The Definitive List of Small Dog Breeds: 12 Top Picks...
Explore our expert-curated list of small dog breeds ranked by apartment living, family fit, and grooming needs.
Finding the right small dog is about more than just cute faces and compact sizes. Small breeds vary wildly in energy, grooming demands, trainability, and suitability for families with young children. This guide cuts through the noise with a data-driven list of small dog breeds evaluated against real-world ownership criteria.
How We Selected These Breeds
Every breed on this list meets all of the following criteria:
- Weight ceiling: Adult weight under 22 lb (10 kg), per the American Kennel Club's small-breed classification.
- Recognized breed status: Full AKC or FCI recognition (no unstandardized designer mixes).
- Health data availability: Documented breed-specific health screening protocols via the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or peer-reviewed veterinary literature.
- Temperament predictability: Established breed standard with consistent behavioral traits across multiple bloodlines.
- Ownership viability in 2026: Available through responsible breeders or breed-specific rescues in the US, with realistic acquisition costs under $5,000.
Breeds were then scored across five attributes (each rated 1–5): apartment adaptability, family friendliness (kids 6+), grooming burden, trainability, and exercise demand.
12 Best Small Dog Breeds, Grouped by Lifestyle Fit
We've organized these breeds into three lifestyle categories so you can jump to the section that matches your situation.
Category 1: Best Small Breeds for Apartments & Low-Key Households
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size class: Toy/Small | Weight: 13–18 lb (5.9–8.2 kg) | Key trait: Exceptionally low reactivity — one of the quietest small breeds, making them ideal for shared-wall living.
Cavaliers are velcro dogs that thrive on proximity to their owners. They need 30–45 minutes of daily walking but rarely demand intense activity. Their primary drawback is a high prevalence of mitral valve disease (MVD) — nearly 50% show heart murmurs by age 5, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Budget $200–$400/year for cardiac monitoring after age 4.
2. French Bulldog
Size class: Small/Non-Sporting | Weight: 16–28 lb (7.3–12.7 kg) | Key trait: Lowest exercise demand on this list — 15–20 minutes of short walks suffices, thanks to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy.
Frenchies dominate apartment living because they're physically incapable of sustained high-intensity exercise. However, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) affects an estimated 50%+ of the breed. Expect veterinary costs 30–50% higher than average small breeds due to respiratory, skin fold, and spinal (hemivertebrae) issues. Purchase price: $2,500–$5,000 from a health-tested breeder.
3. Italian Greyhound
Size class: Toy | Weight: 7–14 lb (3.2–6.4 kg) | Key trait: True couch companion indoors despite sighthound heritage — they sprint in short bursts then collapse into warmth-seeking lap dogs.
Iggies need 20–30 minutes of off-leash sprinting in a secure area, then they're done for the day. Their thin coat and near-zero body fat mean they need a sweater below 50°F (10°C). Fragile legs are a concern — patellar fractures and leg breaks are common in puppies under 12 months. Not recommended for homes with toddlers or large, rambunctious dogs.
4. Bichon Frise
Size class: Small/Non-Sporting | Weight: 12–18 lb (5.4–8.2 kg) | Key trait: Among the most hypoallergenic small breeds — their double coat sheds minimally, trapping dander close to the skin.
Bichons are cheerful, sturdy little dogs that adapt well to apartment life with 30–45 minutes of daily activity. The grooming commitment is significant: professional grooming every 4–6 weeks ($50–$90/session) plus brushing 3–4 times weekly at home. Without this, their coat mats painfully within 2–3 weeks.
Category 2: Best Small Breeds for Active Families
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Size class: Small/Terrier | Weight: 11–20 lb (5–9.1 kg) | Key trait: Highest trainability among small terrier breeds — consistently ranks in the top tier for obedience learning speed.
Mini Schnauzers are alert, sturdy, and genuinely enjoy structured activities like agility and nosework. They need 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They're vocal dogs — early training to manage barking is essential. Health screenings should include testing for myotonia congenita and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV). Purchase price: $1,200–$3,000.
