Here’s what most “best small dog” lists won’t tell you: not every small dog is easy.
Some bark at everything that moves. Some need an hour of brushing every day. Some are 5 pounds of pure attitude.
Pick wrong, and you’re stuck for 15 years with a dog that doesn’t fit your life.
This guide fixes that. You’ll meet 15 small dog breeds. But instead of a generic ranking, each one is matched to real life: apartments, kids, first-time owners, people who hate grooming.
Plus the 3-filter test that guarantees you pick right. And 3 popular breeds you should think twice about.
Let’s find your dog.
Small dog breeds are some of the most popular dogs in the world. And it’s easy to see why.
They fit in apartments. They cost less to feed. They curl up on your lap at the end of the day.
Small dog breeds are some of the most popular dogs in the world. And it’s easy to see why.
They fit in apartments. They cost less to feed. They curl up on your lap at the end of the day.
But here’s what most lists won’t tell you: not every small dog is easy.
Some bark non-stop. Some need hours of brushing. Some are tiny but act like bosses.
This guide matches 15 small dog breeds to real life. Apartments. Kids. First-time owners. People who hate grooming.
Let’s find your perfect match.
Quick Answer: The 3 Safest Picks
In a hurry? These three are hard to get wrong:- Best all-rounder: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (gentle, friendly, good with kids and apartments)
- Best for apartments: French Bulldog (quiet, low exercise needs, loves the couch)
- Best low-maintenance: Beagle (short coat, merry personality, minimal grooming)
Read on for all 15, matched to the life you actually live.
📋 Contents (click to open)
What Counts as a “Small” Dog Breed?
A small dog breed usually weighs under 22 pounds when fully grown. (See the AKC’s guide to the smallest dog breeds for the full list.)
But weight isn’t everything.
A 20-pound French Bulldog and a 20-pound terrier are totally different dogs. Energy matters. Barking matters. Grooming matters.
That’s why this list is sorted by lifestyle. Not just size.
I have trained dozens of small breeds over the years, and I can tell you: the happiest owners are the ones who matched the dog to their life, not the ones who picked the cutest photo.
The 15 Best Small Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Best All-Rounder
The Cavalier is the safest pick on this list. Period.
Gentle with kids. Friendly with strangers. Happy anywhere. They weigh 12 to 18 pounds.
Watch out for: heart problems run in the breed. Find a breeder who does health tests. They also hate being home alone all day.
2. French Bulldog: Best for Apartments
Frenchies were made for apartments. They’re quiet. They don’t need much exercise. And they’re world-class couch cuddlers.
Watch out for: that cute flat face causes breathing trouble, especially in heat. Vet bills can get pricey.
3. Beagle: Best Low-Maintenance Pick
Beagles are happy-go-lucky dogs. Their short coat needs almost zero grooming. They’re sturdy and fun.
Watch out for: their nose controls their brain. They follow smells and wander off. Keep them leashed or in a fenced yard.
4. Shih Tzu: Best Lap Dog
Shih Tzus were bred for Chinese kings and queens. They still act like royalty. Super cuddly. Super calm indoors.
Watch out for: that beautiful coat needs daily brushing. Or just get the short “puppy cut” and skip the hassle.
5. Pomeranian: Best Personality in a Small Package
Only 3 to 7 pounds. But don’t be fooled. Pomeranians have HUGE personalities. Bold. Smart. Funny.
Watch out for: they bark. At everything. Training helps, but they’ll never be quiet dogs.
6. Yorkshire Terrier: Best Tiny Companion
Seven pounds of pure attitude. Yorkies are loyal, feisty, and glued to their humans.
Watch out for: they’re fragile. Not great with little kids who might drop them. Tiny teeth need extra dental care too.
7. Maltese: Best Gentle Soul
Gentle. Sweet. Calm. The Maltese has been a companion dog for thousands of years, and they’re really good at it.
Watch out for: tear stains on that white coat. And like Yorkies, they’re fragile around small kids.
8. Dachshund: Best Character
Long body. Big courage. Endless comedy. Dachshunds are clever, loyal, and hilarious.
Watch out for: their backs. No jumping off the couch. Avoid stairs when you can. They’re also stubborn about training (in a cute way).
9. Boston Terrier: Best Easygoing Buddy
They look like they’re wearing tuxedos. Boston Terriers are friendly, funny, and go-with-the-flow. Great with kids. Great in apartments.
Watch out for: they’re gassy. It’s a breed thing. They also hate extreme heat and cold.
10. Havanese: Best for First-Time Owners
First dog ever? Get a Havanese. They’re cheerful, easy to train, and just want to make you happy.
Watch out for: they need you around. Long hours alone make them sad.
11. Pug: Best Clown
Pugs are pure comedy. Charming. Loving. Always ready for a nap. Sturdy enough for kids.
Watch out for: breathing trouble in heat (flat face problems). And they shed way more than you’d think.
12. Bichon Frise: Best Cheerful Companion
Imagine a fluffy cloud that’s always happy. That’s a Bichon. Playful, gentle, great with kids.
Watch out for: that curly coat needs a groomer every month or so. Skip it and you get tangles.
13. Miniature Schnauzer: Best Watchdog
Smart and alert. Mini Schnauzers make great little watchdogs. Not too yappy, just watchful.
Watch out for: they get bored fast. A bored Schnauzer will redecorate your house. Keep their brain busy.
14. Italian Greyhound: Best Elegant Athlete
Graceful. Gentle. Lightning fast. Italian Greyhounds are quiet indoors and love hiding under blankets.
