15 Best Small Dog Breeds (Size, Temperament and Care Guide)

Small dogs bring big personalities in a compact package. They fit easily into apartments, travel well, cost less to feed and are often easier to handle than larger breeds. But “small” covers a lot of ground, from tiny, lively Chihuahuas to calm, cuddly Cavaliers. This guide to the best small dog breeds covers size, temperament, grooming and energy so you can find the right match for your home and lifestyle.

Small Dog Breeds at a Glance

A dog is generally considered small if it weighs about 20 to 25 pounds or less as an adult. “Toy” breeds, such as the Chihuahua, Yorkie and Maltese, are the tiniest group, usually under 10 pounds.

15 Best Small Dog Breeds

1. French Bulldog

Weight: under 28 lb | Life span: 10–12 years | Energy: low to moderate

Frenchies are playful, affectionate and famously easygoing, which has made them one of America’s most popular breeds. They rarely bark much and do well in apartments. Their flat faces mean they can overheat and struggle with intense exercise, so keep walks short in hot weather.

Best for: Apartment living, first-time owners

2. Dachshund

Weight: up to 11 lb (miniature), 16–32 lb (standard) | Life span: 12–16 years | Energy: moderate

Bold, curious and loyal, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, so they love to dig and sniff. Their long backs make them prone to spinal problems, so discourage jumping off furniture and keep them at a healthy weight.

Best for: Active owners who enjoy a dog with personality

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight: 13–18 lb | Life span: 12–15 years | Energy: moderate

Few breeds are as sweet-natured as the Cavalier. They are gentle, eager to please and great with kids, other dogs and seniors. They love both cuddles and walks. Regular vet checkups are important, as the breed can be prone to heart issues.

Best for: Families, seniors, first-time owners

4. Shih Tzu

Weight: 9–16 lb | Life span: 10–18 years | Energy: low

Bred as companions for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are affectionate lap dogs that adapt well to any home. Their long coat needs daily brushing, or you can keep it in a short “puppy cut.”

Best for: Apartments, families, less active owners

5. Chihuahua

Weight: up to 6 lb | Life span: 14–16 years | Energy: moderate

The world’s smallest breed has a huge attitude. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and often bond closely with one person. They get cold easily, so a sweater helps in winter, and they are best with older, gentle children.

Best for: Singles and couples, small spaces

6. Pomeranian

Weight: 3–7 lb | Life span: 12–16 years | Energy: moderate

Fluffy, foxlike and full of confidence, Poms are lively, smart and alert, making good little watchdogs. Their thick double coat needs brushing a few times a week.

Best for: Owners who want a lively, outgoing pup

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Weight: about 7 lb | Life span: 11–15 years | Energy: moderate

Yorkies are brave, spunky and affectionate, with silky hair that is closer to human hair than fur, so they shed very little. They can be vocal and benefit from early training.

Best for: City living, allergy-conscious homes

8. Maltese

Weight: under 7 lb | Life span: 12–15 years | Energy: low to moderate

Gentle and playful, the Maltese has a long white coat that sheds very little. They love attention and do best when they are not left alone for long hours.

Best for: Low-shedding needs, companionship

9. Havanese

Weight: 7–13 lb | Life span: 14–16 years | Energy: moderate

Cuba’s national dog is cheerful, social and smart, and gets along with almost everyone. Havanese are easy to train and shed little.

Best for: Families with kids, first-time owners

10. Miniature Poodle

Weight: 10–15 lb | Life span: 10–18 years | Energy: moderate to high

Highly intelligent and athletic, Miniature Poodles excel at training and tricks. Their curly coat sheds very little but needs professional grooming every few weeks.

Best for: Active owners, people with allergies

11. Pug

Weight: 14–18 lb | Life span: 13–15 years | Energy: low

Charming and comical, pugs live to be near their people. Like Frenchies, they are flat-faced and sensitive to heat.

Best for: Relaxed households, apartments

12. Boston Terrier

Weight: 12–25 lb | Life span: 11–13 years | Energy: moderate

Nicknamed “the American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like coat, the Boston is friendly, playful and easy to groom.

Best for: Families, active city dwellers

13. Miniature Schnauzer

Weight: 11–20 lb | Life span: 12–15 years | Energy: moderate to high

Smart, alert and sturdy, with a signature beard, Mini Schnauzers make great watchdogs and shed little.

Best for: Active families, low-shedding needs

14. Bichon Frise

Weight: 12–18 lb | Life span: 14–15 years | Energy: moderate

Bichons are happy-go-lucky, fluffy and affectionate. Their curly white coat sheds very little but needs regular grooming.

Best for: Families, allergy-conscious homes

15. Papillon

Weight: 5–10 lb | Life span: 14–16 years | Energy: high

Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, Papillons are surprisingly athletic, eager to learn and great at dog sports.

Best for: Active owners who want a small but sporty dog

How to Choose the Right Small Dog Breed

If you want…	Consider
A calm apartment dog	French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Pug, Cavalier
A family-friendly dog	Cavalier, Havanese, Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise
Low shedding	Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Bichon Frise
A lively, active companion	Papillon, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Poodle, Dachshund
The tiniest dog	Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese

Tips for Caring for a Small Dog

• Feed a small-breed formula with smaller kibble and the right calorie density.
• Brush their teeth often. Small breeds are prone to dental disease.
• Use a harness instead of a collar to protect delicate necks and tracheas.
• Supervise around big dogs and young children, since tiny dogs can be injured easily.
• Do not skip training. Small dogs need manners and socialization just like big dogs.

Thinking about healthy treats for your new pup? See our guides on whether dogs can eat strawberries and bananas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the calmest small dog breed?

The Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug and French Bulldog are known for being relaxed, easygoing companions.

What small dog breeds do not shed?

No dog is completely non-shedding, but the Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu shed very little.

What is the best small dog for a first-time owner?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese and Shih Tzu are friendly, adaptable and easy to train, making them great first dogs.

What is the smallest dog breed?

The Chihuahua is generally recognized as the smallest dog breed, usually weighing 6 pounds or less.

The Bottom Line

There is a small dog breed for almost every lifestyle. Think about your space, schedule, activity level and whether shedding matters to you, then meet a few dogs in person through reputable breeders or rescue groups. Whichever breed you choose, a small dog can bring years of big love into your home.

Breed information reflects typical traits and ranges. Every dog is an individual, so talk to your veterinarian and breeder or rescue group about a specific dog’s health and needs.