There’s just something special about small dog breeds that stay small forever. Of course, they get older, but they never grow out of being that lovable purse pooch that we all adore. Let’s talk about some of the smallest dog breeds that stay small and will be our devoted mini-sized munchkins forever!
Chihuahua, Toy Fox Terrier, Pomeranian, Prague Ratter, Biewer Terrier, Maltese, Papillon, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomsky
As proud pet parents, we love all dogs no matter their size. These precious pups bring us endless joy and seem to have a knack for making a house feel warm and more like a home.
But if a pocket-sized pooch is what you have in mind, then this is the article for you!
Tiny dog breeds that stay small are great for seniors because of their smaller size, they make wonderful travel mates, and are excellent apartment buddies.
In this post you are going to learn all about some of the small dog breeds that stay small forever, what is the easiest small dog to keep, and how much cash you’ll need in order to call one of these incredibly cute small dog breeds your own.
After learning about these popular small dog breeds, you will be well-prepared and excited to finally pick out your new pint-sized minikin!
This post is all about the precious small dog breeds that stay small so that you can own your very own miniature furry bestie!
1. The Mighty Chihuahua // Tiny Dog Breeds
Why is it that this sensitive, reserved toy dog breed gets such a bad wrap? Well, some say that their tiny little brains are just wired a little differently than most other dogs.
Whatever the reason, Chihuahuas can be good family pets when treated respectfully and socialized early on as puppies.
Chihuahuas are known to be one of the smallest dog breeds in existence. This strapping little Chihuahua weighs in at a staggering 4-6 pounds and stands mighty and proud at 5-8 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 14-18 years.
These sassy canines may be a little sensitive, but they are devoted to their families. They are a fearless dog breed — one that you either love or hate.
When I was growing up, my grandmother had a Chihuahua named Chico. Now Chico was definitely not at all thrilled with us grandkids. He was even a little nippy and yappy when we were around.
But once the kids were gone, he would snuggle up in my grandmother’s lap like her little tiny warrior that could do no wrong. He loved my grandmother and would protect her with all of the fight his little body could muster up.
That doesn’t sound like a “bad dog” to me.
How Much Do Chihuahuas Cost?
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact price that you will pay for these fiesty toy dog breeds, but the average price from a reputable breeder will cost you anywhere from $800-$2,500. If you’re looking for a top-quality pup, the price can soar to $3,500 or even higher.
You may want to take this overly-excited, mischievous little canine with you on errand runs. They may become restless, feel overwhelmed, and panic when left alone.
Despite all the bad press for these saucy, tiny dog breeds that stay small, at the end of the day, they are no different from any other breed that just wants to love and be loved.
{RELATED POST: 19 Surprising Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs And What You Can Do To Help}
2. The Toy Fox Terrier // Terrier Breeds
The alert Toy Fox Terrier, also known as the American Toy Terrier and Amertoy, weighs in around 3-7 pounds. He stands confidently at 8-11 inches tall and has a life expectancy of 13-15 years.
Toy Fox Terriers are lovable, charismatic, and friendly little souls.
These spirited popular small dog breeds are full of playfulness and vocality — two strong points in this tiny toy pooch.
This fun-loving, athletic breed will do best with active pet parents that have older children.
Amertoys are a lot of dynamite in a tiny little package. These zany little creatures will keep you entertained for hours and then be ready to warm your lap during recess.
How Much Is A Toy Fox Terrier?
Expect to pay around $600-$1,200 for this tenacious little bundle of fun. Although these are small dog breeds that stay small, they are extremely active little creatures that will never let you have a boring day!
3. Pomeranians – Toy Dog Breeds
Pomeranians have been called “the ideal companions”. This perky pooch weighs between 3-7 pounds and stands 6-10 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 12-16 years.
These playful, sociable pups don’t seem to realize their miniature size and will “tackle” larger dogs that annoy them.
Other than being finicky little eaters, Poms are relatively easy to keep and love being the center of attention.
These intelligent pint-sized creatures enjoy learning new tricks and love entertaining.
How Much Do Pomeranians Cost?
Expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for these cute small dog breeds. But, if you’re looking for more than pet quality, price tags have climbed as high as $6,000 for a show quality Pom.
These fiesty, loyal fluff balls have a big personality that loves to be seen and heard and is not afraid of a challenge!
