Top Small Dog Breeds

Top 10 Small Dog Breeds That Make Perfect Companions

When it comes to finding the perfect pet, small dog breeds are often at the top of the list. They’re portable, affectionate, and ideal for both apartments and larger homes. Whether you're a first-time pet owner or a seasoned dog lover, choosing the right breed can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 small dog breeds, including their temperaments, care needs, and what makes each of them unique.

Let’s dive into the ultimate small dog breeds list for anyone looking for a pint-sized pup with a big personality!

Why Choose a Small Dog Breed?

Small dogs are loved for their adaptability and charm. Many people prefer small dog breeds because they:

  • Are easier to travel with
  • Require less space
  • Tend to eat less food
  • Are often more affordable in terms of grooming and healthcare
  • Make great emotional support animals

Whether you’re seeking calm small dog breeds or playful companions, there’s something for every lifestyle.

Top 10 Small Dog Breeds

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldog - Small Dog Breed

The French Bulldog has bat-like ears and a short, stocky frame, making it a charming little companion. Despite their somewhat grumpy expression, they are affectionate, loyal, and love lounging with their humans.  Because they don't bark a lot, they're great for people who live in apartments. Due to their short snouts, Frenchies do not require much exercise but do require a cool environment.

  • Weight: 16–28 lbs
  • Great for: Singles, couples, apartment living
  • Fun fact: They were originally bred as companion dogs for lace workers in England.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Small Dog Breed

This elegant toy breed is as sweet as it looks. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel thrives on human interaction and gets along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. They are gentle, affectionate, and always eager to please.

  • Weight: 13–18 lbs
  • Great for: Families, seniors, multi-pet households
  • Fun fact: They’re named after King Charles II of England, who adored the breed.

3. Pomeranian

Pomeranian - Small Dog Breeds

The Pomeranian is a small dog with a lot of personality. He or she is lively, alert, and loves to be the center of attention. They enjoy learning tricks and participating in agility games, and their fluffy double coat needs to be groomed on a regular basis.

  • Weight: 3–7 lbs
  • Great for: Active owners who love grooming and interaction
  • Fun fact: Queen Victoria popularized the breed by owning a particularly small Pom.

4. Maltese

Maltese - Small Dog Breed

One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese is known for its long, silky white coat and sweet, flexible temperament. They make wonderful lap dogs because they are kind and loving. They're also part of the small hypoallergenic dog breeds category thanks to their low-shedding coat.

  • Weight: 6–9 lbs
  • Great for: Allergy sufferers, city dwellers, seniors
  • Fun fact: They were favored by aristocrats in ancient Rome and Greece.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu - Small Dog Breed

The Shih Tzu is a loyal, happy little dog with a luxurious coat and a loving nature. Originally bred for royalty in ancient China, they still carry themselves with dignity and grace. Despite their royal past, they’re playful and affectionate family pets.

  • Weight: 9–16 lbs
  • Great for: Families, first-time dog owners
  • Fun fact: The name “Shih Tzu” means “lion dog” in Mandarin.

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier - Small Dog Breed

The feisty Yorkshire Terrier is tiny but mighty. Yorkies are full of spunk, often unaware of their small size, and love being close to their humans. Their silky coats are beautiful but require regular grooming. They’re also hypoallergenic, making them a top pick for those with allergies.

  • Weight: 4–7 lbs
  • Great for: Small homes, stylish pet lovers, allergy sufferers
  • Fun fact: Originally bred to catch rats in textile mills in Yorkshire, England.

7. Havanese

Havanese - Small Dog Breed

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog—and for good reason. With a cheerful attitude and a fluffy, hypoallergenic coat, this breed is known for being affectionate and easy going. They thrive on companionship and don’t like to be left alone for long.

  • Weight: 7–13 lbs
  • Great for: Families, homes with other pets, people who work from home
  • Fun fact: Havanese dogs have a unique spring in their step and often perform tricks naturally.

8. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier - Small Dog

This tuxedo-wearing breed is a delightful mix of charm and humor. Boston Terriers are intelligent and well-mannered, often referred to as the “American Gentleman.” They’re friendly, trainable, and get along well with children and other pets.

  • Weight: 12–25 lbs
  • Great for: City life, families, novice dog owners
  • Fun fact: The breed originated from a mix between a Bulldog and the now-extinct English White Terrier.

9. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise - Small Dog

The Bichon Frise is a fluffy white dog with a cheerful personality and a hypoallergenic coat. These dogs love to play and are incredibly affectionate with their families. They do best with regular grooming and plenty of social interaction.

  • Weight: 10–18 lbs
  • Great for: Allergy-prone homes, families with kids
  • Fun fact: The Bichon Frise was a favorite among European royalty in the 16th century.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer - Small Dog

The Miniature Schnauzer is spirited, smart, and makes a fantastic watchdog. Known for their wiry coat and expressive eyebrows, they are low shedders and full of personality. They’re also one of the healthiest small dog breeds, known for their longevity and robust constitution.

  • Weight: 11–20 lbs
  • Great for: Active homes, allergy sufferers, families
  • Fun fact: Miniature Schnauzers are the only terrier breed not of British descent—they’re from Germany!

Calm Small Dog Breeds for a Relaxing Lifestyle

If you’re looking for a more relaxed companion, here are a few calm small dog breeds that are great for peaceful homes:

  • Pekingese: Quiet and regal
  • Japanese Chin: Calm and graceful
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Gentle and loving
  • French Bulldog: Low-energy and easy-going

These breeds are perfect for seniors or anyone with a laid-back lifestyle.

Healthiest Small Dog Breeds

Some small dogs tend to live longer and have fewer health problems than others. Here are some of the healthiest small dog breeds:

  • Miniature Poodle
  • Toy Fox Terrier
  • Border Terrier
  • Miniature Pinscher

Proper care, diet, and regular check-ups are still essential, but these breeds are generally robust.

Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

If you or someone in your family has allergies, these small hypoallergenic dog breeds might be perfect:

  • Maltese
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Bichon Frise
  • Havanese

Their non-shedding coats and lower levels of dander make them a smart choice for allergy-prone households.

Best Small Dog Breeds for Families

Families with children or other pets need a dog that is sociable and tolerant. These are the best small dog breeds for families:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Havanese
  • Shih Tzu
  • Boston Terrier

These breeds are loving, playful, and tend to bond well with everyone in the household.

Cute Small Dog Breeds That Melt Hearts

If looks matter most, these small cute dog breeds will win you over instantly:

  • Pomeranian
  • Maltese
  • Papillon
  • Cairn Terrier

Their expressive eyes, tiny bodies, and adorable mannerisms are hard to resist!

Conclusion

With so many amazing choices, it can be hard to pick just one! Whether you're looking for a hypoallergenic companion, a calm couch buddy, or an energetic family pup, this small dog breeds list has something for everyone.

Take your lifestyle, home size, and energy levels into consideration when choosing the best breed for you.

FAQs About Small Dog Breeds

Are small dog breeds good for apartment living?

Yes, many small dog breeds are perfect for apartments due to their size and moderate exercise needs. Top choices include the French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Which small dogs are easy to train?

Some of the easiest small dog breeds to train include the Miniature Schnauzer, Havanese, Boston Terrier, and Toy Poodle. They’re intelligent and eager to please.

What are some cute small dog breeds?

If you’re looking for cute small dog breeds, consider the Pomeranian, Maltese, Papillon, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Their appearance and playful personalities make them irresistible.

This blog is your go-to guide for discovering the best small dog breeds—whether you're searching for a calm companion, a hypoallergenic pup, or a cute and cuddly family member. From popular breeds like the French Bulldog to family favorites like the Havanese, we’ve highlighted the top small dog breeds to help you find your perfect match. And if you're a proud dog parent who loves showing off your pup’s personality, My Spoilt Pet offers a fun collection of pet-themed t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more—perfect for anyone who adores small dogs as much as we do.

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