43 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families

If you want a husky-like dog at a fraction of the size, the Klee Kai is the pup for you. They run between six and 25 pounds depending on whether they're a toy or standard version of the breed. Just know that with their fluffy coat, they'll need a lot of grooming maintenance.

According to the AKC, this toy breed is famously amusing, loyal, and curious. If your family are Star Wars fans, then you'll appreciate this fun fact: Some argue Affenpinschers look like Wookies or Ewoks. They are less than a foot tall and have a dense coat that comes in a variety of colors.

This friendly, spunky dog breed was just recognized by the American Kennel Club early in 2021. It's part of the toy breed group and clocks in at four to eight pounds.

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This terrier breed love to cuddle while you watch TV and are also amazing housemates and watchdogs. The AKC describes Bedlington Terriers as "lithe, energetic Englishmen." These dogs are perfect for a super active family thanks to their charming and fun energy.

Chinese Cresteds are partially hairless, which means you have to take care to keep them out of too much sun. They weigh up to 12 pounds and love to snuggle in their owners laps.

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Just because these dogs are small doesn't mean they're not extremely helpful. As its name suggests, the Danish-Swedish farmdog was bred to help with rural tasks like ratting, herding, and hunting. They run between 15 and 20 pounds.

Per the AKC, this dog breed may be distantly related to the Corgi and Manchester Terrier — two other small dog breeds. They weigh between nine and 17 pounds, which made them ideal farm dogs in the 17th century and now makes them great small apartment pets.

The American Hairless Terrier is native to Louisiana and comes in hairless and coated varieties, so if you are looking for an allergy-friendly terrier, these dogs are the breed for your family. They stand 12 to 16 inches tall and always have an extra pep in their step for hours of play with the little ones.

Löwchen is German for "little lion," named for their traditional haircut of a flowing mane, and short-cropped hindquarters. These dogs hardly shed, which makes them ideal for people with allergies. They're also on the tiny side at just 15 pounds.

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A full-grown standard Bull Terrier can weigh up to 70 pounds, but fortunately the miniature versions are way smaller. They weigh just 18-28 pounds. The miniature breed was created for above-ground ratting, but now they make great companions for people without a lot of room for a pet.

The Rat Terrier's name comes from how skilled they are at chasing vermin, but they're also not much bigger than rats themselves. They weigh between 10 and 25 pounds.

Standard Manchester Terriers can run up to 22 pounds, but the toy versions have the same look at a fraction of the size. They weigh under 12 pounds and stand just a foot tall.

Per VetStreet, Schipperkes are also known as "little black devils." They're high-energy dogs, so even though they're on the smaller side, they still need lots of exercise. You can expect them to grow to about 10-16 pounds.

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Named for their silky smooth hair, these terriers are often confused with the similarly-colored Yorkies. But Silkies are a bit bigger, ringing in at about 10 pounds.

The miniature version of this breed weighs under 11 pounds. They are curious, and extremely friendly. They don't love long distance runs or swims, but other than that, they're ready to play all day long. Also be warned: Dachshunds make great watchdogs due to their loud barks.

These dogs are basically five-pound fluff-balls. Their adorable faces are hidden in a pouf of fur, and they're a lively breed. They do have a reputation for being a bit chatty, so if you're looking for a quiet, chill dog, a Pomeranian might not be an ideal choice.

The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed that's the most popular fluffy companion in the Asian country and was brought to America in the 1950s. They're alert, sturdy, muscular dogs who have a confident, bold personality and only weigh 23 pounds at most.

Border Terriers are upbeat, agile, affectionate pups, making them ideal dogs for most owners. They're known for being tough, no-frills workers when needed, but are good-tempered and trainable when home. Border Terriers grow to anywhere between 11 and 16 inches, rarely weigh more than 16 pounds, and adapt well to city life.

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Originally bred to accompany the ruling classes of ancient China, Pekingese are charming, confident, sophisticated dogs with an undying loyalty to their owners. The stocky, compact breed weighs up to about 14 pounds, standing up to 9 inches high.

Shetland Sheepdogs, a.k.a. Shelties, are incredibly smart, quick, obedient herders. These traits make the breed bright and eager world-class competitors. At home, Shelties take on sensitive and affectionate tendencies. They weigh 15-25 pounds.

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With their playful and adoring personalities, Cocker Spaniels are great dogs for every kind of pet parent. They're easy to train as companions or athletes, though they are considered the AKC's smallest sporting spaniel, standing at 14 to 15 inches and around 20 pounds.

Known for their lively, curious demeanors, Russell Terriers pack a lot of personality into their small, rectangular bodies. They're just 15 pounds max.

Beagles are excellent hunting dogs and loyal companions. Since they were bred to hunt in packs, they enjoy a lot of company and are very go-with-the-flow. Beagles stand at 15 inches or shorter and likely weigh less than 20 pounds. Not to mention, their big brown or hazel eyes and long, hound-like ears make them one of the most adorable family dogs.

Poodles are one of the most diverse breeds. They come in standard, miniature, or toy sizes, with black, white, or apricot coats. Mini poodles stand at 15 inches or less and tend to weigh a maximum of 15 pounds. Their curly, low-allergen coat makes them ideal hypoallergenic dogs.

Yorkshire Terriers, adorably referred to as "Yorkies," are known for being energetic, affectionate pups. They only weigh about seven pounds, which makes them perfect for carrying around and cuddling with.

Shih Tzus are cuddly and affectionate companions. They were bred to be house companions. The nine to 16 pound dogs don't need too much exercise, making them perfect for someone with a busy work schedule or limited mobility.

Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are easy to recognize since their inclusion as one of the classic game pieces in Monopoly. As would make sense for a dog so strongly associated with a game, these dogs love to play, and have a lot of energy. They weigh around 20 pounds.

These dogs get their name from their perky, wing-like ears that look like a butterfly. They're known for being exceptionally smart dogs and easy to train. Plus, they're perfect lap dogs at five to 10 pounds in size.

You might see the word Eskimo and think of a huge Husky, but American Eskimo Dogs are the complete opposite. Remember the adorable white puffball in Sandra Bullock's The Proposal, who almost got eaten by an eagle? This is the same dog. They're clever dogs who adore making friends. They ring in at six pounds for the miniature ones.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a cross of the Cavaliers and the Spaniel. The breed combines the gentle behavior of the smaller toy breed, while still keeping the energy of the larger dog. They're under 20 pounds.