15 Best Dog Breeds For Small Houses

Living in a small house or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a furry friend. Many dog breeds are perfectly suited for smaller living spaces.

Here’s a list of the 15 best dog breeds for small houses, along with reasons why you should consider each one.

1. French Bulldog

french bulldog - one of the best dog breeds for small houses

French Bulldogs are small, muscular dogs with a smooth coat, compact build, and distinctive bat-like ears. They are known for their easy-going and affectionate nature, making them ideal companions. Despite their sturdy appearance, they are quite gentle and friendly.

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Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and manageable, perfect for limited space.
  • Temperament: Calm and well-behaved, requiring minimal exercise.
  • Adaptability: Thrives in apartment settings and can tolerate being alone for short periods.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

cavalier king charles spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are elegant, toy-sized dogs with expressive eyes and long, silky ears. They are friendly, sociable, and get along well with other pets and children. This breed is known for its affectionate nature and eagerness to please.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Affectionate: Great companions that love to cuddle.
  • Size: Small and lightweight, ideal for small spaces.
  • Temperament: Friendly and easy-going, making them great for families.

3. Pomeranian

pomeranian dog

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs with a lively personality. They are known for their vibrant and playful nature. Despite their small size, they have a big-dog attitude and are very alert, making them good watchdogs. Their fox-like face and thick, fluffy coat add to their charm.

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Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Tiny and portable, perfect for small living spaces.
  • Personality: Lively and playful, bringing lots of joy and energy.
  • Maintenance: Easy to groom despite their thick coat, with regular brushing.

4. Dachshund

dachshund

Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” have a unique elongated body and short legs. They are playful, curious, and very loyal to their owners. This breed comes in both short-haired and long-haired varieties, offering a choice in grooming needs.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and compact, fitting well into smaller homes.
  • Loyalty: Very devoted to their owners, making them excellent companions.
  • Adaptability: Suitable for apartment living with moderate exercise needs.

5. Shih Tzu

shih tzu puppy

Shih Tzus are small, sturdy dogs with a luxurious, long coat. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. Shih Tzus are affectionate lap dogs and thrive on human companionship. Their gentle disposition makes them excellent family pets.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and robust, ideal for small homes.
  • Temperament: Friendly and affectionate, great with children and other pets.
  • Maintenance: While they require regular grooming, their playful nature and loving disposition make it worthwhile.

6. Chihuahua

chihuahua portrait

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, known for their big personalities and expressive eyes. Despite their tiny size, they are very confident and bold. Chihuahuas are loyal to their owners and make excellent lap dogs.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Extremely small, perfect for the smallest living spaces.
  • Personality: Bold and confident, providing lots of entertainment.
  • Maintenance: Low grooming needs, making them easy to care for.

7. Maltese

white maltese dog

Maltese dogs are small, elegant, and covered in a long, silky coat. They are known for their gentle and playful nature. Despite their delicate appearance, they are lively and spirited. Maltese dogs are great companions and thrive on human interaction.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and lightweight, fitting well into small homes.
  • Temperament: Gentle and affectionate, ideal for families and singles alike.
  • Adaptability: Can live happily in apartments with regular exercise and play.

8. Pug

pug dog

Pugs are small, sturdy dogs with a distinctive wrinkled face and curly tail. They are known for their charming and affectionate nature. Pugs are very sociable and get along well with children and other pets. Their playful yet relaxed demeanor makes them great companions.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and compact, perfect for apartment living.
  • Personality: Friendly and sociable, making them great family pets.
  • Maintenance: Minimal grooming needs and easy to care for.

9. Boston Terrier

boston terrier

Boston Terriers are small, muscular dogs with a smooth coat and distinctive “tuxedo” markings. They are friendly, intelligent, and very affectionate. Boston Terriers are known for their lively and playful nature, making them great companions for families and singles alike.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and manageable, ideal for small homes.
  • Temperament: Friendly and affectionate, great with kids and other pets.
  • Maintenance: Low grooming needs and easy to train.

