List of best small dog breeds in India
Breed | Potential Health issues |
Mi-ki dog | Luxating patella, dental issues, respiratory problems |
Maltese | Dental problems, luxating patella, respiratory issues |
Toy Poodle | Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy |
Boston Terrier | Brachycephalic airway syndrome, eye issues, allergies |
French bulldog | Brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, allergies |
Bichon frise | Dental issues, allergies, hip dysplasia |
Pekingese | Respiratory problems, eye issues, patellar luxation |
Papillon | Patellar luxation, dental issues, progressive retinal atrophy |
Russkiy Toy | Dental problems, patellar luxation, respiratory issues |
Tibetan Spaniel | Patellar luxation, respiratory problems, eye problems |
Shih Tzu | Respiratory problems, eye problems, hip dysplasia |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia |
Chihuahua | Dental problems, patellar luxation, hydrocephalus |
Dachshund | Intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues |
Yorkshire Terrier | Dental problems, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse |
Miniature Pinscher | Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, dental issues |
Italian Greyhound | Dental problems, hip dysplasia, epilepsy |
Havanese | Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cardiac issues |
Shetland Sheepdog | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism |
Lhasa Apso | Dental problems, patellar luxation, eye issues |
Japanese Chin | Respiratory problems, dental issues, patellar luxation |
Shiba Inu | Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye issues |
Coton de Tulear | Dental problems, hip dysplasia, allergies |
Brussels Griffon | Respiratory problems, dental issues, hip dysplasia |
Chinese Crested | Dental problems, skin issues, patellar luxation |
1) Mi-ki dog
The sweet and sociable little Mi-Ki is an up-and-coming toy dog. Weighing between 4 and 10 pounds somewhere, the Mi-Ki has agility like a cat, but all dogs when it comes to loyalty and friendliness. Amongst the small cute dog breeds in India, Mi-ki has a gentle nature and is renowned for its cool, delightful and adaptable nature.
Relatively quiet, for those averse to superfluous barking, Mi-Kis generally make nice family companions. Some Mi-Ki may alert their families to strange occurrences, but most of them are awful guard dogs. A Mi-Ki typically loves to make any species his new friend.
In fact, the Mi-Ki is generally approachable to other dogs, calm to horses, and friendly to cats. Mi-Kis can even climb, pounce, and play like their feline friends with agility and sprightly.
Mi-Kis can live in a small house if they are taken out for a walk and included with family. Mi-Kis need exercise and mental stimulation but not strenuous jogs but a low to moderate activity requirement. The Mi-Ki is not made for arduous tasks if you're looking for an all-day hiking companion.
This is one of the best small breed dogs in India which is a great travel companion and will do anything to make their parents smile.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 10 to 11 inches
Weight : 5 to 10 pounds
Lifespan : About 15 years
Price : 18000 to 120000 INR
Colors : white, black, brown, cream, and various combinations of these colors
Group : Toy
2) Maltese
This sophisticated toy dog breed is known for his body's silky white hair. The coat falls straight and thick to the ground. Maltese came in many colors many years ago, but they're always white these days.
He seems to float under his white hair cloud when a properly built Maltese moves around. Because he has no undercoat, the Maltese sheds less, and the breed is considered by many to be hypoallergenic.
But there is more to the Maltese breed than his fur. A slightly rounded skull, black nose, drop ears, dark eyes, long, straight legs, and a sleek tail complete the picture.
He's a sweet, smart dog dedicated to his people. And as one of the smallest types of dog, he is well suited for living in an apartment or condo. The Maltese responds to his environment wherever he lives and makes an active watchdog.
Nevertheless, A Maltese is amongst small breed dogs India which is not an ideal choice for the children in the families as they are so small and can easily be injured. Like all dogs, their place in your home must be learned, requiring proper socialization and basic training in obedience.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 8 to 10 inches
Weight : Up-to 7 pounds
Lifespan : 12 to 15 years
Price : 30000 to 120000 INR
Colors : Solid white color
Group : Toy
3) Toy Poodle
One of the cute small dog breeds in India, Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards at the shoulder should be more than 15 inches tall; miniatures should be 15 inches or less; toys should not be more than 10 inches tall. All three varieties have the same structure and proportions. Poodles are usually seen at dog shows in the elaborate Continental Clip.
