Discover 19 Breeds of Puppies That Don’t Grow Very Large

Puppies can be challenging. But their precious tiny faces make up for all the sleepless nights. It may have you wondering if there are dogs who always look like puppies, even as adults. Thankfully, there are dozens of dog breeds that stay small and puppy-like forever. Check out these 19 breeds of puppies that don’t grow very large.

1. Toy Poodle

Loving, intelligent, and eager to please, the toy poodle is a favorite among small dog owners. They are tiny and fluffy, standing no more than 10 inches tall and weighing between four and six pounds. Though small in stature, they have moderate to high energy levels and need lots of mental stimulation. They are also very athletic and do well in dog shows. Due to their easy trainability, they have no problem being successful in many things.

Size: 10 inches tall; four to six pounds pounds

Lifespan: 10-18 years

Maintenance: Low-shedding, moderate grooming

2. Chihuahua

A big personality comes in this tiny package. Chihuahuas are loyal, sassy, and clever. And have a reputation for being yappy and energetic. This breed only reaches five to eight inches tall and doesn’t exceed six pounds. While they can be affectionate with their families, they are not good with young children or strangers. They like to play and have moderate energy levels, but they don’t train as easily as other dogs.

Size: Five to eight inches tall; around six pounds

Lifespan: 14-16 years

Maintenance:  Low-shedding, light grooming

3. Yorkshire Terrier

Dainty yet feisty, the Yorkshire terrier is a compact breed with long, silky hair. They are extremely loving and good with children. And while they can also be open to strangers, they have a very protective nature. These little terriers pack a lot of energy. But thankfully, they are relatively easy to train, except when they are bossy. Yorkshire terriers are seven to eight inches tall and weigh no more than seven pounds.

Size: Seven to eight inches tall; seven pounds

Lifespan: 11-15 years

Maintenance: Low-shedding, frequent grooming

4. Brussels Griffon

Funny, devoted, and smart, the Brussels Griffon is a bearded dog with lots of character. They are curious and social, with an air of self-importance. They are affectionate with their families but are not as good with young children or other dogs. But they love to play and are highly adaptable and easy to train. And while they can be energetic, they don’t need quite as much attention as some other breeds.

Size: Seven to 10 inches tall; eight to 10 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, moderate grooming

5. Maltese

The Maltese are an elegant and charming breed with an agile body and a stubborn personality. They are exceptionally loving with their families but may have trouble opening up around strangers, children, and other dogs. They like to play but are also perfectly content with sitting in your lap. You might find that they don’t need as much mental stimulation or outdoor time. The Maltese can also be difficult to train as they are strong-willed.

Size: Seven to nine inches tall; less than seven pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Maintenance: Low-shedding, moderate to frequent grooming

6. Miniature Pinscher

This compact pinscher has long legs and a smooth, shiny coat. And they are well-known for their signature horse trot gait. They are very affectionate with family members and other dogs. But they don’t do well with small children or strangers. Miniature pinschers are playful, and adaptable and make excellent watchdogs. But they are highly energetic and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also difficult to train due to their stubborn nature.

Size: 10-12 inches tall; eight to 10 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, light grooming

7. Schipperke

Created to be watchdogs and hunt rats, Schipperkes are alert, curious, and intense. These dogs like to have jobs, and they are fairly easy to train. However, they can be a little mischievous. They are somewhat family-friendly, but they tend to do best in households without small children. And they are loving and affectionate with their owners. Schipperkes also love to play and has a protective nature. 

Size: 10-13 inches tall; 10-16 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, moderate grooming

8. Bolognese

Serious, intelligent, and clever, the Bolognese is a companion dog known for its calm demeanor and fluffy white coat. This breed is best for households without children and other dogs. And they are not big on cuddling and over-the-top affection. But they adapt very well to new routines and enjoy the company of strangers. However, they are not playful dogs and do not care about protecting their owners. The Bolognese is excellent for a single person or couple who wants a companion that doesn’t need lots of playtime and exercise. 

Size: 10-12 inches tall; six to 10 pounds

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Maintenance: Low shedding, moderate grooming

9. Pomeranian

As one of the most popular toy breeds across the world, the Pomeranian is the perfect companion dog. They have big personalities and love being affectionate with their families. They can do well in households with older children, where they won’t be handled too roughly. Pomeranians like to play but can also spend the day sitting on your lap. This breed needs moderate exercise and mental stimulation, but it can be difficult to train.

