Small dog breeds are some of the most popular companions worldwide, and for good reason. They’re cute, portable, and perfectly suited for apartment living or big families alike. But don’t let their size fool you: many small breeds have huge personalities, ranging from lap-loving snuggle bugs to energetic watchdogs in tiny bodies.
Whether you’re looking for a low-shedding small dog, a family-friendly pup, an energetic little watchdog, or the cutest toy breed that stays tiny forever, this guide has you covered. Below you’ll find 35 of the best small dog breeds, complete with their size, lifespan, temperament, and care needs, so you can find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.
1. Chihuahua
- Size: 2–6 lbs
- Lifespan: 14–17 years
- Temperament: Bold, alert, loyal
- Best Small Dog Breed For: Singles, apartments, experienced owners
- Care Needs: Low grooming; needs socialization to avoid nervousness.
2. Pomeranian
- Size: 3–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Playful, outgoing, smart
- Best Small Dog Breed For: Owners who want a lively dog with a big personality
- Care Needs: Thick coat needs brushing; can be vocal.
3. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
- Size: 4–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, brave, adventurous
- Best For: Allergy-prone homes; people who want a stylish pup
- Care Needs: Hypoallergenic coat; requires grooming.
4. Shih Tzu
- Size: 9–16 lbs
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Temperament: Sweet, friendly, affectionate
- Best For: Families, kids, seniors
- Care Needs: Daily brushing or keep a “puppy cut.”
5. Maltese
- Size: 4–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, loving, playful
- Best For: First-time owners, families
- Care Needs: Long, silky coat requires regular grooming.
6. Pug
- Size: 14–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Funny, loyal, affectionate
- Best For: Families, kids, apartments
- Care Needs: Easy grooming; watch for breathing issues.
7. French Bulldog
- Size: 16–28 lbs
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Calm, affectionate, social
- Best For: Apartment dwellers; busy lifestyles
- Care Needs: Minimal grooming; avoid heat.
8. Papillon
- Size: 5–10 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–16 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, active, eager to please
- Best For: Families, agility training
- Care Needs: Weekly brushing; needs mental stimulation.
9. Bichon Frise
- Size: 10–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Cheerful, playful, loving
- Best For: Allergy sufferers, families
- Care Needs: Hypoallergenic coat needs trimming.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Size: 13–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 9–14 years
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, adaptable
- Best For: Families, seniors
- Care Needs: Moderate grooming; heart health checkups.
11. Boston Terrier
- Size: 12–25 lbs
- Lifespan: 11–13 years
- Temperament: Fun-loving, friendly, easygoing
- Best For: Families, first-time owners
- Care Needs: Low grooming; watch for breathing issues.
12. Havanese
- Size: 7–13 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Social, cheerful, affectionate
- Best For: Families, city living
- Care Needs: Low-shedding coat, but grooming required.
13. Miniature Schnauzer
- Size: 11–20 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Alert, spirited, protective
- Best For: Families who want a watchdog
- Care Needs: Regular grooming; hypoallergenic.
14. Italian Greyhound
- Size: 7–14 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Elegant, gentle, affectionate
- Best For: Calm homes, lap lovers
- Care Needs: Minimal grooming; fragile bones.
15. Jack Russell Terrier
- Size: 13–17 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Energetic, fearless, smart
- Best For: Active owners, outdoor lovers
- Care Needs: Daily exercise; strong prey drive.
16. Scottish Terrier
- Size: 18–22 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Independent, loyal, confident
- Best For: Owners who like spirited dogs
- Care Needs: Regular grooming; strong personality.
17. West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
- Size: 13–20 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Happy, curious, bold
- Best For: Families, playful homes
- Care Needs: Moderate grooming; hardy little breed.
18. Brussels Griffon
- Size: 7–12 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Sensitive, loyal, expressive
- Best For: Companion seekers, city living
- Care Needs: Can be clingy; regular brushing.
19. Chinese Crested
- Size: 8–12 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–18 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, quirky, playful
- Best For: Allergy sufferers, unique dog lovers
- Care Needs: Hairless type needs skincare; powderpuff has a fine coat.
