Small dogs offer a unique blend of portability, companionship, and endless charm, making them perfect additions to many homes. When you add the vibrant, warm appeal of an orange coat, you get a truly delightful and eye-catching canine friend, capable of brightening any day.
If you’re captivated by these cheerful hues, you’ll be pleased to discover there are 19 small orange dog breeds that fit the bill. This comprehensive list covers a delightful range, from the spirited Affenpinscher to the elegant Toy Poodle. For each breed, you’ll find essential details organized by their Scientific Name, Height (cm), and specific Orange Shades, all outlined in the guide you’ll find below.
What makes a dog’s coat appear ‘orange’?
A dog’s coat color, including various shades of orange, is primarily determined by two pigments: eumelanin (which produces black and brown) and pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow tones). Orange hues are largely due to the varying intensity and distribution of pheomelanin, often influenced by other modifying genes. This means ‘orange’ can encompass a beautiful spectrum from deep, foxy russet to lighter apricot or golden tones, rather than a single, uniform shade.
Small Orange Dog Breeds
| Breed Name | Scientific Name | Height (cm) | Orange Shades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomeranian | Canis lupus familiaris | 18-30 | orange,red,apricot,cream |
| Toy Poodle | Canis lupus familiaris | 24-28 | apricot,red,cream |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | 30-33 | ruby,red,chestnut |
| Shih Tzu | Canis lupus familiaris | 20-28 | golden,red,apricot |
| Chihuahua | Canis lupus familiaris | 15-23 | fawn,red,apricot |
| Miniature Dachshund | Canis lupus familiaris | 13-20 | red,fawn |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-30 | red,fawn,sable |
| Pekingese | Canis lupus familiaris | 15-23 | golden,red,fawn |
| Lhasa Apso | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-28 | golden,fawn,apricot |
| Norwich Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 25 | red,wheaten |
| Norfolk Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 25 | red,wheaten |
| Cairn Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 28-31 | red,wheaten,fawn |
| Border Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-28 | red,wheaten |
| Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 28-31 | mustard,pepper,red |
| Brussels Griffon | Canis lupus familiaris | 18-20 | red,golden |
| Affenpinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | 23-30 | red,wheaten |
| Havanese | Canis lupus familiaris | 22-27 | golden,apricot,fawn |
| English Toy Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-28 | ruby,red,blenheim |
| Papillon | Canis lupus familiaris | 20-28 | sable,red,blenheim |
Images and Descriptions
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are tiny Spitz-type dogs from Central Europe, prized for their abundant double coat, fox-like face and bold, outgoing nature. They frequently appear in vivid orange, red or apricot shades and thrive as lively companion pets in small homes.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are intelligent, agile companion dogs bred in France and Germany. Their curly coats come commonly in apricot or red solid colors; they’re hypoallergenic, highly trainable, and suited for city life and owners seeking an active, clever lap dog.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate English toy breed known for expressive eyes and silky coat. The “ruby” variety is a solid deep red, giving many Cavaliers a warm, orange-reddish appearance and excellent temperament as family companions.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are an ancient toy breed from Tibet and China, recognized for their long flowing coats and friendly demeanor. Many come in golden, red or apricot tones; they’re calm indoor dogs that bond closely with families and enjoy gentle daily grooming.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are a tiny Mexican breed notable for big personalities in compact bodies. Coat colors include fawn, red and apricot solid shades, making some individuals appear distinctly orange. They suit single-person households or apartment life with careful socialization.
Miniature Dachshund
Miniature Dachshunds are small scent hounds from Germany with long bodies and spunky attitudes. The solid red coat is among the most common, producing a rich orange-reddish look. They’re curious, brave, and require short walks plus mental stimulation.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a compact herding breed from Wales, known for short legs and a sturdy build. Red and fawn coats are very common, giving many Corgis a warm orange appearance; they’re intelligent, energetic and excellent family dogs.
Pekingese
Pekingese are ancient toy companions from China with a lion-like ruff and confident temperament. Golden, red and fawn shades are frequent, producing rich orange tones in many specimens. They’re dignified, indoor-oriented dogs requiring regular grooming.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos originate from Tibet as sentinel dogs and house companions. Their long flowing coats often appear in golden, fawn or apricot shades that give an orange tint. They’re independent, alert, and appreciated for loyal companionship and grooming routines.
Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terriers are small English working terriers prized for a compact, weather-resistant coat and affectionate nature. Red or wheaten colors are common, producing warm orange tones. They’re lively, adaptable to family life, and enjoy regular play and walks.
Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terriers are close cousins to Norwich Terriers, with similar size and temperament. Their coats frequently show red or wheaten hues that read orange in sunlight. Hardy and friendly, Norfolks make bold little companions for active owners.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are small Scottish working dogs known for weatherproof, shaggy coats and busy personalities. Red, wheaten or fawn colorings are common and can look orange-gold. They’re playful, intelligent, and thrive with regular exercise and mental challenges.
Border Terrier
Border Terriers are affectionate, hardy terriers developed on the English-Scottish border. Their dense coats often appear in red or wheaten shades, giving a warm orange look. They’re energetic, good with families, and require moderate grooming.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a distinctive low-built Scottish terrier with a long body and topknot. Color varieties include “mustard”—a warm tan-orange—plus red shades. They’re gentle, independent, and make devoted companions with moderate exercise needs.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are expressive Belgian toy dogs with a distinctive pushed-in face and large eyes. The rough and smooth coats often come in rich red or golden-red shades, making them appear distinctly orange. They’re alert, affectionate, and excellent lap companions.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small German terrier-like companions known for a monkey-like expression. While often black, red and wheaten variations occur and can be intensely orange or reddish. They’re lively, confident and enjoy playful interactions with owners.
Havanese
Havanese are Cuban toy dogs prized for their silky coats and affectionate nature. Common colorings include golden, apricot and fawn which can read as warm orange in many individuals. They’re friendly, adaptable to families, and enjoy regular grooming.
English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel (King Charles type) is a compact companion from Britain with a domed head and soft expression. The ruby (solid red) variety gives the breed a rich orange-reddish look. They’re calm, affectionate lap dogs with a gentle temperament.
Papillon
Papillons are lively continental toy spaniels with distinctive butterfly-like ears. While many are white with patches, sable and solid red variations exist where the coat appears predominantly orange or apricot. Intelligent and energetic, Papillons excel at tricks and agility.
