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Bichon Frise
> Weight: 12-18 pounds
> Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Bichon frise translates into English as curly dog. This breed’s most distinctive feature is its white coat, which accentuates its dark, inquisitive eyes. It has been described as a fluff ball of a dog and as a canine comedian, reflecting its winning personality — and securing its place on our list.
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Boston Terrier
> Weight: 12-25 pounds
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
Just as Boston is a historic city with a young population, this dog is a relatively old breed with a young heart. Nicknamed “The American Gentleman,” it’s compact and classy. It excels at canine sports and is eager to please and so is popular as a therapy dog.
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Brussels Griffon
> Weight: 8-10 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Named after its city of origin, the Brussels griffon is a toy dog and somewhat larger than others on our list. Its large expressive eyes and flat face give it a unique puppy-like appearance, whatever its age. The Brussels griffon comes in a variety of colors, including red, reddish brown, and black.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
> Weight: 13-18 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
This breed has been popular since the days of King Charles II. It is small for a spaniel and goes through its puppy stage slowly, staying frisky even when older. It also has big eyes and a big heart, which is why it’s on our list.
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Chihuahua
> Weight: 6 pounds or less
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
Named for a state in Mexico, the Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog. It has a long life expectancy of up to 16 years but looks like a puppy no matter its age. It’s also smart — it has the biggest brain relative to its size of any dog. It has been described by the AKC as “Tiny dog, giant personality.”
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