A dog’s size can impact a lot, including its expected lifespan, the space it needs, and possibly the health conditions it may face. One thing that isn’t always dependent upon size, though, is a dog’s personality. Here are some smaller breeds with a big presence.

Enter to win and we'll feed a shelter pet!

The Animal Rescue Site has partnered with 5 incredible brands to offer one HUGE prize!

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland sheepdog, often confused for a smaller collie, tops out at a somewhat small 25 pounds. However, its ancestors played a large role on farms in Scotland’s Shetland Islands. These pups were bred to herd and, to this day, are extremely protective and love to chase things. Their working history also means they have a ton of mental and physical energy/needs, have a lot to say, and have outsized intelligence.

They have an outsized impact on their homes, too. They’re very affectionate and playful with their families.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Another smaller herding dog that can bounce off the walls and just wants you to give it a task is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These smart, fearless, and protective 30-pounders are ready to keep their people safe, people that once included Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for her lifelong love of these independent yet devoted pups.

It’s a good thing the Queen had plenty of resources because Corgis need owners who can keep their active minds and bodies busy. They’ll reward that gift with lots of playfulness and affection.

Shiba Inu

Weighing slightly less than the herders with which we started is the Shiba Inu, an ancient Japanese breed that was bred to hunt but is now a popular companion dog, particularly in the land of the rising sun. Though Shiba Inu are not usually out in the field these days, they maintain the intelligence, energy, and boldness they needed to do their past job. This makes them independent, a bit stubborn, and very chatty, even known to “scream” when worked up.

These dogs will also use their roughly 20-pound frames to love on their people and protect them. With their high mental, physical activity, and social needs, they need an owner ready to get active and cuddle as much as them.

Dachshund

Another brave hunter almost entirely lacking in awareness of its own size is the dachshund, the dog world’s 30-pound hot dog. Bred to hunt badgers (their name actually means “badger dog” in German), dachshunds are still experts at scent work, digging, and supplying limitless energy. They also have a lot to say and have no trouble asserting themselves with much bigger animals, stubbornly believing they’re the top dog.

Though known for their independence, dachshunds are also big on protecting their loved ones and getting in lots of play with them.

Jack Russell Terrier

Coming in at about half the size of a dachshund is the assertive and alert former fox hunting – and literature teaching – Jack Russell Terrier. While Wishbone went on many fictional adventures, real life Jack Russell Terriers are also always up for an adventure, filled with curiosity and enthusiasm for whatever it entails. They’ll be sure to pack extra energy – and possibly extra barks – for the road, as well.

In the home, where they should get plenty of mental stimulation, these dogs are known to be natural performers, smart, affectionate, and very playful. Their infectious love of life makes any other dog siblings happy to be in their orbit, too.

Boston Terrier

As someone who hasn’t traditionally had a job, apart from being a stylish companion, the Boston Terrier still applies itself to being its home’s comedian. This small-statured dog, weighing between 10 and 25 pounds, provides big laughter. It’s also gregarious, energetic, and hates being left alone, finding companionship even with cats.

First bred in Boston, this breed is known as The American Gentlemen due to its tuxedo and good manners. Despite that, though, it doesn’t mind causing some trouble and showing its stubborn streak, though there will be lots of affection and love along the way.

Chihuahua

The tiniest dog breed on record is blissfully unaware of its diminutive stature. The chihuahua, a pocket-sized pup usually weighing no more than six pounds, has a lot to say, lots of protecting to do, and lots of loving to do. Its history is believed to date back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, so it knows its importance, with a stubborn streak to show for it. It may also get a bit nippy if someone doesn’t show the respect it deserves.

Despite its tough exterior, another big aspect of the chihuahua is its affection and attachment to its favorite person. If it could always be by their side, making them laugh, it’d be happy.

Pomeranian

Weighing about the same as the chihuahua, the Pomeranian also takes its guard dog job seriously, even if its main purpose is companionship. This bold, spunky pup may think it’s bigger than it actually is because it’s related to sled dogs. It has a reason for its sassiness, too, as it’s had brushes with the rich and famous. Michelangelo, Queen Victoria, and Mozart are among people who have owned Pomeranians, which originated in present-day Germany.

This gorgeous, friendly breed knows its own worth, showing off its luscious fur and cute face while basking in attention and making its audience laugh. It has a lot to say, too, so if you’re not paying attention, it will make sure you do.

Havanese

Named for one of the cities in its country of origin, the Havanese has a history of being a companion pet in Cuba. At around 10 pounds, that occupation may make sense, but it carries much more weight in other ways. Its energy and liveliness can get its owner moving, and its knack for making friends can expand its human’s social circle.

The Havanese also thrives on attention and knows how to be a goofball – or be a little chatty - to get it. It’s endlessly affectionate with its family, too, so much so that it may develop some separation anxiety without its human around as much as possible.

Scottish Terrier

The wilds of Scotland can be rugged and require strength of character to get by, and the Scottish terrier, which weighs only around 20 pounds, has plenty to spare. Despite its small stature, this breed is very independent and confident and may need to be trained like the bigger dog it believes it is. Its extra smarts also require high mental stimulation, and training will need to be kept fresh to avoid inducing boredom in one of these dogs.

Though this terrier was bred to be pest control, it’s also a great family dog, keeping guard over its people, livening up the home with its big presence, and ready for lots of play and lots of chat.