We all love dogs, but not everyone wants a 90-pound dog knocking over their coffee table or stealing their couch. Sometimes, you just want a perfect-sized companion, small enough to cuddle, big enough to keep up, and charming enough to make every day a little bit brighter.
Good thing: you have multiple options. Extra small to medium dog breeds that make the perfect pups. These puppies are loyal, loving, and full of personality. The kind of dogs that fit right into apartments, suburban homes, or even a family with a fenced-in yard.
If you are a first-time dog parent or adding another furry friend to your pack, these seven dog breeds have that balance of playfulness and companionship.
Fun Fact!
Did you know, the smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua, weighs as little as two pounds, and the largest dog breed, the Great Dane, can hit over 150+ pound. But the wild part is: as per the American Kennel Club (AKC), small dog breeds tend to live longer than the larger dogs, mostly by up to five extra years.
Talk about a long-lasting friendship!
Extra Small To Medium Dog Breeds That Make The Perfect Pets
1. Beagle
Happiness = Beagle! (Look at that smile and tail wagging with happiness).
These small to medium-sized dogs are all about curiosity and charm. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Beagles have an incredible sense of smell and a personality that is just impossible to resist.
They love kids, they get along with other pets, and they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and we can see why.
Perfect Pup Traits
Gentle disposition and playful energy
Gets along great with small children and other dogs.
Needs a moderate amount of daily exercise (they love walks and sniff everything).
Sociable and rarely aggressive.
Beagles make fantastic family dogs, mostly for active families. They are loyal dogs with a good-natured spirit, the kind that will happily join your weekend hikes or curl up for a movie night.
2. French Bulldog
Let’s be real… the French Bulldog, this small dog, is America’s sweetheart, right now. Yes, they broke Labrador Retriever’s 31 years-most-popular-dog-breed record, and have been #1 for 3 years, as per the American Kennel Club’s statistics. These small dogs have huge personalities packed into their little and muscular bodies.
Those signature bat ears and those expressive eyes…. French Bulldogs (or ‘Frenchies’) are the ultimate lap dogs: affectionate, funny, and total clowns.
Perfect Pup Traits
Compact build with a short coat.
Low energy, perfect for apartment living.
Adaptable, rarely barking excessively.
Loyal and thrive on human company.
They are not great swimmers (those short legs are not helping), but they are perfect pups for cozy homes. If you want a small dog breed that will love your couch as much as you do, the French Bulldog’s your buddy.
3. Basenji
Meet the Basenji… the dog that does not bark. (That alone could be their highest selling point, right?). Known as the barkless dog, the Basenji makes a soft and yodel-like sound instead.
They are sleek and independent dogs, and were originally bred in Africa as hunting companions. But don’t be tricked by their quiet nature; they are very clever, active, and incredibly loyal to their humans.
Perfect Pup Traits
Clean and cat-like grooming habits.
Small frame with a silky coat.
Wary of strangers but loving with the family.
Needs space to explore and exercise
Best for pet parents with a bit of dog experience.
If you are more into smart dogs that challenge you a little (and make you laugh a lot), the Basenji, with their sassy personality, is a great match! Just keep that fenced-in yard secure; they are excellent escape artists, as noted by Orvis.
4. Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd is the compact version of a full-sized herding dog. Loyal, intelligent, and full of energy. These dogs were selectively bred from the Australian Shepherd to create a medium-sized dog that could herd but also fit comfortably in smaller homes.
Perfect Pup Traits
Agile and eager to please family dog.
Excellent with an active family, almost a toy dog breed.
Needs daily exercise and mental challenges.
Easy to train and learn fun tricks fast.
These are great therapy dogs, as well, because they are sensitive, intuitive, and affectionate. If you are the type who loves weekend adventures and weekday snuggles, this medium dog breed checks all the boxes.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There is a perfect reason why the Queen adored her Corgis. They are loyal, funny, and surprisingly athletic for those little legs.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the best small dog breeds out there. With their herding instincts and outgoing nature, they are just as happy playing fetch as they are watching TV with you.
Perfect Pup Traits
Short legs, big heart.
Thick double coat (Yep, that means extra brushing)
Eager to please; hence, easy to train.
Sociable and great with kids, but spunky and independent.
Despite their tiny dog appearance, Corgis are tougher than other dog breeds on this list. They were originally bred to herd cattle (yes, really), and that herding instinct is still so strong. So, don’t be surprised if your little dog tries to herd your other pets around the living room.
6. Border Terrier
If you want a little dog with big energy, the Border Terrier could be your British match. These wire-haired cuties were originally bred to chase foxes between the English borders (hence the name).
They are brave, adventurous, and surprisingly low-maintenance dogs for such active pups.
Perfect Pup Traits
Compact frame with a wire-haired coat.
Great with small children and other dogs.
Loves outdoor play.
Rarely aggressive, friendly by nature.
Works well with consistent training.
Border Terriers are excellent family dogs that balance affection and independence beautifully. They are the type to race you to the door and then happily chill beside you after a long day.
7. Lagotto Romagnolo
Now, this is a true hidden gem! The Lagotto Romagnolo. A rare breed from Italy known for its truffle-hunting skills (Yes, truffles! The fancy mushrooms). And did you know ‘Lagotto’ is an Italian dialect word for “curly-coated duck retriever”? Well, now you know!
This medium dog breed is curly, cute, and full of love. They are smart, loyal, and one of the few hypoallergenic dog breeds that also happen to be amazing athletes.
Perfect Pup Traits
Curly double coat, soft and water-resistant.
Medium, square build; strong yet cuddly.
Great with kids and other pets.
Extremely eager to please and easy to train.
Loves outdoors: as per PetMD, one of their favorite thing is going swimming.
Their coat looks fancy, but these dogs are far from high-maintenance, much like hairless dogs. Lagottos are good-natured, gentle, and perfect for pet parents who want a loyal dog that’s both fun-loving and calm at home.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog is all about the fit, rather than the size. But if you want one of the extra small to medium dog breeds that make the perfect pups, this list is a perfect starter pack for you!
Some other tiny dogs that fall into this category are: Maltese dogs, wiener dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese dogs, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, etc. They are affectionate, smart, and full of life, ideal for active families (but of course, you need to train them from an early age).
At the end of the day, your dog does not need to be a 100-pound drooling and furry. Sometimes, it is just a little dog with maybe silky hair, plus a big heart, waiting a the door when you get home.
