Top 15 Small Medium Dog Breeds

Are you searching to find a little or medium-sized dog for your family? You've likely heard that little dogs and children don't get along because small dogs can be weak, yappy, or aggressive. In fact, there are a ton of small and medium dog breeds that are devoted, wonderful friends for households with young children, grown-ups, and babies.

This article discusses the top 15 small-medium dog breeds for families. Nearly every breed group is included on this list, including working, non-sports, sporting, hound, and terrier breeds.

1. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. This tiny dog is among the smallest of all dog breeds. It has a balanced, terrier-like demeanor, a rounded "apple" head, erect ears, and complete, luminous eyes. The breed comes in many colors and patterns and can have either a short or long coat.

Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty, charm, and big-dog attitude. They are small but require training to prevent them from ruling the household. They are ideal city pets but too small for roughhousing with kids. Besides, they need special care in cold weather.

Quick Facts:

Chihuahuas are tiny, loyal dogs with a big-dog attitude, ideal for city living but require special care in cold weather. Glance at the specifics of this dog.

2. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a medium-sized herding dog breed that originated in Russia. The Samoyed is named after the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. This breed is known for its thick, white, double-layer, naturally dirt-repellent coat. They are often white and can have a brown tint to their double-layer coat.

Samoyeds are known for their friendly, gentle, and adaptable nature. They are powerful, tireless, and have a thick all-white coat impervious to cold. They are intelligent, social, naughty dogs demanding love and attention.

Samoyeds need structure in training. They are known to be used in expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and have a friendly and agreeable disposition. The Samoyed combines strength, agility, dignity, and grace in a general spitz outline. They have a robust, muscular body that combines power, speed, agility, and endurance.

Quick Facts:

Samoyeds are medium-sized, friendly, and adaptable Siberian herding dogs with a thick, white, double-layer coat, known for their strength, agility, and endurance. Check out the specifics of this dog quickly.

3. Miniature Goldendoodle

The Miniature Goldendoodle, also known as Mini Goldendoodle, is a crossbreed dog that is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This breed was first developed in the 1990s.

Mini Goldendoodles are known for their gentle temperaments. It makes them a great addition to families. They are non-aggressive, highly intelligent, loving, playful, fun, sweet, and enduringly loyal.

Mini Goldendoodles do not make good watchdogs despite their friendly and gentle nature. They have a moderate energy level and are easy to train. These dogs require low-maintenance grooming. However, potential health concerns due to their parentage should always be considered.

Quick Facts:

Mini Goldendoodles are gentle, intelligent, and loyal crossbreeds of Golden Retrievers and Miniature or Toy Poodles. They are well known for their playfulness and low-maintenance grooming. Quickly go over the specifics of this dog.

4. Teacup Toy Poodle

The Teacup Toy Poodle is a smaller version of the popular Toy Poodle breed. This breed is selectively bred from Toy Poodles to achieve its small size. Breeders generally consider Teacup Poodles, which weigh under six pounds and aren't taller than 9 inches.

Teacup Toy Poodle dogs have fluffy ears, and their body is covered with a hypoallergenic coat. They have deep-set dark eyes and an extended long muzzle.

These dogs are known for their cute appearance and playful personality. They are intelligent, loyal, and alert. Teacup Poodles are affectionate, easy to train, and moderately energetic. The behaviors of this dog can make them the perfect fit for families who want a companion pup without seriously high exercise and maintenance needs.

Quick Facts:

Teacup Toy Poodles are small, hypoallergenic dogs bred from Toy Poodles, known for their cute appearance, playful personality, and low exercise and maintenance needs. Check over the specifics of this dog quickly.

5. Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier is a small-to-medium dog breed that originated in England. This breed was a mainstay of traditional British fox hunts. Fox Terriers are known for their long faces, short legs, and wiry or smooth coats. They are a robust and short-backed hunting breed with a distinctive expression.

Fox Terriers also have unique antics, a spirited personality, and a sense of humor. They are intelligent, active, playful, and have prominent personalities. They are also known for being stubborn and independent. These dogs have plenty of courage packed into their small size thanks to their origins in hunting, making them likely to be fearless with other animals. Whether the opposite is large or small. They are great companion dogs for adults and children.