6. Boston Terrier
Size class: Small/Non-Sporting | Weight: 12–25 lb (5.4–11.3 kg) | Key trait: One of the most child-tolerant small breeds — bred specifically as a companion, they have a stable, playful temperament without the sharpness common in terriers.
Bostons need 30–45 minutes of daily exercise and are sturdy enough to handle gentle play with kids aged 6+. Their brachycephalic face requires the same heat-exercise precautions as French Bulldogs — no outdoor activity when temperature + humidity exceeds 150°F combined index. They snore, sometimes loudly.
7. Rat Terrier
Size class: Small (Miniature variety) | Weight: 10–18 lb (4.5–8.2 kg) | Key trait: Highest endurance-to-size ratio on this list — these dogs will hike 3–5 miles and still have energy for fetch at the campsite.
Rat Terriers are intelligent, versatile, and less common than many small breeds (meaning fewer puppy-mill problems). They excel at dog sports and need a job — puzzle toys, scent games, or structured training sessions daily. Their short coat is nearly zero-maintenance. They can be wary of strangers; early socialization (8–16 weeks) is critical.
8. Cocker Spaniel (American)
Size class: Small-Medium/Sporting | Weight: 20–30 lb (9.1–13.6 kg) | Key trait: The largest breed on our list but still within small-dog territory — they bridge the gap between compact size and genuine sporting-dog stamina.
American Cockers need 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and thrive with families who enjoy outdoor activities. Their luxurious coat demands professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($60–$100/session). Ear infections are a chronic issue due to heavy, floppy ears — budget for weekly ear cleaning with a veterinarian-approved otic cleanser. Responsible breeders screen for familial nephropathy and progressive retinal atrophy.
Category 3: Best Small Breeds for Low-Grooming Households
9. Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Size class: Toy | Weight: 2–6 lb (0.9–2.7 kg) | Key trait: Lowest grooming burden of any breed on this list — a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth is often sufficient.
Chihuahuas are bold, loyal, and surprisingly athletic for their size. They need only 20–30 minutes of daily activity, much of which can be indoor play. Their tiny size makes them fragile — not suitable for homes with young children or large dogs. Patellar luxation and dental overcrowding (due to their small jaw) are common health concerns. Expect dental cleanings under anesthesia every 1–2 years ($300–$700).
10. Miniature Pinscher
Size class: Toy | Weight: 8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg) | Key trait: Short, single-layer coat with minimal shedding — grooming takes under 5 minutes per week.
Min Pins are fearless, energetic, and not for first-time owners. They need 30–45 minutes of vigorous daily exercise and firm, positive-reinforcement training from puppyhood. They're escape artists — a secure fence with no gaps larger than 3 inches is essential. Not recommended for homes with cats or small pets due to high prey drive.
11. Dachshund (Smooth-Haired, Miniature)
Size class: Small/Hound | Weight: 8–11 lb (3.6–5 kg) | Key trait: Short, dense coat that sheds moderately but requires no professional grooming — a rubber curry brush once weekly handles it.
Miniature Dachshunds are curious, stubborn, and endlessly entertaining. Their long spine makes them susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — approximately 25% of Dachshunds will experience a disc herniation in their lifetime. Preventative measures include ramp access to furniture, harness-only walking (never neck collars), and weight management (even 1 extra pound significantly increases IVDD risk). Purchase price: $1,500–$3,500 from an OFA-screened breeder.
12. Papillon
Size class: Toy | Weight: 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) | Key trait: Despite their silky coat, Papillons lack an undercoat — shedding is minimal and matting is rare compared to other long-coated breeds.
Papillons are arguably the most trainable toy breed, regularly competing in agility and obedience at high levels. They need 30–40 minutes of daily exercise and thrive on mental challenges. Their fine bone structure means careful handling around children under 8. Health screenings should include patella evaluations and fontanel checks (open skull soft spots present in some lines).