Some pet owners choose the simpler Sporting Clip to suit the shape of the squarely built, neatly muscled body in which the fur is shorn.
Forget about these old Poodles myths as sissy dogs. Like other toy small breed dogs India Poodles are extraordinarily flexible, enthusiastic, competitive, and wickedly intelligent dogs. The Toy Poodle is a "human" and expects to be treated like one with an abundance of steady character and smartness.
Features of this breed:
Height : 10 to 22 inches
Weight : 7 to 9 Kg
Lifespan : 12 to 15 years
Price : Around 50000 to 60000 INR
Colors : black, white, brown, apricot, and parti-color combinations such as black and white, brown and white, or red and white
Group : Toy
4) Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small compact dogs, short-sized and well-balanced. The trendy "tuxedo" coat can be either black, brindle, or seal (when viewed in daylight or bright light, black with a red cast). The head is square, the muzzle is small, and with kindness, interest, or mischief, the wide, round eyes will shine. Bostons are always alert of their surroundings moving with rhythmic & jaunty steps.
Boston terriers, considered one of the sweet pocket dogs in India, are robust yet compact, people-oriented, and they're always up for a brisk walk to the park or cafe. The dapper Bostonian, a cheerful dog with a natural comical nature, is a steady source of smiles.
Features of this breed:
Height : 15 to 17 inches
Weight : 7 to 10 kg
Lifespan : 11 to 13 years
Price : 30000 to 70000 INR
Colors : Brindle, black, and seal, often with white markings
Group : Non-Sporting breed
5) French bulldog
The French Bulldog looks like a miniature Bulldog, except for the large, erect "bat ears," which are the trademark feature of the breed. The head is large and square, rolled over the extremely short nose with heavy wrinkles. The body is compact and muscular under the smooth, brilliant coat.
The French bulldog, one of the best toy breed dogs in India, is a very charming & affectionate dog. Dogs with few words, Frenchmen don't bark much, but their alertness makes them good watchdogs. They happily adapt with singles, couples or families life and do not need much exercise outdoors.
They are good with other pets and enjoy making new human variety mates. It's no wonder that this vastly amusing and companionable breed swears city folks from Paris to Peoria.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 11 to 13 inches
Weight : under 14 kilos
Lifespan : 10 to 12 years
Price : 42000 to 45000
Colors : Brindle, fawn, pied, cream, and black
Group : Non-Sporting breed
6) Bichon frise
A Bichon of good size will stand a little less than a foot tall at the withers. The glory of the breed is a hypoallergenic white coat, plush and velvety to the touch, featuring rounded head hair that sets off the nose and lips... ' big, dark eyes.
Bichons are good with other animals & kids and are very adaptable. Alert and curious, Bichons are making nice little watchdogs — but they are lovers, not warriors, and they work on the belief that there are no strangers, just friends they have not yet encountered.
Their size & confidence make them ideal town dogs. Bichons are easily trained and they love to perform for their loved ones. Finally, there is the happy-go-lucky personality of Bichon that attracts smiles and hugs wherever they go.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 9 to 11 inches
Weight : 6 to 9 Kg
Lifespan : 14 to 15 years
Price : 30000 to 60000 INR
Colors : White coat, although some may have small traces of apricot, cream, or buff color
Group : Non-Sporting breed
7) Pekingese
Pekingese are amongst the small breed dogs India which are compact, stocky toy dogs weighing up to 14 pounds. The coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, giving Pekes their famous “lion’s mane.” Coats come in various reds, from a golden-red to darker shades.
The large, short-muzzled head is a rectangle in the form of a wider-than-long "envelope," and the eyes are large, dark, and sparkly.
Pekes are friendly, charming companions who form a tight bond with their favorite human companion. They may be as serenely independent as the emperors who owned them as this breed was bred to live in palaces. Always alert, they're making good guard dogs. Pekes will tolerate children but won't tolerate a lot of rough handling.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 6 to 9 inches
Weight : up-to 7 kg
Lifespan : 12 to 14 years
Price : Starts from 15000 INR
Colors: Fawn, black, red, sable, and brindle
Group : Toy
8) Pappilon
Thanks to the big, wing-shaped ears that give the breed its name ("papillon" is French for "butterfly") you can still spot a papillon from miles away.
