The best small dog breeds include the Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, and Havanese, all of which earn the American Kennel Club's top score for being good with young children.¹ The right small dog for you depends on your lifestyle. Some are happy lap dogs, while others need daily runs and plenty of play.
Best Small Dog Breeds at a Glance
Here's how 11 popular small breeds compare, based on their AKC breed profiles. Trait scores run from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest):¹
Breed | Weight | Life expectancy | Good with young children | Energy | Shedding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 30 lb | 10–15 years | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
13–18 lb | 12–15 years | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
12–18 lb | 14–15 years | 5 | 4 | 1 | |
Under 28 lb | 10–12 years | 5 | 3 | 3 | |
9–16 lb | 10–18 years | 5 | 3 | 1 | |
12–25 lb | 11–13 years | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
20–30 lb | 10–14 years | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
15–25 lb | 12–14 years | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
Up to 30 lb | 12–13 years | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
7–13 lb | 14–16 years | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
6–10 lb | 12–14 years | 5 | 1 | 1 |
Small breeds often come with a bonus: more years together. The AKC reports that in one study, small dogs had a median lifespan of 14.95 years, compared to 13.38 years for large dogs.²
Best Small Dogs for Families With Children
Beagles are friendly, curious, and up for adventure, which makes them great playmates for kids. They follow their noses, so a secure yard and leash walks are a must. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate, and they get along well with children and other pets. Bichon Frises are cheerful, playful, and shed very little.
Best Small Dogs for Apartments
French Bulldogs are quiet, compact, and need only short walks. Shih Tzus were bred to be companions and are happy staying close to you indoors, though their coats need regular grooming. Boston Terriers are lively and fun but not big barkers, which neighbors will appreciate. All three have short faces, so keep walks short on hot days.
Best Small Dogs for Active People
If you want a small dog that can keep up, look for a higher-energy breed. Cocker Spaniels love long walks and games of fetch. Shetland Sheepdogs are smart, eager to learn, and great at dog sports like agility. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are sturdy herding dogs with plenty of stamina. They're best with older kids, since they may try to herd little ones.
Best Small Dogs for Seniors and Calmer Homes
Havanese are social, adaptable, and content with daily walks and plenty of time on the couch. The Bolognese is a rarer breed, but it's one of the calmest and quietest small dogs, with the AKC's lowest scores for energy and barking.¹ Both have low-shedding coats that need regular brushing. For even tinier companions, browse our list of toy dog breeds.
What Health Issues Are Common in Small Dogs?
Small dogs are generally healthy, but a few issues show up often:
Kneecap problems. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, many toy and small-breed dogs have a genetic tendency toward a luxating patella, a kneecap that slips out of place.³
Breathing problems in flat-faced breeds. VCA lists French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Shih Tzus among the brachycephalic breeds that can have trouble breathing, especially in heat.⁴
Before you choose a breed, ask breeders about health testing, and plan for regular vet checkups. See how pet insurance for small dogs can help with vet bills.
How Do You Choose the Right Small Dog Breed?
Size is only part of the picture. Think about:
Energy level. A Corgi or Sheltie needs much more exercise than a Bolognese.
Grooming. Low-shedding coats like the Bichon's or Shih Tzu's need regular brushing and trims.
Kids and other pets. Some small dogs can be fragile around toddlers, so supervise play.
Barking. If you have close neighbors, look for a quieter breed like the French Bulldog or Boston Terrier.
Spend time with a breed before you commit, and consider adopting. Shelters and rescues have many small dogs and mixes looking for homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small dog breed for families?
Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Bichon Frises are some of the best small dogs for families. All three earn the AKC's top score for being good with young children.¹ They're friendly, playful, and patient, though Beagles need more exercise than the other two. Always supervise young kids with any dog, since small breeds can be injured by rough play.
What is the calmest small dog breed?
The Bolognese is one of the calmest small dogs, with the AKC's lowest energy score.¹ Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Havanese, and French Bulldogs are also fairly laid-back. Even calm breeds need daily walks and play to stay healthy and happy, so plan for some activity every day.
Which small dog breeds don't shed?
No dog is completely shed-free, but the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Bolognese all earn the AKC's lowest shedding score.¹ Their coats need regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent mats. If allergies are a concern, read our guide to hypoallergenic dog breeds and spend time with the breed first.
Do small dogs live longer than big dogs?
Generally, yes. The AKC notes that pet parents of small dogs can expect several more years with their pets than pet parents of large dogs.² Many small breeds live well into their teens. A longer lifespan means more time together, so plan for senior care costs like dental work and checkups down the road.
When comparing pet insurance providers, it's important to look closely at what's actually covered. Some plans may offer lower premiums upfront, but fewer benefits when your pet needs care most.
Spot Pet Insurance includes microchip implantation coverage with every plan and can reimburse covered costs related to eligible chronic conditions, hereditary conditions, dental illnesses, and prescription foods.* These coverages can make a meaningful difference over time. Learn more about what pet insurance covers.
*Prescription food & supplements are covered if they are prescribed to treat an eligible accident or illness. Prescription food & supplements are not covered if they are used for weight management or general health maintenance.
If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
American Kennel Club. "Dog Breeds" breed profiles (Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Havanese, Bolognese). AKC, updated 2024–2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
Meyers, Harriet. "Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?" American Kennel Club, updated August 11, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer/
Weir, Malcolm, Tammy Hunter, and Ernest Ward. "Luxating Patella in Dogs." VCA Animal Hospitals, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs
Barnes, Courtney, et al. "Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs." VCA Animal Hospitals, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs
