At Scrumbles we lurve doggies of all shapes and sizes. However, for some pawrents such as those living in apartments or those with small children, having a large breed of dog may not be pawssible. That’s why today we’re unpacking our favourite 40 small breed dogs and puptastic pocket rockets to help you find the perfect dog for you.

1. Pug

Originating in ancient China as the glitzy lapdogs of royal emperors, Pugs have an iconic look. A smushy face and great big doe eyes, it’s no wonder they’re an ever-popular small breed dog.
 
Average Height: 25-30cm
Average Weight: 6-8kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

2. French Bulldog

Frenchies are the most popular small breed dogs in the UK and it’s no wonder why! With their playful fun-loving nature and cute pointy ears, they’re a great addition to any furmily.
 
Average Height: 28-33cm
Average Weight: 9-12kg
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

3. Cocker Spaniel

 
Cocker spaniels are technically small to medium-sized dogs, but as they are the 6th most popular breed of dog in the UK, we think they deserve a special mention. They’re a cross between a spaniel and a poodle and are great family pets.
 
Average Height: 38-41cm
Average Weight: 13-14.5kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

          4. Chihuahua

No small breed dog list can ever be complete without an honourable mention to the Chihuahua. Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua and dating back to the Aztec empire, these little pocket rockets are playful and notorious for their zoomies.
 
Average Height: 15-23cm
Average Weight: 2.3-3.3kg
Average Lifespan: 12-18 years
 

5. Norwich Terrier

Once bred to hunt rants, they’re now happy playing with toys and cuddling up with their fur mum or dad. They have a wiry and weather-proof coat, ideal for wintery British conditions.
 
Average Height: 24-25.5cm
Average Weight: 4-5kg
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
 

6. Norfolk Terrier

The smallest of the working Terriers, the Norfolk Terrier is commonly mistaken for its Norwich Terrier cousin however with the distinguishing factor that its ears are dropped down whereas the Norwich Terrier’s are pricked up.
 
Average Height: 24-25.5cm
Average Weight: 4-5kg
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

7. Miniature Poodle

 
Although the miniature poodle is still a small breed dog it is the medium-sized breed of poodle. Of European origins and once the choice of French nobleman, they’re active and intelligent doggies.
 
Average Height: 25 – 38cm
Average Weight: 4.5 – 7kg
Average Lifespan: 13-17 years
 

8. Toy Poodle

 
The smallest of the poodle family, the toy poodle is a charming and cheerful pint-sized dog breed.
 
Average Height: 24-28cm
Average Weight: 3-4kg
Average Lifespan: 15-17 years

7. Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Once the breed of Queen Elizabeth II, this Corgi dates back all the way to the 10th Century. Surprisingly with their short legs, they were originally bred as cattle herding dogs in Pembrokeshire, but now are just as happy herding other pooches at the park.
 
Average Height: 25-35cm
Average Weight: 9-12kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
 

         8.Cavalierr King Charles Spaniel

This pooch’s name dates back to King Charles I of the 16th century as he was known to be always accompanied by at least one of these adorable small doggies. They’re cheerful and love children making them excellent family pets.
 
Average Height: 30-35cm
Average Weight: 5-8kg
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years

9. Cockapoo

 
Half cocker-spaniel half poodle this small dog breed is fairly new to the UK having only come to its shores 10 years ago. However, it's growing in popularity due to its reputation as a great family dog with low-shedding qualities.  
 
Average Height: 25-38cm
Average Weight: 5-11kg
Average Lifespan: 14-18 years
 

10. Cavapoo

Another popular cross-breed, the Cavapoo is part Cavalier King Charles spaniel and part poodle, known for its kind temperament and adorable floofiness.
 

11. Boston Terrier

 
This small dog breed has a recognisable small head and large muzzle and makes for a  pawfect companion dog due to its high trainability and charismatic personality.
 
Average Height: 38-43cm
Average Weight: 6-11kg
Average Lifespan: 12-14cm

12. Dachshund

Ah, the slender sausage dog. With its unique long body and itty bitty legs, these doggies are strong-willed, loyal and family-orientated. With short and long-haired varieties they’re one of the most popular small breed dogs found at the local park.
 
Average Height: 20-33cm
Average Weight: 7-15kg
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years

13. Pomeranian

 
Floofy and smiley, these dogs are the iconic lap dogs and descendants of the German Spitz. These dogs are thought to have originated in the historical region of Pomerania between Poland and Germany before arriving into British laps.
 
