Best Small Dog Breeds
Overview
Best Small Dog Breeds
Small dogs have an outsized reputation for big personalities, and for good reason. Many of the most spirited, tenacious, and entertaining breeds in the canine world come in compact packages. Whether you're drawn to the feisty confidence of a Chihuahua, the silky elegance of a Yorkshire Terrier, or the gentle warmth of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the world of small dog breeds offers something for virtually every personality and lifestyle.
One of the most appealing aspects of small dogs is their adaptability. They tend to thrive in apartments and smaller homes where larger breeds might feel cramped. Their exercise needs — while real and important — are generally more easily met with shorter walks and indoor play sessions. They're easier to travel with, typically less expensive to feed, and often live longer than larger breeds, with many small dogs routinely reaching 14–17 years of age. For city dwellers, singles, couples, and seniors, a small dog can be an ideal companion that fits seamlessly into an urban lifestyle.
However, small dog owners should be aware of a few considerations unique to smaller breeds. Small dogs can be more prone to injury from rough handling, especially around small children. Some small breeds suffer from "small dog syndrome" — developing pushy, demanding behavior when owners fail to establish appropriate boundaries out of misguided sympathy for their diminutive size. A well-trained small dog is a joy; an untrained one can be surprisingly disruptive. This guide introduces ten excellent small dog breeds and what makes each one special.
Breeds
Top Small Dog Breeds
Considerations
How to Choose the Right Small Dog Breed
Energy level is the first consideration when choosing a small dog. Despite their size, some small breeds are surprisingly high-energy. Papillons, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians are alert, active dogs that need regular walks and mental stimulation. Others, like the Pug, French Bulldog, and Shih Tzu, are naturally more low-key and content with shorter activity sessions. Match the breed's energy level to your own — an energetic small dog in a sedentary household can become anxious or destructive just as readily as a large one.
Consider your household composition carefully. Some small breeds are excellent with children; others are better suited to adult-only homes or households with older, gentler children. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are among the most child-friendly small breeds. Chihuahuas and Maltese, while loving to their primary owners, can be fragile around boisterous children and may react fearfully if handled roughly. If you have young children, prioritize breeds known for patience and sturdiness over those prized primarily for delicacy.
Grooming requirements vary significantly across small breeds. Long-coated breeds like the Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier require daily brushing and regular professional grooming to maintain their coats. Shorter-coated breeds like the Pug, French Bulldog, and Boston Terrier need minimal grooming but require attention to facial wrinkle cleaning. Pomeranians need regular brushing to manage their dense double coat. Factor grooming time and expense into your decision — a Maltese in full coat is beautiful but demands genuine commitment to maintenance.
Small Dogs to Approach With Caution
Not every small breed is suited to typical apartment or first-time owner households. A few are popular but come with serious caveats:
- Pomeranian — Vocal, often shrill, and famously stubborn about housebreaking. Their tiny size is genuinely fragile around toddlers and other pets. A good fit for patient experienced owners, a difficult fit for everyone else.
- Dachshund — The long back is structurally vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). A jumping Dachshund is a Dachshund headed for surgery. Avoid the breed if your household has multiple flights of stairs or active children.
- Chihuahua — Loyal and lively for the right owner, but defensive temperaments are common, and the breed has the highest bite rate per encounter of any small dog. Households with young children should screen carefully for parent temperament.
- Russell Terrier — Tiny in stature but with the prey drive and exercise needs of a working hunting breed. Not a calm apartment companion despite the size.
Small Dogs and Children: What to Know
Small dogs work for some families but not others. The decisive variable is the age and behavior of the children, not the breed:
- Under five years old. Small dogs are at constant risk of being stepped on, dropped, or accidentally hurt — which produces a defensive dog. Most veterinarians recommend waiting until the youngest child is school age before adding a small breed.
- Ages five to ten. A calm small breed like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, or Shih Tzu can work well, provided the children are taught to handle the dog gently and respect its space.
