5 Best Small Dog Breeds: Buyer’s Guide

Peter Armani | 12-02-2026

Choosing a small dog breed involves more than just picking a cute face. With so many options, it’s important to understand breed traits, care needs, and compatibility with your lifestyle. Reference books and guides can help you compare breeds, learn about their personalities, and make a confident decision. Below, you’ll find a selection of popular small dog breed guides, each offering a unique approach to breed information and selection.

Editor's Choice
Small Dog Breeds
Small Dog Breeds
Premium Pick
Small Dog Breeds: Expert Help to Find The Best Small Dog for You
Small Dog Breeds: Expert Help to Find The Best Small Dog for You
Budget Pick
Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds
Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds

Top 5 Small Dog Breeds

We researched and compared the top products in the Small Dog Breeds category to provide you with these recommendations.

1. Small Dog Breeds

Small Dog Breeds
9.8

Barrons Educational Series

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2. Small Dog Breeds: Expert Help to Find The Best Small Dog for You

Breed Selection Guidance
Small Dog Breeds: Expert Help to Find The Best Small Dog for You

This guidebook offers a soft, easy-to-hold feel and is organized for practical, everyday use. It's designed for families or individuals considering a small dog, with sections that break down breed characteristics and lifestyle compatibility. The format allows for quick lookups, making it accessible for both new and experienced dog owners.

What We Like:

  • Clear breed comparisons
  • Focus on family suitability
  • Quick-reference format
  • Practical tips for new owners

What Could Be Improved:

  • Limited coverage of rare breeds
  • No interactive features

3. AKC Official Guide to Toy Dogs: Featuring Lovable Breeds including Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua,

AKC Official Guide to Toy Dogs: Featuring Lovable Breeds including Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua,
9.1

Fox Chapel Publishing

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4. Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds

Extensive Breed List
Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds
9.5

Firefly Books

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This lightweight paperback is easy to flip through and covers an impressive range of dog breeds, including many small and rare types. It's great for casual reading or quick reference, making it a handy companion for those who want to explore breed diversity. The concise entries are ideal for scanning and comparison.

What We Like:

  • Covers a large number of breeds
  • Concise, digestible information
  • Good for breed comparison
  • Portable and easy to handle

What Could Be Improved:

  • Limited depth per breed
  • Fewer photos for some entries

5. Dog Breed Guide: A Complete Reference to Your Best Friend Fur-ever (NGK How to Speak Animal)

Comprehensive Breed Guide
Dog Breed Guide: A Complete Reference to Your Best Friend Fur-ever (NGK How to Speak Animal)
8.7

National Geographic Kids

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This hardcover reference features a colorful, photo-rich layout that appeals to both kids and adults. It provides detailed profiles for many breeds, making it a useful resource for families or anyone curious about small dogs. The book is designed for easy navigation and includes fun facts and history.

What We Like:

  • Wide variety of breed profiles
  • Clear, photo-rich format
  • Fun facts and history included
  • Suitable for all ages

What Could Be Improved:

  • Less focus on training or behavior advice

How to Choose a Small Dog Breed Guide

A breed guide should match your needs, whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned enthusiast. Some guides are better for quick lookups, while others provide more detail for deeper research.

Breed Coverage and Depth

If you want to explore a wide range of breeds, choose a guide with extensive listings. For focused research, opt for books that offer in-depth breed analysis.

Format and Usability

A well-organized guide makes it easier to find information quickly. Photo-heavy books are especially helpful for families and visual learners.

Intended Audience

Guides for kids often include fun facts and colorful images, while those for adults may focus more on breed standards and care advice.

Practical Advice and Extras

If you're new to dog ownership, practical tips and compatibility advice can be especially valuable. Charts and quick-reference features make comparison easier.

FAQ For Small Dog Breeds

1. What should I look for in a small dog breed guide?

Look for clear breed profiles, easy-to-use organization, and information that matches your experience level and interests. Consider if you want a quick reference or a more detailed resource.

2. Are breed guides suitable for families with children?

Many breed guides are designed for all ages and include photos and fun facts, making them suitable for families. Always check the intended audience to ensure the content fits your needs.

3. How can a breed guide help me choose the right small dog?

A breed guide provides information on temperament, care needs, and compatibility, helping you compare breeds and find one that matches your lifestyle.

4. Do breed guides include training advice?

Some breed guides include basic training tips, but many focus primarily on breed characteristics and care. If training is important, look for guides that mention it specifically.
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Peter Armani

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