Did you know that dogs are not only adorable furry friends, but also reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness in their owners? They not only provide us companionship, but also depend on us, which make us feel wanted with their love and cuddles. And nobody shows love better than the best small dog breeds!
Dogs under 10 pounds (lb) are easier to manage and make a great addition to your family. It’s easier to maintain and groom a smaller dog as compared to a larger one, and it’s less likely they’ll get into big trouble like knocking over your kitchen trash can. Plus, small dogs are easier to bring with you when running errands or taking a trip. Here is a list of the 13 best small dog breeds under 10 lb that you could choose as your fur companion!
13 Best Small Dog Breeds Under 10 lbs
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a must-have pup that’s full of energy and mischief, commonly known as a “Monkey Dog.” They absolutely dote on their human owners. Don’t let their small size fool you: they adapt to new surroundings quickly and are focused on their duties. They have proved their courageousness and fearlessness, making them remarkable watchdogs. Often, mature pet parents find this breed more loving, friendly, and loyal.
You’ll be surprised by your Affenpinscher’s intelligence, creativity, and socialization skills. Though they are intelligent, it still takes work to house-train them. The most appealing part of an Affenpinscher is their talent for making people laugh – which makes them a wonderful fit for therapy purposes.
2. Bolognese
When they say “Dogs are better companions than humans” they are absolutely right, especially when it comes to Bolognese. These fluffy white dogs are firm in their friendship, and you will find your pet Bolognese always by your side. They’re also easygoing socially and are very open to meeting and getting along with new people and strangers.
Bolognese are quiet dogs that rarely bark! To keep them happy, take them with you on walks and errands. They are small, white, and very fluffy and love to cuddle – and although they have very minimal shedding, they do require regular grooming.
3. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon are petite dogs, but super playful and athletic – so they’re a great fit if you want a big dog’s energy in a smaller package! They’re also super affectionate and loyal to their families. Want a watchdog? The Brussels Griffon is protective, very easy to train, and vocal.
These little dogs have adorable squished faces with adorably large eyes. Their wiry coats require regular grooming and shed a standard amount. Some can be very picky eaters, so make sure to talk to your vet about how best to feed your Brussels Griffon pup. You may also provide food supplements from PetMeds to your tiny furry friend to make sure they get enough nutrients
4. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested has a distinct, floofy look and was bred to be affectionate companion dogs. They take their time to get to know a person, but once they do, they will be absolutely devoted to you Their hairless variety is the most well-known, but they do come in a coated “powder puff” version. They’re alert, friendly dogs with graceful gait. Furthermore, they can get sensitive at the same time and would crave your closeness. Chinese Crested pups are intolerant of the cold, which is why they’re often dressed in cute sweaters or found cozying up under a blanket.
If you like dressing up, a Chinese crested dog is perfect for you.
5. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds look like miniature versions of their graceful namesakes. Their sturdy and obedient personality is greatly admired. If you have a family that includes kids, this is a great go-to dog breed.
They settle well in apartment life, are super affectionate with their families, and are good with little ones Another plus point of an Italian Greyhound is that they are easy to groom and maintain. They do need a lot of attention and love to keep them happy – but we don’t think you’ll find it hard work to dote on this adorable breed. Fun fact: just like cats, Italian Greyhounds love to play and jump on furniture.
6. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is easygoing, charming, and well-mannered Their elegant appearance makes them fawn over when they’re out for a walk! They do require a lot of love and attention from their owners, and in return, they are super affectionate They love cuddles and want to snuggle with their owners Plus, they’re good with other dogs.
Their clingy trait can make them very addictive, and it’s hard to live without them. Japanese Chins are very catlike in that they can wash themselves and can jump in high places. They’re also adaptable and can easily settle in every environment. They bark less than your average pup, so if you’re looking for a slightly quieter breed, this is a good pick.
7. Maltese
Absolutely revered for its adorable look, the gentle and playful Maltese dog is great for apartment life with a family. They’re a great companion, which makes them excel in having a therapeutic nature. They’re also protective, making them the cutest watchdogs you’ve ever seen.
Maltese look like clouds with their silky, straight hair that covers their entire body all the way to the floors. Though they actually shed very little, they do require regular grooming to keep them happy and healthy. This breed is very small and delicate, hence, it is not advised to leave them with kids without supervision.
8. Mi-Ki
Do you hate when animals shed? If yes, then it’s safe to get a Mi-ki. This petite breed has beautiful and non-shedding hair draping around its body. They have small, round heads with big eyes. These pups are also relatively calmer, and very loving and sweet in nature.
The Mi-Ki kind is not at all aggressive – they get along well with strangers and are known for their extremely friendly nature. Your Mi-Ki will make itself comfortable in every environment. They are easy to train and don’t act up if left alone for long hours.
9. Phalene
Looking for a kid-friendly small dog? The fluffy Phalene is an adorable companion that’s great with kids of all ages. Other than the ears, Phalene is almost identical to the more well-known Papillion. It is so small that normally a dog from this breed would weigh somewhere between 3 to 4.5 kg. They have a squirrel-like elegant tail, beautifully curled, that is carried upright behind them.
The Phalene is a vocal, intelligent breed, with remarkable qualities making it easy to train them. They’re also super friendly and playful, and they’re good at meeting new people.
10. Pomeranian
One of the most popular small dog breeds, Pomeranians are super affectionate and look like adorable little puffs of fur. But don’t let their cute exterior fool you: vocal and loyal, they make excellent watchdogs. Though they have floofy coats, they actually shed less than the average dog – but they do require regular grooming to be healthy and happy.
With patience and consistency, you can easily train a Pomeranian. Although they are good with the kids, it’s still a little dangerous to leave them without supervision because of their small size. They love themselves a good walk and would always be willing to go out with you.
Worry-less about their fur with Bissell robotic vacuums.
11. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a highly energetic and fun-loving breed, as well as an excellent companion who can work as an exceptional gatekeeper. If you love yourself a good laugh, trust me you don’t want to miss their bright, clever, and stubborn personality.
Rat Terriers are great with kids of all ages, so this is a great breed for a family with little ones. They love playtime and do require a lot of attention and mental stimulation – they love being trained! Rat Terriers are also open to meeting strangers when they’re out for a walk.
12. Russian Toy Terrier
Russian Toy Terriers, also known as Russkiy Toys, are one of the tiniest dog breeds, with their height ranging between 8 to 10 inches. They are toy-sized dogs, with two variants: long-haired and smooth-haired. Their adorable, eager faces have a tendency to make you fall in love with them instantly.
Russian Toys are highly active, intelligent, loyal, and have a loving nature. This breed is so handy that you would want to take it everywhere, and the companionship drive is so strong in RTTs that they would want to do anything and everything you do. Plus, they’re vocal and protective, making them the tiniest watchdogs you’ll ever see!
13. Toy Fox Terrier
One of the smallest dog breeds on the list, his tiny dog breed is very fun-loving and intelligent. Toy Fox Terriers can blow you away with their tricks. This breed has been known to work as circus dogs, hence, they need regular exercise and active play. From going out to curling up on the couch, this little pup will be your constant partner.
They are extremely loyal and protective, and their high-intensity barks make them ideal for security purposes. Toy Fox Terriers are affectionate and cuddly with their families, and they even love to meet new people! Plus, they’re super trainable.
Bottom line
Breeds that didn’t make it to the list but are worth mentioning are Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, and American Eskimo dog.
After reading about these tiny dogs, we bet you are contemplating getting not one, but multiple small pet dog additions to your family. These less than 10 lb dogs are some of the best pups you can choose from as your friend forever.