28 Best Small Dog Breeds
Small dogs are loved for their cuteness, loyalty, and adaptability, but choosing the right breed can be confusing. I’ve written this guide on the Top 28 Best Small Dog Breeds to help families, apartment dwellers, and first-time pet owners find the perfect little companion. Here, you’ll discover each breed’s personality, origin, and popularity so you can choose a dog that truly fits your lifestyle
French Bulldog – Low-maintenance, calm, and affectionate.
French Bulldog – Calm and affectionate, this low-maintenance breed is perfect for apartments and city life. They love lounging but enjoy short play sessions too.
( best low-maintenance small dog / best small dog breeds low maintenance)
🏳️ Origin: France
🌍 Popular in: USA, UK, France
Pomeranian – Fluffy, energetic, and highly intelligent.
2. Pomeranian – A fluffy little powerhouse, full of energy and intelligence. Despite their tiny size, they carry a big, bold personality.
( cute small dog breeds that don’t shed / dogs that stay little )
🏳️ Origin: Germany/Poland (Pomerania region)
🌍 Popular in: USA, UK, Philippines
Shih Tzu – Gentle, friendly, and perfect lap dog.
Shih Tzu – Gentle and friendly, these perfect lap dogs thrive on human company and bring endless affection to their families.
( best hypoallergenic lap dogs / small dog breeds that don’t shed much )
🏳️ Origin: Tibet/China
🌍 Popular in: China, USA, UK
Chihuahua – Tiny but bold, loyal, and portable.
Chihuahua – Tiny but fearless, Chihuahuas are loyal and protective. They form strong bonds and love being carried everywhere.
( best small dogs that stay small / dogs that don’t get big )
🏳️ Origin: Mexico
🌍 Popular in: USA, Mexico, Philippines
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Affectionate, playful, and great with kids.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Affectionate and playful, these sweet dogs are wonderful with kids and adapt easily to family life.
( best friendly small dog breeds / best family dogs that don’t shed )
🏳️ Origin: United Kingdom
🌍 Popular in: UK, USA, Australia
Pekingese – Regal look with a loyal personality.
Pekingese – Known for their regal look and flowing coats, Pekingese are loyal companions with a calm yet proud nature.
( low maintenance small dogs / cute small dog breeds hypoallergenic )
🏳️ Origin: China
🌍 Popular in: China, UK, USA
Boston Terrier – Friendly, adaptable, and playful.
Boston Terrier – Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are cheerful, adaptable, and always ready for fun.
( friendly dog breeds small / small dogs low maintenance )
🏳️ Origin: United States
🌍 Popular in: USA, Canada, Japan
Havanese – Hypoallergenic, cheerful, and family-friendly.
Havanese – With a cheerful personality and hypoallergenic coat, Havanese make excellent companions for families and kids.
( best hypoallergenic small dogs for families / hypoallergenic lap dogs )
🏳️ Origin: Cuba
🌍 Popular in: USA, Canada, South America
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) – Small but feisty with a loving heart.
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) – Small in size but full of confidence, Yorkies are bold, loving, and carry a big personality.
( small dog breeds that don’t shed / non-shedding small dogs )
🏳️ Origin: England
🌍 Popular in: UK, USA, Philippines
Maltese – Elegant, hypoallergenic, and sweet-tempered.
Maltese – Elegant and sweet-tempered, the Maltese shines with its long white coat and affectionate nature.
( best small hypoallergenic dog breeds / small allergy free dogs )
🏳️ Origin: Malta
🌍 Popular in: Italy, USA, Australia
Miniature Schnauzer – Intelligent, alert, and hypoallergenic.
Miniature Schnauzer – Intelligent and alert, these sturdy dogs are hypoallergenic and love both play and companionship.
( best small breed hypoallergenic dogs / healthy small dog breeds )
🏳️ Origin: Germany
🌍 Popular in: Germany, USA, UK
Dachshund – Playful “sausage dog” with a brave personality.
Dachshund – Brave and curious, Dachshunds are playful little “sausage dogs” with a big love for adventure.
( good small breed dogs / dogs that don’t grow )
🏳️ Origin: Germany
🌍 Popular in: Germany, USA, Japan
Pug – Comical, loving, and great with children.
Pug – Loving and comical, Pugs win hearts with their wrinkled faces, playful spirit, and family-friendly nature.
( friendliest small dog breeds / best family small dogs )
🏳️ Origin: China
🌍 Popular in: USA, UK, Brazil
Papillon – Smart, active, and butterfly-eared beauty.
.Papillon – Smart and elegant, Papillons are active small dogs recognized by their beautiful butterfly-shaped ears.
( Most friendly small dogs / small dogs hypoallergenic )
🏳️ Origin: France/Belgium
🌍 Popular in: France, USA, Japan
Lhasa Apso – Loyal watchdog with long, flowing coat.
Lhasa Apso – A loyal watchdog with a long flowing coat, Lhasas are independent yet deeply devoted to their families.
