Looking for a furry friend who fits perfectly into your life, whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a cozy suburban home? Small dog breeds offer a delightful blend of personality, portability, and affection, making them wonderful companions for a variety of lifestyles. But with so many adorable options available, how do you choose the right one?
This guide to the best little dog breeds of 2025 breaks down some of the most popular choices, considering factors like temperament, exercise needs, health concerns, and suitability for different households. From playful pups for families with children to cuddly companions for seniors, we’ll help you find the perfect pint-sized pal to share your life with.
Do you have a boy little dog? Read more about boy dog names here.
Best Little Dogs for Families with Children
Beagle
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Temperament | Beagles are Friendly, curious, happy-go-lucky, great with kids, prone to following noses |
Lifespan | 10 - 15 years |
Weight | 20 - 30 lbs. |
Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, luxating patella, eye disorders |
Exercise Needs | 1+ hour of exercise per day |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Temperament | Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are Gentle, affectionate, adaptable, great with kids and pets |
Lifespan | 12 - 15 years |
Weight | 13 - 18 lbs. |
Health Issues | Cataracts, luxating patella, hip dysplasia, heart disease, syringomyelia |
Exercise Needs | Moderate - enjoys outdoor activities but bred to be a lap dog |
Bichon Frise
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Temperament | Bichon Frises are Playful, happy, affectionate, good for people with allergies |
Lifespan | 14 - 15 years |
Weight | 12 - 18 lbs. |
Health Issues | Allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella, cataracts |
Exercise Needs | Low/Moderate - bursts of activity with short walks and play sessions |
Best Little Dogs for Apartment Living
French Bulldog
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 10 - 12 years |
Weight | Under 28 lbs. |
Health Issues | French Bulldogs are Prone to breathing problems, cherry eye, cataracts, skin allergies, autoimmune conditions |
Exercise Needs | Low - A short play session or walk |
Pug
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 13 - 15 years |
Weight | 14 - 18 lbs. |
Health Issues | Pugs are prone to eye problems (dry eye, corneal ulcers), breathing problems (especially in hot/humid weather) |
Exercise Needs | Low - A few walks or play sessions |
Shih Tzu
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 10 - 18 years |
Weight | 9 - 16 lbs. |
Health Issues | Shih-Tzus Can develop hip dysplasia, luxating patella, eye conditions (cataracts, corneal dryness, retinal atrophy) |
Exercise Needs | Low - A short walk or play session |
Best Little Dogs for Active Individuals/Families
Miniature Poodle
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 10 - 18 years |
Weight | 10 - 15 lbs. |
Health Issues | Poodles are Prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, von Willebrand’s disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes, luxating patellas |
Exercise Needs | High - Requires regular exercise and mental stimulation (walking, jogging, fetch, swimming) |
Cocker Spaniel
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 10 - 14 years |
Weight | 20 - 30 lbs. |
Health Issues | Cocker Spaniels are Prone to hip dysplasia and luxating patella |
Exercise Needs | Moderate - Requires a few walks and a play session |
Jack Russell Terrier
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 12 - 14 years |
Weight | 9 - 15 lbs. |
Health Issues | Jack Russell Terriers are Prone to luxating patella, deafness, and certain eye conditions |
Exercise Needs | High - Requires physical and mental stimulation (biking, hiking, long walks, games) |
Best Little Dogs for Seniors and Less Active Lifestyles
Maltese
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 12 - 15 years |
Weight | Under 7 lbs. |
Health Issues | A Maltese is Prone to luxating patella, heart conditions, and liver conditions (liver shunt, microvascular dysplasia) |
Exercise Needs | Low - Requires only occasional walks or play sessions |
Havanese
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 14 - 16 years |
Weight | 7 - 13 lbs. |
Health Issues | A Havanese is Prone to deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, luxating patella, and other conditions |
Exercise Needs | Moderate - Benefits from daily walks or play sessions, but doesn't require extensive exercise |
Important Considerations:
Individual Dog: Even within a breed, individual dogs can have different personalities. Socialization and training are crucial for any dog.
Health: Research the breed's common health issues. Some small breeds are prone to certain genetic conditions.
Grooming: Some small dogs require more grooming than others.
Exercise: Even small dogs need regular exercise, though the amount varies by breed.
Training: All dogs benefit from training and socialization.
It's always best to spend time with a dog before bringing it home to make sure it's a good fit for your family and lifestyle. Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, where you can often find dogs of all breeds and mixes. They can often tell you about the dog's personality.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Choosing a small dog breed is a big decision! We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the wonderful world of little dogs and helped you narrow down your search for the perfect companion. Remember, every dog is an individual, and responsible ownership includes careful consideration of the breed's specific needs, as well as your own lifestyle and capabilities. Spend time with different breeds if possible, and always prioritize adopting from shelters or reputable breeders. And as you welcome your new pet into your life, don't forget to explore how Spot Pet Insurance can help you provide them with the best possible care and help you get reimbursed on unexpected vet bills. Because a happy, healthy pup is the best kind of little dog! Visit our dog insurance page to learn more.
Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
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.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cocker-spaniel/.
“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/.
“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/havanese/.
“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/.
“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pug/.
“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/.
“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle/.
“Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/.
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/.
“Poodle (Miniature) Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-miniature/.
“Russell Terrier Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/.