Average Height: 18-24cm
Average Weight: 2-4kg
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
 

14. German Spitz

One of the oldest European dog breeds, the German Spitz is known for its protective nature and distrust of strangers. Although it may be short in stature, it makes up with confidence, making this small breed dog a loyal family dog and a spritely guard dog.
 
Average Height: 30-46cm
Average Weight: 7-18kg
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
 

15. English Bulldog

 
At first glance, these doggies look intimidating with their perpetual upturned frowns. However, at heart bullies love cuddles and cosying up with their pawrents.
 
Average Height: 31-40cm
Average Weight: 20-25kg
Average Lifespan: 8-10 years
 

   16. Shih Tzu

Originating in the monasteries of Tibet where monks bred these little guys to look similar to lions, the Shih Tzu is a cross breed of the Lhasa Apso and Pekinese.
 
Average Height: 20-28cm
Average Weight: 4-7kg
Average Lifespan: 10-16 years
 

17. Lhaso Apso

 
These Tibetan dogs are one of the oldest small breed dogs. Once used to guard livestock and to act as lucky charms for Chinese emperors, the Lhaso Apso is an adorable breed of doggo.
 
Average Height: 25-28cm
Average Weight: 5-8kg
Average Lifespan: 15-20 years
 

18. Pekingese

Another Chinese breed of dog, the Pekingese was only allowed to be bred for ownership of the imperial family, so was accustomed to prowling the corridors of Chinese palaces. In ancient folklore, the Pekingese was thought to be bred as a mixture of a lion and a monkey.
 
Average Height: 20-25cm
Average Weight: 5-6kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
 

    19. Scottish Terrier

The adorable Scottie was bred in Scotland in the 18th century to keep foxes and rodents away from livestock harvests. Now you can see them across Europe in dog shows showing off their luscious beards.
 
Average Height: 25-30cm
Average Weight: 8-10kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

20. Shiba Inu

 
With its recent rise in popularity as the face of a cryptocurrency meme coin, the Shiba Inu is the oldest Japanese dog breed and is popular for their quiet temperament.
 
Average Height: 33-40cm
Average Weight: 6-11kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15years
 

21. Skye Terrier

Another Scottish small dog breed, the Skye Terrier was originally bred for its swimming prowess, allowing them to hunt otters, foxes and badgers in the Isle of Skye.
 
Average Height: 20-25cm
Average Weight: 12-18kg
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years

22. Yorkshire Terrier

 
Now that we’re on a terrier role, we have to mention the adorable Yorkie. With their long glossy coat and playful nature, they’re highly popular small breed dogs. They’re one of the tiniest dog breeds but don’t let their size fool you, they have bundles of energy and love to play.
 
Average Height: 18-22cm
Average Weight: 2-3.5kg
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
 

23. Miniature Schnauzer

 
Fearless and hardworking, the smallest member of the Schnauzer was bred as a trusty watchdog as well as an energetic farm dog. Originating in Germany they now trade their working life for running, jumping, fetching and cuddling.
 
Average Height: 30-35cm
Average Weight: 5-9kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15years
 

24. Jack Russel Terrier

 
Bred for fox hunting due to their small stature perfect for scurrying down fox and rabbit burrows, these high-energy pooches now fit perfectly into young active families.
 
Average Height: 25-30cm
Average Weight: 5-6kg
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
 

25. Italian Greyhound

 
This small dog breed was a favourite of the 16th century Italians when pocket-sized doggies were all the rage. Known as Piccolo Levriero Italiano in Italian, you can now see them trotting around the UK in stylish jumpers and cute little booties.
 
Average Height: 30-38cm
Average Weight: 5-6kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
 

26. Bichon Frise

 
With French-Belgian origins, these small breed dogs were once a symbol of wealth and status amongst the French elite.
 
Average Height: 22-30cm
Average Weight: 3-5kg
Average Lifespan: 14-15 years
 

27. Australian Terrier

 
These fearless doggies were once bred to catch snakes and rats down under, but now enjoy lounging at home making them ideal pets for city-slicking furmilies who live in apartments.
 
Average Height: 23-28cm
Average Weight: 5-7kg
Average Lifespan: 11-15 years
 

28. Australian Silky Terriers

 
The long-haired cousin of the Australian Terrier, these guys have the most beautiful long luscious locks. Although they do great in small homes and apartments they still need plenty of exercise and playtime to tame their high energy levels.
 
