At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Bella, Coco, Teddy
Small dog breeds
13 breeds whose recorded weight stays at about 20 lb or under, or whose descriptions call them small. Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier lead the list.
What we looked at
- Weight at about 20 lb or under, or described as small
The breeds, in the order the quiz ranks them
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, light grooming to weekly brushing, sheds some
Most common names: Bella, Luna, Coco
At a glance: small size, a good daily walk, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Bella, Max, Coco
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Bella, Coco, Max
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds a lot
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Coco, Teddy, Bear
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Teddy, Luna, Bella
At a glance: small size, a good daily walk, weekly brushing, sheds some
Most common names: Charlie, Teddy, Archie
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Teddy, Bella, Charlie
At a glance: small size, a good daily walk, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Luna, Max, Pepper
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, light grooming, sheds some
Most common names: Luna, Coco, Lily
At a glance: small size, lots of exercise, light grooming to regular grooming, sheds less than most to sheds some
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Jack, Milo, Lucy
At a glance: small size, a good daily walk, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Luna, Oliver, Bailey
At a glance: small size, lots of exercise, regular grooming, sheds a lot
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Chloe, Cooper, Max
Side by side
| Breed | Size | Coat | Grooming | Shedding | Exercise | Voice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shih Tzu | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Chihuahua | Small | By variety: short and smooth or silky and feathered | Light to weekly | Moderate | Lighter exercise | - |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | A good daily walk | - |
| Maltese | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Pomeranian | Small | A long double coat | Regular | Heavy | Lighter exercise | Its descriptions mention barking |
| Havanese | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Silky and feathered | Weekly | Moderate | A good daily walk | - |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Curly | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small | Wiry | Regular | Lower | A good daily walk | Its descriptions mention barking |
| Pug | Small | Short and smooth | Light | Moderate | Lighter exercise | - |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Small | By variety: short and smooth or wiry | Light to regular | Lower to moderate | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention barking |
| West Highland White Terrier | Small | Wiry | Regular | Lower | A good daily walk | Its descriptions mention barking |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Small | A long double coat | Regular | Heavy | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention barking |
General information to help you narrow your choices. Every animal is an individual; meet them first. Check your lease and local rules.
Breed facts: Wikidata and each breed's Wikipedia article, read 2026-10-04. The ratings are ours, from those facts; how we match is on the breed fit quiz.
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