{RELATED POST: 11 Extremely Helpful Puppy Care Tips For Bringing Your New Pup Home}
4. Prague Ratter // Rare Small Dog Breeds
You may need a crystal ball and a whole lot of luck to find this tiny purse pooch. Prague Ratters originated from the Czech Republic and are rarely seen outside of their country.
This rare small dog breed is the smallest breed in the world by breed standards.
How big do Prague Ratters get?
A Prague Ratter weighs 3.5-7.5 pounds and stands 8-9 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
These small dog breeds are slightly reserved with strangers and intimidated by other dogs. But when they are safe and sound with their forever families, they are affectionate, loyal, and devoted little souls.
How Much Does A Prague Ratter Cost?
On average, this quick, active, and lively rare dog breed will cost you about $1,500-$2,500.
Prague Ratters are slowly starting to gain ground in the United States so you may find more and more established breeders beginning to emerge.
Although they don’t look warm and fuzzy, these sweet, caring canines are social dogs that thrive on strong and dependable relationships with their human families.
These small dog breeds that stay small are relatively quiet and make great lap warmers during their downtime.
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5. Adorable Biewer Terrier – Rare Dog Breeds
Are these not the most adorable faces you’ve ever seen? Heads will turn at the local dog park when this terrier breed prances by.
Biewer Terriers originated from Germany and weigh around 4-8 pounds. These rare beauties stand 7-11 inches tall and have an average life expectancy of 16 years.
Goofy, whimsical, and confident, these pint-sized goofballs were recognized as a breed in the toy group by the American Kennel Club in 2021.
Pronounced “beaver”, these pocket-sized pooches are happy, high-spirited, and intelligent and make great apartment besties.
Biewer Terriers are hypoallergenic dog breeds that make delightful companion buddies. They are loyal to a fault, great with children, and get along well with other dogs that may be in the house.
How Much Does A Biewer Terrier Cost?
There is quite a luxurious price tag on these tri-colored rare beauties. Because they can be difficult to find, prices can start anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 for a pet pup. But be prepared to shell out some hard-earned cash if you’re looking for anything more – around $3,500-$5,000.
Biewer Terriers are amazing, beautiful creatures who love any and all of the attention that you can give. You’ll find many hours of cuddle time with these loyal, loving rare small dog breeds.
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6. Beautiful Maltese – Cute Small Dog Breeds
What is the easiest small dog to keep? You guessed it! The kind-hearted, good-natured Maltese is extremely easy to keep and will give you hours of snuggle time.
This elegant, graceful beauty has a personality that will melt your heart and a face that will take your breath away.
Maltese pups tip the scale at just under 7 pounds and stand approximately 8 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
This endearing hypoallergenic dog breed checks all the boxes when it comes to being your total companion bestie.
They are extremely affectionate with their families, charming, gentle, and sweet-tempered. Maltese are one of the oldest breeds, originating almost 3,000 years ago.
How Much Does A Maltese Cost?
Described as the epitome of elegance and charm, the Maltese is one of the most expensive small dog breeds. Pet quality will run you around $1,500-$2,500. But if you are looking for your new furry bestie to be top of the line, you’ll need to grab anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 to have this distinguished pooch on your arm.
But let’s face it, just one look into those eyes and you will be more than tempted to just scoop her up and take her home!
Because these cheerful, caring canines love the closeness of their families so much, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left home alone.
Maltese are a combination of cuteness and convenience and will provide you with endless cuddles.
{RELATED POST: 5 Adorable Dog Behaviors That Prove Your Pooch Loves You}
7. Papillon – What Are Papillons Known For?
Papillon translates in French to “butterfly”. They are known for their spectacular butterfly-like ears, giving this small dog breed its signature name.
The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds in the toy group and weighs in at a whopping 3-10 pounds. They stand 8-11 inches tall and have a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
These small dog breeds that stay small are happy, alert, friendly, and energetic.
Known as one of the most affectionate small dog breeds, these dainty little creatures just want to curl up in your lap and snuggle after a hard day of playing.
How Much Do Papillon Dogs Cost?
If you’re looking for this pretty purse pooch to show off to your friends, plan on spending anywhere from $800-$3,000 for this stylish breed.
These fur babies are movers and shakers and love an active lifestyle. But at the end of the day, they are the first ones in your lap for snuggle time.
