Gentle giants can make great companions, but if you’re limited on space or don’t want to deal with the hassle of managing an oversized pup or a ton of fluff? You’ll probably prefer a lap-friendly pup.
Whether you’re someone who lives in a small apartment or you have young children and you have to be careful, the good news is that there are plenty of good small dog breeds to choose from.
5 Good Small Dog Breeds
With hundreds of small dog breeds out there, finding “the one” can be very challenging. We’ll help you narrow your options by covering five good small dog breeds below.
Pocket Bully
Are you looking for a dog that looks like an American bully but without the large size? If so, let us introduce you to the pocket bully. This pup is spritely, loyal, compassionate, and offers everything that you get with a large American bully, but in a much smaller package.
That said, these little pups are still compact and muscular. They’re around 13 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 30 to 45 pounds. Therefore, they pair best with those who want a robust, energetic playmate rather than a gentle lapdog.
Pug
The pug is another good small dog breed, and they’re on the lazy side. This means that they love to hang around and cuddle with you, and you don’t have to worry about exercising them all the time. Sure, they still need daily walks, but these small dogs are perfect for low-energy households.
Pugs are also small and stocky. They should fit in most apartments, and they only reach up to 13 inches at the shoulder. When it comes to their weight, a healthy one is around 14 to 18 pounds. While we love pugs, just keep an eye on their breathing; their small, flat snouts come with an increased risk of breathing issues.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a classic small dog breed, and they continue to be popular. Yorkshire terriers love to learn new things, entertain their owners, and keep their homes secure. If you want a spritely small dog for your house, the Yorkshire terrier is a great choice. However, their barking can be problematic in apartments.
When it comes to their size, Yorkshire terriers are around seven pounds and seven to eight inches tall (at the shoulder).
Chihuahua
Do you love a dog that has a lot of attitude? And do you want a dog that’s easy to care for due to minimal grooming needs? Let us introduce you to the Chihuahua. These little pups are easy to care for, have larger-than-life personalities, and love to cuddle and play. That said, they can have some sass to them, so keep this in mind.
Size-wise, Chihuahuas weigh up to six pounds and only reach five to eight inches at the shoulder. This makes them one of the smallest dogs on our list.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Last but definitely not least, we have the cavalier King Charles spaniel. These little pups are smart, adaptable, and love to cuddle. While they need a haircut every now and then, you’ll find that they don’t need too much exercise or lots of other work. Instead, they need your love and affection.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels tend to weigh around 13 to 18 pounds. They also reach around 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder, too, so you really shouldn’t have too many issues with their size. Plus, their adaptability makes them great for children, apartments, and other unique living situations.
Finding Good Small Dog Breeds
Whether you’re looking for pocket bullies for sale or doing your best to find a pug or another small dog, choosing the right breeder is essential. Make sure you verify the breeder’s credentials, investigate their practices, and interact with their puppies before you bring one home. Sure, small dogs are small, but small dogs can still create big problems without proper breeding.
If you plan on going the adoption route instead, make sure you’re patient. Choose the best shelters and rescues in your area, be transparent to the staff, and wait for a suitable small dog to become available.
