31 Cutest Small Dog Breeds That Are Best For Apartment

The benefit to have a small dog is he looks cute and adorable. There are hundreds of small dog breeds in the world. While some of the breeds look fluffy and cuddly others can be more arrogant despite their soft and quiet look. Little dogs are considered suitable for apartments as they are small in size and easy to handle. You need to research on types of small dogs before bringing them in your house, as these dogs come with different personalities. People mostly prefer small dog that don’t shed but it all depend on what kind of dog you want?

We have enlisted 31 small dog breeds with pictures that you can own in your apartment. These tiny dogs are ranked as per their temperament, intelligence and popularity.

31- French Bulldog

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 11 inches to 1 foot
Weight: 16-28 pounds
Life Span: 11-14 years

This miniature Bulldog first created in England. A fabulous family friend, playful and sociable French bulldog belongs to the rare dog breed.

30- Maltese

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: Up to 7 lbs.
Life Span: 12-15 years

A fearless and gentle dog that greets everyone as a friend. His natural glamorous white coat enhance its cuteness and adorability. Maltese poses the qualities like gentle, lively and docile.

29- Papillon

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-9 pounds
Life Span: 12-16 years

Originated from Finland, Papillon is a friendly, happy, intelligent, energetic and cutest small dog breeds.

28- Brussels Griffon

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 7 – 8 inches
Weight: 7 -12 pounds
Life Span: 12- 15 years

A former Belgian street dog originally bred to kill and hunt rats. One of the unusual and distinctive small dog breeds he possesses a lively and affectionate nature. His sense of humor, intelligence and playful nature will always make you to adore him.

27- Scottish Terrier

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: Up to 10 inches
Weight: 18 – 22 pounds
Life Span: 11 -13 years

Scottish terrier is one of an amazing small dog breeds present today. Hilariousness, intelligence and independent nature make him a true Terrier. One of the excellent watchdog Scottish Terrier is a perfect walking companion. You will be surprised to hear his bark, despite his small size he has a super powerful bark which scares the hell out of the unsuspected thief. His agility and energetic nature makes him an excellent apartment dog to have.

26- Boston Terrier

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 1-1.3 foot
Weight: 10-25 pounds
Life Span: 13-15 years

Originally bred as fighting dog but now they are affectionate and gentle companions. Boston Terriers famous as “American Gentleman”, is a friendly and intelligent dog.

25-Pomeranian

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 7 inch to 1 foot
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life Span: 12-16 years

With a complete package of obedience, intelligent, friendliness and agility this cute miniature dog is a best family dog to have.

24- Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 10 inches to 1 foot
Weight: Up to 30 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years

Pembrokes’ are originally trained to herd horses, sheep and cattle as it is an intelligent and super active small dog breeds. These dogs are friendly and easy to train. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi love to interact with children’s and pets and like outgoing.

23- Skye Terrier

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 9 – 10 inches
Weight: 25 – 40 pounds
Life Span: 12 -14 years

Originally created in Scotland and bred to hunt and kill fox, otter and badger. Now a days Sky Terrier are known as flexible option to have a companion dog breed. A hardy terrier he is one of the rare native dog breeds.

22- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 1 foot to 1.1 feet
Weight: 13- 18 pounds
Life Span: 9-15 years

This little dog possess a sporty nature and love to do running, hiking and running on the beaches. It belongs to the toy dog breeds and has athletic and sporting nature. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is patient and fearless and this tiny dog can be used as a hunting dog. There are very few small dog breeds that can be used for hunting purposes.

21- Miniature Schnauzer

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 1 foot to 1.2 foot
Weight: 11-20 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years

Intelligence, obedience, fearless, loud nature, humor and affection are some of the few characteristics of Miniature Schnauzer’s personality. With him you’ll never felt alone at home. His humorous abilities make you laugh every day. Miniature Schnauzer never ever let you bored while he is with you. In short he is kind of small dog breeds that got all in one small package.

20- Beagle

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 1.1 feet to 1.3 feet
Weight: 18-30 pounds
Life Span: 10 – 15 years

Beagles are small sized hound with qualities like Intelligence, determination and even tempered. Originally bred as scent hound to track rabbits, hare and small game, Beagles need long frequent walks so that they keep themselves active and energetic. Following interesting scents always makes them most happy small dog breeds. Hardy, small and compact Beagle is a lively companion both for kids and adults.

19- Havanese

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

Expressive eyes, silky hairs and cuddly size make Havanese dog won many hearts. Havanese is a companion dog with qualities like affection, responsive, energetic and playful. He is more than a lapdog; as he is trainable and surprisingly quick. Havanese excelled himself in circus performing to dog sports.

18- West Highland White Terrier

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 13-22 pounds
Life Span: 12-16 years

Humorous and playful nature are the main characteristic of wee white terrier. He will surely make you laugh while he is around you. Best apartment dog he’s happy and friendly and poses a lively nature.

17- Dachshund

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 8-9 inches
Weight: 16-32 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

Dachshunds is a clever, courageous and devoted small dog who is used for home and fields safety purposes, like to hunt harassers, rabbits, foxes and other tunneling animals. But gradually their versatility makes them exceptional small game hunter, show dogs and great family companion.

