15 Best Small Dog Breeds: Sizes, Temperament & Care
FurraloUpdated October 2026
Looking for the best small dog breeds? Small dogs share one thing, their size, and almost nothing else. Some are calm lap dogs, others are bold little terriers with energy to spare. Coats range from short and smooth to long, silky or tightly curled. This guide compares 15 popular tiny dog breeds and miniature dog breeds side by side so that you can match a breed to your home, your schedule and your family.
Small Dog Breeds at a Glance
Weights and lifespans below are approximate adult ranges based on American Kennel Club (AKC) breed information. Individual dogs vary.
| Breed | Weight | Lifespan | Shedding | Energy | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | Up to 6 lbs | 14–16 yrs | Low–moderate | Moderate | Apartments, one-person homes |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Up to 7 lbs | 11–15 yrs | Low | Moderate | Apartments, allergy-conscious homes |
| Pomeranian | 3–7 lbs | 12–16 yrs | High | Moderate | Adults, watchdog duty |
| Maltese | Under 7 lbs | 12–15 yrs | Low | Moderate | Lap-dog lovers, seniors |
| Papillon | 5–10 lbs | 14–16 yrs | Moderate | High | Active owners, dog sports |
| Toy / Miniature Poodle | 4–15 lbs | 10–18 yrs | Very low | High | Allergy-conscious, active homes |
| Havanese | 7–13 lbs | 14–16 yrs | Low | Moderate | Families, first-time owners |
| Shih Tzu | 9–16 lbs | 10–18 yrs | Low | Low | Apartments, families, seniors |
| Bichon Frise | 12–18 lbs | 14–15 yrs | Very low | Moderate | Families, allergy-conscious homes |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13–18 lbs | 12–15 yrs | Moderate | Moderate | Kids, first-time owners |
| Pug | 14–18 lbs | 13–15 yrs | High | Low | Families, relaxed homes |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | Up to 11 lbs | 12–16 yrs | Low–moderate | Moderate | Experienced owners |
| Boston Terrier | 12–25 lbs | 11–13 yrs | Low | Moderate | City living, families |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11–20 lbs | 12–15 yrs | Low | Moderate–high | Families, allergy-conscious homes |
| Japanese Chin | 7–11 lbs | 10–12 yrs | Moderate | Low | Quiet homes, apartments |
What Counts as a Small Dog Breed?
There's no single official cutoff, but most people use "small dog" for breeds that weigh roughly 25 lbs or less as adults. Within that group:
- Tiny or toy breeds are the smallest, usually under about 10 lbs (Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Maltese).
- Small or little breeds are compact but sturdier, around 10–25 lbs (Pug, Boston Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer).
- "Miniature" is often part of a breed's official name, such as the Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Poodle or Miniature Dachshund.
Size alone doesn't make a breed a good match. Energy level, grooming needs, trainability and how much time the dog spends alone matter just as much.
The 15 Best Small Dog Breeds
1. Chihuahua
Weight: up to 6 lbs | Lifespan: 14–16 years
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed recognized by the AKC, but it carries itself like a much bigger dog.
Temperament: Alert, bold and devoted, often to one favorite person. Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is very helpful.
Grooming: Smooth-coat Chihuahuas need only a weekly brush. Long-coats need brushing a few times a week. Both are prone to dental problems, so regular tooth brushing is important.
Exercise: Short daily walks plus indoor play. They feel the cold quickly, so a light dog sweater or jacket helps in winter.
Fun fact: The breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Weight: up to 7 lbs | Lifespan: 11–15 years
The Yorkie looks glamorous with its silky steel-blue and tan coat, but underneath it's a true terrier.
Temperament: Brave, curious and affectionate. Yorkies bond closely with their people and can be vocal, which makes them good little watchdogs.
Grooming: The hair-like coat sheds very little but tangles easily. Daily brushing keeps a long coat neat; many owners choose a short "puppy cut" for easier care.
Exercise: Moderate. A couple of walks and some play each day keep them happy.
Fun fact: Yorkies were developed in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, to catch rats in textile mills.
3. Pomeranian
Weight: 3–7 lbs | Lifespan: 12–16 years
With its fox-like face and huge fluffy coat, the Pomeranian is one of the most recognizable toy breeds.
Temperament: Lively, curious and confident. Poms love attention and can be barky without consistent training.
Grooming: The thick double coat sheds a lot. Brush several times a week with a slicker brush, and more during seasonal sheds.
Exercise: Two short walks a day plus play. Keep plenty of enrichment toys around for this busy little brain.
Fun fact: The breed is named after Pomerania, a region on the Baltic coast, and descends from much larger spitz-type sled dogs.
4. Maltese
Weight: under 7 lbs | Lifespan: 12–15 years
The Maltese, with its pure white coat, is the classic lap dog and one of the oldest toy breeds in the world.
Temperament: Gentle, playful and fearless. Maltese are easy to train and love learning tricks.
