6. Yorkshire Terrier

Originally bred to chase rats in the textile mills of northern England during the 19th century, the Yorkshire Terrier has evolved into a fiercely popular companion animal. Adult Yorkies weigh no more than 7 pounds.

They are bold, confident, and packed with typical terrier feistiness, meaning they will not hesitate to alert you to strangers. Their glossy, floor-length blue and tan coats require significant daily maintenance. To keep grooming manageable, many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut.”

7. Papillon

Named for their large, upright, butterfly-like ears (“papillon” translates to butterfly in French), these elegant spaniels weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. Unlike many toy breeds that prefer lounging on the sofa all day, the Papillon is highly athletic and driven.

They dominate agility courses in their size class and need regular mental stimulation to stay happy. If you want a tiny dog that can easily keep up on long neighborhood walks, the Papillon is a stellar choice.