Top 6 Small Dog Breeds: Full Comparison Guide

All small dog breeds may be lap-sized, but not all of them want to spend all day doing that. Small dogs can be a great fit for many homes, but that doesn’t mean they’re all easy. There’s a huge variety in energy levels, grooming needs, confidence levels, and training requirements.

The best dog breed for you will depend on how you spend your days, not just looks or how popular the breed is. This guide will help you compare common small breeds and make a decision that is right for your family’s lifestyle. 

Key Takeaways:

• Small dogs can be a great addition to many homes, but small does not always mean easy. 

• There’s a huge variety in temperament, grooming, and training needs in small dog breeds.

• The best small dog breed for you depends more on temperament than looks.

• Choosing the right dog means matching the breed to your daily life. 

Typically, dogs under 20-25lbs (9-11kg) are considered a small breed. While some were bred for companionship, others were bred specifically for hunting or being a watchdog. This group includes some of the smallest dog breeds, small terriers, as well as mini versions of big dogs. Learning more about the breed group you’re interested in can help you figure out exercise needs, grooming, and their usual temperament. 

The breeds listed below are all popular for good reason, but you’ll notice quite a difference in energy levels and personality. While I think all breeds are the best in their own way, the right fit for you will depend on training needs, expectations, and your daily routine. 

Chihuahua: The Smallest Companion Dog

A huge personality packed in the smallest dog breed in the world, chihuahuas tend to bond very closely with their people. Early socialization will be important for these little ones, as stranger danger can become a real struggle for them. They’re portable and great for apartments if their exercise and enrichment needs have been met. 

In PawChamp, you can work on calm handling and “safe greetings” routines step by step with the Small Breeds Manners training.

Pomeranian: Fluffy Cute Small Dogs

A Pomeranian with bright eyes, a fluffy coat, and often lively personalities can be a great addition to many homes. They can be very curious and alert, which can lead to some barking – so training is a must. That gorgeous coat doesn’t maintain itself, which means you’re in for a lot of frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They can be high-energy, so they are best suited for an active family looking for an outgoing dog.

PawChamp app helps you build calmer routines and teach an “on/off switch” (settle, quiet moments, structured enrichment) so the barking doesn’t become the household soundtrack.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie): Popular Little Dogs

Yorkies are little dogs with a big terrier spirit. A Yorkshire Terrier temperament is often very affectionate, but keep in mind they can be brave and busy pups. Originally bred to hunt rats, they may get very interested in sniffing and digging, so appropriate outlets should be provided to keep them from destroying your property. Training, structure, and clear guidance will be important for these little dogs. 

PawChamp app can help you channel terrier energy into structured doggy games and short training drills, so the dog gets an outlet, and you get better daily cooperation.

Maltese: White Small Dog Breed

If you are on the hunt for a great lap dog breed, the Maltese should be added to your list. With a soft white coat you could stroke for hours, this companion-focused breed would love to spend the day with you. They will need regular grooming to ensure their coat stays mat-free. Maltese dogs would do best in a quieter, slower-paced home where they can get lots of attention. 

PawChamp helps you build gentle handling routines so grooming and daily care are easier and less stressful. Ask dog experts in chat to get personalized advice.

Italian Greyhound: Calm Small Dog Breeds

Elegant, sensitive, and delicate are a few words you could use to describe the Italian Greyhound. If their exercise needs are appropriately met, they can be very calm and affectionate when at home. If you live in a climate that gets four seasons, prepare for sweater weather to be at least 3 seasons long for these dogs. They thrive with positive reinforcement training and a calm, predictable environment. 

Common behavior challenges: Sensitivity to stress/noise, freezing or shutting down in new environments, potty setbacks in cold weather.

PawChamp supports confidence-building routines and low-pressure training steps you can repeat daily, plus guidance for keeping routines consistent when conditions change.

Miniature Pinscher: Small Black Dog Breed

If you’re looking for an active toy dog to join your family, look no further than the Miniature Pinscher. Full of energy and confidence, they need more exercise than people expect. Use training to channel that energy into something productive, and you’ll have a happy little dog. Their short hair requires little grooming maintenance and would be a great fit for an active family looking for a lively dog. 

PawChamp helps you practice quick impulse-control habits (pause, focus, calm greetings) in short sessions that fit an active dog’s day.

Full disclosure: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Some breeds, like Maltese and Yorkies, are considered low shedding small dogs, which can be easier on allergy sensitive households. Even if they are low shedding dogs, their coats may still need regular maintenance. Regular brushing and grooming time are a must. If you have an allergy to dogs, it’s recommended to spend some time around the breed you’re interested in first to determine how you’ll react to having one in your home.

Little dogs can have specific dietary needs, and you can find lots of great companies that make dog food for small breeds. While small dogs may require less food overall, they still require a balanced diet that’s appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

But physical care is only part of the puzzle – temperament plays a major role in everyday life, and lifestyle mismatch is one of the causes for rehoming a dog. Some dogs are small and cuddly, while others are busy and vocal. 

Small dogs can be amazing companions, but they’re also the most likely to get away with “tiny but chaotic” habits like barking, reactivity, or nervous handling, simply because they’re small. PawChamp helps you build structure early so your dog learns calm behavior before bad habits become the norm.

Here’s what you get:

• Short, step-by-step lessons that help you train without overwhelm, even if you only have a few minutes a day

• Practical guidance for common small-dog challenges like barking, overexcited greetings, and “stranger danger”

• Handling and grooming tolerance basics, so brushing, nail trims, and vet-style touch don’t turn into a daily fight

• Ask a Dog Expert support when you’re unsure if a behavior is normal temperament, stress, or something that needs a different plan