Tiny dogs: the ones whose heads you see sticking out of oversized purses or running circles around your feet just asking to be squished.
The following 15 breeds are the tiniest of tiny—breeds that a normal-sized purse would likely accommodate, whose miniature frames may truly be in peril when they scamper around your living room.
Aside from the danger of stepping on them, however, there are plenty of upsides to owning a small dog. They’re great for city dwellers who may not have the space for a hefty, 75-pound pup, or the time to walk one. They’re also easy to travel with, relatively hassle-free to bathe, and can snuggle up right in your lap. Most importantly, they’ll love you just as much as any other dog will.
So if you’re in the market for a teeny new member of the family, start our countdown of the smallest dog breeds—with data from the American Kennel Club—below.
Toy Fox Pinscher #15
Average weight: 6 lbs
Maximum weight: 10 lbs
The Toy Fox Pinscher is a cross between the Toy Fox Terrier and Miniature Pinscher. Although it’s a small dog, it’s very active and not well-suited to a sedentary owner.
Yorkillon #14
Average weight: 6 lbs
Maximum weight: 9 lbs
Yorkillons are a designer dog breed that come from crossing a Papillon and Yorkshire Terrier. They’re good with children and are known for being energetic, intelligent, and playful.
Cheeks #13
Average weight: 6 lbs
Maximum weight: 9 lbs
Like the Yorkillon, Cheeks dogs are a cross between two breeds—the Chihuahua and Pekingese. They have both long and short coats, so if you don’t like grooming but love the breed, you can always opt for a Cheeks with shorter fur.
Maltipom #12
Average weight: 6 lbs
Maximum weight: 8 lbs
The Maltipom is a cross between a Maltese and a purebred Pomeranian. It’s also a hypoallergenic breed, making it a good choice for people with allergies.
Chin-wa #11
Average weight: 6 lbs
Maximum weight: 8 lbs
The Chin-wa is a mix between the purebred Chihuahua and Japanese Chin. They’re not known to be good around children, but they’re still loving, playful, and would be a great choice for anyone looking for a small pup that doesn’t shed much.
Chestie #10
Average weight: 6 lbs
Maximum weight: 7 lbs
Another Chihuahua crossbreed, Chesties are a product of a Chihuahua and West Highland White Terrier. They’re independent, lively, and make for great family pets.
Maltese #9
Average weight: 5 lbs
Maximum weight: 7 lbs
The Maltese is an Italian breed best-known for its silky white hair. Many owners, however, give their Maltese a short “puppy cut” for ease of grooming.
Pomeranian #8
Average weight: 5 lbs
Maximum weight: 7 lbs
Unlike the Maltese, which exists in white and only white, Pomeranians come in many colors and variations. They’re a popular show dog and are known for their extroverted personalities.
Yorkshire Terrier #7
Average weight: 5 lbs
Maximum weight: 7 lbs
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, hail from the United Kingdom and are the sixth-most popular breed in America. They’re brave and investigative by nature, but are not great with children.
Pom Terrier #6
Average weight: 5 lbs
Maximum weight: 7 lbs
The Pom Terrier is (surprise!) a cross between a Pomeranian and Toy Fox Terrier. Many small dogs are okay with missing a walk for a day or two, but the Pom Terrier is a highly active dog and should be walked often.
Torkie #5
Average weight: 5 lbs
Maximum weight: 7 lbs
The Torkie is a cross between two terriers—the Toy Fox Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. Unlike the Pom Terrier, Torkies can achieve most of their exercise requirements within a house or small backyard. A short walk outside, however, is still ideal.
Shiranian #4
Average weight: 5 lbs
Maximum weight: 6 lbs
Shiranians—also referred to as Shih-Poms or Pom-Tzus—are a cross between Pomeranians and Shih Tzus. They’re cheerful, loving, and make for great family pets.
Chihuahua #3
Average weight: 4 lbs
Maximum weight: 6 lbs
Chihuahuas are tied for spot number two, with an average weight of four pounds. They’re an extremely intelligent breed, and with a life expectancy between 14 and 20 years, one of the longest-living as well.
Russian Toy Terrier #2
Average weight: 4 lbs
Maximum weight: 6 lbs
Russian Toy Terriers, like Chihuahuas, have an average weight of four pounds and make for loyal family dogs. They’re known for their small heads, large eyes, and triangular ears.
Affenhuahua #1
Average weight: 3 lbs
Maximum weight: 6 lbs
Coming in at three pounds on average, the Affenhuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed in the world. A cross between Affenpinscher and Chihuahua purebreds, Affenhuahuas are friendly and social, but are not known for being good with kids.
