15 Small Dog Breeds With Short Hair (With Pictures!)

There’s a dog out there for everyone, from the highest pedigree to the adorable mutt. Each dog comes with their own personality, physical and mental needs, and varying degrees of affection to best fit your home. 

Most people find that they gravitate towards small, medium, or large dogs, along with those who mix and match their dog sizes. For those who are looking for a low-maintenance pup who also happens to be lap-size, check out our list of the top 15 small dogs with short hair!

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Top 15 Small Dogs With Short Hair

1. French Bulldog

Height	11-13 inches
Weight	28 pounds
Lifespan	10-12 years
Temperament	Playful, affectionate

As one of the most popular small-dog breeds around the world, the French Bulldog is an irresistibly cute canine companion. They have a large personality packed into a small body and are extremely affectionate with their loved ones. 

Their distinctive “bat ears” gives this breed a comical look that they happily play into. The French Bulldog does great in apartments and gets along with other pets and children well. 

2. Beagle

Height	13-15 inches
Weight	20-30 pounds
Lifespan	10-15 years
Temperament	Loving, loyal, playful

Another popular breed, the Beagle is well-loved among the hound group. With two size varieties, the Beagle remains a small-dog breed with a big heart. Their large puppy dog eyes will melt the hardest of hearts! 

Bred to hunt in packs, Beagles are sociable and do best with a companion. Prepare to be on your toes often as this breed is high-energy and requires lots of exercise. 

3. Boston Terrier

Height	15-17 inches
Weight	12-25 pounds
Lifespan	11-13 years
Temperament	Affectionate, playful

With their tuxedo-colored coat already on, the Boston Terrier is always ready for a party! One of the few “all American breeds”, the Boston Terrier was bred in Boston, MA, and remains a popular choice among small dog breed lovers. 

These highly affectionate guys are loyal, playful, and the perfect companion for a walk. This breed is sociable and will enjoy spending time with its owners and other people. If you need a great companion on your day out, the Boston will be eager to accompany you.

4. Italian Greyhound

Height	13-15 inches
Weight	7-14 pounds
Lifespan	14-15 years
Temperament	Playful, affectionate

The much smaller cousin of the stately Greyhound, Italian Greyhounds have a need for speed and to be in your lap. Don’t let their graceful looks and small stature fool you, these guys have a high-prey drive and will take off after moving objects. 

Care is needed during colder winter months, as the Italian’s coat is extremely thin. A fashionable coat and boots will make your dog the king of the dog park, just how they like it. 

5. Chihuahua

Height	5-8 inches
Weight	6 pounds
Lifespan	14-16 years
Temperament	Confident, loyal

Perfectly sized for a purse or basket, the Chihuahua is a perfectly sized companion for those who want to take their dog everywhere. Hailing from Mexico, the breed is one of the oldest in the world.

Don’t let their size trick you, as these tiny emperors will run the house if not properly trained. Once they’ve done their guard dog abilities, as they’re incredibly alert, they’ll happily curl up with you for some much-needed relaxation time. 

6. Chinese Crested 

Height	11-13 inches
Weight	8-12 pounds
Lifespan	13-18 years
Temperament	Playful, loving, devoted

Perhaps one of the most unique-looking breeds, the Chinese Crested is one of the most affectionate small dog breeds. They love to be around their humans and are very in tune with their surroundings. 

With either the short coat or hairless variety, Chinese Cresteds require minimal grooming, which is great for allergy sufferers. Loyal and devoted to their families, Cresteds are also playful and will enjoy entertaining their loved ones. 

7. Dachshund (miniature) 

Height	5-6 inches
Weight	11 pounds
Lifespan	12-16 years
Temperament

The famous “weiner dog”, Dachshunds have enjoyed a life of popularity for generations. They have two variations in size and can have three different coat types, giving prospective owners plenty of choices! 

While small and low to the ground, the Dachshund was bred to flush out badgers and other small game, making them a fearsome little hunter. While they may not be the first image of a guard dog, these little guys will guard your home and family fiercely. 

8. Miniature Pinscher

Height	10-12.5 inches
Weight	8-10 pounds
Lifespan	12-16 years
Temperament	Independant, outgoing, energetic

The Min Pin is a German breed that is definitely not for first-time dog owners. A small dog breed with a big dog personality, the Min Pin is an assertive breed that will rule whichever home they are in. 

Small and compact with a unique “hackney gait”, they’re a great agility breed and excellent escape artists. Though small, they’ll guard your home with fearless dedication and return your love with strong loyalty. 

