17 Best Behaved Small Dogs (Easy Low-Maintenance Breeds)

They say great things come from small packages.

And that’s very true for small dogs.

Because despite their tiny frames, they have big personalities.

And many of them are well-behaved too!

So if you’re looking for a new fur baby….

Keep reading to discover:

17 best-behaved small dogs.
The easiest small dog to take care of.
Which among the small dog breed is the calmest.
And much, much, more…

What is the easiest small dog to take care of?

The short-haired Dachshund is the easiest small dog to take care of. This breed requires less grooming and training. Moreover, they only require a small space. Also, Dachshunds only need 30 minutes of walking per day. Aside from Dachshunds, Boston Terriers is another breed that’s easy to maintain.

17 best behaved small dogs

#1: Dachshund

They’re recognizable from afar…

With their short legs and long back, Doxies are head turners.

But first of all, let’s talk about history…

This breed is originally from Germany and belongs to the hunting dog category.

They’re also very intelligent and independent.

In fact, their independence can become a double-edged sword sometimes.

Why?

Because it can get in the way of their training.

But if trained well, you’ll get a loyal and affectionate watchdog.

Plus, a great companion for your kids.

So if you want to get your own Dachshund, AKC classified three types you can choose from namely:

Wired.
Long-haired.
Short-haired.

They also come in two sizes, regular and miniature.

There’s actually no difference among the three types except for their fur.

Long-haired and Wired Dachshunds have longer hair.

Thus, they need to be groomed more often than Short-haired Dachshunds.

#2: Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are great lap dogs.

This means they love sitting on their hooman’s lap.

Plus, they don’t mind being carried.

That’s why many US cities named Yorkies their most popular breed.

Aside from that, they can also get along with other pets.

Not to mention that they’re quite light-footed and won’t cause any ruckus in your house.

Moreover, AKC also states that this breed is hypoallergenic.

So Yorkies are perfect for those who have sensitive noses.

However, ASPCA warns Yorkie fur parents of these health issues. Unfortunately, these issues are common to this breed:

Hypoglycemia.
Patellar Luxation.
Portosystemic Shunt.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Hypoglycemia happens when your pup’s blood sugar level is below average.

While Patellar Luxation refers to when your pup’s kneecap dislocates itself. This is a common issue for small dogs.

On the other hand, Portosystemic Shunt is also known as the liver shunt. It’s when a dog’s circulatory system doesn’t pass the liver.

Lastly, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a group of eye conditions.

And it causes gradual blindness to your Fido.

#3: Chihuahua

Next on our list is one of the smallest canine breeds.

Normally, Chihuahuas only weigh up to 6 pounds.

As a result, they’re often labeled as “purse dogs”.

But don’t be fooled.

They may be small, but they have lots of sass.

Not only that, but these puppers are very loyal to their fur parents too.

Moreover, they’re known for being intelligent and active dogs.

And, of course, their intelligence makes them very trainable.

So, if you want to get your own Chihuahua, you can choose between these two types:

Longhaired Chihuahuas.
Shorthaired Chihuahuas.

But there’s practically no difference between the two except for their fur length.

#4: French Bulldog

French Bulldogs or Frenchies are one of the most famous breeds for city dwellers.

Their affectionate personalities can be the reason behind this.

Aside from that, Frenchies are also famous for barking less than other breeds.

This makes them more suitable for people living in apartments or shared spaces.

They also need minimal grooming and exercise.

And most of all, they’re very friendly and make for a good companion pet.

#5: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you want a chill dog to laze around with, this is the pooch you’re looking for.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves afternoon naps.

And they’re great for just lounging around the couch.

That’s why this breed is also recommended for senior fur parents.

Furthermore, these pooches prefer low-impact activities.

So you don’t have to worry that you can’t keep up with their energy.

Not only that, but Cavalier King Charles can also warm up to strangers quickly.

#6: Maltese

These fluffy snowballs are great for snuggling.

They also make for an energetic lapdog.

Aside from that, Maltese are also very easy to carry around.

