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!

Search dogs by category or name

OR

Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier is a small sized dog that comes in two varieties: Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a very energetic and loyal companion. A small sized, playful dog with a good reputation for playing nice with kids, the French Bulldog has been a favourite of urban dwellers since the mid-1800s, into the early 20thCentury and is now seeing new popularity with the modern Australian family.

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

The Italian Greyhound (also referred to as the IG) is a slim, fine boned dog.  It looks quite similar to the Whippet but it is smaller in size and stature. 

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell is a small and spirited domesticated dog of the terrier family. Compact, muscular and very energetic, Jack Russells are known as the small dog with the big attitude.

Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is an active small breed dog that loves human attention and tends to be very loyal and affectionate.

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small, non-sporting dog known for its long, silky, dense coat which (unless groomed otherwise) flows to the floor.

Maltese

The Maltese a small lively dog with long white flowing hair.  The silky coat of the Maltese can hang to the floor if it is allowed to grow.  With dark eyes and a dark nose the Maltese is said to be the ultimate lap dog.

Maltese Shih Tzu

The Maltese Shih Tzu (which is often misspelt as Maltese Shitzu) is a crossbreed or hybrid breed of domesticated dog.

Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a small and stocky but very strong little dog. Selectively bred from smaller examples of the full-sized Bull Terrier, the Miniature version is almost identical in its appearance and its temperament.

Miniature Dachshund

There are three varieties of Miniature Dachshunds including shorthaired, wirehaired and longhaired and each of these varieties do shed.

Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is a small domesticated dog, muscular and full of energy. An old breed, the Miniature Pinscher can be traced back to more than 200 years ago.
Page 1 2 3 4

Get a one minute quote

Go

Bow Wow Meow is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor of WIRES Wildlife Rescue Australia.

Find the right dog breed for you with our Breed Selector   
Take the Quiz
dog-licking-face-of-guy-in-park

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 you 2 months free in your first year. To get this offer, just enter promo code BWMP2 when you get a quote2.
    Get a quick quote

    10% discount for multiple pets

    Free engraved pet ID tag on sign up3

    Customer Satisfaction

    21 day cooling off
    Life-long cover4
    Streamlined claims

    Protect your loved ones

    Sign up now and save up to 80% on eligible vet bills for your dog or cat.
    Get a quick quote
    Claim paid in 24hrs. Amazing service!
    Marc , Burleigh Heads QLD
    Claims process is fantastic!
    Monique, Bowen Hills QLD
    Using the portal was quick & easy.
    Terry,Gippsland VIC
    Peace of mind. Very friendly staff.
    Marilyn, Bondi NSW
    Exceptional service & quick payment!
    Simon, Larrakeyah NT
    One of the best insurers I have dealt with.
    John, Wollongong NSW
    Very surprised at how much we saved.
    Fishman, Cronulla NSW
    Has been a lifesaver!
    Cat, Ashfield WA
    Would not be without it.
    Alex, Caulfield VIC
    Fast, efficient claims process.
    Clare, Mt Barker SA

    Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance has an overall rating of 4.2 stars on consumer ratings site, Product Review, based on 2,243 independent customer reviews. Our Ultimate Care plan and Peace of Mind plan each have a rating of 4.4, while our Accident Plus plan has a rating of 4.5 (as at 15/08/2021).

    We are very proud to be one of Australia’s most trusted pet insurance companies, and to have been chosen as Product Review’s Pet Insurance Award Winner for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and again for 2021.

    Read more reviews