These small dog breeds are well-suited for adapting to a variety of living environments.
Small dog breeds are typically chosen for their manageable size, whether for their historical roles in work or hunting, or simply as charming companions. Their smaller stature often means they are easier to transport and usually have lower food and medical costs compared to larger breeds. While many small dogs thrive in smaller living spaces, it’s important to consider their individual needs and energy levels when choosing the right breed for an apartment or a small home.
Here are 32 small dog breeds, each with their unique charm and personality.
Breed Characteristics
Generally, dogs weighing around 20 pounds or less are classified as small. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from compact and low to the ground to taller and lankier. Not all small breeds are suited for lap life; some have high energy levels and require more stimulation. For those in smaller homes, it’s beneficial to choose a breed known for its calm and adaptable nature.
Tip
Despite their small size, many small dogs have big personalities, which means they benefit from consistent training and positive reinforcement. Even low-energy breeds still need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are known for their lively personalities. While they enjoy sitting on laps and being carried, they are far from fragile. Yorkies make excellent watchdogs and affectionate companions, thriving in smaller spaces where their exercise needs can be easily met.
Breed Overview
- Height: 7 to 8 inches
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Compact body, silky coat, colors include black and tan, blue and tan
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Dachshund
Often nicknamed “wiener dog” due to their unique shape, Dachshunds come in both standard and miniature sizes. The smaller versions are particularly suited for apartment living. They are affectionate with their families but may be reserved around strangers.
Breed Overview
- Height: 5 to 9 inches
- Weight: Up to 32 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Low, long body, short legs, colors include chocolate, black, red
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Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are part of a breed that also includes toy and standard sizes. Known for their intelligence and longevity, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living.
Breed Overview
- Height: Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: up to 10 inches
- Weight: Miniature: 10 to 15 pounds, Toy: 4 to 6 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Curly, dense coat, colors include white, apricot, black, brown
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Shih Tzu
Originally bred as a companion dog, the Shih Tzu is the epitome of a lap dog. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. Despite their small size, they are hardy and can adapt well to smaller living spaces.
Breed Overview
- Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Long double coat, colors include black, blue, silver
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Miniature Schnauzer
Recognizable by their distinctive beard and eyebrows, Miniature Schnauzers are spirited and loyal. They are vocal and need proper training but are generally well-suited for smaller homes with daily exercise.
Breed Overview
- Height: 12 to 14 inches
- Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Bushy beard and eyebrows, colors include black, silver
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Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are among the tiniest dog breeds but make up for their size with bold personalities. They are lively and can be somewhat territorial but adapt well to smaller living spaces due to their small size.
Breed Overview
- Height: 5 to 8 inches
- Weight: Up to 6 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Alert expression, smooth or long coat, colors include black, tan
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Pug
Pugs are known for their friendly and even-tempered nature. They were once favored by royalty and still make great companions in smaller homes. However, they are prone to certain health issues, so regular vet visits are essential.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 13 inches
- Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Square body, short legs and face, colors include black, fawn
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Pomeranian
Pomeranians have a striking appearance with their fluffy coats and confident demeanor. They are energetic and require consistent training. Their small size means that regular walks and playtime are sufficient for their exercise needs.
Breed Overview
- Height: 6 to 7 inches
- Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Compact body, fluffy coat, colors include black, orange
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Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are known for their cheerful and adaptable nature. They are a great fit for apartment living and enjoy being close to their owners. They are playful and generally get along well with other pets.
Breed Overview
- Height: 15 to 17 inches
- Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Short face, smooth coat, colors include black and white
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Maltese
Maltese dogs are known for their gentle and brave nature. They form close bonds with their families and, with their small size, are well-suited for apartment living. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their silky white coat.
Breed Overview
- Height: 7 to 9 inches
- Weight: Up to 7 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Dark eyes, silky white coat
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Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence and athleticism, similar to their larger counterparts. They are good with children and other pets and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Breed Overview
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Curly coat, colors include apricot, black, brown
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Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are affectionate and playful dogs that resemble living stuffed animals. They require regular grooming to keep their fluffy coats in good condition. They adapt well to various living environments, including smaller homes.
Breed Overview
- Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Dark eyes, long curly coat, colors include white, apricot
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Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are known for their unique appearance and affectionate nature. They come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Both types need regular care, but their small size makes them suitable for apartment living.
