When selecting a dog to join your family, size matters. A Great Dane, for instance, isn’t suitable for a small house without a yard. To choose the right dog size, consider your lifestyle, your children’s ages, the dog’s activity needs, and other pets in your home.
For city or apartment dwellers, large dogs may be impractical, but small breeds offer wonderful companionship. Small dogs are cost-effective, eating less than larger breeds, and while training remains essential, they’re easier to manage. They require less space, making them ideal for urban environments. With small breeds available for nearly every lifestyle—whether you seek an exercise partner or a cozy lap dog—there’s a perfect match waiting.
Explore some of these remarkable small breeds below to find your new best friend.
Snuggle Buddies
Chihuahua (2-6 pounds): These tiny, affectionate dogs are ideal companions, loving to be petted and held. They’ll happily curl up on your lap during a movie. Suitable for families, but caution is advised around small children.
Toy Poodle (4-8 pounds): Toy poodles get ample exercise indoors, so a large yard isn’t necessary. Highly sensitive, they thrive on attention and can become demanding if neglected, making them excellent lap dogs.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi (25-38 pounds): Easy to train, this breed suits families with children and other pets. Corgis love spending time with their owners and are great for allergy sufferers, shedding only twice a year.
Active Companions and Watchful Protectors
Exercise Pals
Jack Russell Terrier (11-17 pounds): Not for inactive owners, this breed has boundless energy and needs a fenced yard to run and play. Natural hunters, they require grooming and do well with children who treat them kindly.
Papillon (7-10 pounds): This easy-to-train dog has high energy and benefits from a fenced yard. Its beautiful coat requires daily brushing.
Italian Greyhound (6-10 pounds): Sleek and energetic, this breed needs daily exercise opportunities. When not active, they love owner companionship. They shed minimally, require little grooming, and are best with older children.
Watchdogs
Australian Terrier (12-14 pounds): A great watchdog, this breed may be noisy, making it less ideal for apartments. It needs daily exercise, like brisk walks, if no yard is available, and requires minimal grooming.
Lhasa Apso (13-15 pounds): Loyal and protective, this breed excels as a watchdog but isn’t suited for homes with young children or long periods of solitude. It’s an excellent travel companion for owners on the go.
Miniature Dachshund (8-9 pounds): Protective and vigilant, Miniature Dachshunds make great watchdogs. They need moderate exercise, like daily walks, and may show jealousy if attention is shared with other pets or older children.
Great for Small Apartments
French Bulldog (19-28 pounds): Affectionate and low-energy, French Bulldogs thrive in apartments with moderate exercise, like brisk walks or dog park visits. They require significant owner attention and aren’t suited for long periods alone.
Chinese Crested (>10 pounds): Perfect for apartments, this breed needs little outdoor exercise and loves playing with children. Sensitive to extreme temperatures, they’re not suited for outdoor living.
Bichon Frise (9-15 pounds): With low exercise needs, this breed is ideal for apartments and great for allergy sufferers due to minimal shedding. High-maintenance grooming and social needs mean they don’t do well alone for long periods.
With dozens of small breeds available, you’re sure to find one that fits your lifestyle. Be aware that many small breeds are prone to health issues, so thoroughly research any breed before making it part of your family.
