Looking for a pup that fits snugly into your lifestyle and your lap? Small dog breeds are big personalities in compact packages, making them ideal for apartments or tighter budgets. As cute as they are, choosing the right breed goes beyond looks – each breed has unique quirks, temperaments, and needs. 

This guide will uncover what to look for in a small dog, from exercise and space requirements to preventative healthcare tips. Get ready to meet 10 of the best little companions for Australian homes – and maybe even your next best friend.

What to look for in a small dog 

Before you dive headfirst into puppy love, take the time to see the world through their eyes to understand what makes each breed tick. Are they energetic or laid-back? Independent or high maintenance? Family-friendly or do they prefer peace and quiet?

Our pups are only with us for a short time, but we are their whole life. Making an informed choice about which breed is best for you is a great start in creating a happy and healthy life together.  

Lifestyle 

Lifestyle factors like work, free time, and day-to-day busyness should be considered before welcoming a pup into your home.  

A resilient and independent breed is ideal if you’re out of the house a lot. If you live in an apartment with thin walls, you (and your neighbours) may wish to avoid yappy breeds. If you don’t want to vacuum every day, a low-shedding breed could be the perfect fit.  

Space and exercise needs 

Just because they’re little, doesn’t mean all small pups are lazy lapdogs. Some are highly intelligent and bursting with energy, needing plenty of exercise and stimulation every day.  

Most small dogs can adapt to living in an apartment or a cosy home, but some may benefit from having outdoor space to play in.  

Start by checking you can meet their basic needs to avoid boredom-related behaviour.  

Preventative healthcare 

All breeds can be genetically predisposed to developing health issues. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. 

Preventative healthcare relies on a holistic approach to dog ownership including proactive vet check-ups, breed-appropriate exercise and mental enrichment, and consistent training. But one of the easiest ways to support your dog’s health is through nutrition.  

A nourishing real food diet is the bedrock of health providing high-quality proteins, nutrient-dense vegetables and superfoods, and healthy fats like omega-3. Lyka meals are designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to provide your pup with optimum nutrition to help them lead their healthiest and happiest lives.  

The best small dogs for families in Australia 

There can be a tendency to think that small dogs are better for families, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Some toy breeds are too fragile for very young children that haven’t developed the gentle dexterity needed to handle tiny dogs. Likewise, some breeds can be more patient and tolerant with young children than others.  
 

Choosing the right breed isn’t just about size – it’s about finding a companion that aligns with your life. One thing’s for sure: good things really do come in small packages.
 

1. Cavoodle 

Clever, cute, and endlessly enthusiastic, no wonder Cavoodles are Australia’s most popular dog breed!  

Cavoodles combine the intelligence of a Poodle with the devotion of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Playful and gentle, they make some of the best family dogs. What makes Cavoodles even more appealing is their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. However, their wavy fur needs regular clipping to prevent matting.  

Prone to skin itchiness and allergies, Cavoodles can benefit from a real food diet that contains skin-loving ingredients like omega-3 and vitamin E oil.  

Read more Cavoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

2. Dachshund 

Sassy, sausage dogs know exactly how to steal your heart.  

Standard Dachshunds are only up to 22cm tall, and Mini versions are even smaller. So, if you’re looking for a tiny dog breed with a big personality, look no further. They’re smart, protective, and often stubborn, so training is essential for this breed if they’re to become well-behaved.  

With their short legs and long backs, it’s not surprising that they can suffer from intervertebral disc disorder (IVDD), a very painful condition that can affect their mobility. Protect your Dachshund’s back from strain or injury by avoiding stairs and providing a ramp to access furniture.  

Read more: IVDD in dachshunds: how to reduce the risk with real food →

Read more: Dachshund breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

 

3. Toy Poodle 

A mighty brain in a petite frame: Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds. 

If you want pup that loves to learn new tricks, a Toy Poodle could be the dog for you. They’re active and agile, needing at least 60 minutes of exercise every day and plenty of mental stimulation too.  

A huge bonus for many Poodle parents is their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. Although it means less vacuuming, this breed does need regular grooming to prevent matting and dreading.  

