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Small dogs that stay perpetually pint-sized are like living with a forever-young puppy—adorable, cuddly, and perfectly portable. Whether snuggling on your lap or tagging along on your daily adventures, these tiny companions fit seamlessly into a variety of lifestyles, especially if space is at a premium.
One significant advantage of smaller dogs is their longevity. Typically, these little ones enjoy lifespans of 12 to 16 years, much longer than their larger counterparts. This means extra years of joy and companionship, a precious bonus once they become cherished family members.
Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living, and if they’re among the breeds that don’t shed, even better! Shedding less means less dander—which is great news for allergy sufferers. Dogs with continuously growing coats usually shed less and are often more tolerable for people with allergies, making them the perfect hypoallergenic option.
So, you really do get the best of both worlds with these breeds: small dogs that stay small and don’t shed are a total win-win. Let’s dive into the top ten picks in this delightful category!
Dogs that Stay Small forever and Don’t Shed
1. Chinese Crested
| Height | 11-13 inches |
| Weight | 8-12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13 to 18 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, alert, lively |
| Intelligence | Above average |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate |
| Maintenance Level | Low |
The Chinese Crested dog stands out with its unique appearance and two distinct varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff. The hairless type features soft, smooth skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles, while the powderpuff is enveloped in a soft, silky coat.
Despite the lack of fur, the hairless Chinese Crested requires substantial grooming to prevent skin irritations, allergies, and sunburn, necessitating the use of skin treatments. On the other hand, the powderpuff variety needs daily brushing to keep its fluffy coat in good shape.
This toy breed is lively, alert, and exceptionally devoted to its owner. Chinese Cresteds are known for their sensitive nature and require training that is both gentle and patient. They are playful and loving, forming a deep bond with their humans.
The hairless variety has the added benefits of having virtually no doggy odor and minimal shedding. Both types are very attuned to their family, making them attentive and caring housemates. The exercise requirements of the Chinese Crested are modest, typically met with daily short walks and play sessions in the backyard.
2. Border Terrier
| Height | 12-15 inches |
| Weight | 11.5-15.5 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, plucky, good-natured |
| Intelligence | Above average |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
The Border Terrier has a dense undercoat and a wiry top coat that repels water, keeping the dog warm in cold climates. This sturdy little dog doesn’t shed much, and a quick brush every week or two is usually enough to maintain its coat, although it may need a bit more care during seasonal shedding periods.
Friendly and alert, the Border Terrier is a wonderful addition to any family, loving life with its humans and great with children. They are lively and make excellent playmates for kids. Border Terriers can adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise. A well-exercised Border Terrier is calm indoors.
However, Border Terriers have a strong instinct to hunt and dig, stemming from their history of keeping up with horses and hounds during hunts. This can be challenging to manage.
They need a securely fenced yard to prevent escapes, as they are skilled at digging under or climbing over fences. Early training and socialization are crucial to curb their tendency to chase small animals.
3. Bichon Frise
| Height | 9.5-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 12-18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 14 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Curious, playful, peppy |
| Intelligence | Average |
| Tendency to bark | To Alert |
| Maintenance Level | High |
The Bichon Frise is a small but sturdy dog known for its distinctive curly, fluffy white coat. The breed has a soft undercoat beneath a coarser overcoat, which together create its voluminous, fluffy appearance. While Bichons have a coat that rarely sheds, they are quite high-maintenance in terms of grooming. They are not the best choice for owners who don’t have ample time for frequent grooming sessions.
Bichons thrive on companionship and are happiest when spending time with their families. They are naturally friendly and get along well with everyone, making them excellent companions for families with children, elderly individuals, and homes with other pets.
Despite their friendly nature, Bichons need regular walks to meet their mental and physical stimulation needs. Without this, they can become anxious and may develop behavioral issues.
Bichons also require a safe, enclosed space where they can play and expend their energy. Historically popular as performing dogs, Bichons are highly trainable, intelligent, and generally obedient, although housebreaking may sometimes pose a challenge. Early training and socialization are essential to help them become well-behaved pets.