Grooming: The silky coat sheds very little but needs daily brushing if kept long. Many owners keep it clipped short. Wipe around the eyes often to reduce tear stains.
Exercise: Low to moderate. A daily walk and some indoor play are enough.
Fun fact: The breed is associated with the Mediterranean island of Malta, where small white dogs were prized thousands of years ago.
5. Papillon
Weight: 5–10 lbs | Lifespan: 14–16 years
Don't let the delicate look fool you. The Papillon is one of the most athletic and trainable toy breeds.
Temperament: Happy, alert and very smart. Papillons often excel at agility and obedience.
Grooming: The single silky coat has no undercoat and is easier to care for than it looks. Brush once or twice a week.
Exercise: Higher than most toy breeds. Daily walks, games of fetch and training sessions keep them content.
Fun fact: "Papillon" is French for butterfly, named for the breed's large, fringed ears.
6. Toy and Miniature Poodle
Weight: 4–6 lbs (Toy), 10–15 lbs (Miniature) | Lifespan: 10–18 years
The smaller Poodle varieties pack the breed's famous intelligence into a compact body.
Temperament: Clever, eager to please and highly trainable. Miniatures are often a better choice than Toys for homes with young children.
Grooming: The curly coat sheds very little, which makes Poodles popular with allergy-conscious owners. It does need regular brushing and a professional trim every 4–6 weeks.
Exercise: High. Poodles enjoy long walks, games, training and even swimming.
Fun fact: The Poodle is France's national dog, but the breed originally developed in Germany as a water retriever.
7. Havanese
Weight: 7–13 lbs | Lifespan: 14–16 years
The Havanese is a cheerful, sturdy toy breed that fits easily into family life.
Temperament: Outgoing, affectionate and good with children and other pets. They're often a great first dog.
Grooming: The soft, low-shedding coat mats if neglected. Brush several times a week, or keep it short.
Exercise: Moderate. A daily walk and playtime are plenty.
Fun fact: The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba.
8. Shih Tzu
Weight: 9–16 lbs | Lifespan: 10–18 years
Bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu still takes its lap-dog job seriously.
Temperament: Friendly, outgoing and gentle. A great fit for families, seniors and apartment dwellers.
Grooming: A long coat needs daily brushing and a topknot to keep hair out of the eyes. A short trim cuts the work way down.
Exercise: Low. Short walks and indoor play. Their short faces make them sensitive to heat, so avoid exercise on hot days.
Fun fact: "Shih Tzu" is often translated as "little lion."
9. Bichon Frise
Weight: 12–18 lbs | Lifespan: 14–15 years
The Bichon's fluffy white coat and cheerful face make it one of the happiest-looking dogs around.
Temperament: Playful, affectionate and friendly with people, kids and other pets.
Grooming: Very low shedding, but the curly coat needs brushing several times a week and regular professional grooming. Clean around the eyes to prevent staining.
Exercise: Moderate. Daily walks plus play to burn off their bursts of energy.
Fun fact: "Frisé" is French for curly, describing the breed's signature coat.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weight: 13–18 lbs | Lifespan: 12–15 years
The Cavalier is one of the most adaptable small breeds, equally happy on the couch or on a long walk.
Temperament: Gentle, sociable and eager to please. Excellent with children, seniors and other pets.
Grooming: The silky coat needs brushing a few times a week to prevent mats, especially around the ears.
Exercise: Moderate, about 30–45 minutes of walking a day. Cavaliers are prone to heart conditions, so regular vet check-ups are important.
Fun fact: The breed is named after King Charles II of England, who was famously devoted to his spaniels.
11. Pug
Weight: 14–18 lbs | Lifespan: 13–15 years
With its wrinkled face and curly tail, the Pug is a charming, easygoing companion.
Temperament: Affectionate, even-tempered and great with kids and other pets.
Grooming: The short coat sheds more than you'd expect, so brush weekly. Clean the facial wrinkles regularly to keep them dry.
Exercise: Low to moderate. Pugs are flat-faced and overheat easily, so walk them in cooler parts of the day and use a harness rather than a collar.
Fun fact: Pugs originated in ancient China, where emperors kept them.
12. Dachshund
Weight: up to 11 lbs (Miniature), 16–32 lbs (Standard) | Lifespan: 12–16 years
The long-bodied Dachshund comes in two sizes and three coat types: smooth, longhaired and wirehaired.
Temperament: Brave, curious and loyal, with a stubborn streak. Patient, positive training works best.
Grooming: Smooth coats are easy. Longhaired coats need regular brushing, and wirehaired coats need brushing plus occasional stripping.
Exercise: Moderate daily walks. Their long backs are prone to injury, so discourage jumping off furniture and support their back when you lift them.
Fun fact: "Dachshund" means "badger dog" in German, after the animal it was bred to hunt.
