Everyone has a different preference; some favor dogs that weigh 30 pounds or less, while others favor larger canines. Fortunately, there are so many different dog breeds.
When you look at the serving sizes on the back of dog food containers, you’ll notice that it shows the serving size depending on how little or big your dog is. Larger dogs can be more difficult to handle than small dogs because they need more food and, of course, more space. As a result, larger dog breeds typically end up costing you more money over time than smaller dog breeds would, simply because the larger dogs need more food.
The smallest dog breed is the chihuahua, and the largest is typically the English mastiff. When an English Mastiff reaches a weight of 220 pounds—yes, you read that right—220 POUNDS, it’s no longer even a dog; it’s more like a pony.
Keep reading for examples of dogs under 30 pounds if you prefer smaller dog breeds because obviously not everyone wants a 220-pound dog running around their home.
Toy Fox Terrier
Because of their eagerness to please, toy fox terriers are intelligent, playful dogs that will win your heart right away. The Toy Fox Terrier, bred to hunt small game, has boundless energy that, if improperly channeled, can lead to destructive behavior.
Highly intelligent and simple to train, these dogs are some of the ones used in circuses the most frequently. They stand 10 inches tall and weigh 7 pounds. They are a very entertaining breed that can give you devoted companionship for up to 15 years.
This charming animal traces its roots back to royalty. Japanese Chins are calm, well-mannered, and exude an air of grace, making them regal in every sense of the word. In fact, they are considered more cats than dogs.
These little guys prefer quiet homes as a result because they will snap at anyone who mistreats them. For anyone looking for a lap dog, Japanese Chins are perfect. They do not do well alone.
These majestic dogs can weigh up to 11 pounds and range in height from 8 to 11 inches. They have an average lifespan of 11 years.
The Chinese Crested is interesting to observe, especially if you come across one that is hairless. They are more appealing due to their lack of hair, and you also avoid dealing with shedding and odor. Nonetheless, hairless Chinese crested are vulnerable to the cold.
This breed accompanied Chinese sailors on their journeys, acting as a vermin hunter. Despite being extremely independent and challenging to house train, they are loyal and make good companions. They are also excellent watchdogs.
The precious Chinese Crested lives well with others. They can weigh up to 12 pounds and are between 11 and 13 inches tall. They can live up to 18 years with proper care.
Shih Tzu, whose name literally translates to “Little Lion,” makes up for their lack of size with attitude. They do benefit from noticing a lengthy, plush coat that resembles a lion’s mane.
Although they can be bossy at times, Shih Tzus are incredibly adorable and playful. However, because kids are often rough, their patience with them tends to wear thin. If given the proper care, this dog should provide you with entertainment for up to 18 years. They can weigh up to 16 pounds and are between 9 and 11 inches tall.
The mini pinscher, also known as the “King of Toys,” is actually a Doberman in a miniature form. The mini pinscher, however, is equally fearless and assertive as the Doberman. To earn this cutey’s respect, you must quickly establish yourself as the pack leader. Nevertheless, they will occasionally test you.
However, this dog is incredibly affectionate, playful, and entertaining once you gain their respect and trust. Since they have a short coat, grooming shouldn’t be a problem.
The mini pinscher can live up to 16 years, is between 10 and 13 inches tall, and weighs 10 pounds.
The 15 Most Common Dog Breeds Under 30 Lbs
Possibly the most well-known small or toy dog breed in the world is the chihuahua. The Chihuahua state of Mexico is where this breed originated in South America. Although this animal is only 6 inches tall and weighs a substantial 6 pounds, its attitude is anything but small; given the chance, it will not hesitate to impose its will.
Nonetheless, Chihuahuas are incredibly charming and fun to be around. They live well with other pets too. However, because they are easily hurt by rough play or handling, they might not fare well in a household with young children. With good care, Chihuahuas live between 14 and 16 years.
These dogs, also referred to as “Griffs,” are between 9 and 11 inches tall and up to 15 pounds in weight. Griffons are native to Belgium, where they were used as both work and companion animals. They look like little wise old men with their big eyes, beards, and expressive faces.