4. Maltese
| Height | 7-9 inches |
| Weight | Under 7 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Loving, loyal, lively |
| Intelligence | Above average |
| Tendency to bark | Medium |
| Maintenance Level | Low – medium |
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, recognized for its fine-boned structure and striking long white hair that doesn’t shed. This breed requires daily gentle brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Known for their intelligence, Maltese dogs have excelled as therapy dogs and in agility and obedience competitions.
They are quite clever and have learned how to communicate their needs to their owners over centuries of companionship. Consistent training is essential, though they can sometimes be stubborn about house training.
This spirited and lively dog has a wonderful personality that makes it a great fit for all types of owners, particularly thriving on close companionship with its humans. Often considered the ultimate lap dog, the Maltese might not be the best fit for families with very young children due to its delicate nature.
They are perfect for apartment living as they don’t need a backyard or much outdoor exercise, but they do enjoy playing games. However, the Maltese can become a frequent barker, especially if left alone for long periods.
5. Affenpinscher
| Height | 9-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 7-10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Confident, funny. fearless |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to bark | Medium |
| Maintenance Level | High |
The Affenpinscher, with its sturdy body and alert expression, often resembles a small, inquisitive monkey or fox. This breed features a medium-length, wiry coat that requires grooming twice a week using both a brush and a metal comb. Their coat grows slowly, so trimming every few months is usually sufficient.
Known for its charming and affectionate nature, the Affenpinscher is loyal, alert, and generally quiet. However, it can display a lively terrier spirit when excited. Their strong devotion makes them excellent family companions, bonding closely with their people. While friendly and easy to make friends with, Affenpinschers can be possessive of their toys and may not share well with others.
Affenpinschers are well-suited to apartment living but are classified as moderately active and do need regular exercise. Much of their exercise needs can be met indoors through play, but daily brisk walks are essential not just for physical activity but also for socialization with people and other dogs.
They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them trainable despite a reputation for stubbornness. Successful training involves recognizing their independence and using it alongside positive reinforcement to guide their learning.
6. Brussels Griffon
| Height | 7-10 inches |
| Weight | 8-10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, sensitive, impatient |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to bark | Medium to high |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
The Brussels Griffon comes in two distinct varieties: the rough-coated, which sports a wiry texture, and the smooth-coated, which boasts a glossy finish. Both types are known for their minimal shedding, making them excellent companions for indoor living. Regular grooming with a mitt keeps their coats in top condition without much hassle, even though they do experience seasonal shedding.
Brussels Griffons are affectionate with their human families and love to cuddle, but they prefer to do so on their own terms. It’s important to respect their space, as they are not fans of constant hugging and may react poorly, especially around children, if not properly trained.
This breed requires a good deal of exercise to stay happy and healthy, so ample play and stimulation are key. Griffons are generally quick to learn during training sessions. However, like many toy breeds, they can be challenging to house train.
Griffons are usually good with all family members and other pets, although they can be cautious around strangers. Starting training early is crucial, as they may become less receptive to commands as they get older. These dogs adapt well to apartment living but also enjoy the opportunity to stretch their legs with a run outdoors.
7. Coton de Tulear
| Height | 9-11 inches |
| Weight | 8-15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15 to 19 years |
| Temperament | Charming, bright, happy-go-lucky |
| Intelligence | Above average |
| Tendency to bark | Medium |
| Maintenance Level | Low – medium |
The Coton de Tulear is a small and incredibly charming dog known for its soft, fluffy white coat that feels just like cotton. Grooming a Coton puppy is quite easy, and it’s a good time to bond with your pet by making grooming sessions enjoyable and positive.
Cotons are primarily meant to bring joy, comfort, and companionship. Owners often describe their relationship with Cotons in human-like terms, highlighting their witty, lively, but easy-going nature. They’re known for their playful behavior, unique sounds, and even their ability to walk on their hind legs.
This breed is fairly active and needs a moderate amount of exercise. A daily, leisurely walk will help keep your Coton healthy and happy. Without enough activity, a Coton might start displaying destructive behaviors when bored.