Size: Six to seven inches tall; three to seven pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Maintenance: Low to moderate shedding, moderate grooming

10. Bichon Frise

In your search for breeds of puppies that don’t grow very large, consider the Bichon Frise. This dog looks like a fluffy puppy even as an adult and is super affectionate and excellent with children of all ages. They also love other dogs and are open to strangers. The Bichon Frise enjoys playing throughout the day and needs lots of exercise. Thankfully, they are relatively easy to train.

Size: Nine to 12 inches tall; 12-18 pounds

Lifespan: 14-15 years

Maintenance: Low shedding, heavy grooming

11. French Bulldog

The Frenchie is an unmistakable breed featuring bat ears and heavy wrinkles. They are loving, playful, and mellow. French bulldogs make excellent family pets and get along well with young children and other dogs. They are moderately protective but are very open to strangers. And their playfulness is unmatched. However, their energy needs are not excessive, and they are easy to train.

Size: 11-13 inches tall; less than 28 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 pounds

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, low grooming

12. Dachshund

The Dachshund is one of the most easily recognizable breeds due to their long torsos and low-to-the-ground stature. They are determined, spunky, and sweet. And while their body shape may not allow them to be top athletes, they make excellent watchdogs. Dachshunds are best for families with older children, and they are pretty playful with moderate energy levels. However, be prepared for lots of barking.

Size: Five to nine inches tall; 11 to 36 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Maintenance: Low to moderate shedding, moderate grooming

13. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a quiet, noble breed with an elegant and charming disposition. This dog is very friendly and cuddly. They are excellent indoor dogs, preferring to stay at home and sit on your lap. They do well with other dogs but prefer homes with older children. The Japanese chin isn’t overly protective but is reserved around strangers. And they are well-balanced with their playfulness and energy needs.

Size: Eight to 11 inches tall; seven to 11 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, low to moderate grooming

14. Shih Tzu

Outgoing, affectionate, and delightful, the Shih Tzu is the ultimate tiny family dog. They are excellent with children of all ages and get along well with other dogs. They are moderately protective and can be somewhat weary of strangers. But they adapt very easily. While playful, the Shih Tzu also has no problem relaxing on the sofa. And they are easy to train and don’t need constant exercise and mental stimulation.

Size: Nine to 11 inches tall; nine to 16 pounds

Lifespan: 10-18 years

Maintenance: Low shedding, moderate to heavy grooming

15. Pug

Who can resist the pug’s precious scrunched-up face and big, round eyes? These little dogs are funny, mischievous, and affectionate. They love lots of snuggles from their families and do very well with young children. Pugs play nonstop, adapt easily, and are friendly with strangers. They are also relatively easy to train and don’t require a ton of exercise. However, they love their food and can get pudgy easily.

Size: 10-13 inches tall; 14-18 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Maintenance: Moderate to heavy shedding, low grooming

16. Italian Greyhound

Built for speed, the Italian greyhound makes a dash for fast-moving prey. And when they’re not hunting in the field, they are snuggling on your lap. These toy greyhounds are sensitive, playful, and loving. However, they don’t do well with young kids. But they do thrive around other dogs. Italian greyhounds are also open to strangers, need moderate mental stimulation, and are eager to please.

Size: 13-15 inches tall; seven to 14 pounds

Lifespan: 14-15 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, low grooming

17. Lhasa Apso

Humorous, intelligent, and hardy, the Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan breed with a big personality. They form strong attachments to their owners but don’t do as well with small children and other dogs. The Lhasa Apso is also highly protective and aloof around strangers. This breed is even-keeled, with balanced energy and play needs. But they can be difficult to train.

Size: 10-11 inches tall; 12-18 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Maintenance: Low shedding, moderate grooming 

18. Pekingese

The regal Pekingese is a sophisticated and loyal dog. These stocky and compact dogs absolutely love their owners. But they need to be in a household with older children. This breed can also be wary around strangers and other dogs. The Pekingese are playful, adaptable, and protective. But they are stubborn and relatively difficult to train.

Size: Six to nine inches tall; less than 14 pounds

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, moderate grooming

19. Papillon

The Papillon is an upbeat and friendly breed, perfect for families with children of all ages. They can be yappy and protective of their home, but they are also very open to strangers, treating everyone like they are their best friend. Papillon like to play nonstop and have very high energy needs and mental stimulation. But they are also very eager to please and easy to train.

Size: Eight to 11 inches tall; five to 10 pounds

Lifespan: 14-16 years

Maintenance: Moderate shedding, low to moderate grooming

Summary of Breeds of Puppies That Don’t Grow Very Large

Here’s a recap of the 19 breeds of small dogs that we took a look at.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Shawei26/Shutterstock.com