( low maintenance hypoallergenic small dogs / calm small dogs that don’t shed )
🏳️ Origin: Tibet
🌍 Popular in: Nepal, USA, UK
Italian Greyhound – Sleek, gentle, and affectionate.
Italian Greyhound – Sleek and graceful, these gentle dogs are affectionate companions who love to snuggle.
( healthy small dog breeds / small dogs that don’t shed )
🏳️ Origin: Italy
🌍 Popular in: Italy, USA, Russia
Brussels Griffon – Charming, expressive face, and loyal.
Brussels Griffon – With their expressive faces and quirky charm, Brussels Griffons are loyal and full of character.
( unique small dog breeds / cute little dogs that don’t shed )
🏳️ Origin: Belgium
🌍 Popular in: Belgium, USA, France
Bichon Frise – Hypoallergenic, happy-go-lucky companion.
Bichon Frise – Fluffy and joyful, Bichons are hypoallergenic companions that bring laughter and warmth to any home.
( best hypoallergenic small dog breeds / dogs that don’t shed and are small )
🏳️ Origin: France/Spain (Canary Islands)
🌍 Popular in: France, USA, Canada
Scottish Terrier (Scottie) – Independent yet loyal.
Scottish Terrier (Scottie) – Independent yet loyal, Scotties are dignified small dogs with a spirited and brave heart.
( hardy small dog breeds / best natured small dogs )
🏳️ Origin: Scotland
🌍 Popular in: UK, USA, Japan
West Highland White Terrier (Westie) – Playful, hardy, and adaptable.
West Highland White Terrier (Westie) – Playful and sturdy, Westies are lively companions with a tough little personality.
( small breed dogs that don’t shed / best small dogs for allergies )
🏳️ Origin: Scotland
🌍 Popular in: UK, USA, Australia
Chinese Crested – Unique, affectionate, and hypoallergenic.
Chinese Crested – Unique in appearance, the Chinese Crested is affectionate, hypoallergenic, and loves being close to its people.
( hypoallergenic toy dog breeds / allergy free dogs small )
🏳️ Origin: China
🌍 Popular in: China, USA, UK
Coton de Tulear – Fluffy, loving, and playful.
Chinese Crested – Unique in appearance, the Chinese Crested is affectionate, hypoallergenic, and loves being close to its people.
( cute small hypoallergenic dogs / friendly small dogs )
🏳️ Origin: China
🌍 Popular in: China, USA, UK
Norfolk Terrier – Friendly, energetic, and outgoing.
Chinese Crested – Unique in appearance, the Chinese Crested is affectionate, hypoallergenic, and loves being close to its people.
( small friendly dog breeds / best small dogs for home )
🏳️ Origin: China
🌍 Popular in: China, USA, UK
Toy Poodle – Extremely intelligent and hypoallergenic.
Toy Poodle – Stylish and extremely intelligent, Toy Poodles are playful, hypoallergenic, and quick learners.
( miniature hypoallergenic dog breeds / best hypoallergenic small dogs )
🏳️ Origin: Germany/France
🌍 Popular in: France, USA, Japan
Japanese Chin – Elegant, quiet, and loyal.
Japanese Chin – Graceful and quiet, Japanese Chins are elegant lap dogs with a charming and loyal nature.
( calm small dog breeds that don’t shed / small dogs no shedding )
🏳️ Origin: Japan
🌍 Popular in: Japan, USA, UK
Schipperke – Curious, active, and protective.
Schipperke – Small but bold, Schipperkes are curious, protective, and always on the move.
( low shedding small dogs / healthy small dog breeds )
🏳️ Origin: Belgium
🌍 Popular in: Belgium, USA, Netherlands
Jack Russell Terrier – Energetic, smart, and fun-loving.
Jack Russell Terrier – Full of energy and intelligence, Jack Russells are adventurous dogs that love action and play.
( most gentle small dog breeds / small dogs that are healthy )
🏳️ Origin: England
🌍 Popular in: UK, USA, Australia
Miniature Pinscher – Fearless, lively, and adventurous.
Miniature Pinscher – Fearless and lively, Mini Pinschers are adventurous little watchdogs with a big attitude.
( mini dogs that don’t shed / miniature non-shedding dogs )
🏳️ Origin: Germany
🌍 Popular in: Germany, USA, Philippines
FAQ
FAQ 1: Which is the best small dog breed for families with kids?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Beagle are among the best small dog breeds for families. They are gentle, affectionate, and playful, making them great companions for children.
FAQ 2: Do small dog breeds require less exercise?
Most small dog breeds need less exercise compared to large dogs, but they still need daily walks and playtime. Breeds like Chihuahuas and Pugs are lower-energy, while Jack Russell Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers are more active.
FAQ 3: Which small dog breeds are the most popular worldwide?
Some of the most popular small dog breeds worldwide include the Chihuahua (Mexico/USA), Shih Tzu (China), Pomeranian (Germany/Poland), and French Bulldog (France). Their popularity comes from their size, adaptability, and affectionate nature.
FAQ 4: Which small dog breed is easiest to train?
Toy Poodles, Papillons, and Miniature Schnauzers are among the easiest small dog breeds to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new tricks.
