30 toy dog breeds that stay puppy-sized forever

The most popular dog breeds are often small and adorable. Pint-size pups make some of the best apartment dogs purely because they don’t take up too much room. And toy dog breeds are so portable, you can take them just about anywhere without too much fuss. They love being carried in totes while out on the town or in a backpack, sniffing the fresh air and taking in the scenery as you hike or bike the trails. These cute little pups are so small you might want to get more than one!

All dog breeds are susceptible to different diseases. Brachycephalic dogs, such as the pug and bulldog, have short snouts, which makes them more prone to breathing issues, especially heat stroke. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are predisposed to mitral valve heart disease, according to Dr Abens. As for the healthiest, “Based on my experience, I would call out the Havanese and Miniature Pinscher as the least problematic,” says Dr McCarthy. The Coton de Tulear, also on our list, is relatively free of genetic health issues, per the AKC. Don’t forget – those tiny chompers are part of the health factor too. Dr McCarthy says periodontal issues are common in all toy breeds, so start dental care early.

These are 10 of the healthiest dog breeds of all sizes.

“In most of the animal kingdom, longevity increases with body size. For example, a mouse lives about 18 months while an elephant can live for 90 years. However, with dogs, longevity decreases with increased body size,” says Dr McCarthy. For instance, it’s common for a toy poodle to live well into the teens, but sadly, Great Danes rarely live past 10 years of age. It is unknown why smaller dogs live longer, but some research has found that statistically larger dogs do in fact live shorter lives than smaller breeds, says Dr Abens.

Find out more about the dog breeds that live longest.

Read on to learn more about the most popular toy dog breeds.

We can’t decide what’s more endearing – the mini schnauzer’s human-like eyes and bushy eyebrows, its distinguished beard and moustache, or its adorable stocky body. And if these attributes weren’t enough to make the mini schnauzer the most favoured of the Schnauzer breeds (there’s the standard and giant schnauzer, too), they’re outgoing, family-loving, and friendly.

Here’s a shocker: The American Eskimo doesn’t come from the frozen tundras of Alaska. Eskies, as they are known by adoring fans, originally hail from Germany. They’re undeniably cute, playful, perky, and quick at learning tricks. They tend to be protective, with herding in their genes, but never in an “I’ll nip your feet” kind of way. And that trait goes for the miniature and standard varieties of Amerian Eskimos.

If you’re looking for an adorable toy dog breed that looks like a teddy bear, this fluffy little nugget is about the same size but much more cuddly and a whole lot more fun to play with. Maxing out at around 2.2kg and less than 25cm tall, they’re just as portable as a stuffed animal. They’ll be your devoted sidekick for years. “Many toy poodles live to their upper teens. I’ve even seen some 24-year old toy poodles,” says Dr McCarthy. The toy is the smallest of the poodle breed: Next is the miniature, at 25 to 38cm tall, and the standard, at about 38cm high.

If the name doesn’t give it away, this little doggie is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a poodle. You’re getting the best of both doggie genes here – the super affectionate and charming traits of the Shih Tzu, and the playful, comedic, smartypants of the poodle. Both breeds tend to shed less, so they have that going for them too.

With those expressive eyes and outgoing, spunky personalities, you would have to have a heart made from coal to resist this loveable miniature dog. Dr Aben agrees, saying “Maltese are typically affectionate and charming, and they make both good watchdogs and athletes.” The only drawback is that their adorable white fur requires daily brushing to prevent matting. But that just means you get to spend more time with this little angel.

“Papillons are named after the French word for butterfly due to their wing-shaped ears. They are dainty and elegant but can also make excellent agility dogs,” says Dr Abens. They live to flaunt their stellar intelligence and agility while doing obstacle courses and obedience trials. Fortunately, the papillons don’t have to compete outside of the home to be content. Feed their curious and alert mind with food puzzles and new tricks, and after you’re all done, snuggle those adorable ears.

We love this sweet teensy-weeny toy dog breed. Does that give you a clue as to who its parents are? This designer breed mix of a Chihuahua and a dachshund, also known as a choxie, is pocket-size but has a giant personality. Both breeds are known for their spunk and moxie and their fearless loyalty to their favourite human. Chihuahua and dachshunds come in short or long-haired, and so do chiweenies, and their bodies tend to be shorter and robust, favouring the Chihuahua, with a long and narrow tail of a dachshund.

Here are 20 most loyal dog breeds that will always be by your side.