Best Small Dog Breeds
Are you looking for a small dog to suit your family, perhaps you’re trying to decide on a breed.
Don’t be fooled, small dogs can have big personalities, and they need just as much attention, care and training as a breed dog, only less food, exercise and they take up much smaller space so are happy in a smaller house or apartment.
Considerations for getting a smaller dog breed
- To shed or not to shed – that is a real question when considering a small breed for your family. No shedding means grooming appointments which can be expensive, but it does mean you won’t have fur all over your house which is important for some.
- Personality type – small dogs are not all equal, if you’re looking for a more chill small dog then choose a breed bred as a companion vs a small breed bred to work or be a ratter!
- Exercise needs – small dogs overall need less exercise than larger but gundogs like Cocker Spaniels or working terriers like Patterdales are going to need a lot of stimulation and exercise.
- How small do you want to go – consider some of the toy breeds if you are looking for a travel companion that can fly with you, or that you can take around town. Care needs to be taken as small dogs are often more delicate than big dogs.
- Small dogs need just as much attention and training as a larger dog, so do use the Zigzag app and talk to out trainers when you need that extra bit of help.
Best Small Dog Breeds
Are you looking for a small dog to suit your family, perhaps you’re trying to decide on a breed.
Don’t be fooled, small dogs can have big personalities, and they need just as much attention, care and training as a breed dog, only less food, exercise and they take up much smaller space so are happy in a smaller house or apartment.
Considerations for getting a smaller dog breed
- To shed or not to shed – that is a real question when considering a small breed for your family. No shedding means grooming appointments which can be expensive, but it does mean you won’t have fur all over your house which is important for some.
- Personality type – small dogs are not all equal, if you’re looking for a more chill small dog then choose a breed bred as a companion vs a small breed bred to work or be a ratter!
- Exercise needs – small dogs overall need less exercise than larger but gundogs like Cocker Spaniels or working terriers like Patterdales are going to need a lot of stimulation and exercise.
- How small do you want to go – consider some of the toy breeds if you are looking for a travel companion that can fly with you, or that you can take around town. Care needs to be taken as small dogs are often more delicate than big dogs.
- Small dogs need just as much attention and training as a larger dog, so do use the Zigzag app and talk to out trainers when you need that extra bit of help.
Training Essentials for Raising Smaller Dog Breeds
Small dogs often get forgotten when it comes to training, and can end up manhandled and quite scared of hands, everything is just so BIG for a little dog, and it can be easy to overwhelm them.
Life will be much more comfortable and joyous if we take the time to train them the basic skills for life such as loose lead walking and recall. Of course, small dogs can be [picked up, but it’s much healthier for them to understand instructions and be given some agency in how they move around the world.
Grooming and handling needs careful and considerate introduction, the poodle crosses need frequent brushing and clipping, Bulldogs need careful wiping and cleaning, Spaniels need their ears cleaning and so on.
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- Personal training schedule based on age & breed
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Small dogs perfect for your family
Maltese
Gentle, affectionate, and lively, with a beautiful coat ‘because you’re worth it’.
Miniature Pinscher
Brave, full of beans, and spirited, make a great family dog.
West Highland White Terrier
Hardy, confident, and friendly, with a sweet personality.
Small Dog Breed FAQs
Best small dogs for flats & apartments
Dachshunds and French Bulldogs make good small dogs for apartments, as do Maltese Terriers and Yorkies.
Toy breeds vs small breeds?
Toy breeds are generally all bred as companion breeds, so don’t have a specific job other than being affectionate and loving. Small breeds can be Terriers bred to work, or some of the smaller gundogs like Cocker Spaniels, these dogs have greater mental and physical needs on a daily basis.
Are mixed breeds good family dogs?
Yes they can be, it depends on the mix and what your family lifestyle is like.
Exercise requirements for small puppies?
Small breeds require less exercise than larger, but a good rule of thumb for puppies is 5 minutes per month of age twice per day.
Best dog food for smaller dog breeds?
Complete food – be it raw, cooked, kibble or wet, the main thing is it is nutritionally balanced. It’s personal preference which you feed your small breed.
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Training Essentials for Raising Smaller Dog Breeds
Small dogs often get forgotten when it comes to training, and can end up manhandled and quite scared of hands, everything is just so BIG for a little dog, and it can be easy to overwhelm them.
Life will be much more comfortable and joyous if we take the time to train them the basic skills for life such as loose lead walking and recall. Of course, small dogs can be [picked up, but it’s much healthier for them to understand instructions and be given some agency in how they move around the world.
Grooming and handling needs careful and considerate introduction, the poodle crosses need frequent brushing and clipping, Bulldogs need careful wiping and cleaning, Spaniels need their ears cleaning and so on.
Small Dog Breed FAQs
Complete food – be it raw, cooked, kibble or wet, the main thing is it is nutritionally balanced. It’s personal preference which you feed your small breed.
Small breeds require less exercise than larger, but a good rule of thumb for puppies is 5 minutes per month of age twice per day.
Yes they can be, it depends on the mix and what your family lifestyle is like.
Toy breeds are generally all bred as companion breeds, so don’t have a specific job other than being affectionate and loving. Small breeds can be Terriers bred to work, or some of the smaller gundogs like Cocker Spaniels, these dogs have greater mental and physical needs on a daily basis.
Dachshunds and French Bulldogs make good small dogs for apartments, as do Maltese Terriers and Yorkies.
