There are so many reasons to love small dogs. They’re excellent at cuddling, and can fit snugly in your lap or the crook of your knees. They shed less. They’re cheaper, as they require less food and supplies. And they’re easier to transport to the vet or wherever you’d like to take them – plus, they typically won’t try to fight you when you scoop them up to put them in a travel bag!

In short, undersized pups are the perfect addition to a family. Small dog breeds are generally defined as weighing less than 22 pounds and standing shorter than 16 inches.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular wee dogs.

American Eskimo Dog

You might see the word Eskimo and think of a huge Husky, but American Eskimo Dogs are the complete opposite. Remember the adorable white puffball in Sandra Bullock’s The Proposal, who almost got eaten by an eagle? This is the same dog. They’re clever dogs who adore making friends.

With our next pup, you’ll literally be hosting royalty in your home…..

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a cross of the Cavaliers and the Spaniel, which naturally combines the gentle behavior of the smaller toy breed, while still keeping the energy of the larger dog. These sweet pups are eager to learn good manners and make great therapy dogs, too.

You’ll definitely feel a bit saucier with this next small breed…..

Bolognese

A “stocky” 5.5 to 9 pounds, the Bolognese are incredibly attached to their owners, and can even get cases of separation anxiety. So if you have a typical 9 to 5, you may want to reconsider. Otherwise, these white fluffballs will be your new best friends for life.

You’ll have to move fast if you want to have this adorable breed…..

Italian Greyhound

You may recognize the Italian Greyhound from Kylie Jenner’s Instagram account (she has two!), and they’re too cute. The tiny pups weigh no more than 14 pounds and are expected to live up to 15 years old. They adore lounging around in laps and are always around for extra lovin’.

This next cute ball of fluff will certainly entertain you…..

Bichon Frise

Back in the 13th century, the Bichon Frise breed loved to hang out with the nobles. But when the fluffy white canine was forced out of the kingdom during the French Revolution, their kind adapted quickly and became circus performers. So, Bichons are not only cute, but they’re agile, trainable, and incredibly smart creatures.

Want a dog that almost acts like a cat, then the next breed is the one for you…..

Basenji

A tall dog within the small dog breed group, Basenjis are almost catlike in behavior and temperament. Basenjis groom themselves like felines, don’t bark (it sounds more like a yodel) and are expert leapers. There aren’t a ton of Basenjis out there, but those who own one consider themselves extremely lucky.

This next tough little breed proves that size doesn’t always matter…..

Australian Terrier

According to the AKC, Aussies were bred to be fearless exterminators, meaning they were born to be hunters of small mammals and snakes. But these tough pups, which are actually the smallest of the working terrier breed, don’t typically grow more than 20 pounds.

This next breed will not leave you feeling bullish…..

French Bulldog

As the French Bulldog breed became popular in France many, many years ago, it’s possible that they once crossed with terriers and Pugs, so it’s no wonder the two look so similar. However, the best way to tell the two apart is the French Bulldog’s bat-like ears, domed skull, and hatred for exercise.

You would be able to terrier yourself away from this next breed…..

West Highland White Terrier

Similar to their terrier counterparts, Westies were meant to work alone – but these smart pups enjoy a nice challenge. It doesn’t matter that they only grow up to 20 pounds or 11 inches, this breed enjoys working hard, learning, and hanging outside.

There are bags of reasons to want this next breed…..

Chihuahua

Quite possibly the sassiest of them all (and maybe the tiniest!), Chihuahuas own the name “purse dog” with pride. These tiny dogs don’t grow any bigger than 8 inches and have a hard time exceeding 6 pounds! They’re the perfect city pet, but will need some extra bundling up during the cold winter months.

You’ll want this last breed in a pinch…..

Miniature Pinscher

Although they might be called Miniature Pinschers, these dogs sure have “big dog” personalities. Min Pins are often mistaken for mini Doberman Pinschers, but actually come from a cross of the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound, so it only makes sense that the breed takes the best qualities from the two. This pup loves to play outside, but also enjoys a good mental health day, too.