12 Great Choices: Best Small Dogs for First-time Owners

1Miniature Poodle

Active / Proud / Very Smart

One of the best small dogs for first-time owners is the Miniature Poodle. This breed is a beautiful choice if you want a well-mannered little dog that can teach fast. Poodles have a high degree of intellect and are incredibly loyal to their owners. They are an excellent alternative for folks just getting started with the responsibilities of keeping a pet since they are easy to train and will not disrupt the family or relationships with other animals.

People have bred these dogs to be water retrieving dogs, but they now thrive as lapdogs or companions for those who live in apartments or tiny houses. Because of their propensity to please and affection for humans, they make excellent therapy dogs.

2Yorkshire Terrier

Affectionate / Sprightly / Tomboyish

A member of the terrier family, the Yorkshire Terrier, is a little toy dog breed. It has been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since it was introduced to Yorkshire in the nineteenth century. These dogs are small in size but have a big personality—intelligent, lively, and hyperactive!

Yorkies are ideal for new dog owners since they like playing with toys and other dogs. They also have a long lifespan of 13-16 years and are prone to illnesses such as pneumonia and eye cataracts.

3Shih Tzu

Affectionate / Playful / Outgoing

Small and fluffy, the Shih Tzu dog originated in Tibet as a companion dog for monks. This dog's name is derived from the Chinese word "Tzu," which means "lion." Because of their protective attitude, these canines were previously employed as guard dogs, but they are now known as lap dogs and are frequently kept as pets by families.

Shih Tzus have short hair and a little longer topknot on their heads. When these dogs are joyful, they have characteristic marks around their face that mimic human eyes (this is known as a "brachycephalic face"). They also have lengthy eyelashes that give them a childlike appearance. Shih Tzus are considered to be lively, loving, and vigilant.

4Boston Terrier

Friendly / Bright / Amusing

The Boston Terrier is a type that does well in both single-family homes with yards and multi-family housing developments. Even though they do not live extremely hectic lives and do not feel the need to participate in excessive physical exercise, they like going for walks on occasion. On the other hand, they do not require such activities.

They are highly friendly canines who are fairly extroverted when interacting with humans. They like being around people and have a terrific sense of humor. They can also get along with other pets and little children without problems. This breed is also incredibly bright (in fact, it is one of the most intelligent dog breeds available), so teaching them should be pretty simple if you start when they are still puppies.

5Pomeranian

Lively / Inquisitive / Bold

Little dogs with thick coats and high activity levels make up the Pomeranian breed. Pomeranians typically live between 12 and 16 years, making them ideal for first-time dog owners looking for a long-lived companion. Pomeranians not only have a thick coat but also require frequent brushing to avoid matting. To avoid this issue, owners should brush their Pom's coat thrice weekly.

Pomeranians are also known for their lively personalities, and if given a chance, they will happily spend hours playing with their owners. They are great pets for anyone who wants a pet that will keep them company while also providing lots of exercise.

6Havanese

Intelligent / Outgoing / Funny

If you're a first-time dog owner searching for a tiny breed that's easy to train, doesn't require a lot of activity, and doesn't lose a lot of hair, the Havanese may be the breed for you.

The Havanese, which originated in Cuba, are now found all over the world. Their owners describe them as "fun-loving dogs" that love to jump about and play with one other. They're also loving and friendly with kids and other pets. Havanese is considered one of the best small dogs for first-time owners since they are easy to train, don't require a lot of exercise, and don't shed a lot of hair.

7Pug

Charming / Loving / Mischievous

Pugs are tiny, compact dogs that have been around for centuries. This breed has distinctive facial characteristics, including a flat face and wide eyes. These dogs are incredibly caring and devoted to their owners. They are also extremely clever and easy to teach, making them ideal for first-time pet parents. Pugs are ideal for those who live in apartments or tiny houses since they don't require a lot of space to walk about or play. These dogs are also reasonably friendly with other animals, making them an excellent choice for families that already have other pets in the house.

8Maltese

Playful / Charming / Gentle

Maltese dogs are an excellent choice for first-time owners or anybody searching for a tiny, low-maintenance dog. These dogs are incredibly bright, easy to teach, and like doing tricks. You can teach them tricks if you have the time and patience. They will rapidly figure out what you want them to do.

Maltese dogs adore wearing sweaters or costumes and require little care. They also like dressing up, which makes them an excellent choice for youngsters who live at home or frequently visit, although they may be hostile towards young children who yank on their ears or tails.

9Papillon

Friendly / Alert / Happy

The Papillon is an ideal choice if you want a dog that will be dedicated to you and your family. This toy dog originated in England, France, and Belgium and is noted for its beauty and grace. This breed is portrayed as devoted, outgoing, and affectionate people that like nothing more than being the center of attention. In addition to this, they show a high degree of intellect and pick up new information incredibly fast.

10Bichon Frise

Curious / Playful / Peppy

The Bichon Frise is a little dog breed that makes a great first-time dog owner companion. They are affectionate, gregarious, and energetic dogs who get along well with youngsters and are ideal family companions.

Although the Bichon Frise may not always obey its owner's commands, the breed is known for being incredibly clever and easy to train. Those who are looking for a dog that can quickly learn new tricks might want to think about obtaining one of them. Even while this dog may not be the most outstanding choice if you are looking for an independent dog, it might be excellent for someone who likes to curl up on the couch with a pet.

11Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Affectionate / Gentle / Graceful

Cavaliers are incredibly sociable creatures who like spending time with their owners. Cavaliers usually get along well with dogs of all ages and sizes, as long as they are properly introduced and all family members engage with them regularly. Cavaliers may be relatively active; thus, at least one walk per day is required to be healthy.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a kind and gentle dog. This gregarious and lively breed enjoys spending time with humans, especially youngsters. This lovely dog will be endowed with charm and will not shy away from human connection. The Cavalier King Charles is a happy lap dog who is bright and trainable, making it a perfect pet for first-time dog owners. These dogs have a life expectancy of 9 to 14 years and require modest upkeep.

12Cockapoo

Friendly / Outgoing / Playful

The Cockapoo is a petite, friendly, and clever dog you will enjoy spending time with. These dogs get along well with youngsters and are excellent at creating new animal pals. They do, however, require regular activity so they do not grow bored and begin chewing on objects in your home.

Take your Cockapoo with you whenever you go for a stroll since they like exploring new locations on their own. While some people believe this dog cannot live indoors and outside, it is a fine dog for apartment life as long as it receives plenty of exercise every day. If you have other pets in the house, socialize the Cockapoo thoroughly with them.