Looking for the perfect furry friend for your first home?
You’re not alone!
In the United States, dogs are the most popular pet, with roughly 65–68 million households owning at least one dog — making dogs a central part of family life across the country, according to Forbes.
For first-time dog owners, choosing a small dog can make life easier. Small dogs, typically under 25 pounds, are ideal for apartment living, busy lifestyles, and city dwellers.
These little companions may be small, but they have big personalities. From their playful antics to their affectionate nature, small dogs bring joy and companionship into every home.
However, their size means they have unique nutritional needs, requiring carefully balanced diets to maintain energy and overall health.
This guide will help first-time parents explore the best dog breeds under 25 pounds, highlighting breeds that are low maintenance, affectionate, and well-suited to small spaces.
By the end, you’ll know which breed could be your perfect furry friend.
Best Dog Breeds Under 25 Pounds for First-Time Owners
1. Shih Tzu
Looking for a small dog that can instantly brighten your home with charm and personality?
The Shih Tzu might be exactly what you’re looking for! Known as a charming and affectionate breed, this toy breed has a long history of being a loyal companion and a loving family pet.
With their silky coat, expressive eyes, and gentle nature, Shih Tzus thrive on human companionship and attention, making them ideal for first-time parents. They are bred to be friendly and sociable, adapting well to both apartment life and homes with small spaces.
They are also one of the best options for newcomers to dog ownership, thanks to their calm demeanor and affectionate nature.
Here’s why they stand out:
Size & Temperament: Compact, gentle, and easy to manage.
Grooming Needs: Requires regular grooming to keep their silky coat healthy.
Exercise: Low exercise requirements, but enjoy mental stimulation.
Adaptable: Friendly with other dogs and fits well in various living environments.
Fun Fact
Shih Tzus have appeared in movies like The Secret Life of Pets 2 and were historically treasured as royal companions in ancient China.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Looking for a small dog that is full of personality and perfect for a first-time owner?
The Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a little dog breed with a big personality. Despite their small size, Yorkies are confident, lively, and affectionate, making them excellent companions for first-time parents.
According to the American Kennel Club, Yorkshire Terriers are highly intelligent and easy to train. They also make great choices for apartment living due to their adaptable nature and small stature.
Yorkies are good for newcomers because they are small dogs that are affectionate, alert, and full of energy.
Here’s what makes them special:
Silky Coat & Grooming: Requires regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat, which is also low shedding, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Personality: Bold, playful, and highly intelligent, needing mental activities and consistent training.
Exercise: Moderate activity is enough; they enjoy short walks and interactive play.
Adaptable: Fits well into small spaces and benefits from early socialization to ensure a friendly temperament..
Fun Fact
Yorkies were originally bred in 19th-century England to catch rats in clothing mills and are considered one of the earliest terrier breeds used for pest control
3. Havanese
Looking for a small dog that combines playfulness with a loving personality?
The Havanese is an ideal choice for first-time pet parents seeking a small dog breed that is both charming and adaptable.
Known for their affectionate and playful nature, Havanese dogs thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities. According to PetMD, they are highly social, intelligent, and eager to please, making them well-suited for apartment living and homes with small spaces.
These dogs are also excellent companions for families who want a loyal, gentle, and interactive furry friend.
Here’s why the Havanese stands out:
Coat & Grooming: Their silky, flowing coat requires regular grooming but adds to their charming appearance.
Exercise & Play: Low exercise requirements with a love for short, regular walks and indoor play.
Mental Stimulation: They thrive on physical stimulation and games, keeping both body and mind active.
Adaptable: Friendly with other pets and adaptable to a variety of living environments.
Fun Fact
Havanese are Cuba’s national dog and were treasured as companions by the Cuban aristocracy, often traveling in their owners’ pockets!
4. Pug
Looking for a small dog with an irresistible combination of charm, playfulness, and devotion?
The Pug is a perfect match for first-time dog owners seeking a small dog breed that is both sturdy and affectionate.
Known for their affectionate and loyal nature, Pugs are social, enjoy spending time with their human companions, and adapt easily to apartment living or small spaces. Pugs are playful, cheerful, and love being part of family activities.
