5 Most Popular Small Dogs UK (2024)

The Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK

In the United Kingdom, small dogs have become cherished companions, each breed contributing its unique charm to households.

This article explores five of the most popular small dog breeds in the UK, shedding light on their distinct characteristics and why they've captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts nationwide.

Table Of Contents - (Skip To...)

  • The Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK

  • Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - French Bulldog

  • Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

  • Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Shih Tzu

  • Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Border Terrier

  • FAQs

  • Final Thoughts

  • Before You Go...!

Discovering the diverse and beloved small dogs in the UK offers insights into the preferences and trends that make these breeds stand out.

Join us as we delve into the charming world of these five breeds, exploring their temperaments, sizes, and endearing qualities that make them favourites among UK dog lovers.

"The 10 most popular small dog breeds in the UK have been revealed, with Dachshunds, Pugs and Miniature Schnauzers among the top canine companions for limited space. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or live in an urban apartment, small dog breeds are great to consider." - Country Living

Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a beloved and most popular small dogs in the UK, enchant with their friendly disposition and elegant appearance.

These charming dogs are known for their affectionate nature, deeming them fantastic companions for families and individuals.

Their moderate size, 12-13 inches height, and distinctive silky coat contribute to their popularity.

Originating from royal connections, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel embodies regality and warmth.

Their gentle temperament and adaptability make them well-suited for various living environments.

With expressive eyes and a loving nature, these small dogs have rightfully secured their place among the most popular small dogs in the UK, bringing joy and companionship to countless homes.

Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - French Bulldog

French Bulldogs have gained immense popularity in the UK, capturing hearts with their distinctive bat-like ears and compact build.

These small dogs are known for their affectionate and adaptable nature, making them great companions for urban living.

With an average weight of around 16-28 pounds, French Bulldogs are well-suited for those seeking a manageable-sized canine friend.

Their charming personalities and minimal grooming needs add to the appeal of French Bulldogs as cherished pets.

Despite their muscular stature, they are known for their gentle temperament and sociable demeanour.

As one of the most popular small dogs in the UK, the French Bulldog continues to bring joy and laughter to households nationwide.

Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

The Yorkshire Terrier, one of the most popular small dogs in the UK, is known for its vibrant personality and charming appearance. With a confident and affectionate temperament, Yorkies make excellent companions for families and individuals.

Their compact size, typically weighing around 7 pounds, makes them well-suited for apartment living.

One notable characteristic of Yorkshire Terriers is their luxurious, silky coat that combines blue and tan.

Yorkies are known for their bold and fearless attitude despite their small stature, often unaware of their diminutive size.

Regular grooming is vital to keeping their distinctive coat.

Integrating a Yorkshire Terrier into your household brings a delightful and lively energy.

Their loyalty and adaptability contribute to their popularity among small dog enthusiasts in the UK.

Whether accompanying you on walks or snuggling on the sofa, the Yorkshire Terrier embodies charm in a small package.

5 Most Popular Small Dogs UK (5)

Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a charming small dog breed that has caught the hearts of many in the UK.

One of the most popular small dogs in the UK, known for its friendly and outgoing nature, the Shih Tzu makes an excellent companion.

Weighing between 9 to 16 pounds, these dogs are compact and sturdy, with a distinctive long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.

Their amiable temperament and adaptability make them well-suited for various living situations.

Shih Tzus often form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship.

Originating from China, this breed has become a beloved choice for those seeking a charming and affectionate small dog in the United Kingdom.

Most Popular Small Dogs in the UK - Border Terrier

The Border Terrier, securing its place among the most popular small dogs in the UK, is celebrated for its friendly and adaptable nature.

Known for being affectionate with family members, this breed also possesses a spirited and energetic disposition, making it an ideal companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

The Border Terrier falls within the small dog category with a compact and well-proportioned build.

Their moderate size and sturdy frame allow them to thrive in an urban and rural atmosphere, contributing to their popularity in the UK.

Border Terriers are recognised for their wiry, dense coat, which protects them in various weather conditions.

Their distinctive otter-like heads and keen expressions add to their charm.

This breed is highly trainable, excelling in obedience and agility activities.

What is the most popular dog's name?

The most popular dog names can vary depending on trends and cultural influences.

In the UK, some common dog names for females in 2024 include Bella, Luna, Daisy, Molly, and Poppy. These names are popular choices among pet owners for their small dogs.

5 most popular dog breeds in the UK

The UK is home to a diverse range of dog breeds.

Still, some of the most popular small dog breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Dachshund, Pomeranian, and Shih Tzu.

These breeds are favoured for their compact size, affectionate nature, and suitability for urban living.

What are the four most popular breeds of dog in the UK?

According to recent statistics, the top four dog breeds in the United Kingdom are the Labrador Retriever, co*cker Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

These breeds consistently rank high in terms of popularity and are cherished by dog owners across the country.

5 popular dog breeds

Popular dog breeds can vary depending on individual preferences and trends.

However, some of the most sought-after small dog breeds in the UK include the Border Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Shetland Sheepdog.

These breeds are beloved for their unique traits and suitability for different lifestyles.

What are the four most popular breeds of dog in the UK?

The four most popular dog breeds in the UK (larger breeds) are the Labrador Retriever, co*cker Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

These breeds have loyal fan bases and are known for their versatility, intelligence, and affectionate nature.

Final Thoughts

The popularity of small dog breeds in the UK is evident through the diverse and cherished companionship they offer.

Breeds like the Yorkie, Border Terrier, and Cavalier exemplify the affectionate temperament, manageable size, and distinctive characteristics dog enthusiasts seek.

The UK's preference for these popular small dogs reflects their adaptability to various lifestyles and living spaces.

