Think you know America’s favorite small dog? Think again. It’s not the Chihuahua, and it’s not even close. There’s a tiny powerhouse of pups that’s stealing hearts all across the country—and they’re much more than just cute faces.
Americans have spoken, and the rankings are in. From fluffy to scrappy, these little dogs are winning over families, singles, and everyone in between. It’s not about size—it’s about personality, energy, and the undeniable charm that makes them impossible to resist.
Curious to know which pint-sized dog tops the list? Get ready to be surprised. The competition is fierce, and the results will make you rethink your idea of the “best small dog.”
Read on to discover America’s true favorite small dog, and see if your top pick made the cut. The battle for the crown is more intense than you think.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is adored for its unique appearance and friendly nature. With bat-like ears and a compact build, they are perfect for city living. These little dogs are known for their affectionate and playful demeanor, making them excellent companions. French Bulldogs require minimal exercise, making them ideal for apartment dwellers. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and are quite the entertainers. Their short coats are easy to maintain, but they can be prone to respiratory issues. Overall, French Bulldogs are a delightful addition to any family, bringing joy and laughter.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small dogs with large personalities, often winning hearts with their fluffy coats and lively spirits. Originating from the Spitz family, they are known for their fox-like faces and intelligent eyes. These dogs are highly trainable and enjoy learning new tricks, which makes them a favorite in dog sports. Pomeranians require regular grooming due to their thick coats but are generally low maintenance otherwise. Their energetic nature makes them great companions for active families. Despite their size, they are fearless and often act as if they are much larger dogs, adding to their charm.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are famed for their elegant appearance and vibrant personalities. Their silky coats and confident demeanor make them stand out in any crowd. Originally bred for catching rats in clothing mills, they are now beloved as companion animals. Yorkies are known for their intelligence and adaptability, thriving in both city and rural settings. However, they do require regular grooming to keep their coats in top condition. With their loyal nature and endless affection, Yorkshire Terriers are perfect for those seeking a dog that’s both stylish and loving. They truly bring joy to any household.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, often referred to as “wiener dogs,” are known for their distinctive long bodies and short legs. These curious and brave dogs were originally bred for hunting badgers. Their playful and courageous spirits make them beloved pets. Dachshunds come in smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired varieties, each requiring different grooming needs. They are known for their loyalty and make great watchdogs despite their small stature. Regular exercise is essential to maintain their health, particularly for their long backs. With their unique appearance and spirited nature, Dachshunds bring plenty of fun to any home.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, with its regal appearance and friendly demeanor, is a favorite small breed. This ancient breed, once favored by Chinese royalty, is known for its luxurious coat and sweet nature. While they thrive on human companionship, Shih Tzus are relatively independent and can entertain themselves. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their long, flowing coats. These dogs are generally good with children and make excellent family pets. Shih Tzus enjoy a moderate amount of exercise and adapt well to apartment living. Their loving and gentle nature makes them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is cherished for its gentle and affectionate nature. With their expressive eyes and silky coats, they are often seen as elegant companions. These dogs are great with children and other pets, making them ideal family members. Cavaliers are known for their adaptability, thriving in both urban and rural environments. They enjoy regular playtime and walks, which keep them healthy and happy. Their friendly demeanor extends to strangers, making them poor watchdogs but excellent companions. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s loving nature and charming appearance have made them a favorite across the country.
Pug
Pugs are small dogs with big personalities, known for their wrinkled faces and curly tails. These playful and sociable dogs thrive on human companionship and tend to get along well with other pets. Pugs have a charming, comical nature that easily captures hearts. They require minimal grooming due to their short coats but are prone to obesity, so regular exercise is essential. Pugs are adaptable and thrive in various living environments. Despite their small size, they are robust and sturdy, making them great companions for families. Their joyful and loving personalities continue to endear them to dog lovers worldwide.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, often called “The American Gentleman,” are known for their tuxedo-like coats and friendly dispositions. These intelligent dogs are easy to train and are excellent companions for families. Boston Terriers thrive in urban environments and adapt well to apartment living. They are energetic and enjoy playtime, making them great companions for active individuals. Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their eyes and ears need regular care. Boston Terriers are known for their loyalty and make great watchdogs despite their small size. With their charming personalities and stylish appearance, they are a favorite among dog lovers.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a popular small breed known for its spirited personality and distinctive beard. These dogs are intelligent and highly trainable, making them excellent companions. Miniature Schnauzers enjoy regular exercise and thrive in active households. Their double coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and make great watchdogs. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, getting along well with children and other pets. Their lively and affectionate personalities make them a favorite choice for families seeking a fun-loving dog.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas, though not topping this list, remain a beloved small breed. Known for their big personalities, they are confident and often act as if they are much larger dogs. Chihuahuas are loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. They are versatile, thriving in both urban and rural settings. Despite their small size, they require regular exercise and enjoy playtime. Their short coats are low-maintenance, though some Chihuahuas have longer fur that needs more grooming. These dogs are alert and make excellent watchdogs. With their spirited nature and affectionate demeanor, Chihuahuas continue to capture the hearts of many.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful and playful small breed, known for its fluffy white coat and joyful disposition. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are highly sociable, making them great family pets. Bichons are intelligent and easy to train, often excelling in obedience and agility sports. Their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting. Bichon Frise are known for their adaptability, doing well in both apartments and larger homes. They enjoy playtime and daily walks to keep them healthy. With their friendly and affectionate nature, Bichons bring joy and laughter to any home.
