There are 24 entries in the current AKC Toy Group list, plus many other small dogs that people call toy dogs. This guide covers those 24 breeds and four additional petite companions, with practical notes to help you match a dog’s activity, grooming, and care needs to your household.
Small size does not guarantee a quiet or low-maintenance dog. Some petite breeds were developed to hunt, guard, or work, and many need daily activity, training, and careful handling.
28 toy and petite dog breeds at a glance
| Breed | Official AKC group | Best-known qualities |
|---|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | Toy | Confident, playful, mischievous |
| Biewer Terrier | Toy | Cheerful, elegant, long-coated |
| Brussels Griffon | Toy | Expressive, affectionate, active |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Toy | Gentle, adaptable, sociable |
| Chihuahua | Toy | Alert, confident, tiny |
| Chinese Crested | Toy | Affectionate, playful, hairless or coated |
| English Toy Spaniel | Toy | Gentle, affectionate, selective |
| Havanese | Toy | Cheerful, trainable, outgoing |
| Italian Greyhound | Toy | Affectionate, athletic, delicate |
| Japanese Chin | Toy | Quiet, graceful, apartment-friendly |
| Maltese | Toy | Playful, adaptable, long-coated |
| Manchester Terrier (Toy) | Toy | Intelligent, eager, terrier-like |
| Miniature Pinscher | Toy | Energetic, athletic, independent |
| Papillon | Toy | Friendly, clever, active |
| Pekingese | Toy | Regal, intelligent, self-possessed |
| Pomeranian | Toy | Alert, lively, watchful |
| Poodle (Toy) | Toy | Highly intelligent, active, low-shedding |
| Pug | Toy | Playful, affectionate, people-oriented |
| Russian Toy | Toy | Lively, elegant, fine-boned |
| Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka | Toy | Curly-coated, affectionate lapdog |
| Shih Tzu | Toy | Friendly, lively, companionable |
| Silky Terrier | Toy | Energetic, independent, prey-driven |
| Toy Fox Terrier | Toy | Trainable, outgoing, versatile |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | Courageous, confident, watchful |
| Dachshund | Hound | Curious, determined, hunting-bred |
| Norfolk Terrier | Terrier | Adventurous, fearless, active |
| Norwich Terrier | Terrier | Busy, bold, rodent-hunting breed |
| Schipperke | Non-Sporting | Energetic, alert, independent |
The 24 AKC Toy Group breeds
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is small in stature but self-assured and surprisingly game. Its wiry coat and monkey-like expression contribute to its distinctive appearance, while its playful, sometimes mischievous nature keeps life interesting. It needs regular walks, play, and boundaries rather than being treated as a decorative lapdog.
2. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier has a flowing, tri-colored coat and an elegant outline, but its personality is cheerful and distinctly terrier-like. It can be a lively, affectionate companion for someone prepared to maintain a long coat. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming may be needed to prevent tangles.
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3. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are expressive little dogs that often form intense bonds with their people. They are affectionate and entertaining, yet active enough to need play and mental engagement. Their sensitive, people-focused temperament usually benefits from patient socialization rather than harsh correction.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is gentle, sociable, and adaptable, making it one of the easier toy breeds for many households. It generally enjoys walks, games, and relaxing beside its family. Cavaliers are companion-oriented and may struggle when routinely left alone for long periods.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be smooth-coated or long-coated, but both varieties tend to have alert, confident personalities. They can be devoted to their owners and quick to notice unfamiliar sounds or people. Early socialization helps prevent fearfulness and defensive barking, and their tiny bodies require protection from falls, rough play, and cold weather.
6. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested comes in hairless and Powderpuff varieties. Both are affectionate and playful rather than merely ornamental. The hairless variety needs protection from sun and cold, while the Powderpuff requires coat care. Like many small dogs, it should be introduced gradually to children, visitors, and other animals.
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7. English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a gentle, affectionate companion with a playful side. It may be reserved or selective with unfamiliar people, so calm socialization matters. This breed can suit a quieter home, provided it receives regular interaction and is not expected to entertain itself all day.
8. Havanese
Havanese are cheerful, trainable, and generally outgoing. Their adaptable nature can work well in city homes, but apartment living does not remove the need for walks, play, and training. The long coat needs consistent brushing or a practical trim, and their strong attachment to people makes alone-time training important.
9. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a miniature Greyhound: affectionate, sensitive, playful, and capable of real athletic bursts. Its slim build is delicate, especially during rough play or jumps from furniture. It is also notably cold-intolerant, so sweaters and shorter outdoor sessions may be necessary in chilly weather.
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10. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a graceful, generally quiet companion with modest exercise needs. It can adapt well to apartment life and often enjoys being near its family without demanding constant activity. Short walks, indoor games, and gentle training are usually more suitable than strenuous exercise.
