Top 10 Small Dog Breeds (2025)

Best Small Dog Breeds for families, apartments and first-time owners from French Bulldogs to Miniature Schnauzers, these cute, clever and adaptable dog breeds make good companions. Which low-shedding, hypoallergenic, and easy-to-train breeds fit your lifestyle best?

Top 10 Small Dog Breeds:

1. French Bulldog
2. Chihuahua
3. Toy Poodle
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Shih Tzu
6. Maltipoo
7. Pomeranian
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
9. Boston Terrier
10. Miniature Schnauzer 

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With their compact, muscular build, adorable personality, and characteristic bat ears, French bulldogs are among the most popular breeds. These dogs are loving, sociable with everyone, and love being around people, making them ideal for city inhabitants. They can live most comfortably in an apartment without a need for a yard, as they are small and moderately active.

• Personality – Friendly, playful, and enjoys human companionship.
• Trainability – Intelligent but sometimes stubborn; responds well to positive reinforcement.
• Exercise Needs – Low to moderate; short daily walks and indoor play are enough.
• Size: 28-33 cm (11-13 inches), 9-14 kg (20-31 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, spinal disorders (IVDD).
• Lifespan: 10-12 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: French Bulldogs require regular vet visits due to their breathing issues (brachycephalic syndrome). They may also need specialized diets, and quality food, vet care, and grooming costs can add up to $1,500–$3,000 annually.

Dr Lauren Thielen, explains to be honest, French Bulldogs with severe breathing difficulties may get the most significant benefit from airway surgery known as BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) surgery to improve airway function and quality of life. “Keep them cool in warmer weather so they don’t overheat,” she says.

💡 Best for: Singles, urbanites, and anyone who desires a low-maintenance, affectionate companion

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, but it has a big personality. They are faithful, confident, and usually gregarious with owners. Small in stature, but they are alert and protective, therefore excellent watchdogs.

• Personality – Lively, confident, and affectionate with their owners.
• Trainability – Intelligent but can be stubborn; early training is key.
• Exercise Needs – Low; prefers indoor play and short walks.
• Size: 15-23 cm (6-9 inches), 1-3 kg (2-6 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Patellar luxation, heart disease, dental problems, hydrocephalus.
• Lifespan: 14-18 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Although Chihuahuas require very little grooming, they will try your finances with dental care and patellar luxation (knee issues). Plan for $800–$2,000 a year for vet care, food, and maintenance.

One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Toy Poodle is a perfect choice when it comes to training and obedience. It’s a good choice for allergy sufferers due to its hypoallergenic coat. They require mental stimulation and love learning new tricks.

• Personality – Playful, social, and highly trainable.
• Trainability – Extremely intelligent and eager to please.
• Exercise Needs – Moderate; daily walks and interactive play are needed.
• Size: 24-28 cm (9.5-11 inches), 3-4.5 kg (6-10 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, epilepsy.
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

💰 Long-Term Costs:  Toy Poodles need regular professional grooming, which runs $50–$100 per visit. Annual costs of $1,200–$3,000 should be anticipated for vet care, high-quality food, and training.

💡 Best for: Active families, allergy sufferers and first-time dog owners looking for an intelligent, friendly pet.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but mighty breed, previously bred for hunting rats in mills. Today they are adored companion dogs, with their long, silky coat and vivacious personality.

• Personality – Bold, affectionate, and playful.
• Trainability – Smart but sometimes stubborn.
• Exercise Needs – Moderate; needs daily walks and playtime.
• Size: 18-23 cm (7-9 inches), 2-3.5 kg (4-8 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Dental disease, collapsed trachea, hypoglycemia.
• Lifespan: 13-16 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Yorkies need regular grooming, dental treatments, and special food. Annual cost from $1,500–$3,500, based on grooming frequency

💡 Best for: Families with older kids and folks who want a small active, affectionate dog.

The Shih Tzu was originally bred for the Chinese royalty and makes one of the best lap dogs. They are gentle, loving, and love people. Their lengthy, discount coat needs some work to maintain, however they are wonderful fido (indoor canine).

• Personality – Friendly, calm, and great for companionship.
• Trainability – Easy to train but needs positive reinforcement.
• Exercise Needs – Low; short walks and indoor play are enough.
• Size: 20-28 cm (8-11 inches), 4-7 kg (9-16 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Brachycephalic airway issues, eye infections, hip dysplasia.
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Grooming can be a very expensive service for Shih Tzus. They need regular brushing, professional grooming (typically $50–$100 per appointment), and eye-care to help prevent infections. Annual expenses range from $1,200–$3,500, depending on medical care and frequency of grooming

💡 Best for: Seniors, retirees and those wanting a loving, low-energy lap dog.