Many Paps have erect ears; the ears are down in others, known as the form of Phalene. Paps are delicate and stylish, featuring a plumed tail and a soft, silky coat with several variations of colors, the base color being white. This breed is more robust than they look and the breeds for all the reasons & seasons.
In warm or cool climates, in town or country, they thrive and are eager to have fun with their family. They are outstanding agility dogs and are frequent champions at the highest levels of the sport. They can be taught to do all kinds of tricks by the owner who is a little less ambitious.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 8 to 11 inches
Weight : 2 to 5 Kg
Lifespan : 14 to 16 years
Price : 40000 to 80000 INR
Colors : white, black and white, sable and white, red and white, tri-color, and other variations such as orange, lemon, and fawn
Group : Toy
9) Russkiy Toy
The Russian Toy is a toy breed with a lineage dating back to the aristocracy of Russia. This is one of the small breed dogs of India which is a good-natured breed who enjoys running and playing. Some can sprint through the house or yard chasing toys as long as you can keep up, while many others are able to do nothing more than a day-long lounge in your lap, happy to know they're the precious jewel in your home.
They depend on human companionship and if they feel that they are being neglected, they will let you know. Their fur is smooth or semi-long. The longhair type bears a delicate ruff on the neck and a distinct feathering on the arms, tail and ears. Long-coated Russian Toys are not going to have an adult fur until they are more than a year old and have complete fringing until they are three years old.
The variety is smooth and sleek to the touch. The two varieties also have a slight difference in attitude. Smooth coats tend to be somewhat more terrier-like than Long Coats. Both, however, share a personality larger than life.
Features of this breed:
Height : 8 to 11 inches
Weight : up-to 4 kg
Lifespan : 12 to 14+ years
Price : 60000 to 90000 INR
Colors : Black and tan, brown and tan, red, sable, and blue and tan
Group : Toy
10) Tibetan Spaniel
This breed is not like other small breed dogs India but they are distinctly Tibetan with a blunt muzzle and wide expressive ears, a "lion's mane" around the head, and a plumed tail curving elegantly over the shoulder. But they're the spaniels? No, not like Cockers or Cavaliers in the Western sense
Alternatively, Tibbies remember the ancient traditions of Pekes, Pugs, Lhasas and other unmistakably Asian breeds. Tibbies are at the shoulder about 10 inches; they move quickly and deliberately. They are seen in multi-colored coats and combinations.
Features of this dog breed:
Height : 10 inches
Weight : 4 to 7 kg
Lifespan : 12 to 15 years
Price : 42000 to 60000 INR
Colors : Sable, red, cream, gold, tri-color, and black and tan
Group : Non-Sporting breed
11) Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small toy breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They have a distinctive long, flowing double coat that requires regular grooming. Shih Tzus are known to be affectionate, social, and good with families and children. Their compact size makes them well-suited for apartment living. They have a distinctive pushed-in face, and their friendly nature makes them popular as companion animals. Regular grooming and attention to their coat are essential to keep them healthy and happy.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Lifespan: 10-16 years
Price: Rs. 20,000 - Rs. 40,000
Colors: Various, commonly gold and white
Group: Toy Group
12) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant toy breed with a friendly and affectionate demeanor. They have a silky, medium-length coat that comes in various colors, including the distinctive tricolor pattern. Cavaliers are known for their expressive, large, dark eyes and graceful appearance. They are sociable dogs that get along well with families, children, and other pets. This breed is generally adaptable to various living environments, making them suitable for both apartments and houses. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their beautiful coat, and they thrive on human companionship and attention.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Lifespan: 9-14 years
Price: Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 60,000
Colors: Various, commonly tricolor
Group: Toy Group
13) Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds globally, known for its diminutive size and big personality. This tiny toy breed has a distinctive apple-shaped head and large, expressive eyes. Chihuahuas come in various coat types, including smooth and long-haired varieties, with colors ranging from fawn to black. Despite their size, Chihuahuas are often confident, alert, and can be quite bold. They form strong bonds with their owners and can be excellent companions. Due to their small size, they are well-suited for apartment living, but care should be taken to handle them delicately due to their fragility. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: 2-6 pounds
Lifespan: 12-20 years
Price: Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 30,000
Colors: Various, common colors include fawn and black
Group: Toy Group
14) Dachshund
The Dachshund, often affectionately referred to as the "wiener dog" or "sausage dog," is a small hound breed with a distinctive elongated body and short legs. Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. Their coat colors vary widely, and they may have patterns like dapple or brindle. Dachshunds are known for their friendly, curious, and clever nature. They can be independent but form strong bonds with their families. Their unique physique requires careful attention to their weight and back health. Regular exercise is essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Dachshunds are adaptable and can thrive in various living environments.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: Standard: 8-9 inches, Miniature: 5-6 inches
Weight: Standard: 16-32 pounds, Miniature: Up to 11 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Price: Rs. 20,000 - Rs. 40,000
Colors: Various, including dapple and brindle
Group: Hound Group
15) Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small toy breed known for its glamorous appearance and confident personality. Yorkies have a silky, straight, and glossy coat that is typically blue and tan in color. Despite their small size, they are energetic, alert, and often possess a bold demeanor. Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate and can form strong bonds with their owners. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their luxurious coat. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their size, but they also enjoy play and exercise. Yorkies are known for their intelligence and can be trained in various commands and tricks.
