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When you’re looking for the perfect dog for your home, it’s crucial to think about how they’d fit into your household and lifestyle. Tiny dogs tend to be a great option as they blend well into nearly any family. And, while looks aren’t everything, it doesn’t hurt that most of these little pups happen to be gorgeous small dogs, too. From small fluffy dog breeds with flowing coats to petitie dog breeds with cute faces that capture attention everywhere they go, some pets are a walking photo opportunity.
Over all, these adorable lapdogs are ready to steal your heart and check all the boxes you need, while also being gorgeous. Naturally, there’s a lot more to them than good looks. Some beautiful small dog breeds are low-shedding, making them perfect for people with allergies and many have upbeat personalities that will light up any room they enter. To help you find the right match for you, we rounded up 7 of the prettiest small dog breeds you can't help but love, according to experts.
So, if you're looking to become a pet parent, know there are tons of toy dog breeds out there that are both stunning and great companions. After all, if you’re searching for a pint-sized pet to join your family, you want the total package—a dog that is loving, happy, loyal, and looks good, which these small pretty dog breeds have in common. Check out which ones experts recommend below and you'll see why they are some of the top breeds for dog lovers.
Related: 7 Small Guard Dogs That Are Cute, Fierce & Loyal, Say Experts
7 Prettiest Small Dog Breeds, According to Vets
These petite dog breeds are beautiful on the inside and out! See what makes them so popular and adored.
Bichon Frise
It's no surprise that the Bichon Frise is considered to be one of the best looking small dog breeds. After all, they are known for their fluffy fur. The best part is, that coat is low-shedding and has a fun, cloud-like texture that can be styled any way you like. But this petite pup has a personality people love, too. “This breed is known for being cheerful, playful, adaptable and affectionate,” reveals Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.
As a result, they enjoy being around people, making for a constant companion. "They are smart and generally good with children,” she adds. "They’re also portable enough to take on the go, too."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Curious, playful, peppy
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
Maltese
Talk about a pretty dog breed! The Maltese has a white, flowing coat that can be styled any way you please. They also have a doll-like look. While this pooch looks dainty, Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel, says it has a huge personality. “Maltese dogs can be far more spirited than their delicate appearance suggests,” she says. “They’re usually affectionate, playful and very attached to their owners, so they suit homes where someone has plenty of time for them.”
Warner says that this tiny and fluffy pup tends to be confident, despite its petite size, so expect your Maltese to hold its own. “Gentle training from puppyhood is important, especially for confidence, handling and learning to spend short periods alone,” she explains. “Keep in mind that Maltese dogs tend to respond best to positive, reward-based training.”
Breed Stats
- Personality: Playful, charming, gentle
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Weight: Under 7 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Havanese
Another beautiful small dog breed that will turn heads? The Havanese! These pocket-sized pups are native to Cuba, but have earned a fanbase well beyond the island’s borders. Their silky coats can be cropped short or grown long and they have striking big eyes, which makes them stand out in a crowd.
While the Havanese is undeniably pretty, many people are especially drawn to the breed’s personality. “Intelligent and eager to please, these friendly little dogs are highly trainable and love learning new tricks,” Cahn says. “They form strong bonds with their family and are generally known to be good with children and other pets.” Another perk? The Havanese isn’t noisy, either, making this breed good for city life as well.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Intelligent, outgoing, funny
- Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
Pomeranian
When it comes to pretty toy dog breeds, don't forget about the Pomeranian! This Instagram-worthy breed has a big, fluffy coat and smiling face that’s always photo-ready. They are also known for its puppy-like look that it maintains well into adulthood, making it one of the most popular small dog breeds to own.
This pup doesn’t shirk on the personality front, either. “Pomeranians are bright, bold and full of character,” Warner says. “They often act like much bigger dogs in very small bodies, and many are alert, vocal and quick to notice what’s going on around them.”
Warner reveals they are also “wonderfully entertaining,” but points out that their big personality needs some guidance. “Early socialization is particularly important for Pomeranians,” Warner suggests. “If they’re allowed to bark at everything, or are carried everywhere without learning to cope on the ground, their confidence can turn into reactivity.” However, since they are clever, Warner says Pomeranians tend to do well with short, fun training sessions, which is why they are often recommended by experts as great pets.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Inquisitive, lively, bold
- Height: 6-7 inches
- Weight: 3-7 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
Related: 8 Small Habits That Bring You and Your Dog Closer, According to a Trainer
Japanese Spitz
It’s hard to miss the Japanese Spitz, thanks to its fluffy white coat. This pretty breed has a tail that curls over its back like a plume, along with a distinctive “smile” on its face. Couple that all together, and this beautiful pup is hard to resist.
Don’t forget the Japanese Spitz’s winning personality, though, as this pint-sized furry companion is more than just looks. “The Japanese Spitz is loving, loyal and cheerful,” Cahn points out. “Intelligent and eager to please, these adorable small dogs enjoy spending time with their family and learning new tricks.” Overall, these pooches are not just tiny dog breeds with pretty coats, but they are also great with kids and other dogs, making them a good fit for many households.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Loyal, playful, smart
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 10-25 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
Lhasa Apso
The word “regal” is thrown around a lot to describe the Lhasa Apso as these cute pups have a flowing mane that’s silky and soft. “These small, elegant lapdogs are much more than a stunning dog breed though as they were actually bred as monastery watchdogs, and love to alert their families by barking,” Cahn says. So, if you want a little guard dog that is also gorgeous, consider one of these.
"This fluffy breed is also easy to train and forms deep, strong bonds with its people," Cahn explains, adding that they’re confident and somewhat independent, though, so you won’t have a teeny shadow following you everywhere. Instead, you'll have a loyal and dependable pup you can always count on.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Confident, smart, comical
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the prettiest small dog breeds is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and when you see one, you won’t forget it. These photogenic dogs are known for their dainty appearance and beautiful faces. They do have a silky coat that requires regular grooming, so be prepared with a good brush if you welcome one into your family.
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are usually sweet, affectionate and sociable,” Warner explains. “They’re naturally companionable dogs and often fit well into family life because they enjoy being close to people.”
While these gorgeous dogs are known for their high level of affection, they still require a routine, exercise and training, Warner expresses. “Cavaliers may look like lap dogs, but they’re spaniels at heart, so many enjoy sniffing, exploring and playing,” she says. "The good news is, these little dogs are easy to train."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Affectionate, gentle, graceful
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
Sources:
- Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance
- Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel
- Bichon Frise. American Kennel Club.
- Havanese. American Kennel Club.
- Japanese Spitz. American Kennel Club.
- Lhasa Apso. American Kennel Club
- Maltese. American Kennel Club.
- Pomeranian. American Kennel Club.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. American Kennel Club.
