Small dogs often get a bad rap. They’re cute, sure—but are they smart? Absolutely. In fact, many small dog breeds are among the most trainable out there. With the right approach (and maybe a treat or two), these little dynamos can pick up commands faster than you can say “sit.”
Whether you live in an apartment or simply want a dog that’s easier to manage physically, trainable small breeds offer the best of both worlds: compact size and a willingness to learn. These pups may be tiny, but their eagerness to please and mental agility put them in a league of their own.
Plus, training a small dog comes with extra perks—less mess, fewer power struggles, and no need to wrestle 80 pounds of excited fluff just to teach “heel.” They’re perfect for families, first-time dog owners, or anyone who wants a pint-sized partner in crime.
So if you thought only big dogs had brains, think again. Let’s meet the little learners who are sure to impress.
Trainable Small Dog Breeds
1. Toy Poodle
Small in size, big on brains—the Toy Poodle is everything you’d want in a trainable, family-friendly companion… and then some.
Standing at just under 10 inches tall and typically weighing 4 to 6 pounds, these elegant little charmers bring intelligence, elegance, and enthusiasm wherever they go, whether that’s a bustling household or a cozy city apartment.
Don’t be fooled by their perfectly groomed curls and posh posture. Toy Poodles are some of the smartest dogs on the planet. They thrive on training sessions, adore learning new tricks, and love a mental challenge almost as much as they love your lap.
Why Toy Poodles Are Top-Notch Trainees:
✔️ Off-the-charts intelligence + eagerness to learn
✔️ Thrive on routines, praise, and positive reinforcement
✔️ Perfect size for apartments, travel, or your favorite hoodie pocket
They’re hypoallergenic, making them a fantastic pick for allergy-prone families—and their friendly, affectionate nature helps them bond quickly with kids and other pets alike.
However, these little brainiacs do crave attention. Leave them alone too long, and they might channel their genius into less-than-charming behaviors (think: dramatic barking or redecorating your shoe closet).
Fun Fact: The word “poodle” comes from the German word pudel, meaning “to splash in water.” So yes, your elegant little fluffball is technically named after puddles.
2. Bichon Frise
With their signature powder-puff coat, button eyes, and perma-smile expression, the Bichon Frise is the kind of dog that looks like it fell out of a storybook—and straight into your lap.
Standing 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing 12 to 18 pounds, this compact canine might look like a walking cloud, but don’t let the cuteness distract you—there’s a clever mind under all that fluff.
Bichons are highly trainable and love to learn. In fact, they were once circus dogs, performing tricks and routines with flair—so obedience training? That’s just their warm-up act. They’re people-pleasers through and through, and respond best to positive reinforcement and a few extra belly rubs.
Why Bichon Frises Are Smart & Snuggly Sidekicks:
✔️ Natural performers who pick up tricks quickly
✔️ Friendly, affectionate, and gets along with everyone
✔️ Hypoallergenic and apartment-friendly (with daily brush sessions!)
These dogs thrive in families, get along well with children and other pets, and make excellent apartment dogs. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, so allergy-prone dog lovers, rejoice!
Just keep in mind that a glam coat needs regular grooming, or your cute cotton ball might turn into a walking mop.
Fun Fact: “Bichon Frise” means “curly lap dog” in French—and honestly, that’s exactly what they are: tiny curly charmers who specialize in lap-warming and smile-giving.
3. Papillon
Don’t let the dainty look fool you—Papillons are tiny dogs with massive brainpower and big personalities to match.
Named for their distinctive butterfly-shaped ears (“papillon” means butterfly in French), these elegant little pups stand 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh just 5 to 10 pounds. They may be light as a feather, but their minds are as sharp as a tack.
Papillons are natural-born learners and love anything that engages their clever little brains—whether it’s tricks, tasks, puzzle games, or mastering an agility course like a mini rocket. They’re great for first-time dog parents, city dwellers, or anyone ready to be outsmarted (lovingly) by their dog.
They’re super affectionate, social butterflies (pun intended!) who get along well with other pets, especially when properly socialized. Just remember: their small size means roughhousing with bigger dogs or tiny toddlers should be supervised—these pups are more silk scarf than linebacker.
Why Papillons Are Tiny Training Superstars:
✔️ Super smart and eager to please—perfect for tricks and mental games
✔️ Easily trained for tasks, agility, and even service work
✔️ Apartment-friendly with exercise needs that fit your living room
And yes, they can even be trained as service animals or alert dogs—just don’t expect them to intimidate anyone. Their “guard dog” energy stops at enthusiastic barking, as per Britannica.
Fun Fact: Marie Antoinette reportedly owned a Papillon that walked with her to the guillotine. Talk about loyalty and royalty.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Don’t let the dapper beard and serious eyebrows fool you—Miniature Schnauzers are pint-sized powerhouses of smarts, sass, and charm.
Standing about 12 to 14 inches tall and weighing 11 to 20 pounds, these sturdy little dogs look like old-fashioned gentlemen but train like star students (with just a dash of sass, of course).
Mini Schnauzers are highly intelligent and eager to learn, which makes them a joy to train… as long as you keep it fun and fair. They’re known for their strong-willed nature, so positive reinforcement and a patient, consistent approach will go a long way.
