Welcoming a new dog into your home can be an exciting milestone. However, with plenty of dog breeds available, it’s important to remember that some breeds require more care and maintenance than others.

Many small dog breeds are a good option for first-time owners as their maintenance needs are more manageable. Here are our recommendations for the best small dogs for first-time owners. Find the perfect addition to your family with the guide below!

Best Small Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

The perfect dog breed for you and your household can vary based on several considerations. Look at our picks for the best small dogs for first-time owners to know what to expect.

1. Chihuahua

Group: Toy
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth or long coat; various colors, including fawn, black, white, and more.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years

Chihuahuas have big personalities and tiny bodies. They are loyal, affectionate, and highly adaptable to different living situations, making them a wonderful choice for those living in apartments or small condominiums. While they are one of the smallest dog breeds you can find, their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs.

Pros	Cons
Extremely loyal and protective. Adaptable to small living spaces. Low exercise requirements.	Can be prone to frequent barking. Delicate and may be easily injured due to their size. Can be stubborn, requiring patience in training.

2. Havanese

Group: Toy
Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; various colors, including white, black, and tan.
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

The Havanese is a charming and affectionate breed known for its friendly and playful nature. They thrive on companionship and are highly trainable. With their soft, silky coats and expressive eyes, Havanese dogs are sure to steal your heart.

Pros	Cons
Good with families and children. Highly trainable and intelligent. Low-shedding.	Require regular grooming. Prone to separation anxiety. Can be sensitive to extreme temperatures.

3. Shih Tzu

Group: Toy
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat; various colors, including gold, white, and black.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and outgoing personalities. These small dogs are great companions, and their calm demeanor makes them well-suited for first-time owners. Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats, which require regular grooming.

Pros	Cons
Affectionate and friendly. Low exercise requirements. Good with children and other pets.	Require regular grooming and maintenance. Can be prone to certain health issues. May be stubborn during training.

4. Yorkshire Terrier

Group: Toy
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; steel blue and tan.
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years

Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are small but spirited dogs perfect for those who want a pint-sized companion with a big personality. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and love of human companionship.

Pros	Cons
Low-shedding. Loyal and protective. Good watchdogs.	Require regular grooming. Can be prone to barking. May be stubborn.

5. Maltese

Group: Toy
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; white.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Maltese is a gentle and affectionate breed known for its playful yet calm demeanor. They are highly trainable and thrive on human interaction. Maltese dogs are also known for their stunning white coats requiring regular grooming.

Pros	Cons
Affectionate and suitable for families. Low-shedding. Highly intelligent.	Require regular grooming and maintenance. Prone to separation anxiety. Can be delicate and easily injured.

6. Dachshund

Group: Hound
Height: 5 to 9 inches
Weight: 11 to 32 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired; various colors, including red, black, and tan.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

The iconic wiener dogs are known for their playful and courageous nature. They are affectionate and loyal companions who thrive in a loving home. Dachshunds come in varying coat types, each with its own unique charm.

Pros	Cons
Loyal and protective. Comes in different coat types. Good with children and families.	Can be prone to back problems due to their bodies. May be stubborn. Can be prone to barking.

7. Cairn Terrier

Group: Terrier
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Weight: 13 to 14 pounds
Coat and Color: Weather-resistant double coat; various colors except white.
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

Cairn Terriers are small but sturdy dogs known for their cheerful and adventurous personalities. They are intelligent and can be trained relatively easily compared to other breeds. Cairn Terriers are also known for their fearless nature and love of digging.

Pros	Cons
Intelligent. Good with families and children. Low-shedding.	Can be prone to digging. Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Can be stubborn at times.

8. Boston Terrier

Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; black, brindle, or seal with white markings.
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Known as the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are compact, friendly, and intelligent dogs. Boston Terriers are easy to train and adaptable to various living situations, making them great companions for first-time dog owners.

Pros	Cons
Friendly and sociable. Low-maintenance grooming. Good with families and children.	Can be prone to breathing issues. Can be prone to certain eye conditions. May be stubborn during training.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Group: Toy
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky, medium-length coat; various colors, including Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, and ruby.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate and gentle nature. Due to their friendly disposition and adaptability, they are excellent companions for first-time dog owners.