However, because of the breed's high prey drive, they might not be suitable for living with cats or other dogs. With plenty of energy and enthusiasm, these dogs love playing and do best with owners who are prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise.

Quick Facts:

Fox Terriers are small-to-medium, robust hunting dogs from England, known for their spirited personality, courage, and high energy. However, their high prey drive may not suit homes with other pets. Stare at the specifics of this dog.

6. Rottweiler Dog

The Rottweiler, hailing from Germany, is a breed of remarkable strength and endurance. It can be recognized by its brown and black stripes and muscular build. This breed exhibits an intimidating yet balanced aspect thanks to its big head, strong neck, and muscular physique.

Originally bred for herding and guarding, Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and affection toward their families. Despite their formidable exterior, they exhibit a gentle and devoted nature when properly trained and socialized.

Training is essential due to their natural protective instincts. You have to ensure they become well-mannered and obedient companions. With early socialization, Rottweilers showcase a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness. This makes them excellent family members.

Quick Facts:

Rottweilers are strong, enduring German dogs, recognized for their loyalty and affection, requiring training and socialization to balance their protective instincts and gentleness. Check out the specifics of this dog quickly.

7. Maltese

The Maltese is a small dog breed with a rich history. Named after the Mediterranean island of Malta, these dogs are known for their elegant, flowing white coats and dark, expressive eyes.

Despite their diminutive size, Maltese dogs possess a lively and fearless demeanor. Their compact bodies are adorned with a distinctive silky coat that requires regular grooming.

Maltese dogs thrive on companionship and make excellent family pets. Their playful disposition, coupled with a keen intelligence, makes them adaptable to various living environments. While their charming appearance captures attention, their endearing personality genuinely defines the Maltese breed.

Quick Facts:

Maltese are small, lively dogs from Malta. They are known for their elegant white coats and playful, intelligent nature. They are also excellent family pets requiring regular grooming. Swiftly review the information on this dog.

8. Dachshund

The Dachshund is often affectionately called the "wiener dog" or "sausage dog." It originated from Germany and is easily recognizable by its long body, short legs, and distinctive shape. Initially, this breed was for hunting, particularly in tunneling after small game.

Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wirehaired. Despite their compact size, they exhibit a bold and confident demeanor. They are well known for their independent spirit. Dachshunds can be both affectionate and tenacious.

Their playful nature makes them delightful companions, but they may require patient training due to a streak of stubbornness. With proper socialization, Dachshunds are loyal and spirited additions to any household.

Quick Facts:

Dachshunds, often called “wiener dogs,” are long-bodied, short-legged German dogs known for their bold demeanor, independent spirit, and playful nature. They may require patient training. Have a quick look at some information about these dogs.

9. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a charming small breed originating from the Mediterranean. They are known for their cheerful disposition and distinctive curly white coat. These dogs exude a lively and affectionate nature.

The Bichon Frise has a playful demeanor that endears it to families and individuals alike, with a compact build and dark, expressive eyes. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to maintain its fluffy appearance.

This breed is renowned for being friendly and adaptable. They thrive on human companionship and are often amicable with other pets. Their joyful presence and gentle temperament make them delightful companions for those seeking a loving and lively canine friend.

Quick Facts:

Bichon Frises are charming, small Mediterranean dogs known for their cheerful disposition, distinctive curly white coat, and lively, affectionate nature, requiring regular grooming. Check over the specifics of this dog quickly.

10. Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a captivating and relatively rare dog breed that originated in Alaska and developed into a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Alaskan Husky. This miniature husky breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

Their striking coat patterns and piercing, expressive eyes possess a distinctive appearance. Despite their diminutive stature, they retain the spirit and energy of their northern heritage. Intelligent and curious, these dogs require mental stimulation and exercise.

While reserved with strangers, they form strong bonds with their families, showcasing loyalty and affection. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a unique and captivating companion for those who appreciate the allure of a miniature husky.

