Every “cutest small dog breeds” list says it has the answer. Most are one writer’s favourites, and many put breeds with serious breathing problems right at the top. We wanted a list you can check for yourself, so we built one from public data instead of opinion.
This guide ranks the 10 cutest small dog breeds using a scoring method you can see in full: how often each breed appears on popular “cute small dog” lists, how long it lives on average in the UK, whether it is known to have breathing problems linked to a flat face, and how easy it is to find in Britain. Every number links to its source, and every candidate breed’s score is published below.
If you are thinking about a small dog, we also cover low-shedding options, family picks, popular mixes, “teacup” warnings and how to adopt a small dog from a UK rescue.
Key Takeaways
- The Havanese tops our data-led ranking of cute small dog breeds with 78.7 points out of 100, thanks to a long median lifespan of 14.5 years and a low-shedding coat.
- Our scores combine four public measures: appearance on six popular “cute small dog” lists, UK median lifespan, published breathing-risk research, and UK Kennel Club registrations.
- The Pug and French Bulldog appear on many cute lists but did not make our top 10, because UK data shows shorter median lifespans and a high risk of breathing problems.
- Seven of our top 10 are listed by The Royal Kennel Club as breeds that do not shed, but research shows no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.
- “Teacup” is not a breed, and The Royal Kennel Club warns that dogs bred to be extra tiny may face more health problems.
- Adopting is often the most affordable route: Dogs Trust charges £300 to adopt a dog in England, Wales and Scotland.
Quick Answer
The 10 cutest small dog breeds by our scoring method are the Havanese, Pomeranian, Papillon, Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Toy Poodle and Maltese. The table shows each breed’s total score, UK median lifespan, typical weight and whether The Royal Kennel Club lists it as a shedding breed.
| Rank | Breed | Score (out of 100) | UK median lifespan | Typical adult weight | Sheds? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Havanese | 78.7 | 14.5 years | 3 to 6 kg | No |
| 2 | Pomeranian | 75.1 | 12.2 years | 2 to 3 kg | Yes |
| 3 | Papillon | 73.7 | 14.5 years | 2 to 4 kg | Yes |
| 4 | Yorkshire Terrier | 73.2 | 13.3 years | About 3.2 kg | No |
| 5 | Italian Greyhound | 68.1 | 14.0 years | 3 to 4.5 kg | No |
| 6 | Lhasa Apso | 68.1 | 14.0 years | About 6 kg | No |
| 7 | Shih Tzu | 67.2 | 12.8 years | 4.5 to 7.5 kg | No |
| 8 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 66.6 | 11.8 years | 5.4 to 8.2 kg | Yes |
| 9 | Toy Poodle | 66.4 | 14.0 years (all Poodle sizes) | Under 28 cm tall | No |
| 10 | Maltese | 65.6 | 13.1 years | 3 to 4 kg | No |
Lifespan figures come from the Dogs Trust life expectancy table for 155 breeds, based on the UK study by McMillan and colleagues. Weights come from PDSA breed profiles, and shedding comes from The Royal Kennel Club Breeds A to Z. Sources for each breed are linked in the breed sections below.
How We Chose the Cutest Small Dog Breeds
We chose the cutest small dog breeds in two steps. First, we built a shortlist from breeds that several popular “cute small dog” lists agree on. Second, we scored every shortlisted breed out of 100 using four measures from public data, so the final order reflects evidence rather than our personal taste.
Step 1: Building a Fair Shortlist
Cuteness is a matter of opinion, so we did not pick the shortlist ourselves. We reviewed six widely read “cute small dog” lists and counted how many of them included each breed. This works like a public vote: the more lists that name a breed, the more people tend to see it as cute.
The six lists we reviewed were the
- American Kennel Club’s 12 cute small breeds
- SheKnows’ 20 cutest small dog breeds
- PetMD’s 25 small dog breeds
- Purina UK’s small fluffy dog breeds
- Waggel’s 10 cutest toy dogs
- Canine Care Central’s cutest breeds ranking
To join the shortlist, a breed had to meet three rules:
- Named on at least two of the six lists: one mention could be a single writer’s preference, while two or more shows wider agreement.