11. Maltese
Maltese are playful, adaptable dogs known for their long, flowing white coats. Their coat can be kept in a shorter puppy cut, but even a clipped Maltese still needs routine grooming, bathing, and eye-area care. They are small enough to be vulnerable to accidental injury and benefit from supervised handling around children.
12. Manchester Terrier (Toy)
The Toy Manchester Terrier combines a compact size with the intelligence, alertness, and determination associated with terriers. It is often eager to learn and can enjoy trick training or other structured activities. Its terrier instincts may show up as chasing, digging, or vigilance, so secure management and early training are useful.
13. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is energetic, athletic, alert, and independent. Despite its size, it is not a sedentary lapdog and may become noisy or destructive without enough exercise and mental work. Consistent training, safe games, and careful supervision are more appropriate than assuming it will be satisfied with occasional cuddles.
14. Papillon
Recognizable by its butterfly-shaped ears, the Papillon is friendly, outgoing, and eager to please. It is one of the more versatile small companions and can enjoy obedience, agility, tricks, and interactive games. A Papillon can live happily in an apartment or country home as long as its brain and body receive daily outlets.
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The Pekingese has a regal, self-possessed character and often forms a close bond with its household. It can adapt to apartment living but still benefits from regular walks and gentle activity. Its coat requires care, and its short-faced structure means owners should avoid overheating and strenuous exercise in hot weather.
16. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are lively, intelligent, loyal, and often surprisingly effective watchdogs. They can adapt to urban or suburban homes, but their alertness may become persistent barking without training. Their abundant double coat needs regular brushing, and their small size calls for caution around larger dogs and boisterous children.
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17. Poodle (Toy)
The Toy Poodle is the smallest Poodle variety, standing no more than 10 inches tall and typically weighing about 4–6 pounds. It is highly intelligent, active, and generally low-shedding, but “low-shedding” does not mean low-maintenance. The curly coat needs regular brushing and professional clipping, while the dog itself needs training, games, and social contact.
In AKC terminology, Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles are size varieties of the Poodle—not three separate breeds. The Toy variety competes in the Toy Group; Miniature and Standard Poodles compete in the Non-Sporting Group.
18. Pug
Pugs are affectionate, playful, and happiest close to their people. They often enjoy short walks and games, but their flat-faced structure requires careful management in heat, humidity, and strenuous conditions. Keeping a Pug lean and watching for breathing difficulty is more important than trying to tire it out with intense exercise.
19. Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is an elegant, lively, fine-boned breed with smooth and longhaired varieties. It is small—typically 8–11 inches tall and up to about 6.5 pounds—but not necessarily passive. Gentle handling, positive training, and protection from rough play are particularly important for such a delicate companion.
20. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a small Russian lapdog with a curly or wavy coat and Bichon-family roots. The AKC recognized it officially on January 1, 2026. AKC describes it as up to 10.25 inches tall and around 7–9 pounds. Its coat needs regular care, and its companion temperament makes social interaction a central part of its routine.
21. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are friendly, lively companions with modest exercise requirements. A shorter puppy cut can make daily coat care easier, but it does not eliminate grooming, bathing, or regular trimming. Because of their short faces, they also need sensible heat management and should not be pushed through strenuous exercise in warm weather.
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The Silky Terrier has a toy-dog frame but a classic terrier temperament: energetic, independent, alert, and sometimes strongly interested in chasing small animals. It needs more than lap time, including walks, play, and training. Its silky coat also needs regular brushing to stay free of mats.
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- Dimension and Weight：Made of durable tear-resistant fabric.Four easy entrances for pets. Dimensions: 17 inch x 11 inch x 11 inch (L*W*H), suitable for pets up to 16 lbs.Please don't choose your carrier based on weight only,consider your pet's length and height when choosing a carrier.
- Airline Approved & Safty：Can be placed under the seats of most airplanes(Four non-slip feet on the bottom to prevent movement), and comfortably on the seat next to you in a car or bus.It has a adjustable shoulder strap.Can also be fastened to the car seat with a safety belt or shoulder strap to keep your pet safe.
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- Easy to Collapsible & Lightweight：When not in use,fold it into a flat,space saving and easy to store.Only 2.2lbs,it's easier to carry around.It can also used as a toy of pet house,allowing pets to play in a safe space to relax and rest.
23. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent, outgoing, and trainable. They can enjoy everything from tricks and obedience to active games, while still settling beside their owners at home. Their curiosity and prey drive mean doors, fences, and off-leash areas should be managed carefully.
24. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is tiny, confident, and courageous, with a strong watchdog instinct. Its long coat can be maintained at show length or clipped shorter, but both options require routine grooming. Yorkies need socialization to avoid becoming reactive and should be protected from rough handling despite their fearless attitude.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Four other petite breeds often called toy dogs
These four breeds are not in the AKC Toy Group. They are included because “toy dog” is also commonly used to mean a very small companion dog.