- Older children and teens. Most small breeds are workable at this point, and the smaller exercise commitment is often easier for a busy family schedule than a high-energy retriever.
For families with younger children, see our dedicated guide to the best family dog breeds, which prioritizes physically sturdier dogs.
First-Year Costs for a Small Dog
Small breeds are often assumed to be cheaper than large dogs because they eat less. The reality is more nuanced — small dogs typically incur lower food costs but higher professional grooming and dental care costs over their lifetime. Realistic first-year budgets:
- $1,500–$2,500 for low-grooming, healthy-line breeds like the Beagle-sized terriers or a Pug from a tested breeder.
- $2,500–$4,000 for breeds requiring professional grooming every 4–8 weeks, including the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese.
- $3,500–$6,000 for designer hybrids like the Cavapoo or Maltipoo from reputable breeders, plus the standard grooming overhead.
Pet insurance is especially valuable for small breeds because dental cleanings under anesthesia — an unavoidable cost in the smaller breeds — typically run $300–$600 per cleaning and are often partially covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calmest small dog breed?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise are consistently ranked among the calmest small breeds. Both are content with moderate daily exercise (20–40 minutes), tolerate apartment living well, and have temperaments suited to first-time small-dog owners. The Shih Tzu and Pug are also reliably calm, though both can have breed-specific health concerns to budget for.
What is the best small dog for first-time owners?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is widely regarded as the most beginner-friendly small breed because it combines a forgiving temperament with modest exercise needs and a strong desire to please. The Bichon Frise and the Pug are strong alternatives. Avoid the more terrier-influenced small breeds (Yorkie, Russell Terrier, Min Pin) as a first dog — they are wonderful but demanding.
Are small dogs easier to train than large dogs?
Generally, no. Small dogs are often harder to housebreak than large dogs because owners physically struggle to read the smaller body-language cues and the tiny bladder gives less margin for error. Toy breeds also frequently develop "small dog syndrome" — defensive behaviors that emerge when owners excuse jumping, snapping, or barking they would never tolerate in a larger dog.
How long do small dogs live?
Small breeds enjoy the longest lifespans in the canine world, typically 12–16 years and sometimes longer. The Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Toy Poodle frequently live into their late teens. This longevity is one of the most underrated advantages of choosing a small breed.
What about apartment-living restrictions?
Most apartment and condo associations cap dog weight at 25 to 35 pounds, which makes essentially every breed in this guide eligible. The bigger compliance issue is usually breed-restriction lists targeting specific breeds (Pit Bull-type, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman), none of which are small breeds. Always read the bylaws before signing a lease.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small dogs harder to train than large dogs?
Small dogs are not inherently harder to train, but they are often trained less consistently because owners find undesirable behaviors — jumping, barking, pulling on leash — less disruptive at small scale. This inconsistency can lead to stubborn, poorly mannered small dogs. The truth is that small breeds like Papillons, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are highly intelligent and capable of excellent obedience. Treat your small dog with the same training consistency you would give a large dog and you'll find most small breeds respond very well.
How much exercise does a small dog need?
Most small dogs need 20–45 minutes of exercise per day, though this varies by breed. Active small breeds like the Papillon, Miniature Pinscher, and Jack Russell Terrier need more vigorous exercise than their size suggests. Lower-energy breeds like the Pug and Shih Tzu do well with shorter, gentler walks. In general, small dogs get more exercise relative to body size from indoor play and short walks than large dogs do, so exercise needs are genuinely more manageable — but should never be ignored entirely.
Do small dogs live longer than large dogs?
Generally, yes. Small dog breeds tend to live significantly longer than large breeds. Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Maltese commonly live 14–17 years, while giant breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards typically live 7–10 years. The reasons for this size-longevity relationship in dogs are not fully understood, but it is one of the most consistent findings in canine biology. Owning a small dog means preparing for a long relationship — which is both a wonderful gift and an important responsibility.
