Dog Breeds Under 30 Pounds

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 09/11/22 •  6 min read
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Dog Breeds Under 30 Pounds

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Some pet parents prefer or need to have a small dog as a companion. Dogs in this size range are easier to manage (most people can pick them up!), and they can live more comfortably in smaller homes, such as apartments and condos. What’s more, small dogs are also cheaper to feed. Small dogs are also easier to transport and they can make wonderful lap dogs! Who doesn’t enjoy a loving lap dog!

If you’re looking for a small breed dog breed, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of dog breeds under 30 pounds. Each breed has its own characteristics and traits. Our goal is to help you find the right dog for you and your family with the information provided in this article.

So, let’s get started and check out these dog breeds under 30 pounds! Have fun!

1. Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel dog breed is part of the Spaniel family of dogs. It’s believed these dogs originally came from Spain, where they were bred to hunt on land and retrieve waterfowl. Cocker Spaniels are the smallest dogs in the AKC’s Sporting Group. And this is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US.

The Cocker Spaniel is a small dog that can easily adapt to living in an apartment or other small home. Today, these are companion dogs; however, they can also be trained for the show ring, agility competitions, and more. And they make excellent therapy dogs.

These dogs are gentle and loving, and make wonderful family companions, even if you have small kids and other pets.

Cocker Spaniels usually stand between 1 ft 2 in to 1 ft 3 in tall and weigh between 24 to 28 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

2. Tibetan Terrier

Next on our list of dogs under 30 lbs is the Tibetan Terrier! This is a dog breed that was originally developed in Tibet, where they were bred to be companion dogs. They were raised by Buddhist monks and were thought to bring good luck to their pet parents. However, the dogs were also used by nomadic herdsmen to herd flocks of sheep.

While the Tibetan Terrier is called a terrier, they really aren’t a true terrier. The dog breed’s name comes from his size rather than the breed’s characteristics.

These dogs are medium-sized, shaggy, and were once thought to bring good luck. We’re not sure about that, but we are certain that you’ll have a very loving companion if you adopt a Tibetan Terrier! These are dogs that want to be with their pet parents most of the time.

Tibetan Terriers also make great therapy dogs, and they excel at agility and other dog sports. And they will let you know if anything’s amiss. So, if you need a loving lap dog that’s also protective, this may be the right dog breed for you!

Tibetan Terriers usually stand between 14 to 16 in tall and weigh between 20 to 24 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

3. Skye Terrier

Speaking of Terriers, next on our list is the Skye Terrier! This is an old terrier breed that originally came from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The dogs were bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. The dogs have a luxurious coat combined with a long body. And they have a noble, confident bearing.

Skye Terriers are true terriers and carry some of their characteristics. For instance, they are fearless, alert dogs that are also friendly, happy, and loyal to their families. However, they can be wary of strangers.

Like other terrier breeds, the Skye Terrier has a mind of his own and is highly intelligent. These dogs are also quite sensitive and do best with positive reinforcement training methods.

One note, the Skye Terrier likely won’t back down if challenged by another dog. They will take on dogs that are much larger, too. What’s more, because these dogs were bred to hunt small animals, Skye Terriers have a strong prey drive. They should not be left alone with small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and more.

Skye Terriers usually stand between 9 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 25 to 40 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

4. Cesky Terrier

Next up is the Cesky (Chesky) Terrier! This is the national dog breed of the Czech Republic and is a highly intelligent, active dog breed! Like other terrier breeds, the Cesky Terrier was bred to get rid of vermin such as rats and other pests. However, the dogs were also used in packs to hunter larger game.

The dogs look like a mix between the Scottish Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier and that’s what this is! However, these dogs have a more laid-back attitude than other terriers and they require moderate amounts of exercise each day. The Cesky Terrier has a soft coat that should be trimmed every so often with trimmers.

The Cesky Terrier is a loving and loyal dog that excels at agility, obedience, and other dog competitions. They also make wonderful therapy dogs. What’s more, Cesky Terriers get along well with kids and other pets, especially if they’ve been raised together.

The Cesky Terrier usually stands between 10 to 13 in tall and weighs between 13 to 30 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 10 to 15 years.

5. Miniature Pinscher

Last on our list of dog breeds under 30 lbs is the Miniature Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher originally comes from Germany, where the dogs were bred to kill rats and other pets. These small dogs have an elegant bearing and look like a smaller version of the Doberman. However, these dogs are a completely separate dog breeds.

These dogs are sturdy and have a lively personality! They are best for experienced pet parents who understand how to properly manage this dog breed. The pet parent also needs to establish themselves as the leader of the pack, or this small dog will be happy to take that position! For this reason, Miniature Pinschers need to be properly trained and socialized from puppyhood.

The Miniature Pinscher usually stands between 10 to 12 in tall and weighs between 8 to 11 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.

Summing It Up

So, there you have it! This is our list of dog breeds under 30 lbs! We have to also give honorable mention to some other small dogs, such as the Chihuahua, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and others. We wanted to include some small dogs that you may not be as familiar with.

Each of these dogs can make a wonderful companion for the right family. When you adopt any dog, be sure you understand the background of his dog breed and what it takes to make the dog happy and healthy!

We hope you’ve found a great fur baby on our list of dogs under 30 lbs!

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!