Cotons are alert and somewhat territorial, so it’s important to socialize them early. This helps ensure they’re comfortable and happy to accompany you on outings.
8. Havanese
| Height | 8.5-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 7-13 pounds |
| Lifespan | 14 to 16 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, outgoing, funny |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to bark | Low |
| Maintenance Level | High |
The Havanese is a delightful small dog with a surprisingly low-shedding coat, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies. They are known for not drooling or barking excessively, adding to their appeal as indoor companions.
This breed is exceptionally personable and friendly, thriving on interaction with humans. A Havanese loves to be the center of attention and is naturally docile, quiet, and affectionate. However, they are sensitive and will communicate if they are unhappy or uncomfortable. Without proper training, a Havanese can develop what is often referred to as ‘small dog syndrome,’ where they might become overly spoiled and harder to manage.
Maintaining a well-behaved Havanese involves asserting gentle leadership from the start. Although they need minimal physical exercise, they require significant human interaction and do well with mental stimulation, like learning new tricks and commands. They are known for their large vocabulary and ability to learn quickly compared to other breeds.
Havanese dogs are generally less aggressive toward other dogs and get along well with other pets. They enjoy playing in the backyard and are content to stay indoors all day if that suits your lifestyle.
9. Basenji
| Height | 16-17 inches |
| Weight | 22-24 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Independent, smart, poised |
| Intelligence | Above average |
| Tendency to bark | Low |
| Maintenance Level | Low |
The Basenji is a small, hound-type dog known for its short coat and distinctively long, pointy ears. Their short hair results in minimal shedding that’s barely noticeable unless you’re specifically looking for it. Basenjis are often compared to cats due to their tendency to groom themselves meticulously.
This breed is highly intelligent but also markedly independent, which can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of intelligence. In reality, a Basenji will respond to commands on its own terms, often ignoring calls unless it sees a reason to comply. This independent streak means Basenjis can be a challenge to train, requiring patience and consistency from their owners.
Basenjis have a natural hunting instinct, which may lead them to wander, so a secure yard is essential to keep them safe. While they are comfortable living indoors, they also appreciate time outside, especially when left alone.
Basenjis are playful and can be great companions for children and other pets, including cats, particularly if socialized from a young age.
10. Bolognese
| Height | 10-12 inches |
| Weight | 6-10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Playful, easy-going, devoted |
| Intelligence | Average |
| Tendency to bark | Low |
| Maintenance Level | Low – medium |
Originating from Italy, the Bolognese is a small dog breed known for its calm demeanor and loyalty. It boasts a long, fluffy, pure-white coat that resembles cotton. This coat is low-shedding, making the Bolognese a good option for those with mild allergies. While their coats remain natural and untrimmed except around the eyes for cleanliness, regular grooming is necessary to maintain their appearance.
The Bolognese is playful, easygoing, and loves being around people. They have a small, stocky build and are quite serene and less active, showing deep devotion to their owners. While they can be shy around strangers, they quickly warm up with proper socialization. However, they are prone to separation anxiety and do not fare well when left alone for extended periods, making them less suitable for individuals with a standard 9-5 workday.
Bolognese dogs are excellent for apartment living due to their moderate exercise needs and calm nature. They are particularly well-suited as companions for retirees or seniors, offering gentle and affectionate company.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking the best small dog breeds that remain petite and dogs that don’t shed, you have a variety of delightful options to consider. The Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu are also popular choices, and they are known for their fine coats and charming personalities.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs, with their distinctive curly coat type and lively spirit, also make excellent companions without the hassle of heavy shedding. For those interested in something a bit different, hairless dog breeds offer an intriguing alternative, boasting nearly non-existent shedding.
Each of these non-shedding dog breeds provides the perfect combination of small size and minimal grooming needs, making them ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance furry friend to light up their lives. Whether you prefer the silky hair of a Yorkshire Terrier, the luxurious locks of a Shih Tzu, or the unique appeal of a hairless breed, there’s a small dog that will keep your home free of fur and full of love.