Their friendly personality makes them a true furry friend who thrives on attention and bonding. ugs’ adaptable nature and charming demeanor make them a delight for households with children or other pets.
Here’s what makes Pugs special:
Coat & Grooming: Smooth, short coat that is easy to maintain with low shedding.
Exercise Needs: Minimal daily exercise needed, perfect for first-time parents.
Personality: Cheerful, playful, and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their family.
Adaptable: Comfortable in apartments or homes with limited space.
Fun Fact
Pugs were companions of European nobility, and a Pug named “Punch” appeared in the famous 18th-century painting The Pug Prince!
5. Poodle(Toy)
Looking for a small dog that is intelligent, affectionate, and perfect for first-time owners?
The Toy Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds that combines brains and charm in a compact size. Known for their hypoallergenic coat, Poodles are ideal for households with allergy concerns, and they thrive on human companionship and interaction.
Toy Poodles are highly trainable, enjoy learning new tricks, and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their low-maintenance exercise needs and adaptable temperament make them great companions for apartment dwellers and homes with small spaces.
Here’s what makes Toy Poodles special:
Coat & Grooming: Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to maintain its soft, curly texture.
Intelligence & Training: Highly intelligent and quick learners, they benefit from mental engagements and consistent training.
Exercise Needs: regular outdoor exercise is sufficient; short walks and indoor play keep them happy.
Personality: Affectionate, playful, and loyal, making them excellent companions for first-time parents.
Fun Fact
Poodles have appeared in films and television shows, including Disney’s The Little Mermaid II, showcasing their intelligence and photogenic charm on screen!
6. Pomeranian
Looking for a small dog with a lively personality and a big heart?
The Pomeranian is an ideal small dog breed for first-time dog parents who want a furry friend full of energy and charm.
Despite their tiny stature, Pomeranians are confident, curious, and love to engage with their families. Pomeranians are intelligent, alert, and form strong bonds with their human companions, making them well-suited for city living and small spaces.
Pomeranians’ affectionate nature and adaptability make them an excellent choice for first-time parents, offering both companionship and entertainment in one tiny package.
Here’s what makes Pomeranians special:
Coat & Grooming: Fluffy double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep its luxurious coat healthy.
Exercise Needs: Low to moderate exercise through short walks and interactive play.
Personality: Bold, playful, and intelligent, enjoying mental stimulation and learning new tricks.
Social Adaptability: Friendly with other pets when socialized early and fits well in small homes.
Fun Fact
Pomeranians gained fame when Queen Victoria of England fell in love with the breed, helping to popularize them throughout Europe and making them a royal favorite for centuries!
7. Maltese
Looking for a small dog that is elegant, affectionate, and perfect for first-time dog owners?
The Maltese is a happy dog breed known for its luxurious coat and expressive eyes, capturing the hearts of families and singles alike.
These dogs thrive on human interaction and make an ideal companion for apartment living or small homes. Maltese dogs are gentle, intelligent, and highly social, forming strong bonds with their families.
Their affectionate nature, adaptability, and suitability for first-time pet parents make them a top choice for anyone looking for a devoted and playful furry friend.
Here’s why Maltese dogs stand out:
Coat & Grooming: They have a low-shedding coat, ideal for allergy-sensitive households.
Exercise Needs: Low regular exercise is enough; they enjoy short walks and interactive play.
Personality: Gentle, affectionate, and playful, thriving on human companionship.
Adaptable: Fits perfectly into apartments or small living spaces and gets along with other pets when socialized.
Fun Fact
Maltese dogs have a rich history, having been treasured companions of European nobility for over 2,000 years!
Conclusion
So, which charming dog breed is calling your name?
Are you ready to welcome a furry friend into your home?
Choosing the right dog breed is important, especially for first-time dog owners.
There’s a perfect companion for every lifestyle. These perfect dog breeds are ideal for apartment living and families who want a loyal, loving pup.
Are you looking for a low-maintenance dog or one with a flowing coat that requires regular grooming?
Whatever your choice, these small dogs bring joy, companionship, and endless love to every household.
They are not just pets — they become part of your family, offering human companionship, happiness, and even a little daily fun.
Ready to find your perfect furry friend?
Start your journey today with a small dog breed that matches your lifestyle and heart!