Pros	Cons
Affectionate and a good fit for families. Highly intelligent. Adaptable to various living situations.	Require regular grooming. Prone to certain health issues. Can suffer from separation anxiety.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

Group: Terrier
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
Coat and Color: Wiry, double coat; salt and pepper, black, or black and silver.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Miniature Schnauzers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are intelligent, trainable, and make great family pets. They are also known for their distinctive bearded faces and relatively low shedding.

Pros	Cons
Friendly and good with families. Intelligent. Low-shedding coat.	Require regular grooming. Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Can be prone to barking.

11. Toy Poodle

Group: Toy
Height: Up to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly, dense coat; various colors, including white, black, apricot, and gray.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence and elegant appearance. They are highly trainable and excel in various canine sports and activities. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them great companions for first-time dog owners.

Pros	Cons
Highly intelligent. Low-shedding. Adaptable to various living situations.	Require regular grooming. Can be prone to separation anxiety. Needs regular mental and physical stimulation.

12. Beagle

Group: Hound
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, dense coat; various colors, including tri-color, lemon, and red.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Beagles are known for their friendly and curious nature. They are small but sturdy dogs that are good with families and children. Beagles have a keen sense of smell and love to explore, making them ideal for those with active lifestyles and who enjoy outdoor activities.

Pros	Cons
Friendly and well-suited to families and children. Low-maintenance grooming. Energetic and loves outdoor activities.	Can be prone to separation anxiety. Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Can be prone to barking and howling.

13. Pug

Group: Toy
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; fawn or black.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Pugs are known for their wrinkled faces, expressive eyes, and charming personalities. They are affectionate, friendly, and great with families and children. Pugs are relatively low-energy dogs, making them well-suited for those who may not have a highly active lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Affectionate and good with families. Low exercise requirements. Low-maintenance grooming.	Can be prone to breathing issues. Prone to obesity. May shed more than other breeds.

14. Affenpinscher

Group: Toy
Height: 9 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 7 to 10 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense, rough coat; black, gray, silver, black and tan, or red.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Affenpinschers, also known as “monkey terriers,” are known for their playful, curious, and sometimes mischievous nature. Affenpinschers are intelligent and make great companions for dog owners who want a lively and engaging pet.

Pros	Cons
Intelligent. Low-shedding coat. Good watchdogs.	Requires regular grooming. Can be stubborn at times. Needs regular mental stimulation.

15. French Bulldog

Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 11 to 12 inches
Weight: 16 to 28 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; various colors, including brindle, fawn, and white.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

French Bulldogs are known for their charming and affectionate personalities. They are relatively low-energy dogs that thrive on human companionship.

Pros	Cons
Affectionate and suitable for families. Low exercise requirements. Low-maintenance grooming.	Can be prone to breathing issues. Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia. May have difficulty regulating body temperature.

What to Consider Before Getting a Dog

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, remember that owning one is a long-term commitment. Responsible dog owners must provide their furry friend with its basic needs and ensure that it is trained to behave appropriately at home and in public. Before welcoming a new dog into your home, consider the following factors:

Temperament: Choose a breed that matches your lifestyle, personality, and if it is suitable for households with young children and other pets.

Time Commitment: Dogs need time, attention, and training. Ensure you and your family have enough time to dedicate to your new furry friend.

Allergies: While some dog breeds are marketed as hypoallergenic, there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog. Low-shedding breeds shed less allergens, but it can still be enough to trigger allergies.

Training: Some breeds are easier to train than others. Consider whether you have the patience and time to train a dog that may be more challenging.

Cost: Owning a dog comes with recurring expenses, such as food, vet bills, grooming, and supplies. Consider whether you’re financially prepared.

First-Time Dog Owner? Unleash Fido Supports Your Training Efforts

Choosing the right dog breed is a significant decision. When deciding between the best small dog breeds for first-time owners, consider your lifestyle, what qualities you want in a dog, and whether you can accommodate their needs.

Responsible dog ownership involves training and reinforcing good behavior at home and in public. Unleash Fido offers training programs for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Whether you adopt a young pup or a senior dog, our dog trainers can turn your furry friend into a confident and obedient companion. Contact us for more information.

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15 Best Small Dogs For First-Time Owners