Finding the right canine companion can be a daunting task. Especially for people who like a limited space and have limited time and energy. Big dog breeds often take away a lot of space, time and energy as they need extra maintenance and a lot of space to live in.
If you live is a city you may see the best small medium dog breeds all around. It is due to the practicality of taking care of these breeds.
I advise my clients with space and time limitations to adopt a smaller breed as they are best suited for apartments, children and have a good lifespan.
So if you are somebody who easily gets attached check out our guide for finding best small dog breeds for families, best small dog breeds for seniors, and best small dog breeds for kids.
In this article we discuss 30 best small dog breeds to help you find your perfect match.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Dog Breed
While choosing any dog it is important to consider the size and space requirement not only as a puppy, but also as a grown up dog.
Your little puppy may not occupy a lot of space currently. But they will indeed grow up and if they are big they need big space requirements. Big dogs are often active and fierce at moments.
While a grown up can handle such a dog you children or senior members in the family may struggle to establish and maintain control over the dog. Therefore it is wiser to adopt a smaller breed.
Among the best small dog breeds you can easily find a variety of options as per your needs. Some are playful, some are friendly, and some are extremely energetic.
A dog suited for children might fail to comfort a senior. Some small dogs may also need much more exercise or grooming attention in comparison to other dogs.
This can add up to the cost of maintenance and your energy requirement. Therefore, choose wisely.
10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families
Whenever we are looking for a family dog regardless of them being big or a smaller breed we look for a gentle, sociable, loyal, playful and easy going dog. You may need to find a dog more suited for your family type.
It is important that you are able to trust the dog around your family members. If you have a newborn or a small kid you may want calm and trustworthy dogs.
From my experience of working with so many dog owners over the 7 years of my experience, I have compiled the 10 best small dog breeds for Families. Take a look and pick the right one for your family and lifestyle.
1. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers tend to be affectionate, playful, and curious. They enjoy daily walks and interactive play sessions. Affenpinscher may need monthly professional grooming.
They are well suited for families living in big cities and where they have individuals with allergies.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Weight: 7 to 10 pounds
- Coat and Color: Dense, wiry coat; colors may vary, including black, gray, silver, or tan, often with a mix of colors.
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
2. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds have an affectionate and loving temperament, forming strong bonds with their families. They are also often good with children. Families with children or senior citizens can enjoy having an Italian Greyhound at home.
Italian Greyhounds enjoy daily walks and opportunities for play and mental stimulation. They require minimal grooming.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds.
- Coat and Color: Short and smooth coat, Colors may vary, including fawn, blue, black, red, and cream.
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
3. Pug
Pugs are small-sized breeds, suitable for both apartments and houses. They are friendly and affectionate. Pugs need regular exercises and grooming. Pugs are known for their gentle nature, making them well-suited for households.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 10-13 inches
- Weight: 14-18 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; colors include fawn, black, apricot, and silver
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranian are playful and lively, and enjoy interactive play with family members. Socializes well with children and other pets when properly trained.
They are also vocal and alert, making them good watchdogs. They have a moderate exercise requirement and regular grooming requirement.
Their friendly nature makes them excellent family companions.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 6 – 7 inches
- Weight: 3 – 7 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat with a soft, fluffy undercoat and a long, straight outer coat. Colors may vary, including orange, cream, black, blue, brown, and white.
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 16 years
5. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears are extremely affectionate and sociable. They are also very playful and lively. They require moderate exercise and regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Their nature makes them well suited for families.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting Group
- Height: 9 – 11 inches
- Weight: 8 – 15 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, cotton-like coat in white or various shades of white with slight markings of gray, black, or fawn.
- Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years
6. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. They need a lot of socialization training and may get attached to the owner easily. Preventive measures for separation anxiety are recommended as they are sensitive. Their alert and vigilant nature makes them effective watchdogs. To ensure their well being it is important to include moderate exercises and regular grooming.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: 8-10 pounds
- Coat and Color: Rough or smooth coat, typically come in red, black, black and tan, or beige (a mixture of red and black).
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
7. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are friendly and social dogs. They are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and outgoing personalities, making them excellent family pets. Toy Poodle require regular exercises and grooming.
They are also very adaptable which makes them suitable for various lifestyles, whether living in a bustling city or a quieter suburban area.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 10 inches or less
- Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
- Coat and Color: Dense, curly or corded coat in various colors including black, white, apricot, and gray
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
8. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are friendly, affectionate, and sociable. Thrives on human companionship, enjoys being part of family activities and easily gets along well with other pets and dogs if properly socialized. They need a moderate exercise and regular grooming routine to maintain their wellbeing.
Their nature makes them one of the most suited dogs for an active family lifestyle.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 10 to 18 pounds
- Coat and Color: Curly, dense, and hypoallergenic coat; typically white, but may have shades of cream, apricot, or gray
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 year
9. Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terriers are friendly, affectionate, and loyal companions, making them excellent family dogs. They are also playful and energetic, but also adaptable to quieter environments. Biewer Terrier need a moderate exercise and regular grooming routine.
