Which Small Dog Breeds Are the Cutest?
“Cute” is in the eye of the PetParent, when it comes to small dog breeds. That’s why so many DoggyLittles are chosen by PetParents based solely on the distinctive look which makes them irresistibly adorable. While there are more things to consider besides cuteness when choosing a pup that’s right for you, it’s understandable why it’s love at first sight with some small dog breeds.
The Papillon is one breed that catches the eye of PetParents with because of its large, butterfly-like ears, which give it a fairy-like elegance. By contrast, Pugs have a smashed and wrinkled face that some PetParents think is so ugly that it’s cute. and the stocky, squished Pug couldn’t be more different from the tall, skinny, long-legged Italian Greyhound, and its graceful deer-like appearance.
Kids tend to love the look of “weiner dog” Dachshunds. The Hairless Chinese Crested breed attracts the attention of the eclectic. While the look of Miniature, Toy and Teacup Poodles have a cuteness factor that is hard to resist by any type of human.
Which Little Dog Has Your Favorite “Look?”
Which Small Dog Breed do you think is the most adorable looking? Check the looks of little doggies from the Manchester Toy Terrier to the Chinese Toy Pug below. Then click the links to look at all 77 Little Dog Breeds Worldwide to see which one is the most irresistible.
Manchester Terrier (toy)
This is the mini-me version of the Manchester Terrier breed with slightly different ears. Because of their strong hunting instincts, both the full size Manchester Terrier and this toy dog breed have a tendency to develop Small Dog Syndrome, believing itself to be in charge of everyone and everything, despite their diminutive size.
Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the Bull Terrier breed, which is not considered to be a small dog breed itself. Miniature Bull Terriers were originally bred in England for pit fighting. They are known for their egg-shaped head, for chasing their tails, and for their CCD (Canine Compulsive Disorder) tendencies.
Miniature Pinscher
Often referred to as “Mini Pins,” the Miniature Pinscher is mistakenly assumed to be a miniature size of Doberman Pinscher. Its exact origin is unknown, but this small dog breed is believed to have originated in Germany. Miniature Pinschers are known for being in perpetual motion and prancing like a pony.
Miniature Schnauzer
Originally from Germany, the Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that gets its name from the German word “schnauze” which means “snout.” Schnauzers also come in two other sizes – standard and giant, but the little dog size Mini Pins are, by far, the most popular.
Norfolk Terrier
Closely related to the Norwich Terrier, this little dog breed is the smallest of the Terrier group. Both from the same breeder in England, the Norfolk Terrier’s distinctive characteristic is its drop ears. Despite their small size, Norfolk Terriers have a strong protective instinct. They are also curious, spunky, and easily distracted by squirrels.
Norrbottenspets
The Norrbottenspets breed originated in the northern part of Sweden. This small dog breed was mainly used for hunting, and Norrbottenspets has been known to hunt animals as large as elks, bears, and moose. They are rare outside Sweden, and only a few hundred live in the U.S.
Norwegian Lundehund
This breed originated in Norway and was used for hunting puffins along the rocky coastal cliffs. They have six toes on each foot which provide them with better grip and agility in difficult terrain. As of 2021, the Norwegian Lundehund was the rarest and least popular of all registered small dog breeds.
Norwich Terrier
Standing just 10″ tall, the Norwich Terrier is a toy breed which originated in England. This isn’t a satin-pillow-carry-in-your-purse type of toy dog, however. This small dog breed loves to physical activity, work tasks, and excels at dog sports. This little dog is insatiably curious and will start digging and chewing if alone and bored.
Papillon
The Papillon is a small breed of Spaniel type dog. It’s exact origins are unknown, but France and Belgium are credited with refining the breed. Their name literally means “butterfly” in French and they are aptly named because their distinctive feature is their butterfly-like ears. Since these little dogs are very intelligent, they can easily be trained to learn tricks, which will keep them out of trouble.
Pekingese
This breed of toy dog originated in China and is known for their distinctive flat face and wrinkles. The Pekingese was bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royalty. These little dogs are considered to have a regal and dignified personality.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed that became famous because they were the favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. They were originally bred in Wales to herd cattle and sheep. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly owned more than 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis in her lifetime, and the popularity of this little dog breed has surged since her death in 2022.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a breed of dog originating in ancient Peru. They are primarily a hairless breed and are believed to have been kept as companions by the Inca civilization. This is the national dog of Peru, and Peru’s only internationally registered breed.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
This small breed of scent hound originated in France and was used for hunting small game such as rabbits. These little dogs are known as “the happy breed.” The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen breed didn’t arrive in the U.S. until the 1970’s and didn’t start to become well known or popular until the 1980’s.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a breed of toy dog originating in Germany. They are known for their fluffy coat and teddy bear-like appearance. These little dogs are intelligent and love to be the center of attention. Reportedly, a Pomeranian watched Michelangelo paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Poodle (miniature)
The Miniature Poodle is a breed of dog that may have originated in Germany, but which is most often credited to France. They were originally bred to retrieve water fowl for hunters. Because they are smart and athletic, poodles became trained circus performers. Reportedly the miniature breed was developed because the smaller size poodles were easier to travel with.
Poodle (teacup)
In order to qualify as a Teacup Poodle, these littlest poodles must be less than 9″ tall and weigh under 6 pounds in weight. Teacup poodles originally were bred using the the smallest puppies from toy poodle litters. Because of this the AKC doesn’t recognize Teacup Poodles as being “pure bred.”
Poodle (toy)
The Toy Poodle is an even smaller version of the miniature Poodle breed and is also highly intelligent and easy to train. They were originally bred as companions for wealthy aristocrats. While the average dog breed can learn 165 human words, reportedly the toy Poodle can learn 400 words and commands.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a breed of small sighthound which originating in Portugal and can be traced back to 600 BC. This small dog breed didn’t arrive in the U.S. until 2001. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno was hunting rabbits in South Portugal, and eliminating vermin on ships. These active little dogs are good at doggy sports
Pug
The Pug is a breed of toy dog which originated in China and can be traced back to at least 400 BC. They were first pets in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and then lap dogs for Chinese royalty. Breeders made pug faces intentionally wrinkly because they wanted to create a pattern of wrinkles that resembled the Chinese character for “prince.”
Still Looking for Your Favorite Little Doggy Look?
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