Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments

Pick a sturdy, patient breed rather than the smallest one. In our ratings the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier and Pug all score 5 out of 5 with children, while the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Pomeranian score 2, mainly because their small bodies are easy to injure and they may snap when handled roughly. Supervise play with young children whatever breed you choose.

Most of this list does. The Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese weigh 4-7 lbs as adults, the Havanese 7-13 lbs and the Shih Tzu 9-16 lbs. Watch the larger small breeds: the French Bulldog can reach 28 lbs and the Boston Terrier 25 lbs, which puts some adults right at or over a 25 lb cap. Landlords usually ask for the adult weight, so check the breed range, not the puppy's weight.

Many of them do. The Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Maltese and Bichon Frise have our highest grooming rating, 5 out of 5, which means daily or near daily brushing and regular trips to a groomer. If you want a low-maintenance coat, the Chihuahua, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog score 1 out of 5 and need little more than a weekly brush and a bath now and then.

Some are. Tiny breeds with a thin or single coat lose heat fast, and our data marks the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese and Chihuahua as poor fits for cold climates. A dog coat for winter walks is practical for these breeds, not a fashion item. Keep walks shorter in freezing weather, dry the dog after rain or snow, and watch for shivering or lifted paws as signs it wants to go home.

They often take longer, because a small bladder means more frequent trips outside and accidents are easier to miss on a big carpet. In an apartment the walk to the door, the elevator and the street adds time, so take the puppy out after every meal, nap and play session. Some owners use an indoor potty spot on a balcony as a backup. Consistency matters more than the breed.