They can easily establish companionship and bond with family members.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 7-11 inches
- Weight: 4-8 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat with tri-colored markings (black, white, and tan)
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
10. Boston Terrier
Like the Biewer Terrier, Boston Terrier is friendly, sociable and affectionate. Minimal grooming routine and moderate exercise requirement it is comparatively easy to take care of a Boston Terrier. Boston Terriers enjoy being part of family activities and thrive on attention and interaction.
If you are looking for a dog to spend time with your family, Boston Terrier can be the perfect match.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 15-17 inches
- Weight: 12-25 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; brindle, seal, or black with white markings
- Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Seniors
The requirements and characteristics a senior will prefer in a dog may be a little different from families and kids. As a senior you may want to adopt a dog for companionship, reduce loneliness, mental wellbeing, and finding a sense of security.
Based on your unique needs you may want to choose a dog breed with gentle temperaments, low energy levels, small sizes, minimal grooming needs, and a loving attitude, enhancing companionship and promoting overall well-being.
Additionally, adopting an older dog can sometimes be a better match for seniors, as they often have lower energy levels and are already trained.
Here are 10 best small dog breeds for seniors
1. Papillon
Papillons are friendly, affectionate, and outgoing temperament. Regardless of their butterfly ears they have minimal grooming needs and moderate exercise requirements.
Your Papillon will enjoy daily walks, playtime and mental stimulation through interactive toys and games. Well-suited for seniors looking for a small, manageable pet that provides companionship and entertainment.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 4-9 pounds (2-4 kg)
- Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat with fringed ears, typically white with patches of black, brown, red, sable.
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small to medium-sized dogs, making them suitable for both apartments and houses. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for seniors. They require moderate exercise and regular grooming.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 25-30 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat with a short, dense undercoat; various colors including red, sable, fawn, and black with or without white markings
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
3. Poodle
Poodles adapt well to various living spaces but thrive in homes with space for play. Their friendly nature and intelligence make them ideal companions for seniors. Moderate exercise and regular grooming are necessary.
Breed Overview (Standard Poodle)
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 15-22 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Coat and Color: Curly, hypoallergenic coat in various colors including white, black, apricot, and silver.
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Miniature Poodle (Breed Overview)
- Group: Toy
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: 15-18 pounds
- Coat and Color: Curly, hypoallergenic coat in various colors including white, black, apricot, and silver.
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Breed Overview (Toy Poodle)
- Group: Toy
- Height: Under 10 inches
- Weight: 6-9 pounds
- Coat and Color: Curly, hypoallergenic coat in various colors including white, black, apricot, and silver.
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
4. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
Yorkies are small and adaptable, suitable for apartments. They’re affectionate and loyal, making great companions for seniors. Regular walks and grooming, including coat brushing, are essential.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: 4-7 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, silky coat in blue and tan colors.
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
5. Schipperke
Schipperkes are small and adaptable, suitable for apartments. They’re energetic and loyal, making great companions for active seniors. Regular exercise and minimal grooming needs are necessary.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 10-13 inches
- Weight: 10-16 pounds
- Coat and Color: Dense double coat, typically comes in black color.
- Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
6. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are small, suitable for apartments. Lively and loyal, they make great companions for seniors. Regular walks and play suffice for exercise, and grooming is minimal.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 3.5-7 pounds
- Coat and Color: Smooth coat, commonly comes in tri-color (predominantly black, white, and tan)
- Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
7. Maltese
Maltese are small, suitable for apartments. Affectionate and gentle, they’re perfect companions for seniors, offering companionship and low-maintenance care. Regular short walks and grooming are sufficient for their needs.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: Under 7 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, silky coat. White color.
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
8. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are small to medium-sized, adaptable to various living spaces. Lively and affectionate, they make great companions for seniors, offering companionship and moderate exercise needs. Regular walks and minimal grooming are necessary.
Breed Overview
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 10-18 inches
- Weight: 10-25 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; comes in various colors including white, black, and tan
- Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
9. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small, suitable for apartments. Affectionate and low-energy, they make ideal companions for seniors, offering companionship and minimal exercise needs. Regular walks and minimal grooming suffice for their care.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 11-12 inches
Weight: 16-28 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; comes in various colors including brindle, fawn, and pied
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
10. West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
Westies are small, suitable for apartments. Friendly and loyal, they make great companions for seniors, offering affection and companionship. Regular walks and grooming are necessary for their care.
Breed Overview
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 15-20 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat, white.
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids
Our little children are extremely sensitive, therefore before choosing the right companion for them it is important to consider a few factors like their size, temperament, and energy levels.
A small breed dog can offer companionship, playfulness, responsibility, emotional support, and the opportunity to form a strong bond with a loyal and loving pet.
Kids enjoy dogs that are playful, friendly, gentle, loyal, patient, energetic, affectionate, obedient, protective, social, and tolerant, fostering a fun and loving relationship. Supervision and proper introductions are key when bringing any new dog into a home with children.
