10 Best Small Dogs
Small dogs get picked for the wrong reason more than any other kind. People think small means easy. Then the puppy barks at every car, refuses to go potty in the rain and gets underfoot on the stairs. Tiny bladders and big opinions are a real combination.
Small dogs do have perks. They cost less to feed, fit in more homes and travel well. You can pick one up when you need to. They also break bones more easily, and many are slower to house-train than larger breeds. If you have toddlers, a sturdy small dog is a safer pick than a fragile toy. Below are ten small and toy breeds that differ a lot from each other, with what each is like on a normal Tuesday.
How we picked: I chose toy and small breeds from different groups, from hounds to terriers to spitz types, so you can compare energy, noise and coat care side by side.
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1Dachshund
Small · 11 to 32 lb · 12 to 16 yrs
ApartmentsMedium energyBack injury riskDoxies are bold, funny and full of hunting instinct in a low frame. They bark loudly and often, and house training can take months. The long back is the big worry. Keep it lean, use ramps for the couch and keep it moving every day, since regular exercise seems to help the back.
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2Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Small · 24 to 30 lb · 12 to 13 yrs
First-time ownersHigh energyHeavy sheddingA Pembroke is a herding dog in a short body, so it has more stamina than you expect and needs at least an hour of activity. It is clever and fun to train. It also sheds heavily and barks with a big-dog voice. Watch the portions, because extra weight adds up fast.
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3Shiba Inu
Small · 17 to 23 lb · 13 to 16 yrs
Experienced ownersMedium energyUnreliable off leashThe Shiba is clean, quiet and almost cat-like in how it grooms itself. It suits someone who likes an independent dog. It will not come when called if something more interesting is around, so keep it on a leash. Twice a year it sheds so heavily you will find fur everywhere.
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4Yorkshire Terrier
Toy · 4 to 7 lb · 11 to 15 yrs
ApartmentsMedium energyFragile with rough playA Yorkie packs a terrier's nerve into 4 to 7 lb. It likes to explore and is busier than many toy breeds. It is also fragile. Rough play or a fall from a couch can hurt it, so it suits homes without very young kids. Brush its teeth often.
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5Chihuahua
Toy · 2 to 6 lb · 12 to 16 yrs
ApartmentsMedium energyVery vocalNothing is smaller, and few dogs are more devoted to one person. A Chihuahua needs little space and only short walks. It is also very vocal and often wary of strangers. Its tiny size means a toddler or a drop can injure it, so it does best with adults or older children.
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6Pomeranian
Toy · 3 to 7 lb · 12 to 16 yrs
ApartmentsMedium energyVery vocal at doors and windowsA Pom looks like a puffball and acts like a watchdog. It loves short walks and indoor games. Barking at doors and windows is common, and that thick coat mats without regular brushing. Use a harness on walks, since many Poms have a delicate windpipe that a collar can hurt.
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7Miniature Schnauzer
Small · 11 to 20 lb · 12 to 15 yrs
Families with kidsMedium energyBarks at everything outsideThe Mini Schnauzer is one of the sturdiest dogs here, a little farm dog that keeps up with kids and enjoys a game of fetch. It is quick to learn. Expect barking at anything that moves outside. Its diet matters too. Pancreatitis is common in the breed, so ask your vet about fatty treats.
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8Beagle
Small · 18 to 30 lb · 10 to 15 yrs
Families with kidsHigh energyLoud baying and howlingBeagles are small but solid and made for a busy family. They play hard and cope with clumsy hands better than toy breeds. Be ready for the howl and the nose. A Beagle will bay at a scent and raid the trash the moment you turn around, so lock the pantry.
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9Pug
Small · 14 to 18 lb · 13 to 15 yrs
ApartmentsLow energyBreathing problemsPugs are mellow, cuddly and happy to follow you room to room. They need little exercise and little grooming. Their flat faces are the downside. Pugs struggle in heat, many snore and wheeze, and eye injuries are common in the breed. In summer, walk at dawn or after dark.
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10Havanese
Small · 7 to 13 lb · 14 to 16 yrs
First-time ownersMedium energyCoat tangles fastA Havanese is the social butterfly of small dogs. It loves everyone and usually gets along with cats and other dogs. It learns tricks with ease. The silky coat needs frequent brushing, and it does not like being left alone for long, so it suits homes where someone is often around.
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Small dogs need the same training as big ones. A jumpy 60 lb dog gets corrected, while a jumpy 6 lb dog often gets laughed at, and the habit sticks. Teach a small dog to walk on a leash, come when called and stay out from underfoot on the stairs. It will be safer, and so will you.
FAQ
Why are small dogs harder to house-train?
Small bladders fill fast, and accidents on a big rug are easy to miss, so the habit forms before you notice. Many small dogs also dislike rain and cold. Frequent trips outside and lots of praise help.
Are small dogs good with kids?
Sturdy small breeds like the Beagle or Miniature Schnauzer usually cope better than toy breeds. Tiny dogs can be hurt by a fall or a squeeze, and a hurt dog may bite. Teach kids to sit on the floor when they hold one.
Do small dogs live longer than big dogs?
On average, yes. Many small breeds live 12 to 16 years, while giant breeds often live under 10. That is a long commitment, so plan for it.
Breed information is general and every dog is an individual. Not veterinary advice.
