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Ready to join the ranks of dog owners? You landed in the right place.
If you are new to all this and lean toward smaller breeds, here are the best small dogs for first-time owners. Read through and pick the one whose temperament fits the way you actually live.
1. Affenpinscher
At 9 to 11.5 inches tall and just 7 to 10 pounds, the Affenpinscher slots neatly into apartment life, which is exactly what a lot of first-time owners need.
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That dense, shaggy dark coat earned them the nicknames “monkey dog” and “ape terrier.” Watch a few Star Wars films and you might catch an Ewok in there too.
Loyal, nosy, and genuinely funny, this fearless little toy dog rarely gives you a quiet moment.
- Highly amusing
- Loyal
- Ideal for apartment life
2. Basenji
The Basenji is a medium hound that tops out around 17 inches at the shoulder. Short glossy coat, a wrinkled brow, and almond eyes that seem to read your mind. The look wins people over fast.
They barely shed, and people call them cat-like for good reason, since they groom themselves and stay clean. An occasional bath is the extent of it. You will not catch a Basenji smelling like a dog.
They are athletic and born to chase, so keep one leashed outdoors or it is gone. They are also barkless, another tick in the box for a first-time owner.
- Minimal shedding
- No barking
- Self groomers
- Not picky eaters
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is charming through and through. Picture a white powder puff with two jet black eyes and a little leathery button nose.
They barely shed, and the coat is hypoallergenic, which makes a Bichon a smart pick if allergies have scared you off dogs before.
The personality matches the looks. Bichons are playful and curious, and they warm up quickly to new people, dogs, and kids.
Energy sits right in the middle, not hyper, not a couch potato. They take well to training, but they hate being left alone for hours, and that loneliness can turn into chewing and barking.
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Very friendly
- Moderate energy
4. Boston Terrier
You know a Boston Terrier by the tuxedo markings. The build is sporty and compact, well balanced, and capped at about 17 inches.
These are people dogs, and they shine in the city. Those big round eyes usually beam friendliness, with the odd flash of mischief.
A brisk walk is generally all the exercise one needs. Bright, mannerly, and easy company, the Boston earned its nickname, “The American Gentleman.”
- Great urban pets
- Bright
- Friendly
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
That silky, glossy coat gives away the Cavalier’s royal roots. It does ask for regular brushing and fairly frequent baths, but most owners are glad to put in the time.
Cavaliers are gentle, almost shy. They rarely bark, even meeting a new dog or a stranger.
They also mirror you. Give one an active home and it keeps up; give it a quiet one and it happily lounges.
The scenting and hunting instincts are still in there, but this breed was made to be a lap dog, and indoors is where it wants to be.
- Rarely barks
- Adaptive personality
- Like to stay indoors
6. Chihuahua
Tiny body, enormous personality. A Chihuahua stands just 5 to 8 inches tall and tips the scale at 6 pounds or less.
A national symbol of Mexico, the breed has a reputation as the high-energy “purse dog.”
They are alert, quick, and graceful, with erect ears and huge expressive eyes. They also carry a big-dog attitude in a small frame, so early training matters to settle who is actually running the house.
- Very small
- Highly energetic
- Ideal city pet
7. Chinese Crested
Lively and sharp, the Chinese Crested is a toy breed standing 11 to 13 inches tall and weighing up to about 12 pounds.
It comes two ways: hairless, with smooth skin and tufts of hair on the head, ankles, and tail, or coated, with a soft silky covering all over.
That spiky crest makes one unmistakable. Looks aside, these dogs are playful, fun, and glued to their people.
The hairless type barely sheds, which is one less thing for a first-time owner to manage.
- Lively and alert
- The hairless variety is low-shedding
- Ultra affectionate
8. Coton de Tulear
Sunny and sociable, the Coton de Tulear is a clever, light-hearted clown that will keep you laughing with one antic after another.
The coat is the calling card: white as snow, soft as cotton, and usually counted as hypoallergenic.
Cotons do want a good amount of your attention. Odds are you will be glad to hand it over.
They are non-shedding on top of it, which any owner appreciates.
Energy lands in the moderate range. A few easy walks keep a Coton fit and content.
- Very cheerful and outgoing
- Non-shedding
- Hypoallergenic
9. Dachshund
The Dachshund, the famous Wiener dog, is impossible to miss: a long, low body riding on short little legs.
The standard size stands about 9 inches tall, while the miniature stays under 6.
There are three coats, wirehaired, long-haired, and smooth, and all of them shed lightly.
Dachshunds are spirited and led by their nose, a scent hound at heart. Their short legs mean a romp around the apartment usually scratches the activity itch just fine.
- Low-shedding
- Spirited dogs
- Suitable for apartment life
10. Havanese
Want a dog that is both smart and a total extrovert? The Havanese will give you a great run.
Cuba’s only native breed, these little dogs are cheerful to the core, dressed in a glamorous silky coat with a tail curled over the back.
Small but solid, sociable and adaptable, a Havanese checks every box for city living.
They are bright and easy to train, and they will play watchdog when you want one. The rest of the time, the barking stays low.
- Extrovert nature
- Can be excellent watchdogs
- Don’t bark a lot
11. Japanese Chin
Draped in long silky hair, this small aristocratic lapdog makes a lovely roommate, and a forgiving one for a first-time owner.
Japanese Chins have big heads, short muzzles, and wide dark eyes that always look a little surprised. They are sensitive and loving, yet they keep a streak of independence.
This royal breed is not much of a talker, so barking stays off the table. They are territorial, though, and will tip you off the moment a stranger shows up.
A Chin is content with slow walks or a poke around the yard, but curiosity can get the better of one, so a leash is wise when the stubborn streak kicks in.