Watch out for: fragile legs that break easily. And good luck with house-training. They’re famous for being stubborn about it.
15. Papillon: Best Smart Small Dog
Butterfly ears. Brilliant brain. Papillons are one of the smartest tiny breeds. They learn tricks crazy fast.
Watch out for: smart dogs get bored. Without play and training, they turn anxious and barky.
Small Dogs for Apartments
Living in an apartment? These five small dog breeds are the standouts:
French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese.
They’re quiet. They don’t need much exercise. And they’re happy in smaller spaces.
Small Dogs for Families with Kids
Kids change everything. You need a dog that’s sturdy and patient.
Top picks: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Pug.
Skip the fragile ones for now. Wait till the kids are older for Yorkies and Maltese.
Low-Grooming Small Dogs
Hate brushing? These small dog breeds need the least coat work:
Beagle, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, and Dachshund (smooth coat).
Short coats. Almost no brushing. Zero salon trips.
3 Small Breeds to Think Twice About
Time for some honesty. These dogs are popular. But they’re not for everyone.
Chihuahua: Tiny and loyal. But hard to train. Barks a lot. Often snappy with kids. They pick one person and can be a lot for beginners.
Jack Russell Terrier: Small? Yes. Easy? No way. These dogs have endless energy. They chase everything. When bored, they destroy things. They need MORE exercise than most big dogs.
Miniature Pinscher: Bold and fun. But stubborn. Barky. Great at escaping. Beginners almost always underestimate them.
These aren’t bad dogs. They’re just bad matches for the wrong home.
How to Pick: The 3-Filter Test
Run every breed through these three filters. (Hill’s Pet has a helpful overview of small breed needs if you want a second opinion.)
Filter 1: Your Space
Apartment? Go for calm, quiet breeds like the Frenchie or Cavalier.
Got a yard? You have more choices.
Filter 2: Your Time
Long coats need brushing or salon trips.
Sporty breeds need exercise every day.
Be honest. What can you actually give?
Filter 3: Your People
Young kids? Pick sturdy, patient dogs like the Beagle or Cavalier.
Quiet home? Go for cuddlers like the Shih Tzu.
Pro tip: The breed that passes all three filters? That’s your dog.
Write down your answers before reading the breed profiles below.
Comparison Table
| Breed | Weight | Best For | Grooming | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 12-18 lb | All-rounder | Moderate | Heart issues |
| French Bulldog | Under 28 lb | Apartments | Low | Breathing, heat |
| Beagle | 20-25 lb | Low maintenance | Low | Wandering nose |
| Shih Tzu | 9-16 lb | Lap dog | High | Daily brushing |
| Pomeranian | 3-7 lb | Personality | High | Barking |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 7 lb | Tiny companion | Moderate | Fragile |
| Maltese | Under 7 lb | Gentle soul | High | Tear stains |
| Dachshund | 11-32 lb | Character | Low-Mod | Back problems |
| Boston Terrier | 12-25 lb | Easygoing | Low | Gas, heat |
| Havanese | 7-13 lb | First-timers | Moderate | Separation anxiety |
| Pug | 14-18 lb | Clown | Low | Breathing, shedding |
| Bichon Frise | 12-18 lb | Cheerful | High | Salon visits |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11-20 lb | Watchdog | Moderate | Needs stimulation |
| Italian Greyhound | 7-14 lb | Elegant athlete | Low | Fragile legs |
| Papillon | 5-10 lb | Smart and pretty | Moderate | Needs a job |
Final Thoughts
The best small dog breed isn’t the cutest one in the photo.
It’s the one that fits your home, your schedule, and your life.
Start with the 3-filter test. Be real about your time and energy.
Every breed here can be amazing in the right home. Don’t look for the “best” small dog.
Look for your small dog.
You can find more of our dog breed and food guides here at Aviora.
Related Guides
- Best Dog Breeds for Families: 15 Kid-Friendly Picks
- French Bulldog Temperament: What to Expect
- Black Lab: Complete Breed Guide
- Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach
- What Can Dogs Eat? Complete Safe Foods List
- Can Dogs Have Cheese? Vet Answers
- My Dog Has Diarrhea: What to Do
- Dog UTI Symptoms: Signs to Watch For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small dog breed for apartments?
The French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shih Tzu are the top picks for apartment living. They’re quiet, need minimal exercise, and are happy in smaller spaces. The Frenchie especially is a champion napper.
What is the calmest small dog breed?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu are the calmest small breeds. They’re gentle, affectionate lap dogs that don’t need much exercise. The Maltese is another calm choice for quieter homes.
What is the best small dog breed for first-time owners?
The Havanese is one of the best small dog breeds for first-time owners. They’re cheerful, easy to train, and eager to please. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise are also great beginner-friendly choices.
What is the healthiest small dog breed?
The Beagle and Dachshund (standard) tend to be among the healthier small breeds with fewer genetic issues. That said, every breed has some health risks. The best approach is finding a responsible breeder who does health testing, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and scheduling regular vet checkups.
Do small dogs bark a lot?
It depends on the breed. Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and Miniature Schnauzers are known barkers. French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Shih Tzus are much quieter. Early training helps with any breed, but some dogs will always be more vocal than others.
Are small dogs good with kids?
Some are, some aren’t. Sturdy breeds like the Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Boston Terrier do well with kids. Fragile breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Italian Greyhound are better with older, gentler children. Always supervise any dog with small kids.
