Compact Companions: 32 Small Dog Breeds for Limited Living Space Discover Low-Maintenance Breeds That Flourish in Cozy Home Environments By Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/03/25 Reviewed by Bartley Harrison Reviewed by Bartley Harrison Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets’ veterinary review board. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: Getty Images/Ratchat Small dog breeds have been bred for their compact, manageable size. In some cases, their petite size benefited their working or hunting ability, while in other cases, they were simply desirable as lap dogs and all-around endearing little companions. Small dogs are generally easy to transport, and they typically have lower food and medication costs than large breeds. Plus, many small dog breeds do well in homes with limited space. Here are 32 of the best small dog breeds and their larger-than-life personalities. Tip Small dogs often make up for their size with huge personalities, which means they benefit from consistent training and positive reinforcement. And even small, low-energy dogs still need daily exercise and activities to stimulate their minds and bodies. Breed Characteristics In general, dogs that weigh around 20 pounds or less are considered small. Some small breeds are very compact and low to the ground, while others can be relatively tall and lanky. Not all small dog breeds love being lap dogs, and many have more energy than some of their larger canine counterparts. 01 of 32 Yorkshire Terrier Credit: Natasha Japp Photography / Getty Images Many Yorkshire terriers love to sit on your lap and are fine with being carried. But they're not a wimpy dog. Yorkies make up for their small stature with huge personalities. They can be excellent watchdogs, vocally announcing any movement around the house. Still, they are first and foremost affectionate companions and don't need much space to get adequate exercise. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches WEIGHT: 7 pounds Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bright, playful Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Long, silky; black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan Life Span: 11 to 15 years 02 of 32 Dachshund Credit: ​The Spruce / Kevin Norris The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hot dog, and more. Of course, these names mostly relate to the breed's distinct appearance. Dachshunds come in standard or miniature size, the latter being ideal for the small-dog enthusiast. They're sweet and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers. Breed Overview GROUP: Hound HEIGHT: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature) WEIGHT: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature) Personality/Temperament: Clever, playful, stubborn Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Smooth (short-haired), long-haired, and wire-haired; colors include black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red; various markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable Life Span: 12 to 16 years 03 of 32 Miniature Poodle Credit: Consuelo Almazan Carretero / Getty Images Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Standards are fairly large, while miniatures and toys can be categorized as small dogs. Toy and miniature poodles are known for their longevity, along with their intelligence and trademark curly coats. They can be loving companions but need activity to keep them entertained. Fortunately, the smaller poodles don't need that much space to get their energy out. Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds Personality/Temperament: Smart, gentle, playful Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Medium, curly; apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, silver, silver beige, white, cafe au lait, gray, and a variety of combinations of these hues Life Span: 10 to 18 years 04 of 32 Shih Tzu Credit: ​The Spruce / Kevin Norris The shih tzu is basically the poster child for lap dogs, which is no surprise as the breed originated strictly as a companion animal. These dogs sport long, silky hair, though many people trim the coat short for easier maintenance. They tend to be fairly hardy with an alert, confident disposition. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, double coat; most commonly black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations Life Span: 10 to 16 years Continue to 5 of 32 below 05 of 32 Miniature Schnauzer Credit: Adi Wong/EyeEm / Getty Images The miniature schnauzer is a spunky little dog with a friendly but tough personality. Easily recognized by their signature bearded haircut, this terrier has a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness when it comes to family. They're also known to be vocal and needs a solid foundation of training. Still, with daily walks and playtime, they're suitable for a small home. Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches WEIGHT: 11 to 20 pounds Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, alert Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Medium, wiry double coat; black, black and silver, or salt and pepper Life Span: 12 to 15 years 06 of 32 Chihuahua Credit: SuperflyImages / Getty Images Chihuahuas are some of the world's tiniest dogs and are often seen being toted around in carriers, but they have huge personalities. While lovable and loyal, chihuahuas are also active and sassy, with major "tough dog" attitudes. Many bond closely with their favorite humans but are wary of anyone else. The good news is that their tiny size means they don't need much space to play and get their energy out. