Short answer: A small dog can be practical in an apartment and when travelling, but small does not automatically mean calm, child-friendly, inexpensive or easy to train. Choose by activity level, noise, grooming, health and temperament—not only weight and appearance.
Reviewed and updated 22 September 2026.
- Several small breeds are active, quick to learn and quick to alert.
- Low shedding often means more brushing and regular clipping.
- The very smallest dogs can be physically vulnerable around young children, stairs and larger dogs.
What is considered a small dog?
There is no universal weight limit, but dogs under approximately 10 kilograms are often described as small. This includes everything from a Chihuahua weighing only a few kilograms to a Cavalier or Shih Tzu that may weigh around eight kilograms.
“Miniature dog” and “teacup” are not separate official FCI groups. Be particularly cautious when a seller uses “teacup” as a mark of quality or markets extreme smallness as a goal in itself. Abnormally small size can bring an increased risk of injury and health problems.
Small breeds also have very different backgrounds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a terrier, the Pomeranian is a spitz, the Toy Poodle has working-dog qualities, while the Maltese and Havanese were developed as companion dogs. Original function often says more about everyday life than the number of kilograms.
Five questions before choosing a small dog breed
- How active do you want the dog to be? Papillons and Toy Poodles often need more training and mental activity than their appearance suggests.
- How much noise can your home tolerate? Many Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and other alert small dogs are quick to sound the alarm.
- How much coat care will you do? Poodles, Bichons, Maltese and Havanese shed little but require substantial grooming.
- Who will the dog live with? Young children and large dogs may require extra precautions around a very small dog.
- Which health risks can you manage? Breeding status, anatomy and documented disease should carry more weight than popularity.
Comparison of 10 popular small dog breeds
Sizes and characteristics are approximate. Sex, breeding line, the individual, health, socialisation and training can create substantial differences within the same breed.
| Breed | Approximate size | Activity | Shedding | Coat care | Important to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | Approx. 1.5–3 kg | Medium | Low–medium | Low–medium | Extremely small and physically vulnerable; may alert frequently |
| Pomeranian | Often approx. 2–3.5 kg | Medium | Medium–high | Medium | Alert spitz with a dense double coat |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Up to approx. 3.2 kg | Medium | Very low | Medium–high | Terrier personality in a very small body |
| Toy Poodle | Over 24 to 28 cm; often approx. 2–4 kg | Medium–high | Very low | High | Trainable and active; requires regular clipping |
| Papillon | Approx. 1.5–5 kg | Medium–high | Low–medium | Medium | Small, athletic and often highly trainable |
| Maltese | Approx. 3–4 kg | Low–medium | Very low | High | People-oriented; long coat requires work |
| Havanese | Often approx. 4–6 kg | Medium | Very low | High | Social; gradual alone-time training is important |
| Bichon Frise | Often approx. 5–8 kg | Medium | Very low | High | Regular brushing and clipping |
| Shih Tzu | Approx. 4.5–8 kg | Low–medium | Low | High | Short muzzle requires extra health attention |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Approx. 5.4–8 kg | Medium | Medium | Medium | Serious health situation and special breeding status in Norway |
1. Chihuahua: smallest in size, not in personality
The Chihuahua is considered the smallest recognised dog breed. Many are alert, lively and strongly attached to their people. They need normal walks, socialisation and training, although distance should be adapted to their short stride.
The extremely small body requires care. Falls from furniture, careless lifting, rough play with children and collisions with larger dogs can have serious consequences. Cold weather can also be a practical challenge.
2. Pomeranian: a small spitz with a big coat
The Pomeranian, also known as the Zwergspitz, is curious, attentive and often quick to learn. Its spitz background may appear as pronounced alert barking at doors, sounds and activity outside the home.
The double coat needs systematic brushing, particularly during shedding periods. Do not choose the breed because it looks like a maintenance-free teddy bear; coat care, dental care, training and social confidence all require work.
3. Yorkshire Terrier: silky coat and genuine terrier drive
The Yorkshire Terrier was not created merely as a decorative lapdog. Its terrier heritage often appears as curiosity, confidence, hunting interest and a desire to investigate its surroundings.
The coat sheds little, but a long show coat is labour-intensive. Many family dogs are kept in a shorter clip. The small body also makes safe handling around children and larger dogs important.
4. Toy Poodle: small body, great training capacity
The Toy Poodle is often social, attentive and highly trainable. Tracking, searches, tricks, obedience and small agility exercises can suit it well. High intelligence also means the dog learns both desirable and undesirable habits quickly.
