Find Your Small Dog Breed
Struggling to find a small dog breed that fits your lifestyle? Our Ultimate Small Dog Breed Selector simplifies your search. This interactive tool features over 70 breeds that weigh 40 pounds or less, allowing you to filter by key criteria:
- Weight: Find a pet that matches your living space, from apartment-friendly tiny dogs to sturdier small breeds.
- Temperament: Discover which breeds align with your personality, whether you want an affectionate lap dog, a playful companion, or an alert watchdog.
- Intelligence: Search for highly trainable smart small dogs or more independent breeds.
- Energy Level: Match your activity level, from calm couch companions to energetic adventure buddies.
- Family-Friendly: Find breeds known for being patient and sturdy with children or better suited for adults.
- Coat & Shedding: Filter by hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats or identify breeds that require more grooming.
- Barking Tendency: Discover quieter breeds for apartments or alert watchdogs.
- Origin: Explore the history of your favorite small dog breeds.
Filter the list to see your best matches, then click on any breed for a detailed profile. Once you’ve found your perfect match, explore our 9,000+ dog name generator to find a name that suits your new family member.
If you have a busy household, also check out our guide to the Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids, which highlights robust, patient small breeds known for their family-friendly temperament.
Start your search on the table below and find your ideal small dog companion or use out custom web app to get your small breed matches!
How do I choose the right small dog breed for my lifestyle?
The best small dog breed for you depends on matching its needs with your lifestyle. Start by considering your living situation (apartment vs. house with a yard), activity level, and family composition (e.g., living with kids or other pets). Use the filters in our selector above to narrow down breeds by key traits like energy level, temperament, and trainability. For a broader look at all breeds, explore our complete list of 360+ dog breeds with images.
Are small dog breeds good for apartments?
Small breeds known for high intelligence and eagerness to please are typically the easiest to train. The Miniature Poodle, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog are top contenders. They excel in obedience and are quick learners. Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training with any dog.
Do small dogs require a lot of grooming?
Grooming needs vary drastically by breed. Some small breeds, like the Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound, have low-maintenance, short coats that require minimal grooming. Others, like the Maltese, Pomeranian, or any small dog with a long, double, or wiry coat, require frequent brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent mats and maintain coat health.
Are small dog breeds good with children?
Many are! The key is to choose a sturdy, patient breed with a gentle temperament. While supervision is always necessary, breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Beagle, and Miniature Schnauzer are often excellent with kids. It’s generally advised to avoid very fragile or nervous toy breeds in homes with very young children. For our top picks, read our dedicated guide on the Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids.
What small dog breeds bark the least?
While all dogs vocalize, some breeds are known for being quieter. Small dogs bred for companionship, like the Italian Greyhound, French Bulldog, and Boston Terrier, tend to bark less than those bred for alerting, like Terriers. Look for breeds with a “Calm” or “Even Tempered” classification in our selector.
What is the best small dog for first-time owners?
First-time owners often benefit from a breed that is easy to train, adaptable, and has a forgiving nature. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, and Bichon Frise are often recommended for their friendly personalities and relatively manageable training and exercise needs.
