Having a small dog can add so much joy to anyone’s life. With many small dogs that come in varying qualities and temperaments, you can be sure to find a small dog that suits your lifestyle.
From energetic and lively dogs to calm and affectionate ones, our article will list small dog breeds that make excellent companions. We’ll include a wide variety of breeds to ensure you’ll get to know several small dogs that can suit your life circumstances.
Below is a list of 20 small dog breeds that make excellent pets. For every small dog breed, we’ll cover their physical features, whether or not their coat is hypoallergenic, a general description outlining their temperament, and what it’s like to share your life with one.
The affenpinscher is a lively dog breed with a strong character. They are known for their friendly, yet brave, personalities that encourage them to act like the boss of the household, especially around bigger dogs. However, a firm hand and training can help to minimize this behavior.
Affenpinschers are adaptable dogs that enjoy spending time with their people more than other pets, but they behave well around unfamiliar dogs with proper socialization and training. These dogs make great pets for individuals and families seeking an affectionate and friendly dog with a big heart for adventures.
The bichon frise is one of the most loving, friendly, and social small dog breeds. These dogs are born to cuddle and have fun with their owners. They get along well with everyone, both human and animal, with minimal socialization. They are sweet-natured dogs who only want snuggles and playtime.
However, the hypoallergenic coat that gives the bichon frise an adorable look requires daily grooming. This breed is more for individuals and families that can provide at least an hour of dedicated care to their dog’s grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation needs.
A relatively new dog breed, the Biewer terrier is quite different from other small terrier-type dogs. They can be just as feisty as other terriers, but they have a soft spot for their people. Biewer terriers bond closely with their family members and have a reserved attitude toward strangers. As you can expect, it takes a while for newcomers to gain a Biewer terrier’s trust.
Biewer terriers get along well with other dogs more than new people. This is a playful breed that will befriend unfamiliar dogs after a quick interaction. However, they will still prioritize spending time with their owner. They are also sensitive dogs that do better in quiet homes.
The Boston terrier, unlike the Biewer terrier, has many of the characteristics you would expect from a terrier. They are lively and outgoing dogs with a lot of dedication. Boston terriers require plenty of early socialization to prevent behavioral issues that may turn them into very vocal or stubborn dogs.
With proper socialization and patience, Boston terriers become outgoing and easy to train. Boston terriers get along well with kids of all ages and bond strongly with small family members, making them an excellent breed for families with energetic children.
The Brussels griffon is a small dog breed originating from Belgium. These dogs are well-known for their distinct beards that give them a unique flair. Brussels griffons are loving dogs that bond strongly with their family members, typically attaching to one person more than others.
This breed can be an ideal companion for individuals and families looking for a cuddly yet adventurous dog breed who loves snuggling and outdoor activities equally. One characteristic of the Brussels griffon is they have two coat types: smooth and rough. Smooth-coated varieties shed, whereas rough-coated ones are hypoallergenic.
The Chihuahua is a well-known small dog breed due to larger-than-life personalities and sassy attitudes. These dogs bond strongly with their people and don’t want anyone else in their lives. The mild aggression of the Chihuahua mainly comes from jealousy, as they typically want their owner’s attention all for themselves.
Despite these, the Chihuahua makes a great companion for individuals looking for an affectionate and lively companion. They are quite adaptable dogs that won’t mind life changes as long as their owner is present. However, Chihuahuas aren’t the best match for large families as they may struggle to allow others to get their favorite human’s attention.
The Chinese crested is a less common dog breed to encounter when compared to the others on our list, but it is still a well-known one due to their appearance and hairless body. However, not all Chinese crested dogs are hairless. Some also have silky coats that don’t shed, making both varieties a fitting breed for those with pet allergies.
As for the temperament and what it’s like to own a Chinese crested, these dogs are much like the Chihuahua. They bond with one particular family member and seek their constant attention. Overall, this breed is more suitable for individuals and families with older or no children.
Commonly known as a sausage dog, the dachshund is a brave, alert, and playful dog breed that pairs well with dog owners living an active lifestyle. These dogs were bred to chase and flush out burrow-dwelling animals. Due to their origins, they have a high prey drive and aren’t the best dogs for households with prey animals.
However, dachshunds can get along well with other dogs, and cats if raised together, and they can become very outgoing with proper socialization. With some training, their instincts to dig and follow their nose can also be managed. The best owner for a dachshund is someone who loves the outdoors and can satisfy their dog’s natural curiosity in nature.
The English toy spaniel is among the smallest hunting dog breeds. While most working dog breeds thrive when given a job to do, the best task for today’s English toy spaniel is being their owner’s snuggle buddy. English toy spaniels are loving dogs that bond strongly with their family members and get along well with other dogs and children.
These characteristics make the English toy spaniel an ideal dog breed for families with children looking for an affectionate, energetic dog breed. They keep everyone active and can snuggle up with their people all day long after a quality playtime. The breed’s adaptability also makes them fit for various living settings, including small apartments.
The Havanese is a dog breed with an overly friendly and playful temperament. These dogs can get along well with virtually anyone and don’t know any limits to playtime. As far as a Havanese is concerned, everyone is a potential friend – but more importantly, a playmate.
The Havanese has higher grooming needs than many others, but these dogs can be very low-maintenance dogs in terms of walks; they don’t need an extensive amount of exercise to stay happy. With all these traits, the Havanese is the perfect match for anyone wanting to adopt a playful small dog.
