Looking for a pup who’s as sweet as they are small? You’re not alone—small dogs have a way of winning hearts with their friendly demeanor, playful spirit, and manageable size.
In fact, according to the APPA survey, 68 million US households have at least one dog, and many pet parents prefer the charm and adaptability of little dogs. Whether you’re in an apartment, have a busy lifestyle, or simply adore a pup who can rock an adorable sweater, friendly small dog breeds can fit right into a variety of living situations.
From playful energy to a gentle disposition, these dogs often make excellent family pets, sociable companions for other pets, and loyal partners for outdoor adventures. No matter your home or routine, there’s a dog breed out there with the perfect mix of friendliness, fun, and a strong desire to please.
Friendly Small Dog Breeds
1. Papillon
The Papillon is a quick, curious, and charming toy dog that captures attention instantly. Despite their refined, elegant appearance, these little dogs are surprisingly hardy and full of life.
Standing just 8 to 11 inches tall and weighing under 10 pounds, they’re easy to spot thanks to their signature butterfly-shaped ears—some stand upright like delicate wings, while others, called the Phalène type, gently droop.
Their beautiful, silky coat is predominantly white with splashes of other colors, making them one of the most eye-catching small dog breeds around.
Here’s the best part: Papillons are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They’re consistently ranked among the smartest dogs, which makes them easy to train and a joy for pet parents who enjoy teaching new tricks.
What makes Papillons special?
They’re natural athletes and love activities like agility, obedience, and even learning fun tricks.
Papillons are excellent travelers and adjust well to different living situations, whether city apartments or country homes.
They tend to live longer than many toy breeds, often reaching 14–16 years with proper care.
Their luxurious coat requires minimal grooming—a quick weekly brush is usually enough.
Despite being outgoing, they’re alert watchdogs who will always let you know if someone’s at the door.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the definition of a loving companion. Known for their gentle disposition and affectionate nature, these small dogs were originally bred to warm laps in chilly castles and on long carriage rides.
PetMD says that their history traces back to 17th-century British royalty, where King Charles I and his son Charles II adored them so much that they were a constant presence, even in Parliament.
Today, they remain one of the friendliest small dog breeds, cherished for their sweet temperament and adaptability.
Cavaliers are a delightful mix of toy breed charm and spaniel energy. They can be playful and active outdoors, yet perfectly happy as calm lap dogs indoors. With their expressive, soulful eyes and silky ears, it’s hard not to fall in love at first sight.
What makes the Cavaliers special?
Ranked 14th on the AKC’s popularity list, they’re loved worldwide for their even temper and friendly nature.
They’re excellent companions for families, seniors, and even first-time pet parents.
Cavaliers adapt well to almost any living situation, from city apartments to suburban homes.
They’re eager to please, which makes them easy to train compared to some other breeds.
Unlike more high-energy dogs, they have balanced energy levels, enjoying both playtime and quiet moments.
3. Bichon Frise
The cheerful Bichon Frise is one of the world’s great “personality dogs,” famous for their charm, intelligence, and irresistible good looks. Small but sturdy, they stand just under a foot tall, making them the perfect little dogs for families and city life.
Known for their adaptability, Bichons are as happy in a busy household with kids as they are in a quiet apartment, and they’re naturally friendly with other dogs and other pets when socialized early.
Here’s the best part: Bichons have a naturally sunny outlook on life. They’re social dogs who thrive on human companionship and love making people laugh with their silly, clown-like antics.
They’re also eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement. While they’re alert enough to be decent little watchdogs, they’re true lovers, not fighters, always assuming that strangers are just new friends waiting to be made.
What makes Bichons special?
Their soft, hypoallergenic coat is low-shedding and makes them a great choice for families with mild allergies.
Bichons rarely bark excessively, making them ideal for apartment living.
They enjoy learning tricks and even performing for their loved ones.
Playful yet gentle, they’re great with children and family pets alike.
They have a happy-go-lucky, humorous nature that makes them natural entertainers.
4. Havanese
The Havanese holds the honor of being the national dog of Cuba. It’s believed Spanish or Italian traders brought their ancestors from the Mediterranean to Havana, where they became beloved lapdog companions for Cuban aristocrats. Today, the Havanese is adored for its cheerful personality and affectionate nature, making it one of the friendliest small dogs you can find.
