Best Small Dog Breeds — our top picks
Bichon Frise
Cheerful white powder-puff with hypoallergenic coat. Playful and adaptable companion with minimal shedding.
Border Terrier
Small British terrier with otter-like head. Good-tempered, affectionate, and excellent family pet.
Boston Terrier
American Gentleman with tuxedo markings and friendly disposition. Intelligent and easy-going companion.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle toy spaniel with silky coat and sweet expression. Perfect family companion with sporting dog heritage.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, affectionate toy spaniel with a silky coat and friendly disposition. Known for their adaptability and excellent temperament with children.
Cavapoo
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross. Gentle and friendly with reduced shedding.
Cockapoo
Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross, one of the first designer dogs. Friendly and adaptable family companion.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Scandinavian farm dog with compact build and friendly nature. Versatile working dog with strong ratting instincts.
French Bulldog
Muscular flat-faced breed with bat ears and adaptable personality. Excellent apartment companion.
Havanese
Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog.
Mi-Ki
American toy breed with calm, friendly temperament. Hypoallergenic companion developed for optimal family pet characteristics.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Short-legged herding dog with fox-like face. Intelligent and affectionate companion, royal favorite.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 343 breeds is scored on the traits that matter most for this lifestyle — energy, size, temperament, grooming and trainability — using our vet-reviewed breed database. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking personalised to you.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What is the best small dog breed?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Bichon Frise ranks as the top choice for small-dog lovers, followed by the Border Terrier and Boston Terrier.
- How was this list of dogs for small-dog lovers chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for small-dog lovers — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.