9. Jack Russell Terrier

Height	10-12 inches
Weight	9-15 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years
Temperament	Intelligent, loyal

Easily recognizable for their roles in countless movies and favorites among horse-owners, the Jack Russell Terrier is a faithful small-sized companion. This incredibly smart breed will lure you in with their luminous eyes while plotting how to get that food off your plate. 

With a high-prey drive as a part of the terrier group and a high-energy level, the Russell will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They do wonderful in dog competitions and make great hunting companions. 

10. Pug

Height	10-13 inches
Weight	14-18 pounds
Lifespan	13-15 years
Temperament	Loving, mischievous

Another extremely famous breed around the world, the Pug is instantly recognizable with its wrinkled face and curled tail. A royal breed used to the attention of emperors and kings, your Pug will expect to be loved unconditionally, even when they’ve chewed apart the couch cushions. 

Those liquid dark eyes that seem to beg to be loved hide a mischievous personality that delights in being a trouble-maker. Much like a toddler, they’ll cause trouble but then beg for attention. These adorable guys can get away with almost anything! 

11. Shiba Inu

Height	13.5-16.5 inches
Weight	17-23 pounds
Lifespan	13-16 years
Temperament	Independent, loyal, intelligent

Easily recognizable, the Shiba Inu closely resembles a fox and is one of the six spitz breeds originating in Japan. As the most popular companion dog in Japan, the Shiba has slowly moved westward and is gaining popularity wherever it goes. 

While an absolutely adorable breed, the Shiba is a highly independent breed with a stubborn streak. They resist training efforts and will require patience and time to become a well-rounded pup but they’ll reward your efforts with loyalty and affection.

12. Miniature Bull Terrier

Height	10-14 inches
Weight	18-28 pounds
Lifespan	11-13 years
Temperament	Goofy, active

This uniquely shaped clown dog delights in entertaining its families with its goofy antics and playful personality. A smaller version of their cousin, the Bull Terrier, these guys pack the same personality into a smaller package. 

While goofy and affectionate, the miniature Bull Terrier has a deeply-ingrained need to dig. If you’re looking for a garden companion, these guys will gladly join you for a day in the dirt!

13. Manchester Terrier (toy)

Height	10-12 inches
Weight	12 pounds
Lifespan	15-17 years
Temperament	Active, devoted, loving

A true terrier breed, the Manchester Terrier (toy) is an active ratter who thrives on chasing small prey. Loyal to their owners and well-mannered, this little guy packs a big punch in a small body. 

While well-mannered and calm, this breed needs plenty of downtime and can be snappy if aggravated. Proper socialization is key with this breed and they’ll return your efforts with the devotion only a dog can give. 

14. Basenji

Height	16-17 inches
Weight	22-24 pounds
Lifespan	13-14 years
Temperament	Intelligent, affectionate

Hailing from Africa, the Basenji is most famous for not having a “bark”, but rather an interesting yodel that can quickly turn into a scream. These guys are harder to find and are for the strong-willed owner only. Known to have an unmatched stubborn streak, the Basenji is far happier doing its own thing. 

An extremely clean breed that prides itself on being in tip-top shape, they’re great for those looking for a low-maintenance dog. They also make great watchdogs and will guard their domains fearlessly.

These interesting dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns, giving prospective owners plenty of options to choose from.

15. Xoloitzcuintli (toy)

Height	10-14 inches
Weight	10-15 pounds
Lifespan	13-18 years
Temperament	Sweet, affectionate

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) is truly a god amongst dogs. One of the most ancient Mexican dog breeds, the Xolo was considered the Aztec’s Gods Dog and helped guide souls to the underworld. 

If that isn’t impressive enough, the Xolo is an extremely affectionate dog who loves to be with its family at all times. They can come in three different sizes and have different coats with the hairless coat type being prone to sunburn, so prepare sunscreen for the God’s favorite dog! 

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Final Thoughts: Is A Small Dog With Short Hair Right For You?

With so many dog breeds to choose from, it can seem impossible to narrow down the perfect one for your family! But with research, speaking with a breeder and your vet, we’re confident you’ll find your canine companion. 

Small breed dogs are excellent companion dogs and are easily manageable for the on-the-go person. If you don’t want to worry about shedding or grooming, a short-haired breed can be a great choice. Hopefully one of the above breeds has caught your eye and you’ll soon be on your way to getting your new best friend!