Dog Breed Reviews: Small Dog Breeds

Small dog breeds stand about 12-15 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 10-20 pounds.

My dog breed reviews include positives AND negatives – good and bad traits and characteristics – on temperament, personality, behavior, exercise requirements, shedding, etc.

Reviews are based on my personal and professional experiences – over 35 years working with dogs – plus my extensive research. I'm Michele Welton – breed selection consultant, obedience instructor, and published author of 15 dog books.


Miniature American Eskimo Dog American Eskimo Dog (Miniature) Australian Terrier Australian Terrier Bichon Frise Bichon Frise Border Terrier Border Terrier
Boston Terrier Boston Terrier Cairn Terrier Cairn Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Hairless Chinese Crested Chinese Crested (Hairless)
Powderpuff Chinese Crested Chinese Crested (Powderpuff) Coton de Tulear Coton de Tulear Longhaired Dachshund Dachshund (Longhaired) Smooth Dachshund Dachshund (Smooth)
Wirehaired Dachshund Dachshund (Wirehaired) English Toy Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Smooth Fox Terrier Fox Terrier
(Smooth)
Wirehaired Fox Terrier Fox Terrier
(Wirehaired)
Havanese Havanese Italian Greyhound Italian Greyhound Jack Russell Terrier Jack Russell Terrier Lakeland Terrier Lakeland Terrier
Lhasa Apso Lhasa Apso Lowchen Lowchen
(Little Lion Dog)
Standard Manchester Terrier Manchester Terrier (Standard) Miniature Poodle Miniature Poodle
Miniature Schnauzer Miniature Schnauzer Mixed Breed Mixed Breed Norfolk Terrier Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Lundehund Norwegian Lundehund
Norwich Terrier Norwich Terrier Pekingese Pekingese Pug Pug Rat Terrier Rat Terrier
Schipperke Schipperke Scottish Terrier Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Silky Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Spaniel Welsh Terrier Welsh Terrier West Highland White Terrier West Highland White Terrier Xoloitzcuintle Xoloitzcuintle
Transylvanian Griffinfinch Transylvanian Griffinfinch
Very Special Breed!
tiny dog breeds
5-12" | 3-10 lbs
small dog breeds
12-15" | 10-20 lbs
midsize dog breeds
15-18" | 20-40 lbs
medium size dog breeds
18-22" | 40-60 lbs
large dog breeds
22-26" | 60-90 lbs
giant dog breeds
over 26" | over 100 lbs