For lots of animal lovers, small dog breeds are the perfect choice of companion, especially with an increasing number of people in the UK now living in smaller homes. According to the Office for National Statistics, the proportion of households living in a flat, maisonette or apartment increased the most of any type of accommodation between 2011 and 2021. With snugger homes, small dog breeds seem to be the obvious answer for lots of dog lovers. But which one to get? Here is our list of the top 10 best small dog breeds, exploring the cutest, the fluffiest and the friendliest small dogs around!
Chihuahua
First up is the chihuahua. Famous for being the very smallest dog breed in the world, chihuahuas come in two varieties, the smooth-coat and the long-coat. Chihuahuas are very affectionate and have high energy levels, so you’ll enjoy plenty of playtime together. Like many small dog breeds, chihuahuas have a long average lifespan of over 12 years, and with their outgoing and confident personality, you’re sure to find a great companion in a chihuahua.
Pomeranian
If you can’t get enough of fluffy small dogs, a pomeranian could be the pup for you! In fact, this breed is quite literally fit for a queen, with Queen Victoria famously favouring the pomeranian and exhibiting her dogs at London dog shows. While pomeranians do require a bit of TLC in terms of grooming, their adorable cloud-like appearance makes it more than worth it! These fluffy small dogs are incredibly affectionate and protective of their family members too, so you know you’ve got a loyal friend for life in a pomeranian.
Shih Tzu
Intelligent, active and alert, the Shih Tzu is one of the best small dog breeds to welcome into a busier household. They’re very sociable with other dogs, great with children, and very loving. The Shih Tzu’s coat comes in many beautiful colours and will be well worth the time you put into grooming it (which does need to be daily). Shih Tzus are a low-shedding breed however, and neither do they have a tendency to drool, so they’re perfect if you’re not a fan of housework!
Dachshund
There are 2 different sizes of dachshunds in the UK, each with three coat-types. These are: Long-haired, Smooth-haired, and Wire-haired. All varieties of dachshund are very friendly, even towards strangers, and they love to play! They have a big bark, making them great guard dogs, and with an eagerness to learn and high intelligence, dachshunds have a lot of potential when it comes to training.
Maltese
These sweet-tempered pups are known for their luxurious long white coats, which need plenty of attention to keep them in top shape. The affection you’ll receive in return will be well worth the time you spend on their beautiful fur, as Maltese are incredibly loving towards their owners. Elegant, gentle and charming to look at, the Maltese breed is low-shedding and not prone to drooling. They are also highly adaptable, and make one of the best small dog breeds for both city and countryside dwellers.
Border Terrier
Border terriers are often considered one of the best small dog breeds for families with young children, with their fun-loving personalities and good temper. Upbeat and agile, these working terriers need plenty of exercise, but they’re very intelligent, making them easy to train. Border Terriers are very adaptable, playful, and great with strangers, making them a great choice for many dog lovers.
Yorkshire Terrier
This popular small dog breed comes in a variety of colours. Yorkshire terrier puppies are born with a much darker coat that lightens as they get older, and is gloriously silky to the touch. These small dogs are known for their signature floor-length coat, which does need plenty of attention with daily grooming, but they are a low-shedding breed. Incredibly affectionate, Yorkshire terriers will befriend all the family including young children and strangers too.
Bichon Frise
One of the cutest fluffy small dogs around, the Bichon Frise has one of the best temperaments of all the small dog breeds. Friendly, confident and open to change, the Bichon Frise gets on brilliantly with children, other dogs and strangers alike. These low-shed dogs are famous for their corkscrew curl coat which is soft and fluffy to the touch, and they love to learn new tricks.
Jack Russell
These affectionate small dogs are beloved for their upbeat, lively personality and high intelligence. Full of energy and with busy brains, Jack Russells are the perfect companion for dog lovers who want to spend plenty of time playing with their pup and going on adventures together. Jack Russells come in three different coat types: smooth, broken and rough. They don’t require too much upkeep in terms of grooming, and they are a very sociable small dog breed.
Miniature Schnauzer
If you’re looking for small dogs that don’t shed much, are obedient, and love their family, look no further! The miniature schnauzer is a very popular small dog breed, with their outgoing personalities, willingness to learn and suitability as an affectionate family pet. They love a bit of rough and tumble with children and other dogs at playtime, and their characteristic bushy beard and eyebrows give them an endearing, human-like appearance.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – our list of the top 10 best small dog breeds! Whether you’re looking for a beautiful coat you can admire and tend to, a clever pup you can train up, or a doting companion you can curl up with in the evenings, there are plenty of cute small dog breeds to choose from. Once you’ve decided which of the small dog breeds you want to bring into your family, be sure to check out our blog ‘How to Look After Small Dog Breeds’ for information and advice on the unique needs and requirements of little dogs.