As loyal family members, these breeds contribute to the vibrant small dog breed culture in the UK, where the love for popular small dogs continues to thrive, creating lasting bonds and enriching the lives of many.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. For specific veterinary dog health advice, contact a veterinary pet healthcare provider.

Before You Go...!

Check out these related articles for your small dog here:

  • Why are small breed dogs so special

  • Best small dog breeds for beginners

  • Best small dogs for older people

  • How small dogs boost your mental health

  • Top dogs - the unsung heroes

AtMary Puppins,we prioritise your cherished pets' well-being, offering a haven of comfort and care during their stay.

Our commitment is to ensure your small breed dogs are treated like family, receiving top-notch attention and care.

BOOK NOWvia our website. We have limited places and get booked up super fast. Give your little dog the five-star VIP holiday they deserve, while you enjoy yours.

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Kate Phillips, Chief Editor

BSc (Hons), MSc

Kate is the UK's very own Mary Puppins, a professional Dog Nanny, an expert in small breed dogs and apet parent to her own beloved small dogs.

With over 30 years' experience and successfully helping high profile celebrity pet parentsraise their furry families,

Kate shares her top tips with you.

Kate guides readers on small dog breeds, dog health, dog training, dog nutrition, dog food, dog walks, dog accessories, dog enrichment, rescue dogs, dog behaviour, dog groomingand the best productsfor dog mums and dog dads to create the ultimate lifestyle for their small dogs.

5 Most Popular Small Dogs UK (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular small dog? ›

5 Popular Small & Toy Dog Breeds in America
  1. French Bulldog. The French bulldog regularly ranks as the most popular small dog, including on Newsweek's 2020 most popular toy dog breeds list. ...
  2. Yorkshire Terrier. ...
  3. Dachshund. ...
  4. Pomeranian. ...
  5. Shih Tzu.

What is the calmest small dog? ›

In this article, we discussed the top 10 small dog breeds known for their quiet nature, including the Italian Greyhound, Basenji, Whippet, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, French Bulldog, Havanese, Japanese Chin, Maltese, and Shih Tzu.

What is the happiest small dog? ›

Bichon Frise: Friendliest Dog Breed Award

These cheerful companions possess an endearing charm that captivates everyone they meet. Temperament: Cheerful, affectionate, and playful. Bichon Frises are known for their happy-go-lucky attitude and love for socializing.

What is the cleanest small dog breed? ›

Below is a list of 5 family dogs that are hypoallergenic and shed very very minimally if at all.
  • First on the list is the Tibetian Terrier. ...
  • The next cleanest dog on the list is the Maltese Terrier. ...
  • The Shih Tzu is the third cleanest dog on our list. ...
  • The next clean dog on our list is the Portuguese Water Dog.

Which small dog is most obedient? ›

Introduction
  • #2 Chihuahua. ...
  • #4 Dachshund. ...
  • #5 Papillon. ...
  • #6 Boston Terrier. ...
  • #7 Pembroke Welsh Corgi. ...
  • #8 Pomeranian. ...
  • #9 Toy Fox Terrier. ...
  • #10 Miniature Schnauzer. This grumpy old man is actually a very active and happy pup.

What's the most aggressive small dog? ›

Yet surprisingly, Chihuahuas are typically listed as one of the most aggressive dog breeds. According to Petopedia.com, dog temperament tests show Chihuahuas outrank Pitbulls in the bad-attitude department. Chihuahuas are known to growl, bark, nip, and bite both adults and kids.

What is the number 1 small dog? ›

Top 20 Smallest Dog Breeds
RankBreedAverage Weight
1Pomeranian3-7 pounds
2Toy Poodle4-6 pounds
3Toy Fox Terrier4-9 pounds
4Biewer Terrier4-8 pounds
16 more rows
Aug 7, 2023

What is the calmest non-shedding dog? ›

The Most Low-Energy, Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
  • 01 of 09. Affenpinscher. Yvonne Van der Horst / Getty Images. ...
  • 02 of 09. Brussels Griffon. Okssi68 / Getty Images. ...
  • 03 of 09. Chinese Crested. ...
  • 04 of 09. Italian Greyhound. ...
  • 05 of 09. Miniature Schnauzer. ...
  • 06 of 09. Lakeland Terrier. ...
  • 07 of 09. Welsh Terrier. ...
  • 08 of 09. Maltese.
Aug 31, 2020

What breed of dog is quiet and calm? ›

In a race for quietest dog breed, the Great Dane runs neck and neck with the Newfie. This gentle giant must know that its formidable size and appearance make it unnecessary to be talkative to be noticed! Barking and lunging tend not to be part of their repertoire, which is good news for humans!

What is the number 1 smallest dog breed? ›

1. Chihuahuas, the smallest of dogs. Height: 15-23 cm.

What is the friendliest tiny dog? ›

Here's a rundown of the friendliest small dog breeds and some popular small dog breeds to keep in mind.
  • Boston Terrier. You can't go wrong with a classic Boston Terrier! ...
  • Maltipoo. A perfect mix between the Maltese and the Poodle, Maltipoos are what everyone thinks of when they think of puppies. ...
  • Cavapoo. ...
  • Yorkshire. ...
  • Maltese.

What is the least problematic small dog? ›

As such, this is our list of the healthiest small dog breeds.
  • Affenpinscher. (Photo Credit: Ilona Didkovska / Getty Images) ...
  • Australian Terrier. (Photo Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images) ...
  • Bolognese. (Photo Credit: bruev / Getty Images) ...
  • Border Terrier. ...
  • Boston Terrier. ...
  • Cairn Terrier. ...
  • Coton de Tulear. ...
  • Fox Terrier.
Sep 12, 2023

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