21 Cutest Small and Fluffy Dogs

Author:
Aaradhya
Updated date:
Aug 2, 2022

I like to share information about wildlife, animals, and pets—dogs in particular.

Cutest Dog Breeds

Dogs have been our most loyal and devoted friends for centuries. Their affection and unconditional love can be understood from the famous quote of Josh Billings:

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”

Though they all are adorable, but we have our own interests to select the right dog breed. If you are looking for a dog that is small in size, fluffy and cute? Find out more about these 21 cutest dog breeds.

1. Maltese

Maltese is an ancient dog breed, native to the island of Malta. It's a small-sized lap dog from toy group of dog breeds, such as Shih Tzu, Bichon Fries, Bolognese, and Havanese. Maltese is an active, playful, adaptable, devoted companion that loves to be around family. They exhibit a very high separation anxiety, and if left alone for long periods of time, become depressed and irritable.

The Physical Traits of Maltese Dogs

Height: Between 7”-9” (18-23 cm)
Weight: Male 3–4 kg, Female 3–4 kg
Coat: Medium, straight and silky, texture
Color: white
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years

2. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a smart, clever, bold and confident dog from the toy group of dog breeds, originating from Tibet. They were probably developed by mixing the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.

Although they are small and cute-faced dogs, they are quite energetic, fearless and confident dogs, which were known as a Buddhist monk companion. They got their name "Shih Tzu" because of their confident and fearless nature, Shih Tzu means "lion".

The Physical Traits of Shih Tzu Dogs

Height: Average, 8-11 inches (20.3-27.9 cm)
Weight: Average, 9-16 pounds (4.08-7.26 kg)
Coat: Long fur
Color: Can be of any color, white and with blazes of grey are most common colors
Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

3. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear a small, fluffy dog from the toy dog group of dogs, originated on the island of Madagascar. It has been bred by mixing between groups of white dwarf and hairy dogs, related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. The main objective of developing this dog was to create a fluffy lap dog that is also hypoallergenic and gets along great with kids and other pets—and they do!

The Physical Traits of Coton de Tulear Dogs

Height: Male 25–30 cm, Female 22–27 cm (Average, 9 to 11 inches)
Weight: Male 4–6 kg, Female 3.5–5 kg
Coat: Long and soft coat, Known for its Hypoallergenic, cotton-like coat
Color: White, Black, Gray & White, Tri-color, Lemon & White, Black & White
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years

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4. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is believed to be a descendant of the water spaniel, which was transported from the Mediterranean by Spanish sailors during the 13th century. They are lively, friendly and most affectionate dogs that get along well with kids and other pets, which make an excellent family pet. Bu, they are moderate barkers that needs frequent attention from her family they reflect signs of separation anxiety if left alone for a long time.

The Physical Traits of Bichon Frise Dogs

Height: Male 23–30 cm, Female 23–28 cm (Average, 9 to 11 inches)
Weight: Male 6–7 kg, Female 4–5 kg
Coat: Medium and silky, texture with corkscrew curls
Color: White, White & Apricot, White & Cream, White & Buff
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years

5. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old dog breed that is confident, energetic, fearless, devoted, aloof and alert. They originated from Tibet to serve as sentinels at Buddhist monasteries, isolated high in the mountains. This dog is highly regarded and Buddhists mark them a holy dog.

The Physical Traits of Lhasa Apso Dogs

Height: Female 25–28 cm, Male 25–28 cm
Weight: Female 5–7 kg, Male 6–8 kg
Coat: Long straight hair
Color: Multiple colors, usually mixed with two or three colors
Lifespan: 2 to 14 years

6. Havanese

The Havanese is a Bichon-type dog from the toy group of dogs, native to Cuba. They are the national dog of Cuba, developed from an extinct dog Blanquito de la Habana. Havanese is an intelligent, gentle, playful, affectionate dog that makes a good companion.

The Physical Traits of Havanese Dogs

Height: Average 9 inches (23 cm)
Weight: 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)
Coat: Very soft double coated long, silky hairs
Color: All colors
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

7. The Bolognese

The Bolognese is an ancient dog breed, originating in the Bologna area of Italy in the 11th century. They were almost on the verge of extinction, but in the year 1980 they gained popularity and were restored by systematic breeding. They are calm, affectionate, and devoted dogs and low-shedding. These qualities make them a perfect family pet.