- Recognised by The Royal Kennel Club: recognised breeds have published UK registration figures, so availability can be measured.
- A small breed: mixed breeds and medium dogs were left out of the scoring and are covered in their own sections below.
This produced a shortlist of 23 breeds.
Step 2: Scoring Each Breed Out of 100
Each shortlisted breed was scored out of 100 across four measures. Health carries the most combined weight (40 points) because a cute dog that struggles to breathe or dies young is not a good choice for the dog or the owner.
| Measure | Points | How it is calculated | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuteness consensus | 40 | Number of the six lists naming the breed, divided by six, multiplied by 40 | The six lists above |
| Longevity | 30 | UK median lifespan: 9 years or less scores 0, 15.5 years or more scores 30, with a straight-line scale in between | McMillan et al., Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs) |
| Breathing risk | 10 | 10 points if no breathing risk was found or the breed was not studied; 7 for “mild” risk; 3 for “moderate”; 0 for “high”, or for breeds used as the high-risk benchmark | Tomlinson et al., University of Cambridge, PLOS One |
| UK availability | 20 | 2025 puppy registrations: 1,000 or more = 20; 500 to 999 = 15; 250 to 499 = 10; 100 to 249 = 5; under 100 = 0 | The Royal Kennel Club breed registration statistics |
When two breeds tied, the breed with more UK registrations ranked higher, because it is easier to find from a responsible breeder or rescue.
What This Method Cannot Tell You
No ranking method is perfect, and ours has limits you should know about. Four of the six cute lists are American, so breeds that are popular in Britain, such as the Miniature Dachshund, are under-represented. Lifespan is a median for the whole breed, so an individual dog may live much longer or shorter.
The lifespan study groups all Poodle sizes together, so the Toy Poodle’s figure is not specific to toys. Breathing risk is only one health measure. Other breed conditions, such as heart disease in the Cavalier, are described in each breed section rather than scored. Use this ranking as a starting point, then meet the breed, speak to breed clubs and talk to your vet.
The 10 Cutest Small Dog Breeds in Detail
Each breed below includes its score breakdown, key facts from UK sources, who it suits and its honest drawbacks. Facts such as weight, exercise and grooming come from PDSA and The Royal Kennel Club, and lifespans come from the UK longevity study.
1. Havanese
The Havanese is the cutest small dog breed in our ranking, scoring 78.7 out of 100. It appeared on five of the six cute lists, has a UK median lifespan of 14.5 years and showed no flat-face breathing risk. Its silky, low-shedding coat and bouncy nature make it a popular lap dog.
The Royal Kennel Club describes the Havanese as the national dog of Cuba and a member of the Bichon family. It needs up to 30 minutes of exercise a day, daily grooming, and does not shed. PDSA says the Havanese makes an excellent family pet when socialised well as a puppy, and weighs about 3 to 6 kg.
Best For: families and first-time owners who are home a lot and happy to brush every day.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 33.3, longevity 25.4, breathing 10, UK availability 10.
- Pro: one of the longest-lived breeds on our shortlist.
- Pro: listed by The Royal Kennel Club as a breed that does not shed.
- Pro: sturdy for a toy breed, according to PDSA.
- Con: only 294 UK puppy registrations in 2025, so expect waiting lists.
- Con: Purina UK rates the breed as poor at tolerating time alone, so it suits homes where someone is usually around.
2. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian ranks second with 75.1 points. It appeared on five of the six cute lists and is the second most registered toy breed in the UK, with 1,541 puppies registered in 2025. Its fox-like face and fluffy double coat make it one of the most recognisable cute little dog breeds.
The Royal Kennel Club calls it the smallest spitz breed and a favourite of Queen Victoria. Pomeranians need up to 30 minutes of exercise a day and grooming more than once a week, and they do shed. PDSA lists an average weight of 2 to 3 kg and notes health risks including slipping kneecaps and tracheal collapse.
