Most Popular Small Dog Breed in America – French Bulldog Leads

What is the most popular small dog breed in America? In 2021 it was the French Bulldog. According to the American Kennel Club, the adorable French Bulldog had more registrations than all of the other small breed dogs. Other popular small dog breeds are the Poodle, Beagle, Dachshund, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 

Scroll down to see the Top 25 Small Dog Breeds for 2021. 

1. French Bulldog

 

• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: up to 28 pounds 
• Coat: Short, smooth 
• Shedding: Minimal 
• Standard Colors: Brindle, Brindle & White, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, Fawn Brindle, White, White & Brindle, White & Fawn
• Standard Markings: Ticked
• Origin: France, England
• Life expectancy: 10-12 years 
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: Generally good with children. Sometimes can become protective of the children they share a home with. 
• Learn more about the French Bulldog at the American Kennel Club website.

 

2. Poodle

 

Toy Poodle

• Height: up to 10 inches
• Weight: 4-6 pounds 
• Coat: Soft, curly and requires daily brushing
• Shedding: No
• Standard Colors: Apricot, Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Gray, Red, Silver, Silver Beige, White
• Standard Markings: Solid color
• Origin: France
• Life expectancy: 10-18 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: Generally they are good family dogs, however Toy Poodles are very little so they’re a better fit for families with older children who can better understand how to be gentle with a small dog. 
• More information about the Toy Poodle can be found at AKC.org.

Miniature Poodle

• Height: 10-15 inches
• Weight: 10-15 pounds 
• Coat: Dense, curly fur
• Shedding: No
• Standard Colors: Apricot, Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Gray, Red, Silver, Silver Beige, White
• Standard Markings: Solid color
• Origin: France
• Life expectancy: 10-18 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: Yes. 
• Learn more about the Miniature Poodle from at the American Kennel Club.

3. Beagle

 

• Height: 13 inches & under / 13-15 inches
• Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches & under) / 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches) 
• Coat: Smooth, dense double coat
• Shedding: Seasonal, moderate
• Standard Colors: Black & Tan, Black Red & White, Black Tan & Bluetick, Black Tan & White, Blue Tan & White, Brown & White, Brown White & Tan, Lemon & White, Red & White, Tan & White
• Standard Markings: Ticked
• Origin: Great Britain 
• Life expectancy: 10-15 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Be patient and positive 
• Good with Children: Typically good with children as this is a playful breed with lots of energy. 
• Read more about the Beagle at AKC.org.

4. Dachshund

 

• Height: 8-9 inches (standard) / 5-6 inches (miniature) 
• Weight: 16-32 pounds (Standard) / under 11 pounds (miniature)
• Coat: Smooth, Longhaired, or Wirehaired
• Shedding: Moderate
• Standard Colors: Black & Cream, Black & Tan, Blue & Cream, Blue & Tan, Chocolate & Cream, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Fawn & Cream, Fawn & Tan, Red, Wheaten, Wild Boar
• Standard Markings: Brindle, Dapple, Sable
• Origin: Germany
• Life expectancy: 12-16 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Can be a little bit of a challenge
• Good with Children: Better suited to homes with older children due to their delicate body and risk of back injuries.   
• Love Dachshunds? Learn more about them at AKC.org

5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

 

• Height: 10-12 inches 
• Weight: up to 30 pounds 
• Coat: Double coat is soft inside and coarse on the outside
• Shedding: Frequently 
• Standard Colors: Black & Tan, Fawn, Red, Sable 
• Standard Markings: White
• Origin: Wales 
• Life expectancy: 12-13 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Smart and willing, but sometimes have a mind of their own. 
• Good with Children: Corgis are sweet dogs, but due to their natural instinct to herd, Corgi’s are better suited to homes with older children, ages 10 and up.    
• Read more about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi at AKC.org

6. Yorkshire Terrier

 

• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: 6-8 pounds 
• Coat: similar to human hair
• Shedding: Minimal 
• Standard Colors: Black & Gold, Black & Tan, Blue & Gold, Blue & Tan
• Origin: Yorkshire, England
• Life expectancy: 11-15 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Can be a bit stubborn. 
• Good with Children: Not a good fit for families with toddlers and very young children. 
• More fun facts about the Yorkshire Terrier can be found at AKC.org

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

 

• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 pounds 
• Coat: Silky 
• Shedding: Moderate
• Standard Colors: Black & Tan, Black & White, Blenheim, Ruby
• Standard Markings: Tan
• Origin: Great Britain
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: This is a sweet, loving breed that is typically good with children of all ages. 
• AKC.org has more information about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

8. Miniature Schnauzer

 