The Physical Traits of Bolognese Dogs

Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 5.5 to 9 pounds
Coat: Long and fluffy
Color: All White
Lifespan: 8-18 years

8. Poodle

Poodles are a breed of water dogs, which are one of the highly recognizable and most popular dogs in all over the world, also known as Pudel in German and the Caniche in French.

The poodle dog breed is divided into four varieties based on size, the Standard Poodle, Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle. The poodle is an intelligent, playful, and gentle dog that has an iconic curly coat that makes an excellent hypoallergenic dog.

The Physical Traits of Poodle

Height: Standard Poodle, 45 – 60 cm,
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Coat: Have shorter undercoatand a longer outer coat
Color: Black, White, Apricot, Cream, Sable, Black & White, Brown, Blue, Grey, Silver, Red
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

9. Pomeranian

Pomeranian is a small Spitz type dog, belongs to toy dog breed that is descended from a larger Spitz-type dogs (the German Spitz), and a small dog from Spitz family of dogs.

Pomeranian is an intelligent, active, playful, friendly dog that is an excessive barker and reflects dominance characteristics and can be aggressive to strangers and children. Pomeranian needs early socialization and training, but a well-trained Pomeranian makes a good family pet.

The Physical Traits of Pomeranian Dogs

Height: 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm)
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds (1.4 to 3.2 kg)
Coat: It has double coat with an undercoat of soft, thick, fluffy hair and a outer coat of long, straight and shiny hair
Color: White, Black, Red, Blue, Cream, Grey-shaded, Tan, Orange, Brown
Lifespan: 12 – 16 years

10. English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel is one of the world's most popular and loved dog breeds, that was bred originally for the purposes of hunting game. They are divided into two different types based to breed lineup, the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.

English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog, which is friendly, affectionate, playful, active, lively and easily trainable dog and make an excellent companion.

The Physical Traits of English Cocker Spaniel

Height: Female 36–41 cm, Male 38–43 cm
Weight: Female 12–15 kg, Male 13–16 kg
Coat: Long, silky, Straight hairs on body and curly hairs at neck and ears
Color: Black, Blue Roan, Orange Roan, Black & Tan, and ight Blue Roan and Tan English, Orange and white, Blue roan, Blue roan and tan, Golden, Lemon, and and mix of these colors.
Lifespan: 12–15 yrs

11. American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized spaniel dog, native to the USA. They are the smallest sporting dog, closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel, and also known as the “merry” Cocker.

The American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s and 1980s. And since the year 1946, the AKC recognized the English type as a separate breed from the English Cocker Spaniel. They are lively, playful, outgoing, and friendly dogs that make a good family pet and companion.

The Physical Traits of American Cocker Spaniel

Height: Male 37–39 cm, Female 34–37 cm
Weight: Male 7–14 kg, Female 7–14 kg
Color: Black, Tri-color, Tan, White & Buff, Brown, Silver, Red
Lifespan: 10-14 years

12. Fluffy French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is an old breed, their presence has been known since early 1800, they were bred in France by mixing between a pure breed Miniature English Bulldog, Pug and native Terrier type dogs. They are one among the most popular dog breeds in the world (and for good reason).

According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), French Bulldog is the second most popular dog breed in the USA (2021-2022). They are gentle, intelligent, well-built dogs, devoted to their family and make good pets for family.

The Physical Traits of French Bulldog

Height: 11 to 12 inches (28-31 cm)
Weight: 16 to 28 pounds (9.1-12.7 kg)
Coat: Short, Smooth
Color: Brindle, Fawn and the Pied subset
Lifespan: 10-14 years

13. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, popular as Bolonka dog originates from Moscow and Saint Petersburg in Russia. Bolonka is an excellent small dog breed that is less popular and classified by endangered category. Bolonka is a hypoallergenic, intelligent, loyal and gentle dog that makes a great family pet.

The Physical Traits of Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Height: 24-26 cm (at the withers)
Weight: 4.5 to 11 pounds
Coat: Medium to large, Curly or wavy coat
Color: Black, Brown, Gray, Red, Wolf-Gray (Tsvetnaya/Zwetna) White (Franzuskaya)
Lifespan: 12–16 years

14. Papillon

The Papillon is a small dog from a spaniel group of dogs, also known as Continental Toy Spaniel, native to Europe (France, Belgium, Spain). It's a friendly, lively, intelligent, energetic, alert dog that makes an excellent family and apartment living pet. Papillon is known for its butterfly-like look, it has long and fringed hair on the ears that gives them a look of a butterfly.