Now, don’t let their aristocratic history fool you. Havanese are friendly, playful, and eager to be around people. Weighing about 7 to 13 pounds, they’re a perfect middle ground for little dogs—small enough to cuddle but sturdy enough for daily activities. Their soft, silky coat comes in a variety of colors, adding to their unique charm.
What makes Havanese special?
They’re easy to train thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Naturally outgoing, they make great therapy dogs and sociable companions.
Their adaptable nature suits different living situations, from city apartments to suburban homes.
Alert yet friendly, they can be decent watchdogs without being overly barky.
They thrive on affection and love, and being the center of family activities.
5. Shih Tzu
That face! Those big, dark eyes looking up at you with the sweetest expression—no wonder Shih Tzus have charmed people for over a thousand years. AKC states that they are known as the “Lion Dog.”
This small breed was originally bred to be a royal companion for Chinese Emperors. Weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, they’re surprisingly solid for their size and make perfect indoor companions for pet owners who want a loyal and low-maintenance friend.
What truly makes the Shih Tzu special is its warm personality. They’re incredibly affectionate, easygoing, and one of the most excellent family dogs, especially for families with young kids.
They’re also happy to adapt to apartment living, as they prefer indoor playtime to more strenuous outdoor activities. While they may have a thick double coat, which needs regular grooming, many pet owners keep it trimmed short for easier upkeep.
What makes Shih Tzus special?
They’re calm yet lively little dogs who love being close to their humans.
As a family dog, they’re gentle, patient, and affectionate with children.
Their royal heritage gives them an air of sophistication, making them truly charming dogs.
They can adapt to nearly any lifestyle, whether you live in a city apartment or a suburban home.
Grooming can be customized—long flowing coats for elegance or a shorter trim for less upkeep.
6. Maltese
Britannica mentions that the Maltese are a true classic among toy dog breeds, with a history stretching back over 2,500 years. Originating on the island of Malta, this delicate-looking yet spirited pup was once the prized companion of Roman aristocrats.
With their long, flowing white coats and elegant appearance, Maltese dogs are often seen as the epitome of refinement, yet beneath that beauty lies a lively and fearless spirit.
While they’re perfect lap warmers, Maltese aren’t just for lounging. They love to play, learn tricks, and interact with their families, making them ideal, loyal companions.
Many pet parents keep their coat trimmed short for easier upkeep, but whether long or clipped, their beautiful fur is also known to be a hypoallergenic dog coat, making them a great option for people with mild allergies.
What makes Maltese special?
They may look delicate, but they’re fearless and spirited with fun, sassy personalities.
Their coat, though long and silky, can be kept in a manageable, stylish trim.
They adapt well to apartments or larger homes, thriving wherever their humans are.
They’re known to form strong bonds, making them affectionate and friendly family pets.
Despite their size, they have a keen sense of alertness and can be excellent little watchdogs.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Beneath the dainty, glossy, long coat of a Yorkshire Terrier beats the heart of a true terrier—brave, determined, and endlessly charming.
Weighing no more than seven pounds, this compact toy breed is known for its luxurious silky coat in steel blue and golden tan. Don’t let their petite size fool you—Yorkies have a bold personality, always ready to take on the world with confidence.
The Yorkies love being fashionable companions, but they’re also full of energy and intelligence. They’re eager to please, making them responsive to training advice, though their terrier streak means they like to do things their own way at times. They’re also known for their expressive eyes, which make it hard to say no to them!
What makes Yorkies special?
Despite their long coat, many pet parents keep them clipped shorter, almost like a smooth coat, for easier grooming.
They’re great watchdogs, alert and always ready to protect their loved ones.
Yorkies adapt well to city life but still enjoy walks and outdoor play.
Known for being long-lived, they may have some health considerations like dental issues, so regular vet care is essential.
They’re generally well-behaved with proper training and socialization, though their feisty terrier side always shines through.
Conclusion
When it comes to friendly small dog breeds, it’s clear that these little companions bring big love into any home. From their playful energy to their gentle, affectionate nature, they can easily fit into all kinds of lifestyles.
Apart from the breeds mentioned above, there are different breeds as well that are small and friendly at the same time. These include the Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, Miniature Pinscher, Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chinese Crested, and Lhasa Apso.
The best part? These dogs may be tiny in size, but their hearts are anything but small. With the right care, love, and attention, they’ll reward you with endless joy, companionship, and laughter for years to come. No matter your living situation or daily routine, a little dog can make a big difference in your world.