Based on these requirements and your kids’ unique self, choose one of the best small dog breeds for kids. Take a look at our winners for 10 best small dog breeds for children.
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are tiny, suitable for small living spaces. They’re affectionate and protective, making them good companions for children. Supervised play and short walks suffice for exercise, and grooming needs are minimal.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 6-9 inches
- Weight: 2-6 pounds
- Coat and Color: Smooth or long coat; comes in various colors including fawn, black, and white
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are small, suitable for apartments. Gentle and affectionate, they’re great with children, offering companionship and playfulness. Regular walks and play sessions suffice for exercise, and moderate grooming is needed.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; various colors including tricolor, black and tan, and ruby
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
3. American Eskimo
American Eskimos adapt well to various living spaces but thrive in homes with space for play. They’re friendly and playful, making them great companions for children. Regular walks and moderate grooming are needed.
Breed Overview (American Eskimo Standard)
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 10-20 pounds
- Weight: 18-35 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat, white or biscuit with various markings
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
American Eskimo Miniature (Breed Overview)
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 15-19 inches
- Coat and Color: Double coat, white or biscuit with various markings
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Breed Overview (American Eskimo Toy)
- Group: Toy
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat, white or biscuit with various markings
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
4. Corgi
Corgis are small to medium-sized, suitable for apartments with regular exercise. They’re loyal and friendly, making them excellent companions for children. Regular walks and moderate grooming suffice for their needs.
Breed Overview (Corgi Pembroke)
- Group: Herding
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 24-30 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat, colors may vary including red, sable, fawn, and black with or without white markings
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Breed Overview (Corgi Cardigan)
- Group: Herding
- Height: 10.5-12.5 inches
- Weight: 25-38 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat, colors may vary including red, sable, fawn, and black with or without white markings
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
5. Beagle
Beagles are medium-sized, suitable for homes with a yard. They’re friendly and gentle, making them great companions for children. Regular playtime and walks are essential, and grooming needs are minimal.
Breed Overview
- Group: Hound Group
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 20-30 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short, dense coat; tricolor (black, tan, and white)
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are small, suitable for apartments. They’re affectionate and lively, making them great companions for children. Regular play and short walks are sufficient, and grooming their long coats is essential.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: Under 7 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; blue and tan
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small to medium-sized, suitable for apartments or homes with a yard. They’re affectionate and playful, making them great companions for children. Regular walks and minimal grooming are needed for their care.
Breed Overview (Dachshund Standard)
- Group: Hound
- Height: 8-9 inches
- Weight: 16-32 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; various colors including red, black, and tan
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Breed Overview (Dachshund Miniature)
- Group: Hound
- Height: 5-6 inches
- Weight: Up to 11 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; various colors including red, black, and tan
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, suitable for apartments. They’re affectionate and gentle, making them great companions for children. Minimal exercise and regular grooming are needed for their care.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 9-10.5 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat; various colors including gold, white, and black
- Life Expectancy: 10-16 years
9. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small to medium-sized, suitable for apartments. They’re lively and affectionate, making them great companions for children. Regular walks and grooming are needed for their care.
Breed Overview
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 11-20 pounds
- Coat and Color: Double coat; black, salt and pepper, or black and silver
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Key Considerations for Owning a Small Dog Breed
Before you bring home a small breed dog, you may want to take a look at these key considerations for owning a small dog breed.
Training and Socialization Needs
Small dog breeds require consistent training and socialization to prevent behavior problems such as excessive barking, fearfulness, and aggression.
Feeding and Nutritional Requirements
Small dog breeds have higher metabolic rates compared to larger breeds, so they require smaller, more frequent meals. Choose high-quality puppy food or dog food formulated for small breeds to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health problems.
Exercise Needs
While small dogs may not require as much physical activity as larger breeds, they still need regular exercise to stay healthy.
Grooming Requirements
Small dog breeds often have specific grooming needs, such as regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles in long-haired breeds. Some small breeds may require professional grooming.
Environmental Considerations
Small dog breeds may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures due to their size, it is important to provide appropriate shelter and protection from harsh weather conditions.
Socialization and Interaction
Small dog breeds benefit from regular socialization with other dogs and people. They need to be trained from an early age to prevent separation anxiety.
Health Concerns Specific to Small Dog Breeds
Small dog breeds are prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, luxating patellas (dislocated kneecaps), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Regular veterinary check-ups, dental care, and appropriate nutrition are essential for maintaining the health of small dog breeds.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds possess different nature and benefits. Owning a small dog offers you manageability, suitability for apartments, portability, lower maintenance, companionship, lower exercise needs, versatility, longevity, adaptability, and the undeniable extra cuteness factor.
When it comes to adding a new member for your family and children, or a companion as a senior one of the mentioned 30 best small dog breeds can be your perfect choice.
As you have idea about the nature, exercise and grooming requirements of these breeds, you are wll equipped to take the ultimate decision.
You can research further and make visits to breeders who can help you with choosing the right one for your lifestyle.
