Every small dog breed was once bred with a purpose in mind, from working on farms to sitting on the laps of royalty. While many of these pups live the lap of luxury as pets these days, their instinctual behaviors remain. Learning the difference between tiny toy dog breeds, like the Papillon, and adventurous, work-driven breeds, like the Norfolk Terrier, means you’ll find the perfect pet for your home. Small dogs’ portable size makes them excellent companions for those who like to travel or who like to take their best friend with them wherever they go. But don’t let their size fool you; some of the best hunting dogs in the world come from this category. Keep in mind that individual sizes and weights can vary, so it’s normal for some of these breeds to creep over the 20 lb line. Select from the popular breeds above to learn more, or use our Breed Explorer to find any small dog breed you're looking for.