Papillon
The Papillon is a graceful and elegant small breed, named for its distinctive butterfly-like ears. These dogs are highly intelligent and excel in obedience and agility competitions. Papillons are known for their lively and outgoing nature, making them wonderful companions. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy regular playtime. Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Papillons adapt well to different living environments, making them suitable for both city and country living. Despite their delicate appearance, they are sturdy and resilient dogs. Their friendly and spirited personalities make them a favorite.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are renowned for their elegant appearance and gentle nature. With their long, silky white coats, they exude grace and charm. Despite their refined looks, Maltese are lively and enjoy playtime with their families. These dogs are highly adaptable, thriving in various living environments. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their luxurious coats. Maltese are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, making them excellent companions. They are known for their intelligence and can be trained easily. With their friendly nature and stunning appearance, Maltese dogs have been cherished companions for centuries.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small breed known for its cheerful disposition and charming appearance. With their soft, wavy coats and bright eyes, they are a favorite among dog lovers. Havanese are incredibly sociable and thrive in family settings, getting along well with children and other pets. They are intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks, which makes them excellent for dog sports. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their coats. Havanese dogs adapt well to different living environments, making them ideal for both city and suburban living. Their playful and loving nature endears them to families everywhere.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are known for their dignified appearance and bold personalities. These small but robust dogs are highly independent and intelligent, often winning over their families with their unique charm. Scotties are excellent watchdogs, always alert and protective of their home. Their wiry coats require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. They enjoy daily walks and playtime, which helps keep them healthy and happy. Despite their independent nature, Scottish Terriers are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. Their distinctive look and spirited nature make them a favorite among dog enthusiasts.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are elegant and graceful dogs, admired for their sleek appearance and gentle nature. These small dogs are incredibly agile and enjoy running in open spaces. Despite their athleticism, they are content to relax indoors with their families, making them ideal for both active and laid-back lifestyles. Italian Greyhounds have a short coat that requires minimal grooming. They are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy and happy. With their graceful movements and loving personalities, Italian Greyhounds are cherished companions for those seeking a unique pet.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are spirited and tenacious small dogs, known for their adventurous nature and scruffy appearance. Originating from Scotland, they were originally bred for hunting small game. Cairn Terriers are intelligent and highly trainable, thriving on mental stimulation and play. They are sturdy and enjoy outdoor activities, making them great companions for active families. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their coats. Despite their hunting instincts, they are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. Cairn Terriers are known for their cheerful and loyal nature, making them a beloved choice for dog lovers.
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are beloved for their bright white coats and lively personalities. These small dogs are full of energy and love to play, making them great companions for active families. Westies are intelligent and easy to train, excelling in obedience and agility sports. Their double coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Westies are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, getting along well with children and other pets. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and make excellent watchdogs. Their cheerful disposition and charming looks make them a family favorite.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their joyful and affectionate nature. With their long, flowing ears and expressive eyes, they capture the hearts of many. These dogs are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports. Cocker Spaniels enjoy regular exercise and thrive in active households. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great companions for families with children. Cocker Spaniels are adaptable and do well in both urban and rural environments. Their loving nature and playful spirit ensure they are adored by all.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small yet mighty dog, often described as a lion in miniature form. Their origin as cherished companions of Chinese royalty speaks volumes about their dignified demeanor and independent spirit. With their luxurious coat and distinctive mane, they exude a sense of regal elegance. Despite their aloof exterior, Pekingese are affectionate and loyal to their families, providing a perfect blend of companionship and independence. Their slightly stubborn nature means they require a patient owner, but their endearing charm is well worth the effort. Ideal for those seeking a unique and illustrious addition to their household.