Choosing the perfect canine companion can be a daunting task, especially for first-time owners. Small dog breeds often make excellent choices, offering a delightful blend of manageable size, affectionate nature, and adaptability to various living conditions. These petite pups are not only charming and adorable but also bring joy and companionship that fits seamlessly into urban apartments or cozy homes. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to nine easy small dog breeds that are ideal for new pet parents. Each breed presents unique traits and lovable quirks, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend to embark on this new journey with.
Curious about finding the perfect small dog for your home? Many pet parents are drawn to easy small dog breeds that combine charm, intelligence, and low maintenance. From the graceful Toy Manchester Terrier to the Bichon Frise with its elegant appearance, small breeds often outperform their size.
Unlike big dogs, these petite companions often have minimal grooming needs and are great for apartments. Smart dogs like the Toy Fox Terrier are highly trainable and well-behaved, while others stand out for their butterfly-like ears or playful nature. These active dogs enjoy light exercise and don’t demand much.
However, understanding their exercise needs and being mindful of potential health issues, like ear infections, ensures they stay healthy.
Whether you’re charmed by their affectionate nature or their ability to thrive with minimal fuss, these breeds offer a perfect match for anyone seeking a low-maintenance small dog with a big personality.
Easy Small Dog Breeds
1. Boston Terrier
|
Life Span |
11–13 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, curious, affectionate |
|
Trainability |
Highly trainable, eager to please |
|
Space Needs |
Suitable for apartments |
The Boston Terrier, often referred to as the “American Gentleman,” is a small breed with a big heart. Weighing between 12–25 pounds and standing 15–17 inches tall as per Britannica, their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living.
These charming dogs have a smooth, short coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing and occasional ear cleaning keep their coat healthy. Boston Terriers thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their energy needs and enjoy short walks or indoor play for exercise.
Highly intelligent, Boston Terriers excel in obedience training and dog sports, thanks to their eager-to-please attitude. Their outgoing personality and love for human companionship make them excellent family pets and wonderful companions for first-time dog owners.
2. Miniature Schnauzer
|
Life Span |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Energetic, bold, affectionate |
|
Trainability |
Highly intelligent, easily trained |
|
Space Needs |
Adaptable to small spaces |
The Miniature Schnauzer is a dynamic and intelligent dog breed, known for its wiry coat and distinct bushy eyebrows. Weighing 10–20 pounds and standing 12–14 inches tall, this small dog fits well in homes of all sizes notes PetMD.
Maintaining their wiry coat involves regular grooming, including professional trimming every few months. Despite their low shedding, weekly brushing is essential to keep their coat healthy. They benefit from a diet rich in nutrients to support their active lifestyle and need moderate exercise, such as brisk walks and indoor play, to stay healthy.
These small dogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience training, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. Miniature Schnauzers are bold, friendly dogs that form strong bonds with their families, making them excellent companions and great pets for those who enjoy an energetic, curious dog.
3. Havanese
|
Life Span |
13–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, affectionate, playful |
|
Trainability |
Eager to please, learns quickly |
|
Space Needs |
Perfect for apartment living |
The Havanese is a small breed with a luxurious coat and an affectionate nature, often considered one of the best small dog breeds for companionship. Weighing 7–13 pounds and standing 8.5–11.5 inches tall, this toy breed is ideal for apartment living according to VCA.
Their silky coat requires regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional professional grooming, to prevent tangles. Havanese thrive on a well-balanced diet and enjoy moderate exercise, such as short walks or playful indoor activities, to maintain their graceful appearance and stay healthy.
Known for their gentle nature and eagerness to please, Havanese are easily trained and excel in obedience training and dog sports. These sociable companions bond closely with their families, making them wonderful companions for first-time dog owners and a great family pet for those seeking a playful, affectionate dog.
4. Australian Terrier
|
Life Span |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Bold, curious, friendly |
|
Trainability |
Intelligent and quick learner |
|
Space Needs |
Adaptable, thrives in apartments or houses |
The Australian Terrier, one of the smallest working terriers, is a delightful and bold small dog. Weighing 12–14 pounds and standing about 10–11 inches tall, this little dog combines rugged charm with a loving personality mentions WebMD.
Their harsh, weather-resistant double coat requires weekly brushing to maintain its neat appearance. Although low maintenance overall, occasional professional grooming is recommended to keep their wiry coat healthy. These energetic, curious dogs enjoy moderate exercise like brisk walks and active indoor play, making them a great fit for various living situations.
Australian Terriers are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train for first-time dog owners. Their outgoing personality and friendly nature make them excellent companions, especially for those looking for a small dog breed with a big personality.
5. Affenpinscher
|
Life Span |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Playful, fearless, affectionate |
|
Trainability |
Quick-witted, responds to positive reinforcement |
|
Space Needs |
Perfect for small spaces |
The Affenpinscher, often called the “monkey dog,” is a toy breed packed with personality. This playful, fearless small dog weighs 7–10 pounds and stands 9–11.5 inches tall says The Kennel Club, making them a top choice for apartment living.
Their wiry coat requires minimal grooming, with weekly brushing and occasional trimming to keep it looking its best. Affenpinschers thrive on balanced meals and need moderate physical stimulation, such as short walks or indoor play, to stay happy and healthy.
