Small dogs are some of the most popular pets in the world. They are easy to carry, fun to play with, and full of personality. Most weigh under 25 pounds, but don’t let their size fool you — these little dogs can be brave, smart, and very loyal. On this page, you’ll learn about small dog traits, how long they usually live, and how to check their age in human years with our dog age calculator. You’ll also find a full list of small dog breeds you can explore as new pages go live.
What Makes a Small Dog?
Small dog breeds come in many shapes and temperaments. Some, like the Beagle, love to run and explore. Others, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are gentle lap dogs. Breeds like the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier are tiny but bold. Because of their size, many small dogs do well in apartments or smaller homes. They are also easier to travel with, since most fit in small carriers.
Still, small dogs need special care. They can get hurt if they jump from high places or play too rough. Many also have problems with their teeth as they get older, so regular brushing and vet visits are important. Knowing your breed’s needs will help keep them healthy and happy for many years.
Lifespan of Small Dog Breeds
One big benefit of small dogs is their long lifespan. Many live between 12 and 16 years. Some, like the Chihuahua or Toy Poodle, can live 18–20 years. This is much longer than giant breeds, which may live only 6–8 years.
Smaller bodies tend to put less strain on bones and organs. This helps them age more slowly than large dogs. But small dogs can still have health issues. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs may have trouble breathing. Terriers sometimes get joint or leg problems. Knowing what to watch for helps you give your dog the best care as they grow older.
Age Calculator for Small Breeds
Many people believe one dog year equals seven human years. That’s not correct. Each breed and size group ages at a different pace. Small dogs usually grow quickly as puppies, then age more slowly as adults. Our dog age calculators take this into account. They show how your dog’s age compares to human years, stage by stage — puppy, young adult, adult, mature, and senior. This can guide you on when to change food, increase vet visits, or add extra care.
Below is a complete list of small dog breeds. For now, the names are plain text. As each breed page goes live, you’ll be able to click and open their calculator and lifespan guide.
List of Small Dog Breeds
- Affenpinscher
- American Eskimo Dog (Toy, Miniature)
- Australian Terrier
- Basenji
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
- Beagle (13″)
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Biewer Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Brussels Griffon
- Cairn Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cesky Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Dachshund (Miniature)
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- English Toy Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Havanese
- Italian Greyhound
- Japanese Chin
- Lakeland Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Löwchen
- Manchester Terrier (Toy)
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Papillon
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Pomeranian
- Poodle (Toy, Miniature)
- Pug
- Rat Terrier (Toy)
- Russian Toy
- Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
- Schipperke
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Silky Terrier
- Skye Terrier
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Choosing the Right Small Dog
Small dogs may all be little, but their needs are very different. A Papillon is active and needs exercise. A Pekingese enjoys quiet naps. A Boston Terrier is sturdy enough for kids, while a Shih Tzu is low-maintenance and great for seniors. Before bringing a small dog home, think about grooming, barking, energy, and how they’ll fit into your life. Matching the breed to your lifestyle is the key to a happy home for you and your dog.
Using the dog age calculators will also give you a clear picture of how your dog grows. You’ll know when they leave puppyhood, when to expect maturity, and how to prepare for senior care. This makes it easier to plan for food, exercise, and health checkups at the right time.
Explore Other Dog Breed Sizes
Want to learn about other dogs? Check out our guides for:
Together, these pages give you a complete resource for dog lifespans, growth stages, and age calculators.