Big dogs are great… but have you ever held an entire dog in one hand?
For pet parents who adore small canines, there’s a special charm in dog breeds that stay small forever. Their whole life, to be precise. These pint-sized pups are the perfect choice for apartment living, are easy to carry, and often come with personalities that outshine their sizes.
Not only are they easier to manage, but these little dogs are also known for their strong bonds with their family members. They will often follow you from room to room, like a shadow. Pick one from this list if you are ready for a tiny doggo running around you.
Dog Breeds That Stay Small Their Whole Life
Playful nature and portable size, these dog breeds are perfect for small spaces and big hearts!
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Just like the name, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a royal in the dog world. Elegant, sweet, and full of charm. Typically weighing 13 to 18 pounds, as per AKC, they are a bit bigger than a Yorkie, but still in the small dog breed category.
Why is Cavalier King Charles Adored?
Cavaliers love nothing more than to curl up in your lap and shower you with affection.
Their calm temperament makes them perfect companions for children and other dogs.
Their silky, long coat and soulful, expressive eyes are hard to resist.
They enjoy walks, but they are also happy lounging at home.
A fun fact: these small dogs were once the lap dogs of the British nobility, including Queen Victoria! Talk about being pampered.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier (Or just a Yorkie) is a favorite among tiny dog lovers. This hypoallergenic dog weighs between 4 to 7 pounds. Being a small breed, they are the epitome of elegance and sass.
But don’t let their daintiness fool you, it’s just a Yorkshire Terrier specifically bred for cotton and wooden mills for ratting that soon became the lapdogs of the Victorian ladies, as AKC mentions.
Why are they irresistible?
Yorkies are bold, confident, and carry themselves like they are the kings of the world.
Their long, silky coat is more like human hair, so they shed less. Perfect for pet parents who like a clean home.
If you love them even smaller, teacup Yorkies weigh around 2-4 pounds! But remember, these tiny pups need extra care.
Plus, Yorkies love cuddles and are known for their loyalty. They may be small, but they are fearless watch dogs ready to protect your lap.
3. Havanese
The Havanese is a cheerful, social butterfly from Cuba. With an average weight of about 7-13 pounds, they are sturdy yet compact. Their forever small size makes them ideal for apartments and small houses.
Why are the Havaneses so charming?
They have hypoallergenic coats, and their silky fur is low-shedding and great for allergy-prone pet parents.
They are clever and love interactive toys and puzzles.
They get along with kids, other pets, and even strangers. No wonder they are often called Velcro dogs because they stick by your side, as Omlet UK notes.
They are also known for their long lifespan (14-16 years) and minimal grooming needs, despite having a lush coat.
4. Papillon
Butterfly-shaped ears and an elegant gait. That’s what a Papillon dog, an ancient breed, is for you. These are little dogs that carry themselves with grace. Weighing between 5-10 pounds, they are tiny but pack a big personality.
They are also the most cuddly breeds, as mentioned by Purina. They will love snuggles with you as much as they love running around the house.
Why are Papillons so delightful?
Papillons are one of the smartest toy breeds. They excel in agility, obedience, and tricks.
They may be small, but they have high energy and love playing and exercising.
They love being around people and would even greet strangers with curiosity.
These doggies are perfect for active pet parents who want a small but intelligent breed that stays healthy and small forever.
5. Maltese
The Maltese is the definition of elegance. A toy dog weighing under seven pounds and known for its flowing white coat and playful nature. Their luxurious, floor-length, pure white coat is the highlight of this elegant breed.
Why are Maltese beloved?
Their silky coat does not shed much, they are known to be hypoallergenic dogs.
Maltese pups love attention and cuddles. Perfect for lap dog lovers.
They are energetic without being hyper, as they enjoy playtime but also love peaceful downtime.
Did you know that the Maltese breed has been around for over 28 centuries? That’s… hard to believe, no? But ancient civilizations adored them as luxurious pets, and they were the aristocrats of the dog community.
6. Pomeranian
Fluffy, vibrant, and full of personality, that is the Pomeranian!!
Weighing just around 3-7 pounds, they are tiny cotton balls with big attitudes. Pomeranian height goes up to six or seven inches, so this is a breed that stays small forever.
Why are the Pomeranians so captivating?
Poms may be small, but they are alert and ready to sound the alarm, which makes them good guard dogs, too.
Their long coat and fox-like face make them photo-ready 24/7.
Despite their size, they love toys and games (can be possessive) and need regular playtime.
These dogs are historically famous and royal. Queen Victoria had a Pomeranian, Gene, that weighed only 7 pounds and played a big role in making this breed famous as a great family dog.
7. Chihuahua
If you want a dog that stays small forever, the Chihuahua is the ultimate pick. It is a Mexican breed of toy dogs. Their maximum weight stays under 6 pounds, and they are known for their big personality in a small package.
They make great family pets because they are extremely attached to their humans and want to stay by their side during all waking hours, as per PetMD.
Why are Chihuahuas fascinating?
High-energy dogs who need plenty of playtime and daily exercise
You can easily carry them around, they will love it.
Chihuahuas are vigilant and can be surprisingly brave.
Their adorable size and lively spirit make them perfect for pet parents who want a bold, small, and portable companion. However, it is much-needed that you monitor your Chihuahua when they are around other pets and unfamiliar people. They can feel nervous and start barking.
Final Thoughts
Dog breeds that stay small their whole life are affectionate and perfect as a tiny but mighty companion. Some more tiny dogs that didn’t make it to this list but are equally adorable are: Italian Greyhounds, Alaskan Klee Kai, Miniature Pinscher, Small Terriers, Dachshund, Pugs, Biewer Terrier, Shih Tzu, etc. It’s evident from so many small dog breeds that there is a dog for every personality.
These little dogs bring joy, the pleasure of companionship, and endless cuddles to your home. A MAJOR plus is their small size, which means they are perfect for apartments, small houses, and for those who want a portable furry friend.