Best For: flat dwellers who want a lively, tiny companion and do not mind dog hair.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 33.3, longevity 14.8, breathing 7 (mild risk), UK availability 20.
- Pro: easy to find in the UK compared with most toy breeds.
- Pro: low exercise needs suit flats.
- Con: sheds, especially during coat changes.
- Con: a 12.2-year median lifespan is shorter than most of the top 10.
3. Papillon
The Papillon ranks third with 73.7 points. Named after the French word for butterfly because of its large, fringed ears, it appeared on five of the six cute lists. It also has one of the longest median lifespans in the UK study, at 14.5 years.
The Royal Kennel Club notes that the Papillon is highly intelligent and competes in obedience and agility, and that a drop-eared variety is called the Phalene. It needs up to 30 minutes of exercise a day and grooming more than once a week. PDSA describes Papillons as gentle, playful and obedient, weighing about 2 to 4 kg.
Best For: owners who want a tiny, trainable dog for tricks or dog sports.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 33.3, longevity 25.4, breathing 10, UK availability 5.
- Pro: among the longest-lived breeds in the UK longevity study.
- Pro: quick to learn and responsive to reward-based training.
- Con: rare in the UK, with 191 registrations in 2025.
- Con: sheds, so it is not a low-hair choice.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier ranks fourth with 73.2 points. It appeared on five of the six cute lists, has a UK median lifespan of 13.3 years and weighs about 3.2 kg on average. Its long, silky steel-blue and tan coat does not shed, which helps explain why it is a classic among types of cute small dogs.
The Royal Kennel Club traces the breed to the cotton mills of Yorkshire, with a foundation dog called Huddersfield Ben born in 1865. Yorkies need up to 30 minutes of exercise and daily grooming. PDSA warns that Yorkies can be stubborn, so training takes patience.
Best For: confident owners who want a portable dog with a big personality.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 33.3, longevity 19.8, breathing 10, UK availability 10.
- Pro: a British breed with deep roots in Yorkshire.
- Pro: does not shed.
- Con: the long coat needs brushing every day or a regular short clip.
- Con: terrier feistiness can make training slower.
5. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound ranks fifth with 68.1 points, tying with the Lhasa Apso but placing higher on UK registrations. It has a 14.0-year median lifespan, a short coat that The Royal Kennel Club lists as non-shedding, and a slim, graceful shape that suits people who prefer sleek over fluffy.
The Royal Kennel Club describes it as a miniature sight hound dating back to the Roman Empire that needs up to an hour of exercise a day and weekly grooming. PDSA notes bone fragility during growth, so the breed may not be ideal with young children, and advises exercising it in enclosed areas because it can chase.
Best For: adults or families with older children who want a gentle, low-grooming dog.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 20.0, longevity 23.1, breathing 10, UK availability 15.
- Pro: easy coat care with weekly grooming.
- Pro: UK registrations rose from 326 in 2016 to 659 in 2025, so puppies are easier to find than they were.
- Con: fragile legs while growing.
- Con: strong chase instinct means recall training is essential.
6. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso ranks sixth with 68.1 points. It shares a 14.0-year median lifespan with the Italian Greyhound and has a long, floor-sweeping coat that does not shed. Its lion-like look and watchful nature come from centuries as a companion in Tibetan monasteries.
The Royal Kennel Club explains that the Lhasa Apso was kept by Tibetan monks as a companion and watchdog and recognised by The Kennel Club in 1908. It needs up to an hour of exercise and daily grooming. PDSA says Lhasas get on well with children and other pets when socialised, weigh about 6 kg, and can be wary of strangers.
Best For: families who want a long-lived, loyal dog and enjoy grooming.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 20.0, longevity 23.1, breathing 10, UK availability 15.
- Pro: long median lifespan.
- Pro: does not shed.
- Con: can be stubborn and reserved with strangers.
- Con: PDSA lists several eye conditions linked to the breed, so check parents’ eye tests.
7. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu ranks seventh with 67.2 points. It appeared on four of the six cute lists and had 1,124 UK puppy registrations in 2025. Its big eyes, short face and flowing coat earn it a place among the most adorable small dog breeds, but that short face also carries a breathing risk.
