For some pet owners who are thinking about getting a dog for the first time, a small dog may be more attractive than a large dog in terms of upkeep, space limitations and overall costs involved. Luckily, there is a wide variety of options available for those looking for the smallest dog breeds on the market.
From toy breeds to lapdogs, finding the right dog for you depends on the energy levels and trainability you’re looking for. Some small dogs also have thick coats that require some maintenance to avoid heavy shedding or matting. Whether you’re looking for a small dog or choosing a companion for your small apartment, small dogs come in a wide variety. Here are our top picks for the best small dog breeds.
Our top picks for the best small dog breeds
Poodle
Poodles come in three varieties: toy poodles, miniature poodles, and standard poodles. Standard Poodles consistently rank as one of the most popular dog breeds in America. However, all three varieties are highly trainable as they are both intelligent and active. Poodles are affectionate with all family members and get along well with children.
Maltese
Maltese have a particularly high-maintenance coat type, but then again, they have been royal lapdogs for centuries. These beautiful dogs are actually quite hardy, trainable, and adaptable. Surprisingly they are also good watchdogs, much as a toy dog can be a good watchdog.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic, playful, affectionate and outgoing dogs. This dog breed is also known to live a long time, with the longest-living shih tzu being 23 years old. Shih Tzus are known to get along particularly well with children.
Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkies are an energetic, fun-loving breed that make great family dogs. They get along well with both large dogs and small children. Originally bred for hunting small game such as mice, Yorkshire terriers have a fiery and friendly nature.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, or poms for short, are cute, fluffy companion dogs known for their small size and big personalities. Although they can be a little noisy, poms make great pets and their intelligence makes them highly trainable. They shed more than most dogs, so expect to pay extra attention to their silky coat.
Pug
A tiny dog with a short coat and a big heart, these low-maintenance lazy dogs make great companions for apartment living. Pugs are content with cuddles and require very little in the way of exercise needs.
Other popular small dog breeds
- Dachshund
- Havanese
- Beagles
- French bulldog
- bow tie
- Chihuahua
- Bichon frize
- Boston terrier
- Affenpinscher
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Corgi
- Fox terrier
- Meat sauce
- Italian greyhound
- Miniature Schnauzer
Frequently asked questions about the best small dog breeds
What is the friendliest small dog?
Miniature poodles, pugs, and shih tzus consistently rank as some of the best dog breeds to acquire due to their friendly disposition and desire to get along with young children and other dogs.
Which small dog breeds are the easiest to train?
The Maltese dog is one of the easiest breeds to train thanks to its intelligence and friendly nature. Other small breeds that are easy to train include the Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Which dog is the calmest?
The Shih Tzu, Pug, and Maltese are three small dog breeds that barely bark and are content to cuddle on the couch with you for most of the day. Even calm dog breeds need a fair amount of exercise during the week to stay happy and healthy.