Quick Facts:

Alaskan Klee Kais are miniature versions of Alaskan Huskies. They are known for their striking coat patterns, expressive eyes, spirit, energy, and loyalty to their families. glance at the specifics of this dog.

11. Corgi

The Corgi, renowned for its distinctive appearance and buoyant personality, is a small herding dog from Wales. Most notably associated with Queen Elizabeth II's fondness for them, Corgis are characterized by their long bodies, short legs, and large ears.

The breed has two main varieties: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. With a foxy face and expressive eyes, Corgis exudes intelligence and charm. Despite their small size, they possess a strong herding instinct and an energetic disposition.

Besides, their loyalty and affectionate nature make them excellent family pets. They love close bonds with their human companions. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep these spirited dogs happy and healthy.

Quick Facts:

Corgis are small, energetic herding dogs from Wales. They have long bodies, short legs, and large ears, with a strong herding instinct, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Check the information about this dog.

12. Miniature American Eskimo

The Miniature American Eskimo, often called the "Eskie," is a delightful and fluffy breed from the United States. This breed, a minor variation of the American Eskimo Dog, is identified by its eye-catching white coat, plume-like tail, and fox-like face. They have a lively demeanor that goes well with their exquisite appearance. They also have a pleasant and alert expression.

They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Renowned for their intelligence and agility, Eskies excel in various activities, including obedience and agility training. Despite their fluffy double coat, regular grooming maintains their pristine appearance. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them excellent companions for families and individuals. They can add a touch of joy and warmth to any home.

Quick Facts:

Miniature American Eskimos, or “Eskies,” are fluffy, intelligent, and agile dogs from the United States. They require regular grooming and are excellent companions. Check the specifics of this canine.

13. Schipperke

The Schipperke, originating from Belgium, is a small, agile dog breed with a distinctive fox-like face and a dense, black coat. Schipperkes, well-known for their gregarious attitude and sharp intelligence, are sometimes called "little black devils" because of their mischievousness.

Their pointed ears and foxy expressions add to their unique appearance. Despite their compact size, Schipperkes are spirited and confident, making them excellent watchdogs. With a sturdy build and a plume-like tail carried high, these dogs exhibit an aggressive attitude.

Proper training is essential to harness their intelligence and manage their independent streak. Their loyalty and energy make them ideal companions for those who appreciate an alert and energetic canine friend.

Quick Facts:

Schipperkes are small, agile Belgian dogs. They have dense black coats, spirited confidence, and sharp intelligence, requiring proper training and making excellent watchdogs. Look closely at this dog's details.

14. Havanese

The Havanese is a charming toy breed originating from Cuba. It is a delightful and affectionate companion dog. They are recognized for their silky, wavy coat in various colors. The Havanese boasts a distinctively friendly expression and a lively, springy gait.

These canines express warmth and happiness with their little frames and expressive dark eyes. Havanese dogs are known for being outgoing and social. They enjoy spending time with people and frequently get along with other pets. They are resilient and versatile despite their small size, making them appropriate for various living situations.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them responsive to training. At the same time, their playful demeanor adds a touch of liveliness to any household fortunate enough to have one as a furry family member.

Quick Facts:

Havanese are charming, affectionate toy dogs from Cuba. They contain wavy coats, friendly expressions, outgoing natures, and intelligence, making them responsive to training and excellent companions. Have a close look at the specifics of the dog.

15. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is native to Madagascar and is a delightful and fluffy toy breed with a coat-like cotton and an energetic demeanor. This breed is known for its fluffy tail, round, expressive eyes, and texture similar to cotton.

The Coton de Tulear's coat comes in various colors, adding to its visual appeal. Cotons are devoted companions that thrive on human interaction and are well-known for their loving and friendly disposition.

They are sturdy and active despite their small size. It allows them to adapt to a variety of living conditions. Their luxuriant coat requires regular brushing to stay in good condition, and their friendly nature makes them great complements to homes looking for a vibrant and affectionate canine friend.

Quick Facts:

Coton de Tulears are fluffy, energetic toy dogs. Their coat is cotton-like and they are devoted to human interaction and friendly disposition. They require regular brushing. Along with this, check a quick look at some information about the dog.