The Royal Kennel Club says the Shih Tzu originated in China, where it was known as the Lhasa Lion dog, and was first shown in England in 1933. It needs up to an hour of exercise and daily grooming, and does not shed. The University of Cambridge study placed the Shih Tzu in its moderate-risk group for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Best For: calm households that want an affectionate lap dog and can commit to grooming.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 26.7, longevity 17.5, breathing 3 (moderate risk), UK availability 20.
- Pro: widely available in the UK.
- Pro: PDSA puts its minimum cost at £50 a month, lower than most breeds in this list.
- Con: moderate risk of breathing problems linked to its short face.
- Con: daily coat care or regular clipping is needed.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks eighth with 66.6 points. It is the most registered toy breed in the UK, with 3,224 puppies registered in 2025, and is often named the most affectionate small dog. Its health record, especially heart disease, pulls its score down.
The Royal Kennel Club describes the Cavalier as a sporting, affectionate and fearless toy spaniel linked to the courts of Charles I and Charles II. PDSA calls Cavaliers kind, gentle and loyal but warns they get very upset when left alone. A Royal Veterinary College study of UK vet records found heart murmurs recorded in 30.9% of Cavaliers studied, with mitral valve disease a particular concern.
Best For: families who want a gentle, people-focused dog and will buy only from health-tested parents.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 26.7, longevity 12.9, breathing 7 (mild risk), UK availability 20.
- Pro: gentle and adaptable, according to PDSA.
- Pro: easy to find in the UK.
- Con: high rates of heart disease in the breed.
- Con: an 11.8-year median lifespan is the shortest in our top 10.
9. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle ranks ninth with 66.4 points. It appeared on only two of the six cute lists, but strong UK availability (1,880 registrations in 2025), no known breathing risk and a 14.0-year median lifespan for Poodles lifted it into the top 10. Its curly coat does not shed.
The Royal Kennel Club breed standard says a Toy Poodle should stand under 28 cm at the shoulder. The breed needs up to an hour of exercise and daily grooming, and the Poodle was originally bred in Germany as a water retriever for duck hunters.
Best For: owners who want a clever, low-shedding dog and budget for regular professional grooming.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 13.3, longevity 23.1, breathing 10, UK availability 20.
- Pro: Poodles were ranked second for working and obedience intelligence in Stanley Coren’s survey of obedience judges.
- Pro: does not shed.
- Con: the coat needs regular clipping, which adds to running costs.
- Con: the lifespan figure covers all Poodle sizes, not toys alone.
10. Maltese
The Maltese ranks 10th with 65.6 points. It appeared on four of the six cute lists, has a 13.1-year median lifespan and weighs only 3 to 4 kg. Its long, pure white coat does not shed, and the Cambridge breathing study found no moderate or severe breathing problems in the Maltese it examined.
The Royal Kennel Club notes a written record of the breed from a Knight of Malta in 1805. Maltese need up to 30 minutes of exercise and daily grooming. PDSA describes them as bright, friendly and affectionate but lists dental problems and slipping kneecaps among breed health risks.
Best For: quieter homes that want a tiny, gentle lap dog with low exercise needs.
Score breakdown: cuteness consensus 26.7, longevity 18.9, breathing 10, UK availability 10.
- Pro: one of the smallest breeds in our top 10.
- Pro: does not shed.
- Con: the Cambridge study only had enough Maltese to give a limited result.
- Con: dental care is important for this breed.
