What is the friendliest small dog breed?

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Chihuahua

One of the smallest dogs in the canine kingdom gets the first spot in our list. Chihuahuas are known for their charming and sassy personalities, and since they're so tiny, they make great purse dogs! (They also happen to look adorable in a s'mores dog costume.)

Weight: Up to 6 pounds

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Pug

These smushy-faced dogs are the descendants of royalty: Pugs were once the chosen companions of Chinese emperors! They're also great house dogs for apartments or other homes with limited outdoor space.

Weight: 14-18 pounds

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Yorkshire Terrier

You probably know Yorkies by the glamorous floor-length coats they sport at dog shows, but the breed was actually once used for a less fancy job, as ratters in mines and mills. Today Yorkies are one of the most popular American dog breeds, and their owners love them for their feisty terrier personalities.

Weight: 7 pounds

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Corgi

There are two different breeds of these smart dogs to choose from: Pembroke Welsh Corgis (like this one here) and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, both which were bred as cattle herding dogs. The biggest difference is their tails: Cardis have tails, while Pembroke Corgis do not. But both breeds are smart, affectionate, and athletic, despite their short statures. They're also one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds.

Weight: Up to 30 pounds

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Affenpinscher

Some people think these furry cuties look like Wookies or Ewoks from Star Wars! Despite their small size, they're not lacking in personality: Affens are known to be super curious and entertaining.

Weight: 7-10 pounds

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Lhasa Apso

This thousand-year-old breed once served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas. Smart and lively, the Lhasa Apso is very affectionate with family but can be aloof with strangers—which just means more cuddles for you!

Weight: 12-18 pounds

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Cairn Terrier

If this dog looks familiar to you, it's probably because of its famous Hollywood ties: Toto from The Wizard of Oz was played by a Cairn Terrier! These pups are known for being alert, intelligent, and long-lived. Naturally curious and bred to be small prey hunters, Cairns love having a place to explore and dig.

Weight: 13-14 pounds

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Miniature American Eskimo

These fluffy white dogs have it all: brains and beauty. The American Eskimo dog comes in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) so you can choose which one is the right fit for your family.

Weight: 10-20 pounds

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Italian Greyhound

Elegant, alert, and playful, these miniature Greyhounds make the perfect little lap dogs. They might make a pretty picture sitting on your couch, but they're coursing hounds at heart with a love of the chase.

Weight: 7-14 pounds

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Brussels Griffon

Don't let their size fool you—these smart little pups come with big personalities. The Brussels Griffon is known for being smart, sociable, and sensitive. They don't like being alone, preferring to stay close to their special human.

Weight: 8-10 pounds

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Schipperke

Affectionately dubbed Belgium’s “little captain” and bred as a watchdog, the Schipperke is curious, lively, and intense. They also have a mischievous side, so there will never be a dull moment with these pups!

Weight: 10-16 pounds

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Chinese Crested Dog

Chinese Crested dogs have a look all their own with spotted pink skin, a spiky "crested" hairdo, and a feathery tail. Their personalities are just as fun as their look: They're known for being playful, affectionate, and totally devoted to their humans. Since they're hairless, you won't have to worry too much about doggy odor or shedding.

Weight: 8-12 pounds

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Shetland Sheepdog

If you love Collies but feel they might be too big for you, consider their smaller cousin, the Shetland Sheepdog. Shelties are known for being smart, easy to train, and affectionate. They also make excellent watchdogs since they like to bark and can be wary of strangers.

Weight: 15-25 pounds

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Wire Fox Terrier

Wire fox terriers are known as friendly, high-energy dogs with loads of personality. A natural comedian, this dog would make a delightful family pet. They're also low-shedding, which means less cleanup for owners!

Weight: 15-18 pounds

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Scottish Terrier

Scotties are known for their dignified, humanlike manner and determination. (They're not nicknamed "the Diehard" for nothing!) They have a strong hunting instinct and may not play well with other dogs or cats.

Weight: 18-22 pounds

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Coton de Tulear

These charming, happy-g0-lucky companions will bring a lot of joy and laughter into their human's life. They're natural clowns with a knack for walking on their hind legs. They get their name from their fluffy, cotton-soft white coats.

Weight: 18-22 pounds

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Border Terrier

These plucky pups have a reputation as tough working dogs. Despite their no-nonsense demeanor when working, they love being a part of a family and playing with children.

Weight: 11.5-15.5 pounds

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Papillon

This cute toy spaniel gets its name from its full, fringed ears that resemble butterflies. Papillons make great family dogs and are known for being especially good with young children. These affectionate pups are also very athletic and can be trained to do all kinds of tricks.

Weight: 5-10 pounds

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Basenji

The Basenji were bred as hunting dogs in Africa, where they were prized for their intelligence, poise, and speed. They're nicknamed the "barkless dog," instead making a sound that has been described as something between a chortle and a yodel.

Weight: 22-24 pounds

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Havanese

Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, are known for being cheerful and sociable companions. Their adaptable nature and social skills make them an ideal city dog. They're also prized for being trick dogs and natural comedians.

Weight: 7-13 pounds

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Toy Poodle

Much like their larger counterparts, standard and miniature poodles, toy poodles are known for their intelligence. The American Kennel Club says that poodles are so smart, they sometimes act more like people than pups!

Weight: 4-6 pounds

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Shih Tzu

These adorable dogs, which come in a variety of coat colors, were bred to live in Chinese royal palaces, making them a great breed for apartments and smaller spaces. They're also known to be super charming and affectionate with children.

Weight: 9-16 pounds

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Pomeranian

Lovable Poms are distinguished by their fluffy double coat, which comes in almost two dozen colors but is usually seen in orange or red. Poms are super smart and playful, and they can master tricks and games easily.

Weight: 3-7 pounds

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Maltese

These pups are covered from head to foot with a mantle of silky white hair, which is frequently cut short in pets for convenience (like this cutie here), but is grown long on show dogs. Maltese dogs are affectionate and loyal, making them great family dogs.

Weight: Up to 7 pounds

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French Bulldog

French bulldogs are one of the world's most popular dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. They're loved for their adorable, bat-like ears and affectionate personalities. Frenchies are also known not to bark much, so they're great for apartments and other communal living situations!

Weight: Up to 28 pounds

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Daschund

These smart watchdogs, commonly known as wiener dogs because of their elongated bodies, were bred more than 600 years ago in Germany as badger hunters. They're loved for their big personalities and distinctive look! (And if you know a dachshund owner, they'll probably love these cheese knives.)

Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), under 11 pounds (miniature)

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Boston Terrier

These adorable American-bred dogs are known for their dapper tuxedo pattern, which earned them the nickname “The American Gentleman.” Boston Terriers are a super-friendly breed that are great for city living, just like their name suggests.

Weight: 12-25 pounds

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Rat Terrier

Legend has it that it was Teddy Roosevelt who coined this breed's name. Rat Terriers are super playful thanks to their history as working dogs, so they make great playmates for children as they grow up.

Weight: 10-25 pounds

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English Cocker Spaniel

These floppy-eared dogs are loved for their energetic demeanor and upbeat personality, but they're also beautiful on the outside. Their super-silky coats can be found in a variety of colors and patterns, and are soft and cuddly to the touch.

Weight: 26-34 pounds

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Whippet

You might think this narrow-faced dog is a greyhound at first, but it's actually a whippet, a similar (but much smaller) breed. Like greyhounds, whippets are lightening-fast, so it's important they have plenty of yard space to run and play outside.

Weight: 25-40 pounds