30 of the Best Small Dog Breeds To Bring Home
Good things come in small packages—and that’s especially true for dogs. While big dogs have their devoted fans, small dog breeds are beloved companions, particularly for apartment dwellers, first-time pet parents, or anyone with limited space or budget for supplies. That said, size doesn’t equal low maintenance: even the tiniest pups need consistent training, daily enrichment, regular exercise, and mental stimulation.
Small dog breeds vary widely in appearance, personality, energy level, and grooming needs. Choosing the right one means matching a breed’s temperament and care requirements to your lifestyle—not just falling for those irresistible puppy eyes. Below are some of the most popular and well-suited small dog breeds to consider for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Small dog breeds differ significantly in looks, temperament, energy, and grooming—research is essential before committing.
- All small dogs benefit from early socialization, positive reinforcement training, and daily mental engagement—even if they’re content to nap on the couch.
- Some tiny breeds are surprisingly athletic; others thrive on quiet companionship. Consider your daily routine, activity level, and living environment carefully.
1. Affenpinscher
Size: 7–10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Temperament: Inquisitive, loyal, spunky
Weighing no more than 10 pounds and standing under 12 inches tall, the Affenpinscher packs serious charm into a compact frame. With its wiry coat, flat face, and distinctive bearded chin, this breed resembles a mischievous little monkey—and behaves like one too. Affenpinschers are clever, bold, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for owners who appreciate spirited, interactive companionship.
2. American Eskimo Dog
Size: 6–35 pounds (Toy and Miniature varieties fall well within small-dog range)
Life expectancy: 13–15 years
Temperament: Social butterfly, energetic, super smart
The American Eskimo Dog is a cheerful, intelligent small breed known for its gleaming white double coat and alert expression. Though it comes in three sizes, even the largest Standard variety stays comfortably under 35 pounds—making many Eskies perfect for smaller homes. Highly trainable and eager to please, they excel in agility and obedience. Their luxurious coat does require regular grooming: weekly brushing with a slicker brush and occasional combing helps prevent mats and keeps shedding under control.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Size: 17–23 pounds
Life expectancy: 11–16 years
Temperament: Social butterfly, inquisitive, quick
Don’t let their lamb-like silhouette fool you—the Bedlington Terrier is a spirited, agile terrier at heart. With its distinctive pear-shaped head, gentle expression, and soft, woolly coat (in liver, blue, sandy, or tan), this breed stands out among small terriers. Bedlingtons are affectionate with family, curious about the world, and surprisingly quick on their feet—ideal for active households that enjoy daily walks and interactive games.
4. Bichon Frise
Size: 12–18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14–15 years
Temperament: Velcro dog, fun-loving, smart
Instantly recognizable by its cotton-candy coat and joyful expression, the Bichon Frise is a classic companion breed. These affectionate, sociable dogs form deep bonds and thrive on human attention—whether they’re tagging along on errands or curling up beside you on the sofa. Their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat makes them a thoughtful choice for allergy-sensitive households, though it does demand daily brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to stay healthy and tangle-free.
5. Biewer Terrier
Size: 4–8 pounds
Life expectancy: 16 years
Temperament: Smart, loves to play, even-tempered
Often mistaken for a Yorkshire Terrier at first glance, the Biewer Terrier is distinguished by its tri-color coat—white, black or blue, and tan—arranged in precise, symmetrical markings. This petite, intelligent breed is both playful and steady-natured, adapting beautifully to family life. Due to their delicate size, supervision around young children or larger dogs is recommended to prevent accidental injury during boisterous play.
6. Bolognese
Size: 6–10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–14 years
Temperament: Playful, calm, loving
Known affectionately as “Bolos,” the Bolognese is a devoted lapdog with a serene yet engaging presence. These gentle, velvety-coated companions adore cuddling, strolling, and quiet time together—making them especially well-suited for retirees, remote workers, or anyone seeking a deeply connected, low-key companion. Their soft, white, single-layer coat resists matting but benefits from regular brushing to maintain its cloud-like texture.
7. Boston Terrier
Size: 12–25 pounds
Life expectancy: 11–13 years
Temperament: Bubbly, happy-go-lucky, outgoing
Dressed in a crisp black-and-white “tuxedo” coat, the Boston Terrier earned its nickname “American Gentleman”—but don’t mistake elegance for laziness. Bostons are sturdy, people-oriented dogs with boundless enthusiasm for walks, games, and learning new tricks. Because they’re brachycephalic (flat-faced), they’re prone to overheating. Always avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather, and provide cool, shaded rest areas year-round.
8. Brussels Griffon
Size: 8–10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Temperament: Bubbly, happy-go-lucky, outgoing
With their expressive, almost comical faces—complete with bushy eyebrows and a pouty underbite—the Brussels Griffon may look stern, but they’re pure sweetness underneath. Loyal, affectionate, and full of personality, these toy dogs love being involved in everything you do. They’re surprisingly agile and enjoy canine sports like rally or trick training. Like Boston Terriers, they’re sensitive to heat, so indoor climate control and short, shaded walks are key during warm months.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: 13–18 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Temperament: Gentle, sweet, jolly
One of the most endearing small breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel melts hearts with its soulful eyes, silky ears, and tender disposition. Calm enough for quiet evenings yet lively enough for backyard fetch, Cavaliers adapt effortlessly to seniors, families, and solo households alike. They thrive on companionship and do best when included in daily routines—whether it’s a morning walk, a car ride, or simply sharing your favorite chair.
10. Chihuahua
Size: 4–6 pounds
Life expectancy: 14–16 years
Temperament: Charismatic, chatty, cheeky
As one of the smallest dog breeds worldwide, the Chihuahua delivers outsized charm and confidence. Officially described as “saucy” in its breed standard, this pint-sized powerhouse is fiercely loyal, highly expressive, and unapologetically opinionated. Chihuahuas bond intensely with their people and often make excellent watchdogs—though early socialization helps them greet strangers with curiosity rather than suspicion.
11. Chinese Crested
Size: 8–12 pounds
Life expectancy: 13–18 years
Temperament: High-spirited, Velcro dog, sensitive
The Chinese Crested stands out for its two distinct coat types: the hairless variety—bald except for tufts on the head (“crest”), feet (“socks”), and tail (“plume”)—and the fully coated Powderpuff. Both types share the same affectionate, alert, and playful nature. Hairless Cresteds require special care: sunscreen formulated for dogs (SPF 30–40) is essential for sun protection, and lightweight clothing can help regulate body temperature in cooler weather.
12. Dachshund
Size: Under 32 pounds (Miniature: under 11 pounds; Standard: 16–32 pounds)
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
Temperament: Clever, funny, mischievous
With their unmistakable long backs and short legs, Dachshunds are instantly recognizable—and endlessly entertaining. Originally bred for badger hunting, they retain sharp instincts, strong curiosity, and a determined streak. Miniature Dachshunds are ideal for compact spaces, while Standards still qualify as small-breed companions. All varieties benefit from core-strengthening exercises and careful stair use to protect their spine.
13. Havanese
Size: 7–13 pounds
Life expectancy: 14–16 years
Temperament: Bright, outgoing, amusing
The Havanese is a true all-rounder: adaptable, affectionate, and endlessly charming. Whether you’re exploring a farmers’ market, hiking a local trail, or relaxing at home, this cheerful companion is ready to join in. Its silky, wavy coat sheds minimally but requires daily brushing to prevent tangles—especially if kept long. Many owners opt for a practical “puppy cut” for easier upkeep without sacrificing that signature Havanese sparkle.