The Italian greyhound is the best breed for those wanting a smaller version of the full-sized greyhound or whippet. Italian greyhounds are highly adaptable dogs that can flourish in various living conditions, including in small apartments, as long as they are properly exercised.
Although quick and agile, Italian greyhounds are sensitive dogs that need just as much affection. On top of exercise, you should spare time to cuddle with your Italian greyhound to ensure your dog is happy. These dogs are for anyone wishing for a loving and playful dog, though they pair better with single individuals than large families.
Perhaps one of the most energetic and athletic dog breeds, the Jack Russell terrier isn’t a dog for the faint-hearted. These dogs can run and work endlessly alongside their owners, making them only suitable for those living an active life. Without enough physical and mental exercise, a Jack Russell terrier can be too much to manage.
Jack Russell terriers are also vocal dogs that don’t do well in apartments with noise restrictions. This breed requires a large area to exercise and play in – often something even bigger than what large dogs need. With all these, Jack Russell terriers are suitable for individuals and families living an active life, as well as those who can provide their dogs with a spacious living space.
One of the smallest terriers, the Maltese is a sweet-natured and affectionate dog breed. Despite their small size, the Maltese can get feisty when something or someone occupies their owner’s attention for too long. They are companion dogs that want to be with their favorite human all the time.
The Maltese is more suitable for families without children, but with proper socialization and teaching kids how to behave around dogs, they can get along well with all family members. In fact, children may become their favorite playtime pal once a Maltese bonds with them.
Also known as the mini pin, the miniature pinscher is an energetic dog breed. These dogs are playful and bond strongly with their family but may act independently. Since miniature pinschers were originally bred for hunting, they tend to follow their curiosity and block everything else.
Mini pins are working dogs that want a constant outlet to expel energy. They enjoy interacting with strangers as long as their owner is present but may bark at unfamiliar people approaching home. With all their traits, miniature pinschers require an active owner to take them on adventures.
The papillon is a dog breed that gets along better with people than other dogs or pets. Like the Chihuahua and the Chinese crested, papillons want their owner’s attention all for themselves. However, these dogs bond strongly with children in the family, and their energetic temperament makes them the perfect match for active households.
Papillons can be a good breed for families with children. They are friendly dogs that love being at the center of attention. With proper socialization, they can also become more accepting of strange animals, though their high prey drive makes them difficult to manage around cats and prey animals.
Shih tzus are one of the most popular companion dogs around. They have a friendly and outgoing temperament with a sweet side that makes them befriend pretty much anyone. They get along well with kids and act gentle around quiet children but are always ready for playtime at a moment’s notice.
These dogs are also highly adaptable and can thrive in various living settings, from spacious houses with a backyard to small studio apartments. While shih tzus can be great family pets for many, their grooming needs shouldn’t be underestimated. This breed requires daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting.
Often called a Pom, Pomeranians are known for their cheerful natures and alert facial expressions. They are the ultimate definition of a lap dog. Like many other small dog breeds, Pomeranians tend to attach to one special person more than others. Poms are excellent companions for single individuals, but proper socialization will help them get along well with children.
Pomeranians do just fine in families with other pets, including cats. However, large dogs may be intimidating for a Pom, which can cause them to act shy or fearful. While this breed is lively and can get along well with everyone, Pomeranians have high grooming needs. These dogs need a thorough brushing a few times weekly to maintain their fluffy appearance.
The toy poodle is an intelligent dog breed that can learn complex tricks quickly. Toy poodles are outgoing and social dogs with a playful temperament. Although they are a small breed, toy poodles are very athletic and great candidates for advanced agility training.
While toy poodles require a good amount of daily interactions, they can also be ideal for families living a quiet life. An hour of daily walk is enough for a toy poodle to call it a day due to their smaller size. As long as a toy poodle gets enough physical and mental exercise, they will adapt to their owner’s life, regardless of the residential setting.
Pugs are the best dogs for those looking for a small couch potato. They are easygoing and don’t require much upkeep in terms of exercise and grooming. As long as they are fed a high-quality diet and walked for short periods throughout the day, a pug will be as happy as ever.
However, pugs are a brachycephalic dog breed, and they may suffer from various health conditions, particularly respiratory issues. Pugs shouldn’t be walked in extremely high heat, and play sessions must be short and moderate in intensity to prevent overexertion.
Commonly known as the Yorkie, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular dog breed on our list. Yorkies owe their popularity to their affectionate personalities around their family members and bold temperament around others. They are loving dogs that form strong bonds with the people and animals from their family unit.
With their hearts much larger than their size, Yorkies may get jealous around unfamiliar dogs and people. Early socialization is a must with Yorkshire terriers to ensure they don’t view others as a competition for their owner’s attention. Also, Yorkies have high grooming needs, requiring daily brushing and haircuts every six to eight weeks.
In this article, we have covered various small dog breeds, from cuddly types like the pug and bichon frise to energetic ones like the miniature pinscher and Jack Russell terrier, to many in between.
In addition to the size of your desired dog breed, consider your ideal dog’s exercise, grooming, and mental stimulation needs, along with your life circumstances. The most important question when adopting a dog is whether or not your family life and overall lifestyle match the dog breed you want to adopt.
Once you have an answer to these considerations, finding the right small dog breed comes down to individual preferences. Every dog breed has something unique to offer, and doing thorough research to build the right expectations will lead you to the best small dog breed for you and your family.