Full Scores for All 23 Shortlisted Breeds
Every breed on our shortlist is scored below, so you can check our working and see how close the race was. Scores are out of 100, and “Lists” shows how many of the six cute lists named each breed.
| Rank | Breed | Lists (of 6) | Median lifespan | Breathing risk | 2025 UK registrations | Total score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Havanese | 5 | 14.5 | None found | 294 | 78.7 |
| 2 | Pomeranian | 5 | 12.2 | Mild | 1,541 | 75.1 |
| 3 | Papillon | 5 | 14.5 | None found | 191 | 73.7 |
| 4 | Yorkshire Terrier | 5 | 13.3 | None found | 385 | 73.2 |
| 5 | Italian Greyhound | 3 | 14.0 | None found | 659 | 68.1 |
| 6 | Lhasa Apso | 3 | 14.0 | None found | 525 | 68.1 |
| 7 | Shih Tzu | 4 | 12.8 | Moderate | 1,124 | 67.2 |
| 8 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 4 | 11.8 | Mild | 3,224 | 66.6 |
| 9 | Toy Poodle | 2 | 14.0 | None found | 1,880 | 66.4 |
| 10 | Maltese | 4 | 13.1 | None found | 490 | 65.6 |
| 11 | Bichon Frise | 5 | 12.5 | None found | 217 | 64.5 |
| 12 | West Highland White Terrier | 2 | 13.4 | None found | 1,083 | 63.6 |
| 13 | Chihuahua (both coats) | 3 | 11.8 | Mild | 1,692 | 59.9 |
| 14 | Cairn Terrier | 2 | 14.0 | None found | 447 | 56.4 |
| 15 | Japanese Chin | 6 | 12.5 | High | 78 | 56.2 |
| 16 | Miniature Pinscher | 2 | 13.7 | None found | 132 | 50.0 |
| 17 | Coton de Tulear | 2 | 14.2 | None found | 78 | 47.3 |
| 18 | Pug | 3 | 11.6 | High-risk benchmark | 834 | 47.0 |
| 19 | Pekingese | 3 | 13.3 | High | 155 | 44.8 |
| 20 | Boston Terrier | 2 | 11.8 | Moderate | 746 | 44.3 |
| 21 | Griffon Bruxellois | 2 | 13.3 | Moderate | 131 | 41.2 |
| 22 | French Bulldog | 2 | 9.8 | High-risk benchmark | 7,750 | 37.0 |
| 23 | Affenpinscher | 3 | 9.3 | Mild | 85 | 28.4 |
Registration figures come from The Royal Kennel Club’s Toy group, Utility group and Terrier group statistics.
Close Calls: Breeds That Just Missed the Top 10
Three popular cute small dog breeds finished just outside the top 10. The Bichon Frise missed by 1.1 points, the West Highland White Terrier by 2.0 points and the Chihuahua by 5.7 points. Any of them could suit you better than a higher-ranked breed, depending on your home.
- Bichon Frise (64.5): named on five of the six lists and listed by The Royal Kennel Club as having soft corkscrew curls that do not shed. It lost points for a 12.5-year median lifespan and only 217 UK registrations in 2025.
- West Highland White Terrier (63.6): a long-lived Scottish favourite with 1,083 UK registrations in 2025, held back because only two of the six lists named it.
- Chihuahua (59.9): the smallest breed on our shortlist, weighing about 1.8 to 2.7 kg according to PDSA, but with an 11.8-year median lifespan and a mild breathing-risk rating.
Why Aren’t the Pug and French Bulldog on the List?
The Pug and French Bulldog did not make our top 10 because UK health data counts heavily against them. The French Bulldog has a median lifespan of 9.8 years and the Pug 11.6 years, compared with 12.5 years for all dogs in the UK study. Both are also the benchmark breeds for severe breathing problems in Cambridge research.
The UK longevity study found that flat-faced (brachycephalic) purebreds had a median lifespan of 11.2 years, against 12.8 years for medium-faced breeds. The Cambridge study compared other breeds’ breathing results against Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs as its high-risk reference group. A flat face looks sweet to many people, but it can make breathing, exercise and hot weather hard for the dog.
UK buyers appear to be noticing. The Royal Kennel Club registered 7,750 French Bulldogs in 2025, down from 13,789 in 2024, while Pug registrations fell from 10,408 in 2016 to 834 in 2025. If you love these breeds, look for a rescue dog or a breeder who takes part in the Kennel Club and University of Cambridge breathing assessment scheme, and ask your vet about breathing checks.
