List of Different Kinds of Small Dogs

Cuddly, cute and affectionate, a small dog will bring much love and joy into your life. According to the American Kennel Club, regardless of the breed, a small dog is one that weighs less than 22 pounds and stands 16 inches or less at the shoulder. A small dog is intelligent with a strong personality and makes a wonderful companion. Consider many factors when choosing a small dog including ease of training, shedding and health issues.

  1. Yorkshire Terrier - Toy

    • Spunky is a good description for the most popular toy dog in America, the Yorkshire terrier. Its silky blue and tan coat covers a body that normally weighs 7 lbs. The Yorkie character is one of an active dog that requires much attention and enjoys exercise such as walks. It is an intelligent breed and easily bonds with its owner. The long hair needs daily grooming to remove mats but sheds very little. Originally bred as a rat catcher for its bravery, a terrier remains fiercely protective of its owner. Its life span is 12 to 15 years but it is prone to bronchitis, intestinal problems and liver disorders.

    Sussex Spaniel - Sporting

    • The Sussex spaniel is an English dog with good hunting instincts in a compact size. Its muscular body, 15 inches at the shoulder, is well suited to go deep into bushes. The spaniel takes patience to train but it is a good choice for families with children for its gentle disposition, and loves plenty of companionship. Daily grooming is necessary to keep its thick coat tangle-free. A spaniel's lifespan is 10 to 12 years, but its low body frame is prone to hip problems.

    Dashshund - Hound

    • The Dachshund is a native of Germany where the short-legged dog hunted badgers and rabbits. Its squatty legs limit its jumping ability but it is an agile dog with a deep chest for prolonged breathing during a hunt. A dachshund is playful, but has a stubborn temperament that makes it a challenge to train. It can live up to 15 years, yet its long body is susceptible to spine problems. It can weight 11 to 15 pounds and may experience weight issues as it ages. The dachshund has three types of hair but each do not shed, smooth, longhair and wirehair.

    Lhasa Apso - Non-Sporting

    • Tibetan monks bred the lhasa apso as a companion dog in the 10th century. It is highly alert with an aggressive temperament that makes it an excellent watchdog. Its thick top coat sheds very little and under-coat sheds once a year. A favorite of dog shows, it weighs 12 to 14 lbs. and stands about one-foot tall. The apso is an intelligent dog that requires physical and mental stimulation. A relatively healthy breed, the lhasa apso does suffer from dry eye and cataracts as it ages.

    West Highlands White Terrier - Terrier

    • The obedient, determined West Highlands White Terrier is an intelligent dog with much stamina. The terrier possesses a quick, alert mind with a playful spirit and lots of boundless energy that requires a firm hand in training it. The stocky terrier's weight ranges 12 to 16 lbs. and it stands up to 11 inches tall. This dog has a higher risk of developing a cancer during its life, usually 10 to 14 years, than other smaller dogs.