The Physical Traits of Papillon dogs

Height: 8 to 11 Inches
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Coat: Long straight, silky coat
Color: White, White & Chocolate, Sable, Black & White, Red & White, Fawn & White
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

15. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the compact, toy-size, smallest dog of the terrier type dog breeds, native to England, also known as Yorkie. Its an intelligent, active. Alert dog, which is independent, fearless despite being very small in size. Yorkshire terrier has luxurious, beautiful, silky coat and medium to long fur, that shed very less and Yorkies make good hypoallergenic dog.

The Physical Traits of Yorkshire Terrier

Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 4 to 7 lbs
Coat: Long, straight, silky hairs
Color: Blue & Tan, Black & Tan, Black & Gold, Blue & Gold
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years

16. Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan spaniel is an Asian blunt-nosed breeds, including the Pekingese and the pug, originating in Tibet. The Tibetan spaniel dog is an active, independent, playful dog breed that makes a good companion and watchdog. Its a willful, suspicious, and aloof dog that need early training and socialization.

The Physical Traits of Tibetan Spaniel

Height: Average, 25 cm
Weight: Average, 4.1 to 6.8 kg
Coat: Double coat, silky, and straight hairs
Color: Black, White, Red, Sable, Black & Tan, Cream, Gold
Lifespan: 12–15 yrs

17. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a dog of the toy group, native to Hunstruck, Germany, also known as, The Biewer à la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkie or Biewer Yorkshire. This is a friendly, devoted dog breed, developed from Yorkshire Terriers, in Germany. The Biewer Terrier, is good with children and other pets and make an excellent companion for first time owner, and to live in apartments.

The Physical Traits of Biewer Terrier

Height: Average, 7.0 to 11.0 inches
Weight: Average, 4-6 lb
Coat: Long, silky and soft coats
Color: White, Black, Black & White, Blue, Blue & White
Lifespan: 12–15 yrs

18. Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is a relatively new dog breed recognition as an independent breed in 1964, originating from England. It's the smallest of the smallest of the AKC working terrier group of dogs, and also known as Norwich Terrier, Border Terrier, and Cantab Terrier. (Actually, it's a variation of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from the "prick-eared" Norwich by its "drop ears").

The Norfolk Terrier is a Brave, stubborn, clever, fearless and affectionate dog, that has small size and a big personality.

The Physical Traits of Norfolk Terrier

Height: 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)
Weight: 5 to 6 kg (11 to 13 lb)
Coat: Hard, wiry & straight
Color: Red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle
Lifespan: 12-15 years

19. Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier, is an ancient, medium-sized dog breed, known as 'Holy Dog of Tibet', earlier it was known as "Lhasa Terrier". The Tibetan Terrier is an active, energetic, intelligent and reserved dog that makes an excellent companion dog. Tibetan terriers gained great popularity as a show dog in recent years.

The Physical Traits of Tibetan Terrier

Height: Average, 35-41 cm
Weight: Average, 8-14 kg
Coat: Soft, woolly undercoat; Dense, long, fine topcoat
Color: Black, White, Brindle, Piebald, Tri-color, Grey, Golden
Lifespan: 12–15 yrs

20. Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon is a small sized dog of toy dog breed, native to Belgium and also known as Barabant Griffon, Belgium Griffon, Petit Brabançon, Griffon Belge and Brabançon Griffon. It got its name "Brussels Griffon" after the name of their city of origin of Brussels, Belgium. It's an energetic and active dog breed that makes a good companion and good for apartment living.

The Physical Traits of Brussels Griffon

Height: 7 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 lbs
Coat: Short, Smooth
Color: Red, black, brown, chocolate, liver, blue
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Bhutanese Spaniel (Damchi)
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21. Bhutanese Spaniel

Bhutanese spaniel is an ancient spaniel type dog breed, originated from Bhutan. also known as "Damchi", the English meaning of Damchi is "One Chest". This is a small, confident, alert and courageous dog, which is a beloved dog from Bhutan and featured the breed on an official postage stamp.

Damchi dog is not recognized by the major kennel clubs. The recent research shows, the Tibetan Spaniel dog is originally a Damchi "Bhutanese Spaniel" dog.

The Physical Traits of Bhutanese spaniel

Height: Average, 25 cm
Weight: Average, 4.1 to 6.8 kg
Coat: Double coat, silky, and straight hairs
Color: Black, White, Red, Sable, Black & Tan, Cream, Gold
Lifespan: 12–15 yrs

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.