Why Miniature Schnauzers Are A+ Trainees:
✔️ Super smart and motivated by praise (and snacks)
✔️ Excel at obedience, tricks, and even underground games
✔️ Spunky personality + big brain = endless fun in training sessions
Petplan noted these pups love mental stimulation, and they’ll absolutely thrive in activities like agility, obedience, or even Earthdog trials—a perfect outlet for their natural digging instincts.
And don’t be surprised if your Schnauzer picks up new tricks faster than your Wi-Fi connects. They live for your attention and love to show off.
Fun Fact: That signature beard? It’s not just for looks—Mini Schnauzers were originally bred to hunt vermin, and that facial hair helped protect them in the field. Now, it just makes them look like tiny professors with attitude.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet, soulful eyes? Check. Silky ears? Double check. A heart that wants nothing more than to make you happy? Triple check. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may look like a pint-sized aristocrat, but it’s as down-to-earth and trainable as canines come.
Standing 12 to 13 inches tall and weighing 13 to 18 pounds, Cavaliers carry themselves with gentle grace, and just the right amount of wiggle.
Their feathered ears and expressive faces make them look like they stepped out of a Renaissance painting and into your heart. But behind the elegance is a smart, eager-to-please pup who excels in obedience, agility, and even therapy work.
Why Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Are Dream Trainees:
✔️ Intelligent and love making their humans proud
✔️ Emotionally in tune—great for therapy or companionship
✔️ Friendly with everyone, from toddlers to tabby cats
These dogs thrive with reward-based training—think treats, praise, and belly rubs. Harsh methods? Nope, not their style (and honestly, not yours either). Gentle consistency is key, and their sensitive little hearts will flourish with positive reinforcement.
Fun Fact: Despite their royal roots in European courts, Cavaliers are total couch snugglers who would happily trade a throne for your lap any day.
6. Boston Terrier
Meet the Boston Terrier—the dog that shows up to training class already dressed for graduation. With their iconic black-and-white tuxedo coat, big round eyes, and charming smiles, Boston Terriers are as photogenic as they are smart.
Earning it the nickname “The American Gentleman.” Originating in the United States, Boston Terriers are friendly, intelligent, and highly adaptable, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and city dwellers alike.
Compact and sturdy, these little charmers typically stand 15 to 17 inches tall and weigh in at 12 to 25 pounds, making them the perfect pint-sized brainiac for apartment living or suburban strolls.
Despite their compact size, they have a big personality—playful, affectionate, and eager to please. Boston Terriers are easy to train thanks to their sharp minds and love for interaction, though they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Why Boston Terriers Are Trainable Rockstars:
✔️ Intelligent and quick to pick up commands
✔️ Small size but big motivation to impress
✔️ Love making their humans laugh (and proud!)
Boston Terriers are highly trainable thanks to their eagerness to please and people-oriented personality. They thrive on attention and positive reinforcement, and their curious, clownish nature turns obedience training into a fun activity for both dog and human. Expect a few zoomies mid-session—because, well, excitement!
Fun Fact: Boston Terriers are one of the few breeds that originated in the U.S.—born in Boston, of course. They’ve been melting hearts with manners (and mischief) since the late 1800s.
7. Maltese
Don’t let the flowing white locks and sparkly eyes fool you—the Maltese is more than just a pretty face. As per PetMD, these charming dogs hail from the sun-soaked Mediterranean island of Malta, where they have served as devoted companions for centuries.
Their legacy is so rich that they’re even mentioned in the writings of Ancient Greek and Roman authors. While their teacup version may weigh just 2 to 4 pounds, their brains pack a royal punch when it comes to trainability.
They’re also extremely social and love showing off what they’ve learned, preferably from the comfort of your lap or a sparkly pillow throne.
Why the Maltese Makes the Cut for Trainable Small Breeds:
✔️ Eager-to-please attitude makes training a breeze
✔️ Quick learners with a touch of dramatic flair (hello, sit-spin-curtsy!)
✔️ Tiny size, but big brain energy
Maltese dogs are eager to please, which makes them surprisingly quick learners. From basic obedience to fancy little tricks, they pick things up fast, especially when treats (or applause) are involved.
Fun Fact: Ancient Greeks believed the Maltese had healing powers and would place them on pillows next to sick people. Today, they heal modern stress with cuddles, cuteness, and the occasional spin for snacks.
Conclusion
Trainable small dog breeds like the Toy Fox Terrier, Rat Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Australian Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Brussels Griffon, American Hairless Terrier, Border Terrier, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog are ideal for owners seeking great family dogs with outgoing personalities and high energy packed into a little package. These intelligent dogs respond exceptionally well to dog training with positive reinforcement techniques and agility training, excelling in canine sports and various dog sports.
Whether you’re training a toy breed, an older dog, or adopting from a local shelter, effective training methods help with challenges like excessive barking and house training. Perfect for families with little kids and those new to dog ownership looking for a first dog, these specific breeds genuinely enjoy bonding time and thrive when owners commit to consistent, fun training focused on their unique dog’s body and energy needs. All these factors contribute to making them great pets and easy-to-train companions.