16- Pekingese

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 6- 9 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

Dignity and grace are two epitome of Pekingese. These tiny dogs were bred in imperial family of China. They are good family companion and show dogs.

15- German Spitz

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 11.5 – 14 inches
Weight: 23 – 41 pounds
Life span: 13 – 15 years

German Spitz is alert, watchful and happy small dog. Available in variety of colors including white, black, orange, brown and wolf grey, German spitzes have excellent jumping skills and they like to stand on their back legs They are active and indoor and small yard are good for them. The German Spitz are considered very good for apartment life.

14- Bichon Frise

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 9 – 11 inches
Weight: 7 -12 pounds
Life Span: 12 -15 years

The Bichon Frise is a happy and most energetic companion. Black eyes, cheerful nature and fluffy coat, it looks like a kid’s toy. He has the ability to win anyone’s heart with his mischievous behavior.

13- Affenpinscher

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 7-9 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years

Affenpinscher originally bred to be ratter in shops, homes and stables. With happy and playful nature now they are considered as ladies companions.

12- Coton de Tulear

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 8 inches to 1 foot
Weight: 8-13 pounds
Life Span: 14 years

Coton de Tulear is fluffy, cuddly and sweet small dog breeds with entertaining personality. This smart little dog is always ready to pleasure you.

11- Maltese Shih Tzu

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 6 -12 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a hybrid dog breed also known as Malt-Tzu, Malti zu and Mal-Shi. He is sweet, adorable, affectionate and a very good companion. Maltese Shih Tzu is small dog breeds that don’t shed much and are more suitable for people with allergies. A great small companion, sweet lapdog and classic cross makes him best for kids to play with.

10- Peekapoo

Hypoallergenic: yes
Height: Up to 11 inches
Weight: 4-20 pounds
Life Span: 10-15 years

Peekapoo is loyal, affectionate, quiet and an amazing companion dog who love to spend his day sitting by your side or in your lap. With its small size and delicate body it seems hilarious as he tend to be protective to the people he loves.

9- Poodle

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: From 1 foot, 10 inches
Weight: 45 – 70 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

With royal attitude and impressive haircuts Poodles are one of the affectionate family dog breed. This toy and cute miniature dog is elegant, clever and proud. With an astounding ancient history and numerous talents Poodles are known as best show winners.

8- Chihuahua

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: 3-6 pounds
Life Span: 10-18 years

Chihuahua is one of the small dogs that is popular due to his agility and obedience. With a minimum requirement of exercise and grooming Chihuahua is included in the list of top 10 watchdogs recommended by experts. Chihuahua is a quick, devoted and courageous small dog.

7- Pug

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 10 inches to 1 foot, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Pug is one of the best lap dog out there. A best human friend and companion Pug has a great sense of humor and like to show off. Pug is possess the abilities like attentiveness, stubborn and playful.

6- Cockapoo

Hypoallergenic: Sometimes promoted as hypoallergenic
Height: From 1.3 feet
Weight: Starts at 19 pounds
Life Span: 12 -15 years

With a clownish personality Cockapoo is an adorable small dog. He is not belong to the pure dog breed but first of its kind of a designer dog. Cockapoo is very easy to train. He hardly sheds which makes him less allergic. Quick to forgive Cockapoo never felt you alone. Happily running around you in the house, even you have to shut down the bathroom door for privacy. He is so affectionate and also known as therapy dog. When you are at home you lap is his.

5- Lhasa Apso

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 9 – 11 inches
Weight: 12 -15 pounds
Life Span: 12 – 15 years

The Lhasa apso originated from Tibet is a family companion dog who devotedly protects his family from risks. He is used in Tibet’s an s a watchdog and place guard. Though small in size Lhasa is tough and independent dog which can go at any level to prevents his family from danger.

4- Silky Terrier

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

Silky Terrier is among the small dog breeds that exemplifies “small dog, big personality”. While weighing just 10 pounds, he’s tough, energetic and confident. The silky Terrier has a history of a hunter of small prey. With the exuberance he is an adorable companion dog who likes to stick with his owner.

3- Shih Tzu

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Span: 10-16 years

Originated from China “Shih Tzu” means little lion, but there is no need to worry about as its nature is totally happy, gentle and friendly. It is a great lapdog which is playful and follow you from room to room.

2- English Toy Spaniel

Hypoallergenic: No
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 8-14 pounds
Life Span: 10-12 years

The English Toy Spaniel is an introvert little dog who incline towards a single person. They are quieter and loyal with an isolated nature. Also nicked a “Charlies” they can have a humorous spark.

1- Yorkshire Terrier

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 8-9 inches
Weight: 4-6 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

Talk about elegant looks, talk about vibrant personality, talk about loving feisty companion; Yorkshire Terrier is a complete package possess all the mention qualities. One of the most suitable small dog breeds for apartment life. With his cheerful topknot and long silky coat Yorkie is the most glamorous character of the dog world. An attention grabber he always seems travel in style. Among included in cute dog breeds, so many fans and devoutness to his owner “Yorkie” is the most popular toy dog in the U.S.