20. Japanese Chin
- Size: 7–11 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Elegant, quiet, loyal
- Best For: Calm homes, seniors
- Care Needs: Moderate grooming; loves being indoors.
21. Rat Terrier
- Size: 10–25 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–18 years
- Temperament: Smart, active, loyal
- Best For: Families, rural homes
- Care Needs: Minimal grooming; high exercise needs.
22. Norfolk Terrier
- Size: 11–12 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Spirited, fearless, friendly
- Best For: Active owners, families
- Care Needs: Low shedding; regular brushing.
23. Cairn Terrier
- Size: 13–14 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Bold, playful, loyal
- Best For: Families, adventurous owners
- Care Needs: Easy grooming; tough little dog.
24. Lhasa Apso
- Size: 12–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Alert, independent, loyal
- Best For: Families who want a watchdog
- Care Needs: Long coat; regular grooming needed.
25. Tibetan Spaniel
- Size: 9–15 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Alert, affectionate, smart
- Best For: Families who want a lap dog with personality
- Care Needs: Moderate grooming; independent nature.
26. Toy Fox Terrier
- Size: 4–9 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Agile, lively, playful
- Best For: Families, active homes
- Care Needs: Low grooming; loves exercise.
27. Pekingese
- Size: 7–14 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Dignified, loyal, independent
- Best For: Owners who enjoy grooming and a calm companion
- Care Needs: Heavy coat care; can be stubborn.
28. Silky Terrier
- Size: 8–10 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Alert, playful, curious
- Best For: Families who want a Yorkie-like breed
- Care Needs: Silky coat needs brushing; very active.
29. American Eskimo Dog (Toy/Mini)
- Size: 6–19 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Smart, alert, loyal
- Best For: Families, agility training
- Care Needs: Regular brushing; active breed.
30. Coton de Tulear
- Size: 8–13 lbs
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
- Temperament: Gentle, charming, affectionate
- Best For: Families, allergy sufferers
- Care Needs: Low-shedding coat; regular brushing.
31. Affenpinscher
- Size: 7–10 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Curious, bold, playful
- Best For: Families wanting a funny, spirited pup
- Care Needs: Minimal grooming; lively breed.
32. Border Terrier
- Size: 11–16 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, hardy
- Best For: Active families, Outdoorsy owners
- Care Needs: Minimal coat care; loves exercise.
33. Sealyham Terrier
- Size: 18–24 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Calm, courageous, loyal
- Best For: Families, watchdog duties
- Care Needs: Regular grooming; sturdy build.
34. Manchester Terrier (Toy)
- Size: 12 lbs
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
- Temperament: Alert, agile, loyal
- Best For: Active owners who want a sleek breed
- Care Needs: Low grooming; high exercise needs.
35. Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
- Size: 12–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Cheerful, affectionate, friendly
- Best For: Families, unique dog lovers
- Care Needs: Regular grooming; rare breed.
There is a Small Dog Breed For Everyone
From the tiny Chihuahua to the elegant Italian Greyhound, small dog breeds bring big love in little packages. Some thrive in apartments, others love active families, and many are perfect first-time pets. Whatever your lifestyle, there’s a small dog breed that’s a perfect fit.
What is the healthiest small dog breed?
Many small breeds are long-lived, but some of the healthiest include the Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Border Terrier, and Rat Terrier. They tend to live well into their teens with proper care.
Which small dog breed lives the longest?
Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Dachshunds are among the longest-living small dog breeds, often reaching 15–18 years.
What small dogs don’t shed much?
If you’re allergy-prone, go for Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer, or Poodle (Toy/Miniature), they have hypoallergenic coats.
What small dog is best for families with kids?
Pugs, Cavaliers, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers are known for being friendly, patient, and good with children.
Which small dog breed is easiest to groom?
Short-haired breeds like the French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, and Italian Greyhound need very little grooming compared to long-haired breeds.
What’s the calmest small dog breed?
The French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shih Tzu are generally laid-back and easygoing.
Which small dog breeds are best for apartments?
Apartment-friendly small dog breeds include the French Bulldog, Pug, Maltese, and Chihuahua. They adapt well to small spaces as long as they get daily walks.