therapy dogs.
Bichons are very social with both humans and other pets, making them a great fit for most families. They also make perfect lap dogs. This breed is known for its hypoallergenic coat, so if sniffles and sneezes are a problem, a Bichon might just be your new best friend.
These little charmers are smart and adaptable, meaning they can thrive in apartments or houses alike. And their cheerful nature means they’re the kind of dog that’ll greet you with a wagging tail and a smile every single day, no matter how bad your morning was.
Why Bichon Frises are fantastic companions:
✔️ Hypoallergenic fluff balls of joy
✔️ Playful and friendly with everyone they meet
✔️ Easy-going and adaptable to your lifestyle
Bichons are curious and observant but aren’t especially protective or territorial. They’re also friendly toward strangers, so having guests over shouldn’t be a concern.
Bichon Frises are great family dogs and get along well with people of all ages, including children. However, it’s always important to supervise interactions between dogs and young kids.
7. Papillon
Weight: 5–10 pounds
Height: 8–11 inches
Say hello to the Papillon — the “butterfly dog” with ears so fabulous, they deserve their runway show. These tiny pups pack a big personality into a petite package and love showing off their intelligence and charm wherever they go.
Papillons are spirited, alert, and downright clever — they’re the little Einsteins of the dog world. Need a dog who can learn tricks faster than you can say “sit”? Papillons have got you covered.
PetMD notes that Papillon dogs are happy and friendly companions who love spending time with their humans. They’re also agile and energetic, often excelling in agility competitions, and can serve as therapy or service dogs.
Plus, their graceful, elegant vibe makes them look like they just stepped out of a fancy French café… even if you’re just chilling on the couch in your pajamas.
Why Papillons make perfect companions:
✔️ Small but smart — they love mental challenges and tricks
✔️ Energetic little bundles of joy with a zest for life
✔️ Compact size perfect for apartment living or lap warming
Their playful energy can be burned off with indoor games or neighborhood walks. However, they tend to be more active than many other toy breeds, so they require more exercise and enjoy having access to fenced areas where they can run and play freely.
Papillons: proof that good things do come in small, flapping-eared packages!
Conclusion
Dog breeds under 20 pounds come in many forms—toy breeds, little dogs, and companion dogs with big personalities. While not all small dog breeds are lap pets, many make ideal pets for city life or as an only dog. Breeds like the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (favored by Queen Victoria) are among the most popular dogs for their charm and adaptability.
Other small dog breeds, like the Border Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Cairn Terrier, Dachshund (badger dog), and Bedlington Terriers, were selectively bred as farm dogs or hunters and have a bold personality. Even sled dogs have small cousins, some with a thick double coat, while others like the Chinese Crested have a short coat. A breed weight chart can help narrow your pick, but whether you’re seeking a great watchdog or a low-key cuddler, small dogs can be just as mighty and meaningful as their larger counterparts.