• Height: 12-14 inches
• Weight: 11-20 pounds 
• Coat: Wiry topcoat with a soft undercoat
• Shedding: Very little 
• Standard Colors: Black, Black & Silver, Salt & Pepper
• Origin: Germany
• Life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Easy. It’s a good idea to keep the on a lead when outside fenced areas as they enjoy chasing smaller animals.  
• Good with Children: Generally good with children. 
• Is a Miniature Schnauzer right for you? Learn more at AKC.org

9. Shih Tzu

 

• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds 
• Coat: Long, double coat
• Shedding: Very light
• Standard Colors: Black, Black & White, Blue, Blue & White, Brindle, Brindle & White, Gold, Gold & White, Liver, Liver & White, Red, Red & White, Silver, Silver & White
• Standard Markings: Black, Black, Tan
• Origin: China, Tibet
• Life expectancy: 10-18 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Moderately easy
• Good with Children: Affectionate breed and typically good with children. Always supervise young children to be very gentle with a Shih Tzu, especially their eyes. 
• Learn more about the ancient Shih Tzu breed from the American Kennel Club

10. Boston Terrier

 

• Height: 15-17 inches
• Weight: 12-25 pounds 
• Coat: Sleek, fine
• Shedding: Minimal 
• Standard Colors: Black & White, Black Brindle & White, Brindle & White, Seal & White, Seal Brindle & White
• Origin: America
• Life expectancy: 11-13 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Easy 
• Good with Children: Yes
• American Kennel Club has more details and photos of the Boston Terrier

11. Pomeranian

 

• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds 
• Coat: Top coat and undercoat
• Shedding: Moderate, seasonal 
• Standard Colors: Beaver, Black, Black & Tan, Blue Blue & Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Sable, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Cream Sable, Orange, Orange Sable, Red, Red Sable, Tri-colored, White, Wolfe Sable
• Standard Markings: Brindle, Irish Marked, Mask, Merle Markings, Parti-color, Sable, Tan markings, Tri-color markings, White markings
• Origin: Germany, Poland
• Life expectancy: 12-16 years 
• Hypoallergenic: No 
• Trainability: Slightly stubborn, but agreeable. 
• Good with Children: Because they are very small and more delicate, the Pom is a better fit for homes with older children. 
• Read more about the loveable Pomeranian at AKC.org

12. Havanese

 

• Height: 8.5-11 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds 
• Coat: Soft, silky 
• Shedding: Light
• Standard Colors: Black, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Black Brindle, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Gold Brindle, Gold Sable, Red, Red Brindle, Red Sable, Silver, Silver Brindle, White
• Standard Markings: Cream markings, Irish Pied, Parti-Belton, Parti-color, Silver markings, Silver points, Tan points, White 
• Origin: Cuba
• Life expectancy: 14-16 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: Typically good with kids. 
• Get more information about the happy Havanese at AKC.org

13. Shetland Sheepdog

 

• Height: 13-16 inches
• Weight: 15-25 pounds 
• Coat: Profuse double coat
• Shedding: Considerable
• Standard Colors: Black & White, Black White & Tan, Blue Merle & White, Sable & White, Sable Merle & White
• Origin: Scotland
• Life expectancy: 12-14 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: A playful, energetic breed that is typically very good with kids. On occasion, Shelties have been known to herd kids. 
• AKC.org has much more information about the Shetland Sheepdog

14. Pug

 

• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds 
• Coat: Short, smooth
• Shedding: Regularly
• Standard Colors: Black, Fawn
• Origin: China
• Life expectancy: 13 - 15 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Generally easy
• Good with Children: Tend to be very playful and affectionate with children. 
• Find out more about Pugs at the American Kennel Club website

15. Chihuahua

 

• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: under 6 pounds 
• Coat: smooth coat and long coat
• Shedding: Occasional 
• Standard Colors: Black, Black & Tan, Blue & Tan, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, Red
• Standard Markings: Black Brindling, Black Mask, Black Sabling, Merle Markings, Spotted on White, White
• Origin: Mexico
• Life expectancy: 14-16 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Smart, but can be a bit independent
• Good with Children: Typically not a good fit for homes with children under the age of 10. 
• Learn more about the colorful Chihuahua at AKC.org

16. Maltese

 

• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: under 7 pounds 
• Coat: Straight, silky, thick
• Shedding: Minimal
• Standard Colors: White
• Standard Markings: Black points
• Origin: Mediterranean Basin
• Life expectancy: 12-15 pounds
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Can be a little stubborn
• Good with Children: Because of their small size, Maltese can be easily injured and there this breed isn’t the best fit if you have children under the age of 10 in your home. 
• Read more about the magnificent Maltese at AKC.org

17. Shiba Inu

 

• Height: 13.5-16.5 inches
• Weight: 17-23 pounds 
• Coat: Thick, double coat
• Shedding: Heavy
• Standard Colors: Black & Tan, Cream, Red, Red Sesame
• Standard Markings: White markings
• Origin: Japan
• Life expectancy: 13-16 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Very independent. Must always be leashed outside of fenced areas as they are prone to running off. 
• Good with Children: Because of their independent nature, the Shiba Inu is not recommended for homes with young children. 
• Visit the AKC website to learn more about the Shiba Inu.