Side-by-Side Breed Comparison
| Breed | Weight Range | Exercise (min/day) | Grooming Cost/Year | Apartment Score (1–5) | Kid-Friendly (6+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13–18 lb | 30–45 | $200–$500 | 5 | ★★★★★ |
| French Bulldog | 16–28 lb | 15–20 | $100–$300 | 5 | ★★★★☆ |
| Italian Greyhound | 7–14 lb | 20–30 | $50–$150 | 5 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Bichon Frise | 12–18 lb | 30–45 | $600–$1,100 | 5 | ★★★★☆ |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11–20 lb | 45–60 | $500–$900 | 3 | ★★★★☆ |
| Boston Terrier | 12–25 lb | 30–45 | $100–$200 | 4 | ★★★★★ |
| Rat Terrier | 10–18 lb | 45–60 | $50–$100 | 3 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cocker Spaniel (American) | 20–30 lb | 45–60 | $600–$1,000 | 3 | ★★★★★ |
| Chihuahua (Smooth) | 2–6 lb | 20–30 | $50–$100 | 5 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Miniature Pinscher | 8–10 lb | 30–45 | $50–$100 | 3 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Dachshund (Mini, Smooth) | 8–11 lb | 30–40 | $50–$150 | 4 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Papillon | 5–10 lb | 30–40 | $100–$300 | 4 | ★★★☆☆ |
Decision Framework: Which Small Breed Fits Your Life?
Choosing between these breeds comes down to three variables: your living situation, your time budget, and your household composition. Use this flowchart to narrow your top 3.
Step 1: What's your living space?
- Apartment/condo with shared walls → Prioritize breeds rated 4–5 on apartment score: Cavalier, Frenchie, Italian Greyhound, Bichon, Chihuahua, Dachshund, or Papillon.
- House with fenced yard → All breeds on this list work. Consider higher-energy options like Miniature Schnauzer, Rat Terrier, or Cocker Spaniel.
- Rural property with acreage → Rat Terrier and Miniature Pinscher excel here — they'll use the space and their prey drive becomes an asset (rodent control).
Step 2: How much weekly time can you dedicate to grooming?
- Under 30 minutes/week → Smooth Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, or smooth Dachshund. Budget breeds with minimal coat care.
- 30–60 minutes/week (home brushing) + professional grooming budget → Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, or Cocker Spaniel. Factor in $500–$1,100/year in grooming costs.
- 15 minutes/week, no professional grooming budget → Boston Terrier, Rat Terrier, or Papillon. Low-shedding coats manageable at home.
Step 3: Who's in your household?
- Children under 8 → Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, or Cocker Spaniel. Avoid Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, and Papillons — their fragile bones don't tolerate rough handling.
- Children 8+ who understand gentle handling → All breeds on this list are viable with proper supervision.
- Other dogs in household → Cavalier, Boston Terrier, Bichon, and Cocker Spaniel integrate most smoothly. Miniature Pinschers and Rat Terriers may challenge existing dogs for hierarchy.
- Cats or small pets → Avoid Rat Terriers and Miniature Pinschers (high prey drive). Cavaliers, Bichons, and Boston Terriers typically coexist well with cats.
Step 4: What's your first-year budget?
- Under $2,500 total (purchase + first-year care) → Consider breed-specific rescue for any breed. If buying: Chihuahua, Rat Terrier, or Dachshund from moderately priced breeders.
- $2,500–$4,500 → Cavalier, Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, or Papillon from health-tested breeders.
- $4,500+ → French Bulldog (expect $2,500–$5,000 purchase + $800–$1,500 first-year veterinary due to brachycephalic care needs).
Honorable Mentions & Breeds to Approach with Caution
Honorable Mentions (Didn't Quite Make the Top 12)
- Havanese: Excellent apartment dog and family companion, but their coat requires daily brushing or frequent professional grooming. If you can commit to the coat care, they deserve serious consideration.
- Toy Poodle: Exceptionally intelligent and hypoallergenic, but their sensitivity and need for mental stimulation make them less forgiving of inconsistent training. Best for experienced owners.
- Shih Tzu: Wonderful lap dog with low exercise needs, but brachycephalic health issues combined with high grooming demands create a costly ownership profile.
