It’s kind of wild that Great Danes and Chihuahuas are the same species, but here we are. Also surprising? The incredible variety of small dog breeds available to canine lovers. Don’t be fooled by the stature of the pups on this list. Many of these cute dogs believe themselves to be as tall and powerful as the big dogs. Others are content being members of the small dog club, watching the world go by from a carrier. If you’re considering getting a pet but aren’t sure if small dog breeds are for you, consider the following itty-bitty puppy committee.
While every dog is an individual, there are trends among small dog breeds that are worth noting. For instance, small dogs may be more difficult to house train, according to a 2019 survey administered by three animal behavior research centers. The sample size was small (just over 700 pups out of the 65 million pet dogs in the U.S.), but only 66% of small breeds were housetrained, compared to 95% of large breeds. Small dogs also tend to live longer, yet require more safety measures than big dogs. A fall from the couch, a busy sidewalk or a crowded dog park could be treacherous for tiny pups, so dog safety should be top of mind with a small breed. Read on for 25 of the smallest dog breeds, plus what you can expect from them.
