Best Toy 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.
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.
Coton de Tulear
Malagasy toy breed with cotton-like coat and clownish personality. Happy and adaptable companion.
Havanese
Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog.
Maltipoo
Maltese and Poodle cross creating small, affectionate companion with reduced shedding.
Mi-Ki
American toy breed with calm, friendly temperament. Hypoallergenic companion developed for optimal family pet characteristics.
Pug
Charming flat-faced toy breed with wrinkled face and cheerful personality. \"Multum in parvo\" - much in little.
American Cocker Spaniel
Compact spaniel developed in America. Beautiful flowing coat and gentle temperament make excellent companion.
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 toy dog breed?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Bichon Frise ranks as the top choice for tiny-companion lovers, followed by the Border Terrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- How was this list of dogs for tiny-companion lovers chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for tiny-companion 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.