Breeds to Approach with Caution
- Yorkshire Terrier: Frequently recommended for apartments, but Yorkies are prone to excessive barking, tracheal collapse (requiring harness-only walking), and dental disease that often begins by age 2. They require more maintenance than their "easy small dog" reputation suggests.
- Pomeranian: Their double coat sheds heavily and mats easily. They're also among the most vocal small breeds — problematic in apartment settings with noise complaints. Heavy shedding season (spring/fall) produces surprising volume for a 4–7 lb dog.
- "Teacup" varieties of any breed: Not a recognized size classification. Dogs marketed as "teacup" are typically runts bred to runts, resulting in severe health issues including hypoglycemia, fragile bones, heart defects, and shortened lifespans. Reputable breeders do not produce "teacup" dogs.
First-Year Cost Breakdown: What to Actually Budget
Purchase price is only the beginning. Here's what new small-dog owners typically spend in year one, based on 2026 US averages:
| Expense Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase/adoption | $300 (rescue) | $5,000 | Health-tested breeders charge $1,200–$5,000 |
| Veterinary (wellness + vaccines) | $400 | $800 | Includes DHPP, rabies, bordetella, spay/neuter |
| Food (premium small-breed kibble) | $200 | $450 | Small dogs eat less but need calorie-dense formulas |
| Grooming | $0 | $1,100 | Smooth coats: $0. Bichon/Cocker: $600–$1,100/yr |
| Gear (crate, harness, bed, toys) | $150 | $400 | Include ramp for Dachshunds ($30–$60) |
| Pet insurance (annual premium) | $300 | $600 | Higher for brachycephalic breeds |
| Total Year One | $1,350 | $8,350 | Most owners land in the $2,000–$4,000 range |
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies a dog as a "small breed"?
The AKC doesn't have a strict weight cutoff, but the veterinary and pet-insurance industries generally classify dogs under 22 lb (10 kg) as small breeds. Some organizations use 20 lb as the threshold. Within this category, "toy" breeds typically weigh under 15 lb.
Are small dogs harder to train than larger breeds?
Not inherently, but small dogs are often undertrained because owners tolerate behaviors (jumping, barking, resource guarding) they wouldn't accept in a 70 lb dog. Miniature Schnauzers, Papillons, and Toy Poodles are among the most trainable dogs of any size. Use the same positive-reinforcement methods you'd use for a Labrador — just scale your treat size down to pea-sized pieces.
Do small breeds live longer than large breeds?
Yes. Small breeds average 12–16 years compared to 8–12 years for large breeds. Chihuahuas and Dachshunds frequently reach 15–18 years. However, longevity varies significantly by breed health practices — obesity can reduce a small dog's lifespan by 2+ years, according to AVMA breed health data.
Which small breed is best for someone who works from home?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise are ideal WFH companions — they're content to stay near you all day without becoming destructive. Avoid high-energy breeds like Rat Terriers or Miniature Pinschers if your work keeps you desk-bound for 6+ hours without breaks for interactive play.
Should I get pet insurance for a small dog?
Strongly recommended, especially for breeds with known expensive conditions. French Bulldogs, Cavaliers (cardiac care), and Dachshunds (IVDD surgery can cost $3,000–$8,000) are high-value candidates for insurance. Enroll before your puppy's first birthday — pre-existing conditions are universally excluded. Monthly premiums for small breeds typically range from $25–$50/month depending on breed and deductible.
Can small dogs go hiking?
Several breeds on this list make excellent trail companions. Rat Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Cocker Spaniels can handle 3–5 mile hikes once fully grown (after growth plates close at 10–12 months). Always carry water, use a harness (not a collar), and bring a doggy backpack or sling for the return trip — even athletic small dogs fatigue faster than their larger counterparts.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general breed information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Before choosing a breed, consult your veterinarian about health predispositions relevant to your region and lifestyle. Always acquire puppies from breeders who perform OFA or PennHIP health screenings, or consider breed-specific rescue organizations through the AKC Rescue Network.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
