under ~12 kg (26 lb). Apartment-friendly, cheaper to feed, and the longest lifespans in the dog world (12–16+ years). The trade-offs: many small breeds are barkier, harder to house-train, and fragile around rough toddlers.
Is this size right for you? Best first pick if you rent, live in a city apartment, or want a companion that travels easily.
This page is a starting point — every breed's full profile (temperament, shedding, aggression honesty, health risks) lives on its own page below.

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Our library maps all 201 AKC-recognized breeds; full profiles are produced in popularity order (AKC 2024 registration data). These small dog breeds are next in the queue:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel #13Miniature Schnauzer #18Shih Tzu #20Pomeranian #22Boston Terrier #23Havanese #25Shetland Sheepdog #29Cocker Spaniel #32
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