9 Dog Breeds that Stay Under 10 Pounds

Many people living in busy urban areas prefer to have a small dog. This is because these canines don’t need a lot of space to play and run around. Likewise, it is usually easier to take care of smaller pups. Let’s take a look at some of the dog breeds that are under 10 pounds.

Affenpinscher

Don’t let the small size of Affenpinschers fool you! These dogs are more stubborn and lively than their size seems to suggest. Affenpinschers make great watchdogs because they always act with caution around strangers. They don’t require a lot of exercise and can keep themselves busy inside the house. However, a few short walks a day are needed to fulfill their exercise requirements.

However, Affenpinschers can be a bit hard to train due to their stubbornness and willful determination. The one thing that is a huge downside for these dogs is their tendency to bark excessively. Fortunately, this problem can be fixed by proper behavioral training.

Bolognese

Bolognese are very loyal and faithful towards their owners and form strong bonds with their people. In contrast to that, these dogs tend to be on the shy side around strangers. However, a well-socialized Bolognese remains friendly towards strangers. Their little exercise requirements seemingly make them the perfect small pet.

Although these toy dogs are under 10 pounds, they can be very stubborn. This can make it incredibly difficult to train them, especially for novice owners. On the bright side, this breed is docile most of the time.

Bolognese have a very affectionate attitude towards their owners, but they can be a little naughty around children. A perfect owner of this breed would be someone who lives in a quiet household.

Chihuahua

No toy dog breed list would be complete without including the good old Chihuahua. These dogs are very playful and friendly. All they need is a short walk every day to keep them content. Although Chihuahuas weigh less than 10 pounds, they carry the personality and attitude of big dogs. They don’t care about their small size and can often be found confronting dogs much bigger than them.

These pups are very easy to train despite heir bold and free-spirited nature. They are very affectionate towards their owners and get along well with children. However, Chihuahuas can go over the top when excited and this causes them to occasionally injure themselves.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a unique looking toy dog breed that weighs under 10 pounds. This breed comes in two different variations: the hairless and powderpuff Chinese Crested. These canines love pleasing their owners and will often try to find things that may amuse you.

Despite being dogs, their behavior is very similar to that of cats. They can often be found sitting in high places or on the back of seats. Chinese Crested are perfect companions for passive owners because they are naturally couch potatoes.

These dogs are very social, and you will often find them getting along well with unknown people and animals. They are perfectly suited for apartment living due to their small size and lazy nature.

Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a playful dog that weighs just under 10 pounds. They are quite playful and affectionate towards owners and strangers alike. However, they have high grooming requirements that can be problematic for some families.

Although Japanese Chins are good-natured, they can be independent. Therefore, you should try to be careful around children with this breed. On the positive side, a short walk a day is more than enough to keep them happy.

Maltese

These social and loving dogs are probably the most affectionate dog breed on the list. They are extremely faithful and will always try to please their owners. However, Maltese can be difficult to train despite their ability to learn fast.

These sweet-tempered dogs weigh just under 10 pounds and make for a perfect family companion. Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time towards your canine friend as these dogs love attention.

Pomeranian

These cute balls of fluff are the most extroverted dogs on this list. However, they can also require more exercise and grooming than other breeds.

Pomeranians are little watchdogs that bark excessively. This can quickly become a problem for people who live in apartments. Although behavioral conditioning can solve this issue in the long run, an aloof Pomeranian is quite hard to train. If you have a lot of time to spend with your dog, this is the breed for you!

Prazsky Krysarik

This dog breed is native to the Czech Republic and you will be hard-pressed to find it anywhere else. Prazsky Krysarik is a playful toy dog that makes an excellent family dog. It can weigh up to 6 pounds and is ideal for small apartments.

The Prazsky Krysarik is quite easy to train, but it needs a fair bit of exercise every day. It is a social breed that gets along well with people, including strangers. The only drawback of this dog is that it sheds a lot and requires regular grooming.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred as vermin hunters for miners, and the modern Yorkies retain their hate for rats. These 8-pound dogs require a lot of exercise and training to avoid negative behavior. A couple of long walks and plenty of playtime at home is enough for this breed. You should look into buying dog toys and puzzles to keep your pup busy.

A dog with built-up excess energy can cause a lot of chaos in your home. Therefore, it is a good idea to have an outlet for your dog to burn off excess energy.