Despite their bold personality, these intelligent dogs are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement during training. Their charming, expressive eyes and sociable companionship make them great pets, forming strong bonds with their families. Ideal for first-time dog owners, the Affenpinscher is a wonderful small dog breed for those who enjoy a mix of playfulness and affection.
6. Miniature American Shepherd
|
Life Span |
12–13 years |
|
Temperament |
Loyal, intelligent, active |
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Trainability |
Highly trainable, thrives on challenges |
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Space Needs |
Requires space for mental and physical stimulation |
The Miniature American Shepherd, a small yet energetic herding breed, is known for its intelligence and loyalty. Weighing 20–40 pounds and standing 13–18 inches tall, this small dog requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive according to UKC.
Their dense double coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting, with brushing a few times a week and seasonal shedding care. Miniature American Shepherds require a diet that supports their active lifestyle and benefits from engaging in activities like obedience training or dog sports.
As highly intelligent dogs, they are eager to please and quick learners, making them easily trained for first-time dog owners. Their affectionate nature and suitability for active families make them excellent companions, especially for those seeking a small dog breed with energy, loyalty, and charm.
7. Biewer Terrier
|
Life Span |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Affectionate, playful, gentle |
|
Trainability |
Eager to please, easily trained |
|
Space Needs |
Perfect for apartments |
The Biewer Terrier is a delightful and elegant toy breed, known for its luxurious coats and playful demeanor. Weighing 4–8 pounds and standing 7–11 inches tall, this charming dog is ideal for apartment living or small homes as per The Premier Biewer Terrier Club.
Their silky, flowing coat requires regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional professional grooming, to maintain its beauty. Biewer Terriers thrive on a balanced diet and enjoy moderate exercise, such as short walks or playful indoor activities.
Highly intelligent and eager to please, Biewer Terriers are easily trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Their gentle nature, affectionate personality, and compatibility with other pets make them excellent family pets and wonderful companions for first-time dog owners. These sweet, friendly dogs are a great choice for anyone looking for a small breed with grace and charm.
8. Border Terrier
|
Life Span |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, curious, bold |
|
Trainability |
Quick learners, great for obedience |
|
Space Needs |
Versatile, adapts to any space |
The Border Terrier, a hardy little dog with a wiry coat, is one of the most adaptable small breeds. Weighing 11–15 pounds and standing 10–11 inches tall, they’re perfect for both city living and countryside homes.
Their dense, wiry coat has low grooming needs, requiring weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping to maintain its texture notes PetPlan. Border Terriers thrive on a nutrient-rich diet and need daily exercise, such as short walks, playtime, or dog sports, to satisfy their energetic and curious nature.
As intelligent dogs, Border Terriers are easily trained and enjoy challenges like obedience training or agility courses. Their friendly demeanor, bold personality, and love for human interaction make them great pets and suitable for families or first-time dog owners looking for an energetic yet well-mannered companion.
9. Coton de Tulear
|
Life Span |
14–16 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, affectionate, sociable |
|
Trainability |
Easy to train, enjoys learning |
|
Space Needs |
Ideal for small spaces |
The Coton de Tulear, often called the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” is a small dog breed with a thick double coat and a sweet disposition. Weighing 8–15 pounds and standing 9–11 inches tall, they are perfect for apartment living and enjoy being lap dogs.
Their soft, cotton-like coat requires regular grooming, including daily brushing and periodic professional grooming, to prevent tangles and maintain its luxurious appearance. Cotons benefit from a balanced diet and enjoy moderate exercise, such as short walks or indoor play sessions, to stay healthy.
This toy breed is eager to please, making them easy to train and great companions for first-time dog owners. Their affectionate nature, love for human companionship, and compatibility with children and other pets make them excellent family pets and wonderful companions for those seeking a loving, sociable small dog adds Omlet.
Conclusion
Choosing the right small dog breed is an exciting journey, especially with so many wonderful companions to consider. From graceful dogs like Italian Greyhounds to the playful and affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there’s a perfect match for every lifestyle and home.
Small other dogs like the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier are adored for their loyal and loving nature, while others, such as the French Bulldogs and Brussels Griffon, are known for their unique charm and minimal exercise needs. For pet parents who enjoy smart dogs, the Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle offer intelligence and trainability that stand out.
Active individuals may gravitate toward breeds like Wiener Dogs (Dachshunds) for their energetic spirit, while those seeking lap dogs will love breeds like the Toy Poodle. Each of these easy small dog breeds offers special qualities, making them excellent companions for pet lovers of all kinds.
Choosing a small dog breed as a first-time owner can provide a rewarding and manageable introduction to pet ownership. Breeds like Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and French Bulldogs are renowned for their friendly dispositions and adaptability to various living situations. These breeds typically require less physical space and have manageable exercise needs, making them suitable for urban environments or smaller homes. Additionally, their sociable nature and relatively straightforward grooming requirements make them ideal companions for those new to dog ownership. By selecting a breed that aligns with your lifestyle, you’ll foster a loving, enduring bond with your new furry friend.