A Maltipoo is an affectionate, smart, and hypoallergenic companion dog that is crossed between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They're very adaptable and do well in apartments or houses with other families.

• Personality – Friendly, affectionate, and eager to please.
• Trainability – Highly intelligent and easy to train.
• Exercise Needs – Moderate; enjoys daily walks and interactive play.
• Size: 20-35 cm (8-14 inches), 2-9 kg (5-20 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dental disease.
• Lifespan: 12-16 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Expect to spend on regular grooming ($50–$90 per session), top-quality food, and routine vet visits. Yearly costs are $1,500–$3,500, based on how often the dog gets groomed and its health requirements.

The Pomeranian is a small fluffy breed with big personality. They are energetic, intelligent and crave attention. They may be small in size, but they have an enormous ego and like to be the center of the attention.

• Personality – Lively, alert, and affectionate.
• Trainability – Smart and quick to learn.
• Exercise Needs – Moderate; enjoys short walks and playtime.
• Size: 18-30 cm (7-12 inches), 1.5-3.5 kg (3-8 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Tracheal collapse, dental disease, luxating patella.
• Lifespan: 12-16 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Pomeranians require regular grooming (around $50–$80 per appointment), quality food, and dental care. Annual costs are usually between $1,200–$3,000 based on grooming needs and vet visits.

💡 Best for: People who enjoy interactive play and training, as Pomeranians love mental stimulation.

One of the most family-friendly of breeds is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are good with kids and require companionship.

• Personality – Loving, adaptable, and friendly.
• Trainability – Easy to train, eager to please.
• Exercise Needs – Moderate; enjoys walks and cuddle time.
• Size: 30-33 cm (12-13 inches), 5-8 kg (12-18 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), syringomyelia (SM), hip dysplasia.
• Lifespan: 9-14 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Cavaliers are vulnerable to heart disease, potentially needing lifelong medication ($500–$2,000 annually). Routine care, food, and grooming total $1,500–$3,500 a year.

Dr Gerardo Poli, advises that Cavalier pet owners should have annual heart check-ups from the age of 5, as mitral valve disease is a common ailment in the breed.

The Boston Terrier is a friendly, intelligent breed that wears tuxedo like markings. They are also playful and curious enough to be great family dogs.

• Personality – Social, outgoing, and affectionate.
• Trainability – Quick learners, great for first-time owners.
• Exercise Needs – Moderate; enjoys playtime and short walks.
• Size: 38-43 cm (15-17 inches), 6-11 kg (13-25 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Brachycephalic syndrome, cataracts, luxating patella.
• Lifespan: 11-14 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: The grooming requirements of Boston Terriers are not high, but their breathing issues (brachycephalic syndrome) and eye problems can increase vet costs. Yearly costs $1,000–$3,000 depending on medical treatment.

💡 Best for: First-time owners and anyone who wants a fun, easy-to-train pet.

Easily recognizable with a beard and eyebrows, the Miniature Schnauzer is a smart, energetic breed. They make a great watchdog and their coat is hypoallergenic, which is suitable for people suffering from allergies.

• Personality – Loyal, alert, and protective.
• Trainability – Highly intelligent, learns quickly.
• Exercise Needs – Needs daily activity to stay happy.
• Size: 30-36 cm (12-14 inches), 5-9 kg (11-20 lbs)
• Common Health Issues: Pancreatitis, bladder stones, diabetes.
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

💰 Long-Term Costs: Miniature Schnauzers need regular grooming ($60–$100 per session), quality food, and consistent vet visits. Annual costs for grooming can average $1,500–$3,500, based on specific needs.

💡 Best for: Families with children, those with allergies and active individuals.

1. What is the best small dog for first-time owners?
Toy Poodles, Boston Terriers and Cavaliers are easy to train and adaptable.

2. Do small dogs bark more?
Yes, but training can minimize excessive barking.

3. Is the cost of taking care of small dogs lower?
Most of the time, but some require special diets or grooming.

4. Which small dogs have the longest life spans?
Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles and Dachshunds frequently last over 15 years.

5. Do small dogs do well with children?
Yes, but fragile breeds should be supervised. Both Cavalier and Boston Terrier are child-friendly.

There are many unique qualities for each small dog breed that makes it better for some lifestyles than others.

Lap dogs who love your lap – Shih Tzu or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
For light training – Toy Poodle or Maltipoo
Those with low-energy homes — French Bulldog or Boston Terrier.
For the spirited, lively owner – Pomeranian or Miniature Schnauzer
For allergy sensitive to owners – Miniature Schnauzer or Yorkshire Terriers.

The process only starts with finding your perfect small dog, make sure you’re prepared to provide them with exceptional care.

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