Size doesn’t matter: 10 dog breeds that don’t grow too big

At under 10cm tall Pearl the Chihuahua, named the smallest dog in the world in 2023, would fit in a pocket. And though most are at least 5cm taller than she is, Chihuahuas can easily hitch a ride in a large handbag, as countless celebrities have shown.

With an intelligent, loyal character, they make wonderful companions. Their smooth coats don’t tend to get very dirty, but aren’t very warm, so you’ll need to wrap up your pet for walkies in cold weather.

The most popular small dog breed in the US, thanks to its elegant silky coat and playful personality. Bear in mind that Yorkies can be a bit yappy, so may not be suitable if your neighbours are especially noise sensitive.

The Mini Pin is related to the German Pinscher, originally a hunting dog. Fearless, energetic and alert, they need plenty of exercise. They make great guard dogs.

Similar to the Maltese Bichon, but with a thicker, curlier coat. While no dog is completely non-allergenic, these are one of the better choices for people who react to pet hair, partly because they shed very little.

Originating from Tibet, the Shih Tzu’s distinctive look has led to it being dubbed the Lion Dog. Prized as pets for 1,000 years, they have cheerful characters, like to be the center of attention and get on well with children.

These appealingly fluffy creatures with foxy faces have an interesting history. Their ancestors, who worked as sled dogs in cold northern climes, were much larger, which perhaps explains why today’s Poms sometimes seem unaware of their tiny size, acting bossy around bigger dogs. They’re very affectionate towards their owners, intelligent and relatively easy to train.

Colloquially called the sausage dog because of its long body and short legs, the Dachshund is comic in appearance. But don’t be fooled. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. They are not only clever, they are courageous. They also have a larger bark than you might expect.

Among the larger toy dog breeds, the pug can be up to 35cm tall. Bred as lap dogs, they thrive on human company, and are known for their clowning. You should be aware that their health is often delicate. It’s important not to overfeed them, because obesity will worsen breathing problems resulting from their flattened muzzle shape.

Bred for centuries to be the cherished companions of China’s imperial family, they easily get used to life in small spaces, since they don’t like to walk too much. They need daily brushing to stop their long,fine hair becoming tangled.

Dating back to 19th century Belgium, this pup has an unusual round face with thick whiskers. Originally bred as rat-catchers, they’re lively and affectionate.