Coat care is extensive even for dogs that are not shown. The coat sheds very little but must be brushed and clipped throughout the dog's life.
5. Papillon: light, sporty and quick to learn
The Papillon looks decorative but is often athletic, quick and eager to train. Many excel in obedience, agility and tricks. The breed can suit an active owner who wants the capacity of a larger dog in a small package.
It can be attentive to sounds and movement, so calmness training matters in an apartment. The long coat needs regular brushing, especially around the ears and feathering.
6. Maltese: people-oriented companion with a demanding coat
The Maltese was developed as a companion dog and is often social and closely attached to its people. It still needs walks, environmental training and opportunities to use its body—not a life in which it is always carried.
The white coat sheds little but tangles easily when kept long. Many owners choose a shorter family clip. Close attachment makes gradual alone-time training important from puppyhood.
7. Havanese: social and adaptable family dog
The Havanese is often playful, social and cooperative. Its slightly sturdier body may be more practical for a family than the very smallest miniature breeds, but interaction with children still requires adult supervision.
The coat sheds little because loose hairs remain trapped and must be brushed out. A strong interest in people can aid training but also makes systematic alone-time training essential.
8. Bichon Frise: low shedding, extensive coat care
The Bichon Frise is a lively companion dog of manageable size. Many thrive with family life, walks and play without requiring the same training volume as the most intense small breeds.
The curly coat continues growing, tangles easily and requires systematic brushing and clipping. Professional grooming can become a significant ongoing expense.
9. Shih Tzu: calmer companion with a short muzzle
The Shih Tzu is often a social companion with a more moderate activity level than a Papillon or Toy Poodle. Daily walks and mental stimulation are still necessary.
The breed is flat-faced. Restricted breathing, snoring while awake, poor heat tolerance and low exercise tolerance should not be normalised as “just typical of the breed”. Choose a breeder who prioritises open airways, functional eyes and sound movement, and request documented health information.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: appealing temperament, serious health situation
The Cavalier is often friendly, social and easy to like. But the breed cannot be recommended on temperament alone.
For a puppy buyer, this means that “Cavalier-like” or unregistered mixed litters are not automatically a healthy alternative. Ask for documentation of the programme, registration, parentage and every relevant health examination.
Which small dog could suit your lifestyle?
| You want | Breeds to investigate further | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|
| A very small dog | Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier | Small size creates greater physical vulnerability |
| A small training dog | Toy Poodle, Papillon | Need more activity and mental training than many people expect |
| A social family dog | Havanese, Bichon Frise | Coat care and gradual alone-time training |
| A calmer activity level | Maltese, Shih Tzu | Grooming; Shih Tzu requires extra health attention |
| Low shedding | Toy Poodle, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Maltese | Low shedding does not mean low grooming or allergen-free |
| An apartment dog | Several of these breeds may suit | Noise, calmness training and time alone matter more than size |
These are starting points, not final answers. Meet adult dogs, speak with the breed club and compare several breeders before deciding.
Small dogs in apartments: noise matters more than kilograms
A calm eight-kilogram dog can be easier in an apartment block than a two-kilogram dog that reacts to the lift, letterbox and doors. Suitability for apartment life depends especially on the ability to settle, alert barking, alone-time training and whether activity needs are met.
- Reward calm behaviour before sounds develop into an established alerting routine.
- Block the view of windows and shared corridors if the dog stands guard.
- Practise short, safe absences before the dog must be alone for longer.
- Provide walks, sniffing and mental activity—floor space does not replace these needs.
No breed can be guaranteed to remain quiet. The parents' temperament, early environment and training are decisive.
Small dogs and children: the smallest is not always the safest
Small dogs can live well with children, but a very small dog tolerates less when dropped, squeezed or handled roughly. For families with young children, a slightly sturdier small dog may be more practical than an individual weighing two kilograms.
- An adult should always supervise interaction between a dog and young children.
- Children must learn to leave the dog alone while it eats, sleeps or withdraws.
- The dog should have a protected resting place.
- Children should not lift a small dog without guidance.
- The label “family dog” never guarantees an individual's tolerance.
Low shedding, coat care and allergies are three different things
Dogs that shed very little often leave less hair in the home, but loose hair may remain trapped in the coat and form tangles. Poodles, Bichons, Havanese and Maltese therefore need regular brushing and clipping.
No breed is allergen-free. Dog allergens are present in skin material, saliva and urine, not only hair. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology emphasises that breeds marketed as “hypoallergenic” also produce allergens.
Anyone with a known allergy should make the decision together with a doctor or allergist. Also read the complete guide to hypoallergenic dogs and dog allergies.
