10 Cutest Small Dogs You'll Want to Spoil Rotten

Originally bred in England, the Yorkshire Terrier was specifically bred to be small yet fearless.

Known for its silky coat and expressive eyes, the Yorkie is a true terrier at heart—strong-willed, loyal and confident. Yorkshire Terriers are considered one of the most popular toy dog breeds.

This elegant, affectionate breed has deep roots in British history. Historically depicted in paintings alongside British royalty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a velcro dog: They stick by your side.

Their long coat and sweet demeanor make them a favorite family dog.

Available in three sizes, the toy poodle stays small but packs plenty of smarts. Easy to train and hypoallergenic, these animated companions love dog sports and enjoy consistent training. Their curly coat requires regular grooming but offers minimal shedding.

A fluffy member of the Bichon family, the Bichon Frise is known for its soft white coat and cheerful personality. They were originally bred to be lap dogs and are extremely loyal to their humans.

With a double coat that needs daily brushing, they make a great choice for dedicated pet parents.

This elegant little dog combines speed with snuggles. Italian Greyhounds are quiet, gentle, and enjoy curling up in small spaces.

Their short fur requires minimal maintenance, and they thrive with plenty of affection and light exercise.

Nicknamed the "butterfly dog" for its distinctive, upright ears, the Papillon is small but lively. Easily recognizable and full of energy, this toy dog gets along well with other pets but is not recommended for homes with small children.

It’s also a top contender in dog shows thanks to its alert expression and feathered coat.

Affectionately known as the Min Pin, the Miniature Pinscher is bold, proud, and strong-willed. They may look like tiny Dobermans but are a distinct breed. Their short coat is easy to care for, and they bring high energy to any home.

With roots going back over a thousand years in China, the Shih Tzu is a small breed with a big heart. Their long coat requires upkeep, but their sweet, affectionate nature makes them beloved lap dogs. They're great for small spaces and love being pampered.

Dachshunds, especially the miniature variety, have a one-of-a-kind look with their elongated bodies and short legs. Their wiry or smooth coat options suit a variety of pet parents.

These little guys are surprisingly bold and make loyal companions.

This fun-loving small dog breed has a weather-resistant coat and a lot of spunk. Cairn Terriers are alert, adventurous and were originally bred to root out vermin. Their high energy and low-maintenance grooming make them great for active homes.

Whether you're looking for a dog that stays small forever or one with a high-energy spirit in a foot-tall frame, these pups offer big love in little bodies. From cute dogs with silky hair to wiry adventurers, there's a breed here for everyone.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.