- Loving nature
- Mostly quiet
- Alert for strangers
12. Maltese
If you want a breed that looks like pure luxury, the Maltese fits. Long, straight, snow-white hair and bright black eyes that pull you in on sight.
Full grown, these little charmers weigh 7 pounds at most. They rarely shed, but that coat takes real grooming to keep the mats and tangles at bay.
Maltese are warm and affectionate, and they often live well into their teens, so a first-time owner can count on a long friendship.
- Stunning coat
- Very lightweight
- Extremely friendly
13. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a newer face, friendly, smart, and undeniably cute. It is a designer cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Size ranges a fair bit, roughly 8 to 14 inches tall and anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds.
They settle in just as well in a big house as a small one, and they love a cuddle as much as a game of fetch.
On top of that, Maltipoos are hypoallergenic, with shedding that runs from very little to none.
- Adorable look
- Can be both energetic and laid back
- Hypoallergenic
14. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the pocket edition of the standard, standing about 14 inches and weighing up to 20 pounds.
That bristly beard and the bushy eyebrows give them real attitude. They are tough and courageous, then turn into goofballs around the people they love.
Minis barely shed. The undercoat traps loose hair, which helps a lot if you have allergies.
Energy is middle of the road, so they do fine in a city apartment or a house with a yard.
- Rarely shed
- Courageous nature
- Quick learners
15. Norfolk Terrier
At no more than 10 inches at the shoulder, the Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers. Hard, wiry outer coat over a soft undercoat that keeps it warm.
Fun-loving and fearless, this is a great travel dog, adaptable, easy to tote, and game for whatever the day brings.
Toy size aside, Norfolks are confident and alert, and they make solid little watchdogs.
- Good travelers
- Alert as watchdogs
- Form close bond with owners
16. Papillon
Papillons are little, just 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder.
Those big, wing-shaped ears give them their look and their name. Papillon is French for butterfly.
Quick, athletic, and curious, they handle cool weather and warm, city and country, and they fold into a family almost overnight.
- Adaptable
- Happy nature
- Agile physique
17. Peekapoo
The Peekapoo crosses a Pekingese with a Poodle. The result is a companion dog that wants nothing more than to sit beside you or curl up in your lap.
Peekapoos are loyal and affectionate, with a protective streak over the people they love. They are playful and easy-going, which suits a novice owner well.
They do great in an apartment on a moderate energy level. They are clever too, and they tend to have plenty to say.
- Easy going
- Very affectionate
- Handle apartment living well
18. Pomeranian
Topping out around 7 inches, the Pomeranian is the dog plenty of people picture when they hear “small dog.” Tiny frame, oversized attitude, and one of the most popular toy breeds on the planet.
The thick, puffed double coat and that grinning foxy face are practically the breed’s signature.
Poms are alert and bright. They make sharp little watchdogs and train up easily. Short walks and indoor play suit them, so city or suburbs, either works.
- Very tiny
- Huge personality
- Great watchdogs
19. Pug
Small dog, huge heart. A Pug runs through a whole range of almost human expressions, courtesy of those big shining eyes and the wrinkled brow.
They are quiet dogs, give or take the soundtrack of heavy breathing that comes with a flat face.
Pugs are sensitive and deeply attached to their families. Leave one alone too long and it gets genuinely lonely and low.
They also live to snuggle, sometimes to a fault, since the weight piles on fast.
So they need steady, moderate exercise, kept gentle because of those breathing limits.
- Expressive facial features
- Affectionate dogs
- Love to snuggle
20. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, the Sheltie, stands somewhere between 13 and 16 inches tall.
Playful, bright, and full of go, this Scottish herder looks like a Collie shrunk down a few sizes.
Training a Sheltie is almost too easy, even for a beginner. They are world-class in obedience and agility rings.
Shelties pour affection on their family and stay reserved with strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
- Highly obedient
- Bright personality
- Serve as watchdogs
21. Shih Tzu
Half buried in a flowing coat, the Shih Tzu is a stunner, set off by big, dark, melt-your-heart eyes.
That long hair is tempting to let grow, but a shorter trim is kinder on your allergies. And the personality more than keeps up with the looks. Shih Tzus are playful, outgoing, and full of affection.
Bred for royal laps, they make wonderful house dogs. They are great with kids and would happily live in yours.
- Lush hair
- Playful nature
- Great with kids
22. Toy & Miniature Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The two smaller ones stand around 10 inches or under.
Size aside, every Poodle carries the same sharp mind and athletic build.
They count as hypoallergenic, since the coat barely sheds and throws off little dander.
Smart and agile, Poodles train like a dream, which is why they keep cleaning up at dog shows.
They are also calm, easy-going, and good with children.
- Graceful
- Non-shedding with minimal dander
- Good with children
23. Yorkshire Terrier
Saving a favorite for last, the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a toy terrier that weighs 7 pounds at most. The silky, glossy, floor-length coat is the stuff of dog show legend.
Do not let the size or the prim coat fool you. The Yorkie is feisty, brave, and bossy when the mood strikes.
All that fire and affection crammed into such a small package is exactly what turned this dog into a celebrity.
- Feisty
- Protective
- Hypoallergenic
Final Thoughts
First-time owners can relax. The list of small breeds runs long, so finding the right match is less of a gamble than it looks. Pick the temperament that suits your days, and the rest tends to fall into place.
Resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest dog for a first-time owner?
Breeds that are eager to please and forgiving of beginner mistakes, like a Labrador, Poodle or Cavalier, tend to be the smoothest first dogs.
Should a first-time owner get a puppy or an adult dog?
An adult is often easier. What you see is what you get on temperament and energy, and most are already house-trained.
How much does a first dog cost in the first year?
Budget roughly 1,500 to 3,000 dollars once you add food, vet visits, gear, training and the unexpected. The adoption fee is the small part.