Are small dogs cheaper and easier to travel with?
Food and some weight-based medicines may cost less. But insurance, dental treatment, vaccinations, training classes, passports and many veterinary examinations do not become cheap simply because a dog is small. Professional clipping can make low-shedding breeds expensive over time.
Some small dogs can travel in an aircraft cabin, but the combined weight of dog and carrier, carrier dimensions, route and airline rules determine eligibility. Always check requirements before booking; never choose a breed based on a cabin limit that may change.
Small dogs also often live for a long time. A British analysis of more than 584,000 dogs found clear differences in longevity associated with size, breed, sex and head shape. A small puppy may therefore remain a responsibility for well over a decade.
How to assess health and a breeder
A dog being registered or small does not mean every health issue has been assessed. Review the breed club's current recommendations and read the parents' actual results.
- Request recorded results for breed-relevant health tests.
- Ask about longevity, causes of death, temperament and disease in close relatives.
- Meet the mother and preferably other adult relatives in a normal environment.
- Avoid sellers who promise “completely hypoallergenic”, “guaranteed healthy” or extreme “teacup” size.
- Choose functional breathing, eyes, movement and body shape over extreme traits.
- Expect a responsible breeder to ask you many questions too.
Contact the national breed club and compare breeders. Registration is a starting point; transparent documentation and a realistic account of the breed's weaknesses are equally important.
Frequently asked questions about small dog breeds
What is the world's smallest dog breed?
The Chihuahua is considered the world's smallest recognised dog breed. The FCI standard gives a preferred weight of approximately 1.5–3 kg.
Which small dog is best for first-time owners?
A Havanese, Bichon Frise, Maltese or Toy Poodle may suit some first-time owners, but the choice depends on desired activity, grooming, time alone and training. No breed is automatically easy.
Which small dogs shed the least?
Toy Poodles, Bichon Frises, Havanese and Maltese shed very little compared with many other breeds. In return, they require extensive and regular coat care.
Are there small dogs that do not bark?
No. Every dog can bark. Breed background influences the tendency to alert, but the individual, environment, stress, learning and training all matter greatly.
Which small dogs can suit apartment living?
Many small breeds can live well in apartments when their needs are met. Havanese, Maltese and Bichon Frise are often considered, while more active breeds such as Papillons and Toy Poodles need more training. Noise and the ability to settle matter more than weight alone.
Are small dogs good with children?
Many can be, but the very smallest individuals are more vulnerable to injury from falls and rough handling. Temperament, robustness, the child's age and adult supervision must be considered together.
Are small dogs hypoallergenic?
No dog breed is allergen-free. Low shedding and allergy are not the same. Anyone with a dog allergy should obtain individual medical advice before getting a dog.
Is a “teacup dog” a separate breed?
No. “Teacup” is a marketing term, not a separate FCI-recognised breed or size category. Extreme smallness should never take priority over health and function.
Can small dogs go on long walks?
Many healthy small dogs can be surprisingly enduring. Build distance and pace gradually, adapting them to age, body, weather, surfaces and health.
Do small dogs live longer than large dogs?
At population level, small dogs often live longer than large and giant breeds. This cannot predict an individual's lifespan; genetics, disease, breeding, weight and care all influence the outcome.
Is purebred Cavalier breeding permitted in Norway?
In 2023, the Norwegian Supreme Court ruled that continued breeding of Cavaliers as the breed then existed violated the Animal Welfare Act. The Norwegian Kennel Club's crossbreeding programme does not permit mating two purebred Cavaliers and imposes specific health requirements.
A small body does not make recall or safe control less important. The Lildog GPS tracker for dogs weighs 28 grams and can provide additional location information on walks, but never replaces a lead, training or supervision.
Sources and further reading
- Norwegian Kennel Club: Dog breeds and buying a dog
- Norwegian Kennel Club: Choosing a breeder
- FCI: Companion and Toy Dogs
- Supreme Court of Norway: HR-2023-1901-A on Cavalier breeding
- Norwegian Kennel Club: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossbreeding programme
- Royal Veterinary College: Health issues associated with brachycephaly
- AAAAI: Dog allergies and the myth of hypoallergenic breeds
- McMillan et al.: Longevity of companion dog breeds (2024)
Breed descriptions concern typical group-level traits and cannot predict the temperament or health of a particular dog. Always check current guidance from the breed club, breeder and veterinarian.
Share:
Summer in the City: A Guide to a Safe Urban Vacation with Your Dog
How Far Do Cats Roam From Home? Distance, Territory and Safety