Small Dogs
Explore the published profiles of small dog breeds. Body size alone does not establish temperament, exercise needs or suitability for a particular home.
Published animal profiles
Maltese
The Maltese is a domestic dog breed associated with a long history of small companion dogs in the Mediterranean region. Its straight, long white coat and small, dark eyes and nose are characteristic features.
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Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a small size variety of the Poodle. A dense, curly coat, a relatively long muzzle and hanging ears are characteristic features.
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Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a breed selected as a small companion dog from northern European Spitz ancestry. A profuse double coat, small upright ears and a tail carried over the back are characteristic features.
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Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small domestic dog breed named after a place in Mexico. Large upright ears, a rounded head and relatively large eyes stand out.
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Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a breed developed from small dogs of Tibetan ancestry and the companion-dog culture of the Chinese court. A short muzzle, a rounded head and long hair growing around the face are characteristic features.
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Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is associated with small companion-dog lines around the Mediterranean and developed into its modern breed in France and Belgium. White curly hair and a soft undercoat create a full appearance, contrasting with dark eyes and nose.
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Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is associated with terrier ancestry used to catch small rodents in the industrial areas of northern Britain. Adults typically have blue-gray body hair and a tan face and legs; their color can change from the black and tan of puppyhood.
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Dachshund
The Dachshund developed in Germany as a dog that helped with hunting in burrows and above ground. A long torso, short, sturdy legs and long, hanging ears stand out.
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Papillon
The Papillon developed from small European companion spaniels and is introduced in connection with little dogs depicted in old paintings. Large ears spreading to the sides, long ear fringes, a small torso and a full tail are characteristic features.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is connected with the history of small spaniels in the British royal household and developed through modern selection aimed at the form seen in old paintings. Long, soft ear fringes, feathering on the chest and legs, and relatively large eyes are characteristic features.
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Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small dog connected with China’s court companion-dog culture. A low, compact torso, a short muzzle and broad head, and abundant hair around the neck and chest are characteristic features.
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Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher developed from small German Pinscher ancestry. A smooth, short coat, a sleek, compact body and relatively long legs are characteristic features.
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Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound developed from old small sighthound ancestry and European companion-dog culture. A deep chest and tucked-up abdomen, long legs and a long, slender neck, and a short, smooth coat are characteristic features.
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