Popular UK Small Breeds That Did Not Make the Shortlist
Some of Britain’s favourite small dogs were not on our shortlist because fewer than two of the six cute lists named them. This reflects the mostly American lists, not a judgement on the breeds. Several have strong UK health data and could suit you well.
- Miniature Dachshund: the most registered small breed in the UK, with 8,908 Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshunds registered in 2025, and a 14.0-year median lifespan.
- Miniature Schnauzer: a bearded, alert breed with 2,956 UK registrations in 2025 and a 13.3-year median lifespan. It ranked 12th in Coren’s obedience intelligence list.
- Jack Russell Terrier: a lively British terrier with a 13.3-year median lifespan. UK registrations rose from 150 in 2016 to 503 in 2025.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi: famous as a royal favourite, with a 13.2-year median lifespan. It is heavier than most toy breeds, so it sits at the larger end of “small”.
Cutest Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Seven of our top 10 cutest small dog breeds are listed by The Royal Kennel Club as breeds that do not shed: the Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle and Maltese. These breeds leave less hair around the home, though long coats need regular brushing to stop mats.
Are Any Cute Small Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic?
No dog breed is proven to be hypoallergenic. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that so-called hypoallergenic breeds did not lead to lower allergen levels in the air of their homes, and concluded there is no evidence for the label. If you have a dog allergy, spend time with the breed before committing and speak to your GP.
Cutest Small Dog Breeds for Families
The Havanese, Lhasa Apso and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are the strongest family picks in our top 10. PDSA describes the Havanese as an excellent family pet, says the Lhasa Apso gets on well with children when socialised, and calls the Cavalier a popular family dog. Tiny or fragile breeds need more care around young children.
PDSA advises that the Italian Greyhound may not be ideal with young children because of bone fragility during growth. Very small breeds such as the Pomeranian and Maltese can be hurt by rough play or falls, so always supervise children with any small dog.
“Teddy Bear” Small Dogs: Breed or Haircut?
A “teddy bear” small dog is usually a grooming style, not a breed. Groomers give fluffy breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Havanese, Bichon Frise and Toy Poodle a short, rounded “teddy bear cut” that makes their faces look soft and round. Some sellers also use “teddy bear” for crosses such as the Shih Tzu and Bichon mix.
Purina UK’s list of small fluffy dog breeds that look like teddies includes several of our top 10, including the Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Maltese and Havanese. If a breeder advertises a “teddy bear breed”, ask what the parents actually are.
Cutest Small Dog Breed Mixes
Popular cute small dog breed mixes in the UK include the Cavapoo (Cavalier and Poodle), Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle), Cavachon (Cavalier and Bichon Frise) and Mal-Shi (Maltese and Shih Tzu). We did not score mixes because they are not registered as breeds, so there are no UK registration figures to compare.
The UK longevity study found a median lifespan of 12.0 years for crossbreeds as a group, compared with 12.7 years for purebreds. That figure covers all crossbreeds, so it says little about any single mix. A mix can inherit health problems from either parent breed, so ask for health tests on both parents. Browse our mixed dog breed guides for more on individual crosses.
Are “Teacup” Small Dogs a Good Idea?
“Teacup” dogs are not a recognised breed, and they are not a good idea for most buyers. The Royal Kennel Club says the word simply means a dog is smaller than average, and that teacup breeders often breed from the smallest and weakest puppies. It does not recognise or record teacup dogs on its register.
The Royal Kennel Club warns that teacup dogs are more likely to live significantly shorter lives and may have breathing problems, fragile bones, joint problems and heart issues. A teacup puppy should never cost more than a standard puppy of the same breed.
Cute Small Dog Breeds Outside the UK
This ranking uses UK health and registration data, so it is built for British owners. The same breeds are popular worldwide, but the best choice depends on your climate and local vet care. In hot countries such as India, short-faced breeds and dogs with thick double coats find heat harder to cope with.
If you live somewhere hot, single-coated or short-coated breeds such as the Italian Greyhound, or clipped low-shedding breeds such as the Toy Poodle, may cope better than the Pomeranian or Shih Tzu. Ask a local vet which breeds do well in your area.