You can put them in a carrier, and they won’t make a fuss.

However, they follow a strict grooming schedule.

Otherwise, their faces will gather tear stains.

To avoid this, give them a weekly bath and be sure to use tear-stain removing products.

#7: Boston Terrier

Because of their unique coloring, Boston Terriers are also called “Little American Gentlemen.”

And true enough, this breed acts like a total gentleman.

First of all, their personality is great for families who have children or senior members.

In fact, fur parents praise them for their gentle and protective nature towards kids.

Moreover, this breed is also best suited for being service dogs.

Their friendly and playful demeanor is good for those who have anxiety issues.

Additionally, Boston Terriers can also become service dogs for people with autism.

In particular, service dogs help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

WebMD says that ASD makes it hard for kids to communicate and interact.

But recent studies show that pet dogs can improve the social behaviors of people with autism.

So aside from companionship, service dogs can help improve the quality of life of kids with ASD.

Note: Service dogs are trained before they’re given to their new fur family. And not all Fidos can be trained to become one.

#8: Miniature Pinscher

This breed is known to be loyal and protective of their fur family.

At the same time, they’re also very playful and energetic.

Moreover, Min Pins are good with children and other pets in the household.

But they need early socialization to develop this skill.

What’s more, Miniature Pinschers are known to be confident and elegant.

And this trait is even more highlighted by their famous “hackney gait.”

What’s that?

It’s when they do a high-stepping gait just like a Hackney horse.

Hence, the name for the walk. And only Min Pins are known to do this prominent trait.

You haven’t seen one do it before?

Well, watch this video to see an actual Min Pin doing the hackney gait:

#9: Chinese Crested

Although their name implies otherwise, these pooches didn’t actually come from China.

They originated from Africa. And Aztec women used them to warm their beds.

Then Chinese sailors discovered these pups and took them on board as ratters.

From then on, they were called Chinese Crested.

And the name has stuck ever since.

Today, the Chinese Crested is an outgoing and very affectionate pet.

They’re particularly good children.

And they love spending time with their fur family.

However, they can be a bit timid around other dogs.

Not to mention that they’re also more sensitive than other Fidos.

So it would be better not to shout at them during training.

If you want to get your own Chinese Crested, choose between these two varieties:

Hairless.
Coated/powderpuff.

The hairless variety has a few hairs located on their head, feet, and tail. The rest of their body then displays their smooth and soft skin.

Meanwhile, the coated or powderpuff variety has a soft and silky coat.

Though they don’t look alike, both have the same personalities and traits.

#10: Miniature Schnauzers

They may have the word “Mini” in their name, but this breed is tough and fearless.

This means that larger dogs don’t intimidate them.

But don’t get me wrong, Minis are tough but not aggressive.

They’re actually perfect as a family dog.

Furthermore, they’re very friendly and enjoy a lot of playtime. That’s why AKC advises socializing your Mini at an early age.

Also, they’re very intelligent and fast learners.

So it’s important to keep their training fresh, fun, and interesting.

Aside from that, Minis can adjust well to apartment life or running around the farm.

#11: Pug

These adorable doggos are patient and well suited for children.

Their calm nature also makes them good for apartment living.

If you want a pooch who’ll join you as a couch potato, then a Pug would be a perfect choice.

They also have a playful side, which is great for fun and play.

These traits along with their very cute looks, made them an easy favorite among the fur parents.

However, pugs are more prone to illnesses.

In fact, FETCH mentions that flat-faced breeds like pugs are more likely to have an eye discharge. This is caused by their shallow eye sockets and protruding eyes.

Aside from that, PetMD says that the wrinkles on pugs’ faces should always be clean.

What for?

It’s to avoid skin fold dermatitis, which has the following symptoms:

Smelly skin.
Red, sore skin folds.
Scratching, rubbing, biting, or licking.
Yellow or white discharge inside skin folds.
Pain when skin folds are cleaned or moved.

#12: Corgi

They’re famous for being Queen Elizabeth’s favorite dog breed.

As a result, most people’s first impression of Corgis is royalty.

But here’s a fun fact for you. Corgis aren’t actually bred for royalty.

They’re working dogs that are originally bred for animal herding.

That’s why if you have a Corgi, don’t be surprised if they’ll try to herd you and your family.

So, don’t worry.

Corgis are a gentle breed, and their herding won’t hurt anybody.

Plus, they’re also very agile and enjoy playing with their fur parents.

Not only that but Corgis also like being busy. They’re at their happiest when they have something to do.

However, it’s also important to monitor your corgi’s weight.

Why?

Keeping it in check will prevent them from having health problems.

One of which is hip dysplasia.

VCA says that hip dysplasia is a hip deformity that happens during your pup’s growth.

Its symptoms are:

Limping.
The dog appears wobbly.
Weakness and pain in the dog’s hind legs.
Reluctance to rise from a sitting or lying position.

These signs can appear when your Corgi’s still a puppy.

So it would be better to control your pup’s food intake.

You see, researchers found out new information about hip dysplasia.

They discovered that doggos with rapid weight gain are more likely to have it.

This is compared to those with low weight gain due to controlled feeding.

Editor’s pick: Are Corgis Easy To Train? 5 Tips For (New) Corgi Parents

#13: Shih Tzu

Shi Tzus are naturally born charmers.

This is evident in their cute and sweet nature.

Aside from that, they’re also well-mannered and great playmates for the children.

And if the other dogs find running around and chasing cats fun, Shi Tzus find it more enjoyable to just sit on your lap.

What’s more, since they’re home buddies they’re perfect for apartment living or a house without a backyard.

#14: Havanese

This breed is almost non-shedding. So they’re great for people with allergies.

More than that, Havanese are well-known for their long, silky coat.

Many fur parents like giving their Havanese fur babies different hairdos.

And I tell you, these dogs can definitely rock any hairstyle.

Furthermore, they’re very affectionate and clingy to their fur parents.

That’s why they earned the nickname “velcro dog” since they stick to the side of their hooman often.

But they’re not your typical lapdogs.

Because Havanese are very intelligent and trainable.

In fact, they’re great for tricks and dog sports.

#15: Bichon Frise

According to AKC, they’re one of the world’s great personality dogs.

This can be attributed to their charm, beauty, and intelligence.

Additionally, Bichons are very adaptable.

They even get along well with children and other pets.

So if you have other dogs or even a cat, Bichons can

Also, they’re alert and curious but aren’t aggressive.

On the contrary, Bichons are a friendly breed.

When other dogs are wary of strangers, Bichons want to know and befriend them.

Plus, they also train well and love performing for their fur family.

#16: Pomeranian

Pomeranians are called the ideal companion because of their cheerfulness and intelligence.

They’re easily trained and can become great watchdogs.

Not only that, but they can also excel in obedience, rally, and agility if trained properly.

Moreover, Poms are active dogs, but they can have their exercise indoors.

So they can easily adapt to being your companion in the city or the suburbs.

Reading tip: 11 Reasons Why Your Pomeranian Is So Needy And Clingy

#17: Pekingese

Pekes were initially bred for the royals of China.

Because of this, they’re refined and very loyal to their fur parent.

Bear in mind that Pekes will choose a favorite person.

After their selection, Pekes will then develop a tight bond with their favorite human.

As for their training, they’re very intelligent and adaptable.

Proof of that is their compatibility with any type of person.

New pet parents, apartment dwellers, and just anybody can take care of Pekes.

However, their coat needs a bit of maintenance.

So brushing a Peke’s fur for at least one hour per week will help with their shedding.

What is the calmest small dog?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the calmest small dog.

Due to their relaxed nature, they get along well with other pets and other doggos in the house.

They also do well with children.

Aside from that, they quickly adapt to different people and situations.

VCA even described them as happy dogs that aren’t easily bothered by things.

So, you need a cuddle buddy?

Well, look no further because Cavaliers can cuddle with you for hours.

In fact, their favorite spot is their fur parent’s lap.