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25. Dachshund
Dachshunds belong to the AKC Hound Group and come in two sizes and three coat varieties. They were developed to hunt badgers, so their small bodies conceal determination, independence, and a strong instinct to investigate. Their long backs require sensible handling: avoid repeated high jumps, and do not treat them as suitable partners for repetitive distance running.
26. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is an adventurous, fearless little member of the Terrier Group. It was bred for active work and typically enjoys exploring, digging, and chasing. Its folded-over ears distinguish it from the Norwich Terrier. A secure fence and leash habits are important because confidence can carry this dog farther than its owner expects.
27. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier stands around 10 inches tall but has substantial energy and determination. Developed for rodent control, it needs daily activity and opportunities to use its sharp mind. Walks should be on leash unless the area is securely fenced, and prospective owners should be prepared for terrier behaviors such as digging and chasing.
28. Schipperke
The Schipperke belongs to the Non-Sporting Group and historically worked around Belgian barges. It stands no higher than 13 inches, but it is energetic, alert, and often independent. This is a busy small dog for an active household—not a breed that is automatically content with being carried or left indoors without a job.
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Choosing a toy dog by lifestyle
Apartment living
Havanese, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Maltese, and many other Toy Group breeds can adapt to limited space. The deciding factors are not square footage alone. Consider barking, house-training, elevator or stair access, exercise needs, and how long the dog will be alone. A small apartment still requires daily walks and enrichment.
For an active owner
Miniature Pinschers, Papillons, Toy Poodles, Toy Fox Terriers, Silky Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Schipperkes, and Dachshunds are poor matches for someone seeking a purely sedentary lapdog. They may enjoy training, scent games, agility-style activities, or brisk walks, adjusted to the individual dog and any veterinary limitations.
For lower-shedding households
Toy Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chinese Cresteds may shed less visibly than many breeds. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Allergens come from proteins in dander, saliva, and other biological material—not simply from loose hair. Spend time with an adult dog before committing if allergies are a concern.
For people who dislike grooming
A short coat is usually simpler, but grooming needs vary beyond shedding. Toy Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Havanese, Yorkshire Terriers, Biewer Terriers, and longhaired Chinese Cresteds all need regular coat maintenance. Ask how often brushing, bathing, trimming, nail care, and professional appointments will be required before choosing.
For families with young children
Size alone does not predict a dog’s suitability for children. A toddler can seriously injure a tiny dog by dropping, squeezing, or stepping on it, while a frightened dog may react defensively. Children should be supervised, taught to leave the dog alone while it eats or sleeps, and never allowed to carry it without an adult. Every small dog should have a child-free retreat.
What toy dogs need every day
- Appropriate exercise: Short walks, indoor games, training sessions, or safe play can meet the needs of many toy breeds. Active terriers and clever breeds may need considerably more.
- Mental stimulation: Food puzzles, scent games, trick training, and rotating toys help prevent boredom.
- Positive socialization: Carefully introduce puppies and adults to people, dogs, surfaces, sounds, grooming, and handling. Avoid forcing fearful interactions.
- Safety: Use harnesses or well-fitted collars as appropriate, block dangerous stairs, supervise larger-dog interactions, and prevent falls from beds and sofas.
- Routine grooming and dental care: Small mouths can make dental hygiene especially important. Combine home care with veterinary checks and professional grooming when needed.
- Alone-time training: Many toy breeds are intensely attached to their owners. Gradual, reward-based absences can help reduce distress and nuisance barking.
FAQ
What is the smallest toy dog breed?
The Chihuahua is generally recognized as the smallest AKC breed by typical body size, although individual dogs vary. Size should not be the only selection criterion: temperament, health, exercise needs, and fragility matter just as much.
Are toy dogs good for apartments?
Many are, including Havanese, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Maltese. Apartment suitability depends on barking, exercise, house-training, and time alone—not simply on how much floor space the dog occupies.
Do toy dogs need much exercise?
Some need only modest walks and indoor play, while others—such as Papillons, Toy Poodles, Miniature Pinschers, and small terriers—need daily activity and training. Small size does not automatically mean low energy.
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Toy Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chinese Cresteds are commonly considered lower-shedding options. None is completely hypoallergenic, and several require substantial grooming even when little hair is shed.
The Bottom Line
The best petite companion is the one whose energy, noise level, grooming needs, and fragility fit your household. A Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu may suit someone seeking a quieter companion, while a Papillon, Toy Poodle, or Miniature Pinscher may be better for an owner who wants training and activity. Treat every small dog as an individual—and never mistake a tiny body for a low-maintenance personality.
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