10. Yorkshire Terrier

yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with a long, silky coat. They are known for their feisty and affectionate nature. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy and love to play. Yorkies are very loyal to their owners and make excellent companions.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Tiny and portable, perfect for small living spaces.
  • Personality: Energetic and playful, bringing lots of joy to the household.
  • Adaptability: Can live happily in apartments with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

11. Havanese

havanese dog

Havanese are small, sturdy dogs known for their cheerful disposition and long, silky coat. They are very social and enjoy spending time with their human companions. Havanese are intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent pets for families and individuals.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and lightweight, perfect for apartments and small homes.
  • Temperament: Friendly and affectionate, great with kids and other pets.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular grooming but their hypoallergenic coat is a bonus.

12. Bichon Frise

bichon frise dog

Bichon Frises are small, cheerful dogs with a soft, curly coat. They are known for their friendly and playful nature. Bichons are very social and enjoy being around people, making them excellent companions. They are also hypoallergenic, which is great for allergy sufferers.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and compact, perfect for small living spaces.
  • Temperament: Friendly and playful, great with children and other pets.
  • Maintenance: Regular grooming needed, but their hypoallergenic coat is a plus.

13. Italian Greyhound

italian greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are elegant, slender dogs known for their grace and agility. They are very affectionate and love to be close to their owners. Despite their slender appearance, Italian Greyhounds are quite sturdy and enjoy regular exercise.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and slender, ideal for apartments and small homes.
  • Temperament: Affectionate and gentle, making them great companions.
  • Maintenance: Low grooming needs, but they do require regular exercise.

14. Pekingese

pekingese

Pekingese are small, regal dogs with a distinctive flat face and long, flowing coat. They are known for their loyalty and courage. Pekingese are independent and can be quite stubborn, but they are also very affectionate with their families.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and manageable, suitable for small living spaces.
  • Temperament: Loyal and affectionate, perfect for singles and families.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular grooming, but their unique appearance is worth it.

15. Brussels Griffon

brussels griffon

Brussels Griffons are small, sturdy dogs known for their expressive faces and lively personalities. They are very affectionate and enjoy being the center of attention. Brussels Griffons are intelligent and can be quite entertaining with their playful antics.

Why You Should Consider This Breed

  • Size: Small and portable, ideal for small homes and apartments.
  • Temperament: Lively and affectionate, great for families and individuals.
  • Maintenance: Regular grooming needed, but their charming personality makes it worthwhile.

FAQ

Q: Are small dog breeds suitable for families with children? A: Yes, many small dog breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, are great with children. However, it’s essential to supervise interactions between young children and small dogs to ensure safety for both.

Q: Do small dog breeds require less exercise than larger breeds? A: Generally, small dog breeds have lower exercise needs compared to larger breeds, but they still require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Breeds like the French Bulldog and Italian Greyhound are relatively low-energy, making them ideal for small living spaces.

Q: Are small dog breeds easier to train? A: Training ease can vary among small dog breeds. Breeds like the Papillon and Miniature Schnauzer are known for their intelligence and trainability. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key for any breed.

Q: Do small dog breeds have more health problems? A: Small dog breeds can be prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and joint issues. Regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle can help manage these risks. Researching breed-specific health concerns is essential before choosing a dog.

Q: Are small dog breeds hypoallergenic? A: Some small dog breeds, like the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu, are considered hypoallergenic because they produce fewer allergens. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Regular grooming and cleaning can help reduce allergens.

Q: How much grooming do small dog breeds require? A: Grooming needs vary by breed. Breeds like the Pomeranian and Pekingese have high grooming requirements due to their long coats, while breeds like the Italian Greyhound have minimal grooming needs. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming are usually necessary.

Q: Are small dog breeds good for apartment living? A: Yes, many small dog breeds are well-suited for apartment living due to their size and adaptability. Breeds like the Chihuahua and French Bulldog are excellent choices for small living spaces.

Q: How long do small dog breeds typically live? A: Small dog breeds generally have longer lifespans compared to larger breeds, often living between 12-16 years. Factors like genetics, diet, and healthcare can influence their lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dog breed for a small house requires careful consideration of the dog’s size, temperament, and maintenance needs.

Small dog breeds offer the advantage of being adaptable to limited living spaces while providing companionship and love. From the playful Pomeranian to the affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there’s a small dog breed to fit every lifestyle.

Remember to consider your living situation, family dynamics, and the time you can dedicate to grooming and exercise. With the right match, you and your small dog will enjoy many happy years together.

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