These intelligent, self-assured, and curious dogs are remarkably simple to train. Because the Griff is quite fragile despite being slightly stockier than the Chihuahua, you should avoid roughhousing with them.
They thrive in a home with lots of visitors because they dislike being by themselves. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Since ancient times, the Pomeranian, a fluffy ball of cuteness, has been winning people’s hearts. Queen Victoria only had to see the Pom to begin breeding her own. These dogs can weigh up to 7 pounds and are between 6 and 7 inches tall. They also spot a lux double coat. Did we also mention that they are the smallest member of the Spitz family?
Despite having a face straight out of Disney, Pomeranians are tyrants encased in tiny bodies. Due to their ease in taking charge, training is crucial to establishing yourself as the leader.
The Pomeranian is a smart and devoted dog that makes a fantastic watchdog and companion in addition to being cute and feisty. This cutey can live up to 16 years.
The Affenpinscher, also called the “monkey dog” or the “ape terrier,” gets its name from having facial features resembling monkeys. This little dog, who is 11 inches tall and weighs a healthy 10 pounds, is incredibly brave, hilarious, and playful.
It was bred as a ratter, though, which means that it can kill vermin like rats and mice. Therefore, keep it on a leash while out for walks because it won’t hesitate to chase anything it thinks is prey.
Although it has a sturdy build and can withstand some rough play, you still need to exercise caution not to overdo it. The ape terrier has a decent lifespan of 15 years.
This breed, also known as the Yorkie, has a regal-looking silky coat that gives off the impression that it was bred for royalty. It even initially appears to be as aloof as you would anticipate a notable being to be.
But don’t let that fool you; the Yorkie is incredibly brazen and feisty, which makes sense given that they were developed as ratters, watchdogs, and royal companions.
To those they know, however, they are affectionate, and they are a lot of fun to be around. With a height of 7 inches and a weight of 7 pounds, they need to be handled carefully. Yorkies can live for up to 15 years.
The Russian Toy has its origins in the Russian aristocracy, where it was a devoted friend. This dog is incredibly playful thanks to its high-energy nature. This means that you should be ready to fulfill its demanding exercise requirements. Additionally, it needs company, so it cannot function by itself.
Fortunately, those characteristics are what make it a kind and devoted friend. The Russian Toy can distinguish between long and short coats. They are up to 11 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 6 pounds. This endearing fellow has a lifespan of at least 14 years.
Loyal and outgoing, Staffordshire bull terriers are also known for being fairly simple to train.
These tiny dogs need a lot of training because they are stubborn and energetic while also being fiercely loyal.
Toy poodles, a diminutive variation of the well-known standard poodle breed, weigh between 4 and 6 pounds.
Corgis make a great family dog because they’re simple to train. These little dogs can be taught to carry out a variety of tasks and are surprisingly strong and agile.
Boston terriers are well-known due to their striking black and white markings, and they typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds. Boston terriers are naturally friendly and energetic.
FAQ
What is a good 30 pound dog?
- American Eskimo Dog.
- Basenji.
- Brittany.
- Finnish Spitz.
- Icelandic Sheepdog.
- Kerry Blue Terrier.
- Skye Terrier.
- Tibetan Terrier.
Is 30 lbs a small dog?
Small dogs are typically those weighing 30 pounds (14 kg) or less, while large dogs are typically those weighing more than 55 pounds (25 kg). This implies that medium dogs come in a variety of body sizes.
What is the nicest small dog?
- #1: Maltese. The Maltese is probably one of the first breeds that comes to mind when thinking of small dogs because of its soft and silky white coat.
- #2: Boston Terrier. …
- #3: Dachshund. …
- #4: Shih Tzu. …
- #5: Pug. …
- #6: Pomeranian. …
- #7: Chihuahua. …
- #8: Yorkshire Terrier.
What kind of dogs are 25 lbs?
- Chihuahua.
- Brussels Griffon.
- Pomeranian.
- Affenpinscher.
- Yorkshire Terrier.
- Russian Toy.
- Toy Fox Terrier.
- 8. Japanese Chin.