13. Boston Terrier
Weight: 12–25 lbs | Lifespan: 11–13 years
The tuxedo-coated Boston Terrier is a classic American city dog.
Temperament: Friendly, funny and smart. Bostonians get along with nearly everyone.
Grooming: Minimal. A weekly brush and regular cleaning around the face.
Exercise: Moderate. Walks and play sessions, but like other flat-faced breeds, they shouldn't exercise hard in the heat.
Fun fact: Their black-and-white coat earned them the nickname "the American Gentleman."
14. Miniature Schnauzer
Weight: 11–20 lbs | Lifespan: 12–15 years
The Miniature Schnauzer combines a sturdy terrier build with a famously expressive bearded face.
Temperament: Alert, friendly and very trainable. A good family dog and an excellent watchdog.
Grooming: The wiry coat sheds little but needs regular brushing and a trim or hand-stripping every 6–8 weeks.
Exercise: Moderate to high. They love walks, play and puzzle toys. Early training helps manage barking.
Fun fact: "Schnauzer" comes from the German word Schnauze, meaning snout, a nod to their bearded muzzle.
15. Japanese Chin
Weight: 7–11 lbs | Lifespan: 10–12 years
The elegant Japanese Chin is a quiet, graceful companion that's often described as cat-like.
Temperament: Calm, loving and sensitive. Best in calmer homes with older children or adults.
Grooming: The silky single coat needs brushing once or twice a week.
Exercise: Low. Short walks and indoor play. Like other short-faced breeds, they don't handle heat well.
Fun fact: Chins were treasured by Japanese nobility for centuries.
Also Worth Considering
A few compact breeds sit just above the usual small-dog weight range but still suit smaller homes: the French Bulldog (under 28 lbs), the Shiba Inu (17–23 lbs) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–17 lbs, very high energy).
Best Small Dog Breeds by Lifestyle
Best Low-Shedding Small Dogs
Poodles (Toy and Miniature), Bichon Frise, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese and Miniature Schnauzer all shed very little. No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but these breeds are often easier for people with mild allergies. Spend time with the breed before committing.
Best Small Dogs for Families with Kids
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Havanese, Bichon Frise, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers tend to be sturdy and patient enough for family life. Very tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles can be injured by rough play, so they suit homes with older children.
Best Small Dogs for First-Time Owners
Cavaliers, Havanese, Shih Tzus, Bichons and Pugs are friendly and forgiving. Dachshunds and Chihuahuas can be more stubborn and benefit from consistent training.
Best Small Dogs for Apartments
Shih Tzus, Maltese, Cavaliers, Japanese Chins, Boston Terriers and Pugs adapt well to apartment living. Barkier breeds like Pomeranians and Yorkies can live in apartments too, with early training.
What Every Small Dog Needs
A Harness, Not Just a Collar
Small dogs have delicate windpipes, and pulling against a collar can cause injury over time. A properly fitted small-dog harness spreads pressure across the chest and is the safer choice for daily walks.
The Right Food and Water Setup
Tiny dogs need smaller kibble and shallower bowls. A pet water fountain can also encourage dogs to drink more water throughout the day.
Warmth and a Safe Space
Small dogs lose body heat faster than large breeds. A cozy bed with raised sides, away from drafts, and a coat or sweater for cold walks keep them comfortable.
Regular Grooming and Dental Care
Many small breeds have coats that tangle easily and teeth that crowd together. A grooming kit suited to their coat, plus regular toothbrushing, goes a long way.
Exercise and Enrichment
Most small breeds need about 20–45 minutes of walking a day, split into two sessions, plus daily mental stimulation from training or puzzle toys. Puppies and senior dogs need less, so follow your vet's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small dog breed?
There's no single best breed. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Havanese and Bichon Frises are popular all-rounders for families, while Maltese and Shih Tzus suit quieter homes. Choose based on energy, grooming and how much time you have.
What is the smallest dog breed?
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed recognized by the AKC, with adults weighing up to about 6 lbs.
Which small dog breeds don't shed much?
Poodles, Bichon Frises, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Havanese and Miniature Schnauzers are all low-shedding small breeds.
What is the calmest small dog breed?
Shih Tzus, Japanese Chins, Cavaliers and Pugs are generally among the calmer small breeds, though every dog's personality is different.
Do small dogs live longer than large dogs?
Generally, yes. Many small breeds live 12–16 years, while many large breeds average around 8–12 years.
Are small dogs good apartment dogs?
Most small breeds adapt well to apartments as long as they get daily walks, play and mental stimulation.
Final Thoughts
The best small dog breed is the one that fits your lifestyle. Think about energy level, grooming time and who lives in your home, then meet a few dogs of the breed before you decide. Once your new friend is home, the right gear makes daily life easier: browse our small dog accessories and walk and travel essentials.
Still choosing a name? Try our list of 150 cute small dog names.
Breed weights and lifespans are approximate and based on American Kennel Club breed information.