{RELATED POST: 7 Amazingly Quiet Dog Breeds For Apartments That Will Score Big Points With Your New Landlord}
8. Toy Poodles – Toy Dog Breeds
These adorable half-pints weigh in at 4-6 pounds and stand proudly and confidently at 10 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 10 years.
These fur babies are incredibly smart, self-confident, and sociable.
Are poodles good family dogs?
You bet they are! Toy Poodles consider themselves a vital part of the family and love to be the center of attention. They will pout if they think you are leaving them out of family activities.
And for good reason since there’s no excuse for not taking these pint-sized small dog breeds that stay small with you everywhere you go.
These warm, good-natured, curly-haired little companions are polite with strangers, love kids, and are sociable with other animals.
How Much Does A Toy Poodle Cost?
On average you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,200-$,2000 for this toy breed. But having your very own cuddly living stuffed animal may be worth the price.
These most affectionate dog breeds are loyal, loving souls that make the perfect pups for pet parents that are living an active lifestyle.
Toy Poodles have a highly developed sense of humor. These sassy little energetic creatures are miniature athletes who love to run, jump and play for hours.
There’s some serious dog energy packed into this teeny tiny body!
9. Yorkshire Terrier – Smallest Terrier Breed
Considered one of the smallest of the terrier breeds, this adorable tiny wonder will usually max out around 7 pounds. They stand 7-8 inches tall and have a life expectancy of 11-15 years.
These hypoallergenic dog breeds are intelligent, bold, confident, and courageous.
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
The simple answer is … yes. These territorial little angels are no-nonsense pups that appear to have little tolerance for other animals or any noise that annoys them.
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the best dog breeds for seniors because of their tiny size. These toy pups are loving, devoted, affectionate, and great for people with allergies.
How Much Do Yorkshire Terriers Cost?
These spunky, fiesty, popular small dog breeds are one of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) top 10 breeds several times over.
Be prepared to shell out a few bucks for these cute small dog breeds. These confident, cozy canines typically range from $1,500-$3,000. If you are set on being a Yorkie titleholder, the price has been known to soar to an extravagant amount of $10,000 a pop!
{RELATED POST: 7 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors}
10. What Is A Toy Pomsky?
A Toy Pomsky is a cross between the Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. These high-energy pups usually tip the scales around 9 pounds and stand tall at 10 inches. But depending on how much of each breed is in them, the size may vary. A Toy Pomsky has a life expectancy between 10-15 years.
These beautiful, hugable little puff balls have piercing blue eyes that are sure to melt your heart.
They are highly intelligent, gentle but energetic, playful little canines.
The perfect pet parent for these high-energy fluffballs will be one that is equally active. Since the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian are both highly active dog breeds, it just makes sense that their adorable offspring would carry on this trait.
How Much Is A Pomsky Worth?
Puppies for this new mixed breed are hard to find and a bit expensive. Pomskies are bred by artificial insemination, always using a Siberian Husky mom and a Pomeranian dad.
To own one of these pocket-sized toy breeds, you’ll need to grab anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 depending on the parents’ pedigree. Even at that price, these curious, sporty little pups are usually snatched up pretty fast.
You’ll probably find yourself on the waiting list for this handsome hound.
If this new designer small dog breed sounds like the pooch of your dreams, make sure you are up for the task of exercising them at least an hour a day, every day!
Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. It’s up to us as proud pet parents to do as much research as possible to ensure that our new cozy bestie remains our furry family member forever!
Summing It All Up For Small Dog Breeds That Stay Small
Owning your own little pint-sized mini is exciting and perfect for the proud pet parent that likes to show off their precious tiny pooch.
But along with ownership comes a lot of responsibilities with these tiny dog breeds that stay small.
We have to be especially careful when taking our furry petite minis out for a potty break. Birds of prey can quickly swoop down and fly off with our faithful pups. Animals can also grab our babies and be gone before we know it.
And, due to the teensy-weensy size of these furry munchkins, extreme care must be taken if bringing one of these adorable living plush toys into your home, especially if you have small children or toddlers.
We have to be very careful and gentle when handling these tiniest of tinies. Being dropped or stepped on carries the huge risk of fractures, dislocations, and even death.
That being said, being the proud pet parent of one of these small dog breeds that stay small forever will give us a lifetime of joy and pride when we’re showing off our new mini-sized precious purse pooch!
This post was all about the top small dog breeds that stay small so that you can make the best choice when bringing home your new forever tiny bestie!
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