Features of this dog breed:
16) Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher, often called the "Min Pin," is a small, energetic toy breed known for its resemblance to a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher. Despite their visual similarity, Min Pins are a distinct breed with their own unique characteristics. They have a sleek, short coat that comes in various colors, with the most common being red and black. Miniature Pinschers are lively, alert, and confident dogs, often described as "king of toys." They have a spirited personality and are known for their curiosity and intelligence. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important to keep them happy and healthy. Min Pins are suitable for families, but early socialization and training are crucial for their well-rounded development.
Also Read: Miniature pinscher price in India
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 10-12.5 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Price: Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 35,000
Colors: Various, commonly red and black
Group: Toy Group
17) Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a slender and elegant toy breed known for its graceful appearance and affectionate nature. Despite its delicate build, it is a resilient and athletic dog. Italian Greyhounds have a short, fine coat that comes in various colors, with fawn and blue being common. They are characterized by their sleek appearance, long legs, and deep chest. Italian Greyhounds are gentle, sensitive, and often form strong bonds with their owners. They can be reserved around strangers but are generally good-natured. Regular exercise is essential for their well-being, and they enjoy a good run in a secure, fenced area. Italian Greyhounds are well-suited for families who can provide them with attention, love, and a comfortable living environment.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Price: Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 45,000
Colors: Various, including fawn and blue
Group: Toy Group
18) Havanese
The Havanese is a charming toy breed known for its friendly nature and distinctive long, silky coat. This Cuban breed is compact, with a sturdy build and a plume of fur carried over its back. Havanese dogs are characterized by their expressive eyes and a lively, engaging personality. They come in various colors, with cream and gold being common. Havanese are social, intelligent, and tend to get along well with children and other pets. They are adaptable to various living environments, making them suitable for both apartments and houses. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat in good condition. Havanese dogs thrive on human companionship and enjoy being a part of family activities.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Price: Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 50,000
Colors: Various, commonly cream and gold
Group: Toy Group
19) Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, often referred to as the "Sheltie," is a small to medium-sized herding dog known for its intelligence, agility, and distinctive double coat. Shelties resemble a smaller version of the Rough Collie. They have a thick mane, a luxurious mane of fur, and a plume of hair on their tail. Sable and black are common coat colors. Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and friendly demeanor. They are good with families, including children and other pets. As herding dogs, they may exhibit a strong instinct to chase and may try to herd family members. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important for their well-being. Shelties thrive in a loving home where they can be an active part of family life.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 14-27 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Price: Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 45,000
Colors: Various, commonly sable and black
Group: Herding Group
20 ) Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog breed originally bred as a guard dog in Tibetan monasteries. It has a distinct, long, flowing double coat that comes in various colors, often with a black mask. Lhasa Apsos have a regal appearance with a plume of hair on their tail. They are known for their alertness, independence, and loyalty. Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos can be bold and assertive. They form strong bonds with their families but may be reserved around strangers. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting of their coat. Lhasa Apsos are adaptable to apartment living but require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Features of this dog breed:
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Price: Rs. 20,000 - Rs. 40,000
Colors: Various, commonly gold and black
Group: Non-Sporting Group
21) Japanese Chin
