1. Home
  2. Dogs
  3. Dog Breeds
  4. Small dog breeds

Small dog breeds

Are you looking for a small sized dog to love? Sometimes the biggest personalities come in the smallest packages…and fortunately, there is a wide range of smaller sized breeds to choose from.

To make it easy for you, we have put together a list of the most popular small dog breeds in Australia. Learn more about their history, temperament, common breed diseases and conditions and lots of other interesting facts to guide you to choose the right small dog for you and your family!

If you’re interested in looking at the most popular small dog breeds, see The Top 10 Small Dogs in Australia.

Search dogs by category or name

Toy dog breeds Small dog breeds Medium dog breeds Large dog breeds Giant dog breeds Ancient dog breeds Apartment-friendly dog breeds Australian dog breeds Blue-Eyed dog breeds Chinese dog breeds Companion dog breeds Cute dog breeds Dog breeds that don’t bark much Dog breeds that tolerate being alone Expensive dog breeds Family dog breeds Fluffy dog breeds German dog breeds Guard dog breeds Herding dog breeds Hound dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Hypoallergenic dog breeds Japanese dog breeds Long haired dog breeds Longest living dog breeds Low energy dog breeds Low maintenance dog breeds Mixed dog breeds Mixed poodle dog breeds Most popular dog breeds Mountain dog breeds Non shedding dog breeds Rare dog breeds Red dog breeds Russian/Siberian dog breeds Senior-Friendly dog breeds Short coat dog breeds Sighthound dog breeds Smartest dog breeds Tallest dog breeds Terrier Dog Breeds Therapy dog breeds Water-loving dog breeds White dog breeds Working dog breeds
OR
Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akita Alaskan Husky Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Staffordshire Terrier Australian Bulldog Australian Cattle Dog Australian Cobberdog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Beaglier Bearded Collie Bedlington Terrier Belgian Shepherd Malinois Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Bloodhound Boerboel Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Boxer British Bulldog Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) Bull Arab Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Caucasian Shepherd Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavoodle Chihuahua Chinese Crested Dog Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Collie (Rough) Dachshund Dalmatian Dobermann Dogue De Bordeaux Elkhound English Pointer English Toy Terrier Field Spaniel Finnish Lapphund Fox Terrier French Bulldog German Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retriever Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greyhound Groodle Harrier Havanese Hungarian Vizsla Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Spitz Kangal Keeshond Labradoodle Labrador Lhasa Apso Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Maltese Maltese Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Fox Terrier Miniature Pinscher Miniature Poodle Miniature Schnauzer Moodle Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Papillon Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pomeranian Portuguese Water Dog Pug Puli Rat Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schnauzer Schnoodle Scotch Collie Scottish Terrier Shar Pei Shetland Sheepdog Shiba Inu Shih Tzu Siberian Husky Silky Terrier Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Spoodle Springer Spaniel Staffordshire Bull Terrier Standard Poodle Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Toy Poodle Weimaraner Welsh Corgi Welsh Terrier West Highland White Terrier Whippet Yorkshire Terrier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are toy dogs with a kind and loving nature. They are wonderful companions and are very popular with families and the elderly.

Cavoodle

Cavoodles are cute, smart and energetic small to medium size dogs that are very popular with families. They are highly trainable, love people and make great companions.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are cute and energetic tiny size dogs that are fiercely devoted to their owners but can be snappy or reserved towards strangers. They have a lot of personality and a big dog attitude.

Chinese Crested Dog

Chinese Crested Dogs, known for their unique appearance, are small sized, affectionate and lively.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are lovable, independent little dogs with a distinctive, long body and short legs. They have an independent but loyal nature and a bright personality.

English Toy Terrier

These are cute, smart and energetic toy sized dogs that are quite rare in Australia. They are alert, lovable and fearless and make entertaining companions.

Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier is a small sized dog that comes in two varieties depending on their coat type: Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are cute and energetic small to medium size dogs that are very popular due to their unique appearance and clownish, good-spirited behaviour.

Havanese

The Havanese is a small toy breed of domesticated dog. It has a thick coat of either long and straight or curly fur, ears that droop to the side of its face, and a great deal of personality.

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are graceful and affectionate toy sized dogs with a sleek, delicate build.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are compact, muscular and very energetic small-sized dogs. Highly spirited, confident and fearless, they are known as the small dog with the big attitude.

Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is an energetic small to medium size breed with a distinctive, fluffy pure-white coat, a lively personality, and a playful nature.
Page 1 2 3 4
Find the right dog breed for you with our Breed Selector   
Take the Quiz
Get this offer

Get advice at each stage of your puppy journey

Sign up to receive our popular Puppy Guide booklet, along with regular emails with helpful information to guide you through the crucial first six months of your puppy’s life.

Sign up

Why do puppies and kittens need pet insurance?

Get a quick quote

Go

Puppies & kittens get 2 months free2!

Get a quote
Dog insurance Pet insurance Bow Wow Meow

Receive our Pet Talk email newsletter


    Get 2 months free for your puppy!

    Congrats on your new bundle of joy

    To ensure your precious fur baby is covered from the start, we'd like to offer your first 2 months of our Nose-to-Tail Cover for free2!
    Get a quick quote

    10% discount for multiple pets1

    Free engraved pet ID tag on sign up3

    Customer Satisfaction

    21 day cooling off
    Easy to use Pet Portal
    GapOnly® in vet claims

    Protect your loved ones

    Sign up to get your first 2 months free and start saving on eligible vet bills!
    Get a quick quote
    Claim paid in 24hrs. Amazing service!
    Marc , Sept 23
    Claims process is fantastic!
    Monique, Apr 23
    Using the portal was quick & easy.
    Terry,Oct 23
    Peace of mind. Very friendly staff.
    Marilyn, March 23
    Exceptional service & quick payment!
    Simon, June 23
    One of the best insurers I have dealt with.
    John, Aug 23
    Very surprised at how much we saved.
    Fishman, Jan 23
    Has been a lifesaver!
    Cat, Oct 22
    Would not be without it.
    Alex, Jun 22
    Fast, efficient claims process.
    Clare, Nov 22
    Read more reviews