Small Dog Breed List

Boston Terrier

• The Boston terrier is highly intelligent and lively. It has a good disposition and enjoys being with his owners. This dog requires only minimal grooming and moderate exercise. The breed always must be in brindle, seal or black, with white markings. The Boston terrier is classified in three groups. The smaller of the groups, which fits in with the small dog breeds, weighs under 15 lbs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Energetic and elegant, this toy breed is happy as a city slicker or country dog. He enjoys being a member of the family and cherishes the children in his family. Needing only minimal exercise, this dog is equally happy snoozing on the furniture or running in the yard. His long, silky coat, which requires weekly brushing, comes in four combinations: black, white and tan; chestnut and white; black and tan; and the solid color, red. He weighs 13 to 18 lbs.

Chihuahua

• The chihuahua, being the smallest dog breed, is often considered a "purse dog." He comes in any color, with long or short hair. This dog is spunky, smart and easily trained. The chihuahua bonds closely to his master. They are good with children but the children must be gentle because these dogs are easily injured. Although the long hair chihuahua requires weekly brushing, both varieties require minimal grooming. The chihuahua should ideally weigh less than 6 lbs.

Jack Russell Terrier

• The Jack Russell terrier, also known as parson terrier, is alert, active and intelligent. His wiry or smooth coat, in white and black, white and tan, tri-color or plain white, requires minimal grooming. This energetic breed, weighing 13 to 17 lbs., requires regular exercise. He likes children but does not do well with rough handling.

Maltese

• Gentle, affectionate, lively and fearless, the Maltese is an intelligent dog who will perform well with enough reward. A playful nature makes her a great family dog. Her long, silky, white coat requires daily brushing. Weighing less than 7 lbs., this dog does well in an apartment.

Miniature Pinscher

• Related to the Doberman, this energetic breed is fearless by nature. His short coat colors include: red; red with black; black with rust; and chocolate with tan. The dog requires minimal grooming. The "min-pin" is very protective of his family and prefers to think of himself as a larger dog. The miniature pinscher weighs 7 to 10 lbs.

Pekingese

• The Pekingese looks like a tiny lion, giving the breed an air of dignity. They do well in an apartment because of their size (less than 14 lbs.), but are sometimes difficult to housebreak. Their long coat, which can be any color, requires weekly grooming.

Pomeranian

• The Pomeranian is a compact, little dog, with an outgoing personality. He has a soft coat that requires regular brushing. Colors include black, white, red, tan, cream, brown and brindle, in various combinations. Weighing 3 to 7 lbs., this breed is energetic and he can be a good family dog with the proper training.

Toy Poodle

• The toy poodle is extremely smart and active. This breed loves to perform and fits well into a family. The long, thick coat is considered hypoallergenic but does require regular, professional grooming. Toy poodles are white, black, gray and apricot. The toy poodle weighs 10 lbs. or less.

Pug

• The pug is a compact breed, weighing 14 to 18 lbs. The color of the short coat is fawn, apricot, silver and black, with a black mask on the muzzle. It requires minimal grooming. They are considered even-tempered and gentle, making them ideal for families.

Yorkshire Terrier

• The breed, commonly referred to as "Yorkie," features a giant personality in a tiny body. Energetic and dynamic, this fearless dog has no problem challenging dogs many times his size. They simply see themselves as huge. They range in size from 4 to 7 lbs., with long, silky, blue and tan coats that require regular grooming. The Yorkshire terrier is an extrovert who craves his owner's attention.