Breed Overview
- Height: 11 to 13 inches
- Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Hairless or powderpuff coat, colors include white, gray
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Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold but adapt well to apartment life. They are gentle and affectionate but need protection from the cold due to their low body fat.
Breed Overview
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Long snout, short coat, colors include gray, black
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Papillon
Named for their butterfly-like ears, Papillons are intelligent and energetic. They require regular exercise and enjoy interactive games. Their small size and high energy make them adaptable to various living situations.
Breed Overview
- Height: 8 to 11 inches
- Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Erect ears, long coat with colorful markings, colors include red, sable
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Cockapoo
A mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, Cockapoos are known for their affectionate and intelligent nature. They are adaptable to apartment living but need regular attention and exercise.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Curly coat, colors include black, cream, apricot
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Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and agile. They thrive in homes where they receive ample exercise and mental stimulation. They may not be ideal for those with other small pets due to their high prey drive.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Smooth or rough coat, colors include white with black or brown markings
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Cavapoo
A mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy Poodle, Cavapoos are friendly and low-shedding. They require moderate exercise and are well-suited for families and individuals in smaller living spaces.
Breed Overview
- Height: 9 to 14 inches
- Weight: 9 to 20 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Wavy or curly coat, colors include cream, gold, chocolate
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Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are active and require space to run, though they can adapt to smaller homes with enough exercise. They are known for their intelligence and loyalty.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 18 inches
- Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Short coat, colors include white with black, brown, or blue markings
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Havanese
Havanese dogs are cheerful and affectionate. They are adaptable to various living environments and need regular grooming to maintain their long, silky coat.
Breed Overview
- Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Long coat, colors include white, black, brown
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Pekingese
Pekingese are known for their regal appearance and independent nature. They are well-suited for apartment living but require regular grooming to keep their long coat in good condition.
Breed Overview
- Height: 6 to 9 inches
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Flat face, long coat, colors include red, black
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Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are energetic and smart. They are well-suited for apartments but need daily exercise to stay happy. They have a smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Breed Overview
- Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 3.5 to 7 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Smooth coat, colors include white with black or tan markings
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Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are spirited and confident. They adapt well to apartment living but need regular exercise. Their wiry coat requires minimal grooming.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 11 inches
- Weight: 12 to 14 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Wiry coat, colors include blue and tan, red
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Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers are similar in appearance to the Yorkshire Terrier but with a smoother coat. They are lively and adaptable but need regular grooming to maintain their appearance.
Breed Overview
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Silky coat, colors include blue and tan
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Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their curly blue-gray coat. They are active and intelligent dogs that adapt well to apartment living with sufficient exercise.
Breed Overview
- Height: 17 to 21 inches
- Weight: 33 to 40 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Curly coat, blue-gray color
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Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terriers are similar to Yorkshire Terriers but with a more distinct color pattern. They are lively and affectionate, suitable for apartment living with proper exercise.
Breed Overview
- Height: 7 to 11 inches
- Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Long coat, colors include white with black and tan
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Schipperke
Schipperkes are known for their fox-like appearance and energetic nature. They are intelligent and adaptable but need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 13 inches
- Weight: 12 to 20 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Thick double coat, colors include black, chocolate
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Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are known for their long, flowing coat and affectionate nature. They are well-suited for apartment living but require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 11 inches
- Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Long coat, colors include gold, black
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West Highland White Terrier
Westies are known for their cheerful disposition and distinctive white coat. They are adaptable to apartment living but need regular exercise and grooming.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 11 inches
- Weight: 15 to 20 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: White coat, compact body
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Poodle (Standard)
Although larger than the toy and miniature varieties, Standard Poodles can adapt to apartment life with sufficient exercise. They are intelligent and require regular grooming.
Breed Overview
- Height: 15 to 24 inches
- Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Curly coat, colors include black, white
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Sealyham Terrier
Sealyham Terriers are known for their distinctive appearance and lively nature. They are well-suited for apartment living with adequate exercise and grooming.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 11 inches
- Weight: 20 to 24 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: White coat, compact body
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Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are known for their elegant appearance and gentle nature. They adapt well to apartment life and enjoy being close to their families.
Breed Overview
- Height: 8 to 11 inches
- Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Long coat, colors include black and white, red and white
Final Consideration
Each dog, regardless of size, needs regular care and attention to thrive in a smaller living environment. It’s essential to consider their exercise, grooming, and companionship needs when choosing a breed to ensure they fit well with your lifestyle and living space.