Adopting a Cute Small Dog in the UK
Adopting is often the cheapest and kindest way to bring home a cute small dog. Dogs Trust charges £300 to adopt a puppy or adult dog in England, Wales and Scotland, and the fee covers essentials such as a vet check, vaccinations and microchipping.
Before you start, read our step-by-step guide on how to adopt a dog in the UK and our checklist of things to know before adopting a dog. Breed clubs also run rescue schemes for many of the breeds on this list.
FAQs
What is the cutest dog breed that stays small?
The Havanese is the cutest dog breed that stays small, based on our data-led ranking. It scored 78.7 out of 100, weighs about 3 to 6 kg as an adult, has a UK median lifespan of 14.5 years and is listed by The Royal Kennel Club as a breed that does not shed.
What is the #1 small dog breed?
The #1 small dog breed depends on how you measure it. By UK puppy registrations, the Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund is the most popular small breed, with 8,908 registered in 2025. By our cuteness, health and availability score, the Havanese is number one.
Which small dog breed is the most affectionate?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is widely seen as the most affectionate small dog breed, and The Royal Kennel Club describes it as affectionate and fearless. The Havanese and Maltese are also known for being loving and people-focused, according to PDSA.
What is the least barky small dog?
The Basenji is the least barky small dog, because The Royal Kennel Club describes it as a barkless breed that yodels instead. It needs up to an hour of exercise a day. Any breed can bark if it is bored or anxious, so training and company matter more than breed.
What is a cheap but cute dog?
A rescue dog is usually the cheapest cute dog to get, with Dogs Trust charging £300 to adopt in England, Wales and Scotland. For running costs, PDSA estimates a minimum of about £50 a month for a Chihuahua or Shih Tzu, compared with £70 a month for many other small breeds.
What is the most wanted small dog?
The most wanted small dog in the UK is the Miniature Dachshund, judged by Royal Kennel Club registrations. In 2025, 8,908 Miniature Smooth-Haired and 3,694 Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds were registered. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was the most registered toy breed, with 3,224.
What type of dog will stay small forever?
Toy breeds stay small forever, because they are bred to be small as adults. The Chihuahua is one of the smallest, weighing about 1.8 to 2.7 kg. Avoid dogs sold as “teacup”, because The Royal Kennel Club warns they may have more health problems and shorter lives.
What’s the lowest IQ dog breed?
The Afghan Hound ranked lowest in Stanley Coren’s well-known survey of dog obedience judges. That list measured how quickly dogs learn and obey commands, not overall intelligence. Among small breeds, the Shih Tzu, Pekingese and Basenji ranked near the bottom, while the Papillon ranked eighth.
Are there cute small dog breeds that don’t shed?
Yes, seven of our top 10 cute small dog breeds are listed by The Royal Kennel Club as non-shedding: the Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle and Maltese. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, so people with allergies should still meet the breed first.
Related Articles
- How to Adopt a Dog in the UK: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- 10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Dog (Checklist)
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Rescuing a Dog?
- Small Dog Breeds for Indoor Pets
- Mixed Dog Breed Guides
Conclusion
The cutest small dog breeds are not just the ones with the biggest eyes or the flattest faces. When you weigh public opinion against UK health and availability data, the Havanese, Pomeranian, Papillon and Yorkshire Terrier come out on top, with seven of the top 10 also being non-shedding breeds.
Use the full score table to compare breeds on the things that matter most to you, then meet the breed in person and ask breeders or rescues for health test results. Many lovely small dogs and crosses are waiting in UK rescue centres, so consider browsing Dogs Trust’s rehoming pages or your local rescue before you buy a puppy.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is general information about dog breeds and is not veterinary advice. Breed health figures describe averages, and individual dogs vary. Speak to a vet before choosing a breed if you have concerns about health conditions, and ask breeders for health test results for both parents.
Cost note: Adoption fees and running costs quoted here are approximate and set by each organisation. Check with the rescue or PDSA for their own figures.