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 5 to 8 inches WEIGHT: Up to 6 pounds Personality/Temperament: Loyal, alert, lively Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Smooth and short or long-haired; black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red Life Span: 14 to 16 years 07 of 32 Pug Credit: Alf Jönsson / Getty Images These round little dogs are jovial souls. Pugs were once the pets of royalty and companions of Tibetan monks. Affectionate and even-tempered, they can fit into many different living situations, including small homes. But due to their flat faces, they do have a tendency to develop breathing problems and are also prone to eye issues, so regular health checkups are a must. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playful Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Short, smooth; fawn or black with a black face mask Life Span: 13 to 15 years 17 Pug Mixes That Make the Perfect Furry Friends 08 of 32 Pomeranian Credit: Andrew Fladeboe / Getty Images Pomeranians look like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion, thanks to their long, fluffy coat. They tend to be alert and sometimes bossy dogs with an intense loyalty to their loved ones. They need consistent training and boundaries to keep their strong-willed spirit in check. Due to their small size, a couple daily walks and playtime should be enough to meet their exercise needs. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds Personality/Temperament: Bold, alert, lively Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, double coat; most commonly red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue Life Span: 12 to 16 years Continue to 9 of 32 below 09 of 32 Boston Terrier Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris The Boston terrier is a cheerful, loyal, and even-tempered dog. The breed originated from crossing an English bulldog with a white English terrier and was named after the city in which it was created. Bostons tend to be playful, though they also love to spend time in laps. Additionally, they are generally very adaptable to apartment living. Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 15 to 17 inches WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Short, smooth; black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white Life Span: 11 to 13 years 10 of 32 Maltese Credit: DevidDO / Getty Images The Maltese tends to have a gentle yet brave disposition. This dog is generally playful and friendly, and bonds closely with family. The breed can be traced back to ancient times, where it was the beloved companion of royalty and nobility. Today, the Maltese still loves to be pampered and doesn't need much room to roam. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches WEIGHT: Up to 7 pounds Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fearless Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, silky; white; Life Span: 12 to 15 years 11 of 32 Toy Poodle Credit: Naho Yoshizawa/Aflo / Getty Images Much like their larger counterparts, the toy poodle is known for being incredibly intelligent and athletic, regularly performing well in dog shows. This dog also boasts a charismatic personality, making them the center of attention in any situation. Toy poodles do well around children and other pets and boast a curly coat in a variety of colors. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches WEIGHT: 6 to 9 pounds Personality/Temperament: Confident, loyal, intelligent Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Curly, dense; apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, red Life Span: 14 to 17 years 12 of 32 Bichon Frise Credit: f8grapher / Getty Images Hailing from Spain, bichons are beloved lap dogs, especially because they resemble a living stuffed animal and have very affectionate, playful personalities. In order to keep their fluffy coat looking its best, routine grooming is necessary. Schedule your bichon frise to be groomed every four to six weeks. Breed Overview GROUP: Non-SportingHEIGHT: 9.5 to 11.5 inchesWEIGHT: 12 to 18 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful   Energy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, curly; white, white and apricot, white and buff, white and creamLife Span: 14 to 15 years  Continue to 13 of 32 below 13 of 32 Chinese Crested Credit: tsik / Getty Images This eye-catching breed also has a winning personality. Chinese crested dogs are bright, affectionate companions who excel at training and love to play. Half of all Chinese crested dogs have mostly hairless bodies with large poufs of hair on their heads, paws, and tails while the powderpuff variety has fur throughout. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds Personality/Temperament: Lively, playful, cheerful Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Soft, silky hair only on head, feet, and tail; "powderpuff" fully-coated variety; Life Span: 13 to 18 years 14 of 32 Italian Greyhound Credit: christina / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license Italian greyhounds were originally bred to be companion dogs. They easily adjust to apartment life so long as there's a person nearby. Due to their low body fat, this shorthaired breed is sensitive to the cold, so investing in a dog sweater or two is a good idea as colder months approach. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches WEIGHT: 7 to 14 pounds Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, companionable Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Short, smooth; gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination Life Span: 14 to 15 years 15 of 32 Papillon Credit: RichLegg / Getty Images Papillon means "butterfly" in French, which refers to this small dog breed's butterfly-like ears, which can also appear in a drop-eared variety. The papillon is one of the smartest dog breeds. These dogs enjoy lounging on laps and getting plenty of exercise (two or three walks daily). A great way to exercise them is participating in dog sports, which takes care of their need for both mental and physical exercise. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, happy, friendly Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Straight, long, single-layer; white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemon Life Span: 14 to 16 years 16 of 32 Cockapoo Credit: Jackie Bale / Getty Images This hybrid breed of the cocker spaniel and the poodle is well-loved due to their combination of their parents' best traits, including the poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat and the spaniel's loving personality. They can excel in a variety of home situations, including small apartments and homes so long as you give them plenty of attention. Breed Overview GROUP: HybridHEIGHT: 10 to 15 inchesWEIGHT: 10 to 25 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Outgoing, friendly, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Curly, mid-length; black, white, buff, cream, apricot, red, chocolate; bicolor, tricolor, merle, parti, sable, roan, phantomLife Span: 12 to 15 years Continue to 17 of 32 below 17 of 32 Jack Russell Terrier Credit: Brighton Dog Photography / Getty Images Originating in England in the 1800s, this feisty dog was bred to catch foxes. Now, they're a great companion for energetic, experienced dog parents. Although they are small in stature, Jack Russell terriers are very active, agile dogs. Due to a high prey drive, this dog thrives best in households where they're the only small pet. Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches WEIGHT: 13 to 17 pounds Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, fearless, clownish Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Short; smooth or rough; white with black, tan, or brown markings Life Span: 13 to 18 years 18 of 32 Cavapoo Cavapoos are a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Credit: Getty Images/chrisuk1 The Cavapoo is another beloved poodle mix, parented by the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the toy poodle. They are slightly smaller than cockapoos but are just as lovable. Cavapoos have moderate exercise requirements and love their daily walks around the neighborhood. Like many other poodle mixes, they are low-shedding, making them a great choice for those with dog allergies. Breed Overview GROUP: HybridHEIGHT: 9 to 14 inchesWEIGHT: 9 to 20 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, gentleEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Medium length; wavy or curly; cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, tri-color; can have white markingsLife Span: 12 to 15 years 19 of 32 Rat Terrier Credit: Getty Images Also known as a "rattie," the rat terrier is a born hunter with lots of love and affection for family. This dog thrives in an environment where they have access to a large space for running around. If you live in an apartment and don't have access to a fenced-in area, long walks coupled with training games will do wonders for this small dog breed. Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches (miniature); 13 to 18 inches (standard) WEIGHT: 10 to 25 pounds Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, inquisitive, affectionate Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Smooth, shiny, short; white, black, brown, tan, gray Life Span: 12 to 18 years 20 of 32 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images As the name suggests, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a long history of being adored by royalty for generations due to an affectionate, family-friendly personality. This dog thrives in environments where they're able to socialize, whether with humans or other dogs. The breed distinguishes itself from other spaniels by sporting wispy, feathered features, giving them a gentle appearance that matches their gentle demeanor. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, patient Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, sleek, silky; feathering on ears, feet, chest, tail; tricolor, Blenheim (red and white), ruby, and black and tan Life Span: 12 to 14 years Continue to 21 of 32 below 21 of 32 Havanese Credit: @Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty Images The Havanese has an easygoing temperament and loves companionship—two characteristics that likely led to this breed being named the national dog of Cuba. To keep your Havanese looking and feeling their best, make sure to brush their coat once or twice per week. The silky coat not only looks great but also protects them from the hot sun and keeps them warm during the winter. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, even-tempered Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Double coat; long, silky, and straight or wavy with ringlets; one or two colors including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or red Life Span: 14 to 16 years 22 of 32 Miniature Pinscher Miniature pinschers look like tiny versions of Doberman pinschers. Credit: Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock The miniature pinscher is a toy dog breed that, despite the name, is not related to the Doberman pinscher at all. The min pin is a bold, energetic dog. Because of their appearance, they could be confused with a Chihuahua, but there's one sure way to tell the min pin apart: their walk. Miniature pinschers have what is called a "hackney gait," which resembles a horse's prance but only affects the front feet. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 10 to 12.5 inches WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, intelligent Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Short, shiny; solid red, stag red (red with some black hairs), black with rust markings, chocolate with rust markings Life Span: 12 to 16 years 23 of 32 Pekingese Credit: Alan Shapiro/Moment/Getty Images This wrinkly small dog is known as the Pekingese, originally bred to accompany Chinese royalty. Legend has it that the breed was actually created by the Buddha by shrinking a lion down to a compact size. The Pekingese is an independent yet charming lap dog who is better suited for experienced dog parents due to the amount of coat maintenance and resistance to training. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches WEIGHT: Up to 14 pounds Personality/Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, intelligent Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, thick, double coat; variations of gold, red, or sable; occasionally black and tan, white, cream, sable, and gray Life Span: 12 to 14 years 53 Unique Chinese Dog Names for Your Furry Companion 24 of 32 Schipperke Credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images This small dog breed was originally developed in Belgium to be a barge watchdog. Today, schipperkes are adorable, mischievous dogs that love to have fun with their humans, especially around water—a tribute to their roots. This dog breed has a distinct, fox-like appearance and most often has a solid black coat. Schipperkes are naturally curious dogs and known escape artists, so make sure to keep your feisty pup on a leash. Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting Height: 10 to 13 inches Weight: 10 to 16 pounds Personality/Temperament: Curious, faithful, playful Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Abundant, straight, slightly harsh to the touch; black; shades of cream, ivory, wheaten, gold, red, white, blue, and chocolate occur rarely Life Span: 12 to 14 years Continue to 25 of 32 below 25 of 32 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Credit: Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images The Pembroke Welsh corgi is the shortest member of the herding dog breed group due to being achondroplastic (a dwarf breed with shortened legs). Pembrokes are one of two types of corgis and are the smaller of the pair. This corgi also has a rich origin story, with experts believing the breed dates back to 1107 A.D. They're excellent at dog sports, and require at least an hour of exercise every day to release their energy. If you can provide the correct amount of exercise outside the home, they can make great apartment dogs. Breed Overview GROUP: Herding HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches WEIGHT: 24 to 30 pounds Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, protective Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat; black and tan, red, sable, or fawn; typically with white markings Life Span: 12 to 13 years 25 Herding Dog Breeds for Managing Livestock 26 of 32 Pumi Credit: Rita Fodorne Mate / iStock / Getty Images The curly-haired pumi is well-known for exceptional intelligence, a unique personality, and athleticism. The breed is thought to have originated in the country of Hungary, and to this day, the dog is most commonly found in Hungary, Finland, and Sweden. Be aware that these dogs love to voice their opinions, so if you share walls with a neighbor, the vocal pumi may not be for you. Breed Overview GROUP: Herding HEIGHT: 15 to 18.5 inches WEIGHT: 22 to 29 pounds Personality/Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, protective Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Curly, wavy, medium-length, double coat; black, fawn, gray, silver-gray, white, brown (some born gray or brown, which fades over time) Life Span: 12 to 13 years 27 of 32 Affenpinscher With a name that originates from the German word for "ape" or "monkey," the affenpinscher is a goofy-looking small dog that has a playful, amusing personality to match. As a flat-nosed breed, this dog can overheat quickly, so the best way to exercise them is to go on multiple brisk walks per day instead of one long stroll. When it comes to grooming, give your affenpinscher a brush and comb at least twice a week and make sure the hair gets trimmed enough to not block their sightline. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 9 to 11.5 inches WEIGHT: 7 to 10 pounds Personality/Temperament: Lively, fearless, friendly Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Wiry, short- to medium-length; black, black and silver, black and tan, belge (black and reddish-brown), red with a black mask Life Span: 12 to 15 years 28 of 32 Brussels Griffon 8-month-old Brussels Griffon. Credit: Photo © Aaron & Katie Brussels griffons (griffs) are small dogs that possess charming looks, complete with distinctive facial hair, and a playful and joyful demeanor. They are also known for forming strong bonds with their humans, craving companionship and affection. With their lively nature, griffs make delightful companions for those seeking a devoted and entertaining canine friend. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy Height: 7 to 10 inches Weight: 8 to 12 pounds Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, loyal Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Smooth or rough; red, black and tan, black, or belge (black and reddish-brown) Life Span: 12 to 15 years Continue to 29 of 32 below 29 of 32 Biewer Terrier Credit: Pavel1964 / Getty Images Thanks to their compact size and larger-than-life personality, the German-born Biewer terrier is an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. With proper socialization and training, the Biewer terrier thrives in various living environments, from apartments to suburban homes. They also are infrequent barkers and rarely shed, making them an all-around low-maintenance—and not to mention adorable—small dog breed. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches WEIGHT: 4 to 8 pounds Personality/Temperament: Loyal, friendly, affectionate Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, silky, single coat; blue/black, gold/tan, or white Life Span: 14 to 16 years 30 of 32 French Bulldog Credit: Jessica Peterson/Getty Images The French bulldog, affectionately known as the "Frenchie," is a popular small dog breed renowned for distinctive bat-like ears, trademark face wrinkles, and a sturdy yet compact build. Despite their muscular appearance, French bulldogs are gentle and affectionate. And while they can be a bit stubborn, their level of intelligence and eagerness to please make them perfectly trainable. Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches WEIGHT: 19 to 28 pounds Personality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Short, smooth; brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white Life Span: 10 to 12 years 31 of 32 Japanese Chin Credit:  Liliboas / Getty Images Originating from ancient China and later refined in Japan, this small dog breed is distinguished from other toy breeds by large dark eyes, a small round head, and luxurious silky hair. With a lively and affectionate temperament, the Japanese chin is known for their devotion to their humans. And despite a more royal demeanor, this breed maintains a playful and mischievous streak, delighting in interactive games and entertaining you along the way. Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches WEIGHT: 4 to 9 pounds Personality/Temperament: Alert, loyal, loving Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, sleek, smooth; black and white; lemon and white; sable and white; red and white; black, white, and tan Life Span: 10 to 14 years 32 of 32 Beagle Many Beagles get along well with cats. As a family favorite, the beagle is one of the most recognizable dog breeds. They are known for their floppy ears, compact body, and upright tail. Beagles are energetic and great family dogs that get along with a variety of other pets—even cats. Originally rabbit-hunting hounds in England, beagles today still enjoy regular exercise. When it comes to grooming, beagles are very low-maintenance thanks to their short coats that are water-resistant. Just make sure to wipe the insides of their floppy ears to prevent ear infections. Breed Overview GROUP: Hound HEIGHT: Under 15 inches WEIGHT: 20 to 25 pounds Personality/Temperament: Active, companionable, attentive Energy Level: High Coat and Color: Short; tricolor combinations include tan, black, white, reddish brown, and pale lemon Life Span: 10 to 15 years Breeds to Avoid It might seem obvious for small-dog lovers to avoid large breeds, such as German shepherds and Siberian huskies. But it's just as important to rule out any undesirable characteristics. However, you can make for a great owner of any of these small dog breeds if you're willing to commit to their individual needs. FAQ What is the calmest small dog? Several small dogs are quite calm, but the Chinese Crested and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are two of the calmest small dog breeds. What's the most low-maintenance small dog? Italian greyhounds and beagles are two small dog breeds that are low maintenance, thanks to their short coats that require minimal grooming and family-friendly demeanors. What is the friendliest tiny dog? Toy dog breeds are especially known for their friendliness, due to being bred primarily for companionship. Some of these breeds include the pug, shih tzu, and Maltese. Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds Toy Dog Breeds