18. West Highland White Terrier

 

• Height: 10-11 inches
• Weight: 15-20 pounds 
• Coat: Hard, double coat
• Shedding: Moderate, seasonal 
• Standard Colors: White
• Origin: Scotland
• Life expectancy: 13-15 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Little bit of a challenge
• Good with Children: Typically better suited to homes with children 10 and up. 
• Interested in learning more about the West Highland Terrier? Visit AKC.org.

19. Bichon Frise

 

• Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds 
• Coat: Silky, curly 
• Shedding: Very little
• Standard Colors: White, White & Apricot, White & Buff, White & Cream
• Origin: Spain, Canary Islands
• Life expectancy: 14-15 years 
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: Generally good with children. Some (like most small breeds) will not tolerate having their ears or feet pulled by toddlers. 
• Learn about grooming needs, trainability and other details about the Bichon Frise at AKC.org.

20. Papillon

 

• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 5-10 pounds 
• Coat: Long, silky
• Shedding: Moderate, seasonal 
• Standard Colors: White & Black, White & Lemon, White & Red, White & Sable, White Black & Tan
• Origin: France, Spain, Belgium
• Life expectancy: 14-16 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Easy
• Good with Children: Typically not a good choice for homes with children under 10 years old. 
• The American Kennel Club has more details about the Papillon. 

21. Scottish Terrier

 

• Height: 10 inches
• Weight: 18-22 pounds 
• Coat: Wiry top coat, soft undercoat
• Shedding: Occasional 
• Standard Colors: Black, Black Brindle, Brindle, Red Brindle, Silver Brindle, Wheaten
• Origin: Scotland
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years 
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Can be a challenge
• Good with Children: May not be a good fit for homes with toddlers. 
• Head over to AKC.org for more fun facts about the Scottish Terrier

22. Italian Greyhound

 

• Height: 13-15 inches
• Weight: 7-14 pounds 
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Shedding: Seasonal 
• Standard Colors: Black, Blue, Blue Fawn, Cream, Fawn, Fred, Red Fawn, Sable, Seal, White & Black, White & Blue, White & Blue Fawn, White & Fawn, White & Red, White & Red Fawn, White & Salbe, White & Seal 
• Standard Markings: Black mask, Blue mask, White, White marking, Black mask, 
• Origin: Italy 
• Life expectancy: 14-15 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Can be a challenge. This is a sensitive breed that responds best to reward based training techniques. 
• Good with Children: Due to their delicate nature, this is not a good breed for a home with small children. 
• More fun facts and info about the speedy Italian Greyhound can be found at AKC.org.

23. Cairn Terrier

 

• Height: 9.5-10 inches
• Weight: 13-14 pounds 
• Coat: Double coat, wiry topcoat and soft undercoat
• Shedding: Occasional 
• Standard Colors: Black, Black Brindle, Brindle, Cream, Cream Brindle, Red, Red Brindle, Silver, Wheaten
• Standard Markings: Black markings, Black masks, Black points
• Origin: Scotland
• Life expectancy: 13-15 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Moderate
• Good with Children: A sturdy little dog that is typically good with small children. 
• Click over to AKC.org for more information about the cute Cairn Terrier.

24. Miniature Pinscher

 

• Height: 10-12.5 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds 
• Coat: Short, hard coat
• Shedding: Minimal 
• Standard Colors: Black & Rust, Black & Tan, Chocolate & Rust, Chocolate & Tan, Red, Stag Red
• Origin: Germany 
• Life expectancy: 12-16 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Trainability: Can be a little independent.
• Good with Children: This breed is known to be possessive of his food and toys. They can also be intolerant of rough play so this breed is better suited to homes with older children. 
• Learn the breed history and much more about the Miniature Pinscher at AKC.org.

25. Chinese Crested

 

• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: 8-12 pounds 
• Coat: Hairless / Powderpuff is double layer with a short undercoat and longer topcoat
• Shedding: Very minimal 
• Standard Colors: Apricot, Black, Black White & Tan, Blue, Chocolate, Cream, Palomino, Pink & Chocolate, Pink & Slate, Slate, White
• Standard Markings: Spotted, White Markings
• Origin: Mexico, China, Africa
• Life expectancy: 13-18 years
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Trainability: Easy 
• Good with Children: Due to their delicate build, this breed does best in a home with older kids who understand how to be gentle with a dog.  
• More information about the Chinese Crested can be found at AKC.org.