In a world where companionship is cherished more than ever, the allure of small designer dog breeds continues to grow. These petite, stylish canines aren’t just about looks—they’re about love, loyalty, and a playful spirit packaged in adorable, manageable proportions. Perfect for those with a penchant for elegance and a heart for friendship, these seven breeds offer delightful companionship that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a cozy suburban home, discover the charm and charisma of these small designer dog breeds that promise to fill your life with joy and companionship.
Small designer dog breeds are packed with energy, charm, and love. These pint-sized pups may be compact enough to curl up in your lap, but their personalities are anything but small. Full of energy, charm, and a sense of adventure, they bring a vibrant spirit to any household.
With their refined looks and fun-loving spirit, these dogs are the perfect companions for those who want both sophistication and playfulness in their furry friends. These dogs are not only companions, but they also make a statement, turning heads wherever they go with their fashion-forward looks and energetic charm.
Ready for an adventure with style? Small designer dogs are always ready to join you in your next chapter. Don’t let their small size fool you!
Small Designer Dog Breeds
1. Chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund Mix)
The Chiweenie is one of the smaller designer crossbreeds and has gained popularity in the U.S. due to its adorable looks and lively personality.
Chiweenies come in a variety of coat types, ranging from short and sleek to long and fluffy, depending on their genetic makeup. Despite their small size, they make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their family of anything unusual.
While they form strong bonds with their owners, their independent streak means early training and socialization are important to ensure good behavior. This affectionate, energetic little dog thrives in homes where they receive plenty of attention and love.
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Weight: 5-12 pounds
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Height: 8-12 inches
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Lifespan: 12-16 years
2. Chorkie (Chihuahua & Yorkshire Terrier Mix)
The first designer dog breed is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Chorkie is a tiny dog with a bold and energetic personality. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and can become quite attached, making them excellent lap dogs.
However, their small size doesn’t mean they lack confidence—Chorkies often have the fearless nature of both parent breeds, making them protective and sometimes wary of strangers.
Due to their Terrier heritage, Chorkies can have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals. Their coats are usually silky and require frequent brushing to prevent tangles. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and enjoy being the center of their owner’s world.
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Weight: 5-12 pounds
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Height: 8-12 inches
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Lifespan: 12-16 years
3. Chug (Chihuahua & Pug Mix)
The Chug is a delightful mix of a Chihuahua and a Pug, bringing together the playful personality of the Pug with the alert and sometimes feisty nature of the Chihuahua.
Due to their mixed heritage, Chugs can vary greatly in temperament some are more relaxed like Pugs, while others are more energetic like Chihuahuas. So, Chihuahuas and Pugs can even be considered opposite in many respects.
Chugs typically have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain, though their facial structure may lean toward the Pug side, sometimes resulting in breathing difficulties. As per Purina, they might have issues with unfamiliar dogs but typically get along well with dogs they know.
These obedient and affectionate companions can be a great choice for apartment living. However, they can be stubborn at times, so early training and socialization are important.
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Weight: 10-20 pounds
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Height: 10-12 inches
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Lifespan: 12-15 years
4. Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel & Poodle Mix)
The Cockapoo is one of the oldest and most popular designer dog breeds, combining the intelligence of the Poodle with the affectionate nature of the Cocker Spaniel. These friendly dogs are highly trainable and make wonderful family pets due to their gentle and sociable disposition.
Cockapoos often inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding coat, making them a good option for allergy sufferers, though their curly fur requires regular grooming.
They love to play and need a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Whether romping around in the yard or cuddling on the couch, Cockapoos are happiest when they are with their families.
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Weight: 12-24 pounds
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Height: 10-15 inches
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Lifespan: 12-15 years
5. Mal-Shi (Maltese & Shih Tzu Mix)
The Mal-Shi, a mix of the Maltese and Shih Tzu, is a small, affectionate companion dog that thrives on attention and love. They are known for their sweet disposition and adaptability, making them great for first-time dog owners. PetMD states that Malshi is not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Mal-Shis’s best characteristics are being gentle and friendly, and getting along well with other pets. They have long, soft coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. While they enjoy playtime, their exercise needs are minimal, making them well-suited for apartment living.
These highly energetic dogs thrive in human companionship so, they do not like being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety if not given enough companionship.
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Weight: 6-12 pounds
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Height: 8-10 inches
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Lifespan: 12-15 years
6. Maltipoo (Maltese & Poodle Mix)
Maltipoos are one of the smartest yet cutest breeds out there. They are a charming and intelligent hybrid of the Maltese and the Poodle. This popular dog breed is known for its affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coat, making it a great option for people with allergies.
Maltipoos are social dogs that do well in homes where they receive plenty of attention. These cutest dogs are easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
They are playful and energetic but don’t require excessive exercise, making them adaptable to both apartments and larger homes. Their fluffy curly coats need regular grooming to prevent matting.
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Weight: 5-20 pounds
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Height: 8-14 inches
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Lifespan: 12-14 years
7. Morkie (Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier Mix)
The Morkie is a tiny teddy bear dog lively cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs inherit the playful and feisty personality of the Yorkie while maintaining the affectionate and loving nature of the Maltese.
Morkies are highly social and thrive in homes where they can be around their owners most of the time. They are prone to barking, making them excellent little watchdogs, but they need proper training to avoid excessive noise.
Their fine, silky coats require frequent brushing to prevent tangles. Due to their small size and delicate frame, Morkies do best in homes without young children or large pets.
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Weight: 4-8 pounds
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Height: 7-9 inches
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Lifespan: 12-15 years
Conclusion
Small designer dog breeds offer the perfect blend of elegance, charm, and loyalty. These petite pups are the ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated companion with a big personality, all wrapped up in a small, stylish package.
While many small designer dog breeds, such as the Maltipoo, bring together the best traits from two beloved purebred dogs, other iconic breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese maintain their purebred status but still embody the charm, intelligence, and affection we love in designer dogs.
These dogs prove that no matter their background, they’re all exceptional companions. Regardless of whether they’re a designer mix or a proud purebred, these dogs have one thing in common: they offer endless love and joy to their families.
In conclusion, small designer dog breeds offer ideal companionship for individuals seeking affectionate, manageable pets with unique characteristics. These breeds often combine desirable traits from their parent breeds, resulting in compact dogs with varied personalities and appearances. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living and easy to travel with, while their typically friendly and social natures ensure they easily bond with families and individuals alike. Whether seeking a lively playmate or a snuggly lap dog, these designer breeds provide a range of options tailored to different lifestyle needs, enriching lives with their loyalty and charm.