Average Height: 23-26cm
Average Weight: 2.5 – 4.5 kg
Average Lifespan: 11-15 years
 

29. Alaskan Klee Kai

 
If you would love to own a husky but don’t quite have enough space for them to run a muck, the Alaskan Klee Kai might be your answer. And get this, they look like a husky puppy…forever! Talk about cuteness.
 
Average Height: 33-43cm
Average Weight: 6.5-9kg
Average Lifespan: 15-17 years
 

30. Chinese Crested Dog

These small breed dogs are known for their hairless body with only patches of long hair on their paws, tail and head. It almost looks like these guys are wearing a rock star wig. They’re a unique addition to playful families.
 
Average Height: 23-33cm
Average Weight: 2.5 – 5.5kg
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
 

31. Maltese

These dogs can be traced back to ancient Greece and Egypt, making them one of the oldest breeds of dogs.
Average Height: 20-25cm
Average Weight: 3-4kg
Average Lifespan: 15-18 years
 

32. Japanese Chin

 
Unlike their name suggests these dogs actually originated in China before being brought to Japan by Zen Buddhists. They have undeniably great hair and need regular brushing to keep them looking the bark of the town.
 
Average Height: 23-25cm
Average Weight: 3-5kg
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
 

33. Whippet

Whippets look very similar to Italian greyhounds only they’re larger and stronger. With their strong muscles and slipstreamed short hair, they’re the fastest animal of their size reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
 
Average Height: 45-55cm
Average Weight: 9-19kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
 

   34. Beagle 

With their keen sense of smell and love for food, Beagles are mischievous pups often doing everything they can to get seconds at dinner. They’re loyal, intelligent and patient making them good family dogs not kicking up a fuss when their hooman brother or sister pulls at their floppy ears during playtime.
 
Average Height: 32-40cm
Average Weight: 10-18kg
Average Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
 

35. English Toy Terrier

 
If you want a high-energy companion that you can take on a park run, but that can also sit on your lap at the coffee shop after, this small dog breed is for you. With their low maintenance short hair and high trainability, they’re a great pet for active families.
 
Average Height: 25-30cm
Average Weight: 2.5 – 3.5kg
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
 

   36. Lakeland Terrier 

One of the most popular small breed dogs in the UK, the Lakeland Terrier is great with children. They have a wiry, rainproof coat, perfect for any family excursion.
 
Average Height: 33-38cm
Average Weight: 6-7kg
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
 

37. Miniature Bull Terrier

 
Originally these dogs were bred for fighting, but to their hooman families, they’re nothing but loving. They need dedicated training and socialisation at a young age though and regular exercise to keep them happy.
 
Average Height: 25-35cm
Average Weight: 11-15kg
Average Lifespan: 11-15 years
 

38. Affenpinscher

 
Like the protective Ewoks from Star Wars for which they resemble, these cuddly doggies are loyal and passionate. They have moderate shedding so need regular grooming to stop them from looking too scraggly.
Average Height: 25-30cm
Average Weight: 4-6kg
Average Lifespan: 12-15cm
 

39. Miniature Pinscher

 
Of Austrian descent, this small dog breed was popular amongst farmers to ward off mice and rats. Now enjoyed mostly as lapdogs, they still have high energy demands so make sure to enrich their lives with plenty of toys and games.
 
Average Height: 25-30cm
Average Weight: 3-6kg
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
 

40. Schipperke

 
Originating in Belgium as a sheepdog, these guys still have bundles of energy and suit active pawrents. They love long walks and adventures and don’t mind chasing their furry friends at the park from time to time.
 
Average Height: 25-33cm
Average Weight: 3-9kg
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
 

Puppy and Small Breed Dog Food 

If you’ve recently added a small breed of dog or puppy to your furmily you need to ensure that you’re feeding them a dog food that suits their size and nutritional requirements. 
All of our nutritious dog food is suitable for any dog no matter the size, just use our feeding calculator to determine the amount of food that you should serve them per meal.
 
For smaller mouths such as puppies and toy breeds including Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, we recommend our Chicken Dry Puppy Food. 
With its small kibble size and specially formulated recipe for puppies and small breed dogs, it has everything that these little guys need to thrive. 
We also add gut-friendly probiotics to help improve digestion as well as optimal levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to support a glossy coat. 
So make the switch today and see your fur friend glow from the inside out.

 

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