Small dog breeds

Australian Terrier mixes (such as Jack Russell Terrier, Silky Terrier, Cairn Terrier and Boston Terrier) are popular among owners today. For a little dog, they are known for their high energy and big personalities.³ Since Terriers were originally bred for work and hunting, many Terrier mixes are lively, intelligent and energetic. Mixed with other breeds, they can inherit various features, making them great companions for individuals and families.

The Beagle is a small to medium-sized breed well-known for its amiable and gregarious disposition.⁴ Often referred to as ‘pack dogs’, they thrive in social situations and like being near family members. Despite their small size, Beagles have a strong hunting drive and a desire to explore, making them lively and exciting companions.

Cocker Spaniels are amiable, friendly and playful dogs distinguished by their expressive eyes and silky coats.⁵ They’re generally kind to children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. Cocker Spaniels are energetic and joyful, and frequent exercise and mental stimulation are essential to their happiness.

A compact breed with a quirky and playful personality, French Bulldogs are well known for their charming and affectionate nature.⁶ Despite their small size, they often act like larger dogs and love to be the centre of attention.

Intelligent, alert and easy to train, Miniature Schnauzers are also known for being good guard dogs.⁷ They are loyal to their families and make excellent companions for active individuals or families.

These fun-loving dogs are recognised by their long bodies and short legs.⁸ Dachshunds are curious and brave and love being around their families, making them great pets for homes with children.

Known for their affectionate nature, these toy dogs make excellent companions and are especially well-suited to families.⁹ Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly, intelligent, social and love cuddling.

Pomeranians are active and confident and frequently appear larger than their size suggests.¹⁰ Despite being small, they are unique. They are cute, very smart and curious by nature, and they have silky coats and bright, attentive eyes. Pomeranians form strong bonds with their owners and like being the centre of attention, making them affectionate companions and lively watchdogs.

Chihuahuas, the smallest dog breed, are recognised for their strong personalities despite their small stature.¹¹ They are kind and develop close relationships and strong bonds with their owners.

Yorkshire Terriers are noted for their energetic, confident and inquisitive nature.¹² They are well-liked companions because they’re loyal and one of the smartest dog breeds. Yorkies can be stubborn and demanding, but they’re also incredibly bright and react well to positive reinforcement during training, such as treats and praise.

Known as affectionate lapdogs, these dogs are friendly and playful, making them great companions for children.¹⁵ Maltese Shih Tzus love nature, adapt to family environments and enjoy cuddles and playtime with kids.

Border Terriers have a playful nature and are very easy-going.¹⁶ They are patient towards children and are affectionate and energetic, making them a fun and interactive choice for families with young children.

Havanese dogs are gentle, friendly and full of energy, which makes them ideal for families with kids.¹⁷ They are known for showing affection, enjoying playtime and are happy to snuggle with children of all ages.

Cavoodles, a crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle, are recognised for their friendliness, patience and ease of training.¹⁸ Because of their kind disposition, they get along well with kids and frequently develop close relationships with them.

Toy Poodles are intelligent, friendly and energetic, making them excellent companions for children.¹⁹ They are generally calm among children and love interactive play. They are also an excellent choice for allergy-prone households because of their hypoallergenic coat.

Bichon Frise are small, cheerful and gentle dogs well-suited for families with children. They are playful and social and enjoy both active and relaxation time with their family members, including kids.²⁰ Their friendly disposition makes them a popular choice for young households.

Make sure you know your prospective small dog’s exercise needs, temperament around kids and other pets, grooming requirements and space suitability. It’s also important to remember like all pets, small dogs are a commitment and can live for up to 20 years. Small dogs can be vocal with tendencies to bark or yap, which may be an issue if living in close quarters like an apartment block.

It’s important to know if the breed of small dog is suitable for your lifestyle and home.

By understanding their needs and selecting a good breed for your family, small dogs can bring joy, companionship and comfort to any home.

Here are some important factors to consider:

• Exercise needs: While small dogs generally require less exercise than large breeds, they still need regular playtime and daily walks to stay healthy and happy. Depending on the breed, some small dogs may have higher energy levels and require more playtime.
• Space requirements: Although small dogs can live in apartments, they still require room to run around and play. It is important for the dog’s health to still have access to outdoor spaces like yards or parks to improve their overall mood and quality of life.
• Grooming: Some small breeds, like the Poodle and Shih Tzu, require regular grooming and maintenance due to their coats. Others, like the Chihuahua or French Bulldog, have less demanding grooming needs.
• Health: Small dog breeds can suffer from specific health issues, such as dental problems, respiratory issues (especially in flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs) and joint problems. Regular vet visits and proper care are essential for maintaining their health.

To pick a small dog breed for apartment living in Australia, favour low barking, low‑to‑moderate exercise needs, and a calm, adaptable nature. Breeds that do well include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cavoodles, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Toy Poodles. That’s because they handle limited space, cope well with indoor living and are less likely to cause noise complaints:

• Energy levels: Choose a moderate or low-energy breed if you live in a small space. Dogs like the French Bulldog or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known for being adaptable to smaller environments and require less exercise than more energetic breeds.
• Temperament: Choose a breed with a calm and relaxed temperament and always get your dog from a registered and ethical breeder. Some small dogs can be noisy or high-strung in confined spaces depending on their temperament, while other breeds like the Shih Tzu or Pug are generally more laid-back and can thrive in apartments.
• Training needs: Ensure the breed is trainable and adapts to apartment living. Many small dogs are easy to train and adjust well to apartment life if their owners are committed to consistent training.

Small dog breeds typically stop growing faster than larger breeds. Most small dogs reach their full size at 6 to 12 months of age, and they tend to hit their adult size by 12 months.¹³ It’s important to consider that some breeds may reach maturity a little later or have specific growth patterns that vary slightly depending on factors like diet and health.