Patellar luxation or hip dysplasia are common joint concerns for Poodles. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients in a real food diet, like turmeric, can help to support their joint health.  

Read more: Toy Poodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips → 

 

4. Chihuahua 

The original teacup pup, Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world.  

These tiny pups are ideal for city living. At only 15-23 cm tall, they don’t require lots of space or exercise. However, they’re known to be feisty and strong-willed, and can rule the roost if they’re not given consistent training from an early age. Chihuahuas need to be handled gently, which is why this breed might not be suitable for families with boisterous kids.  

Chihuahuas can develop conditions like hip dysplasia: a genetic developmental condition. Support their joint health with anti-inflammatory agents like omega-3 from fish oil, or oily fish.  

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help? → 

5. Jack Russell Terrier 

Small and feisty, Jack Russells are brimming with confidence. 

Jack Russells are fearless, vocal and headstrong – consistent training with firm boundaries is essential for these little terriers. They’re also sharp-minded and energetic, needing plenty of daily physical and mental activities to help them thrive.  

Jack Russells can be prone to sensitive stomachs leading to diarrhoea and vomiting. Help them to develop a robust digestive system with a gently cooked diet that’s easy to digest and nurtures a balanced gut microbiome, like Lyka. 

Read more: Jack Russell breed insights: care, personality & expert tips → 

 

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Their gentle disposition and large, dark eyes are enough to make anyone melt.  

This toy breed is known for their endearing and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children and other pets. Although they’re easy going, they’re not low maintenance: their long, silky coats need daily brushing and regular trims to keep them debris and mat-free. Highly adaptable and trainable, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are just as suitable for apartments as houses – just make sure they’re well-exercised and mentally stimulated. 

Like many small dogs, Cavaliers can be predisposed to joint conditions. Support your dog’s joint health through nutrition, including targeted supplements. Lyka’s Joint Supplement contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like curcumin, Boswellia Serrata, and ginger.  

 

7. Pomeranian 

Don’t be fooled by their fluffy appearance, Pomeranians are alert, inquisitive, and independent.  

Pomeranians are perky pups that can master training and dog sports with ease, making them entertaining companions. This breed seems to have no sense of their diminutive size: they’re the classic big dog personality in a small dog body. Pomeranians have a tendency to make their presence known by barking – great if you’re looking for a watchdog, but worth careful consideration if you live in an apartment. 

Dental disease is a common health concern for Pomeranians. A consistent dental hygiene routine is important for this breed including brushing, regular checks and healthy dental chews, like Lyka’s Busy Beefies. 

Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →

 

8. English Cocker Spaniel 

English Cocker Spaniels are friendly and playful – the perfect family pup. 

With soulful eyes, a silky coat, and delightfully long ears, English Cocker Spaniels are hard to resist. Originally bred to support the hunt, these bird dogs are active, intelligent, and full of stamina. Train them with consistently high expectations, positive reinforcement, and early socialisation and you’ll have a loyal dog by your side.  

The size and shape of the English Cocker Spaniel’s ears make them inclined to ear infections. Keep them clean with a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth and nourish their skin with a real food diet containing key ingredients like vitamin E oil.  

Read more: Why does my dog get ear infections? → 

9. Yorkshire Terrier 

Yorkshire Terriers are pocket-sized pups with plenty of spunk.  

Yorkies love a daily walk and play, but they don’t have excessive exercise needs, making them great for city living. However, they can be yappy and snappy if they haven’t had consistent training and socialisation from an early age. Yorkshire Terriers have distinctive blue and tan coats that need regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting.  

Yorkies are prone to patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap), an inherited developmental condition, that can lead to arthritis if left unchecked. Although you can’t change your dog’s genetics you can prevent injury by giving them breed-appropriate exercise and reducing stair climbs that can strain their joints.  

Read more: Easing dog mobility issues: holistic tips and tricks →

 

10. Moodle 

With a teddy bear appearance, Moodles are one of the cutest dog breeds.  

Combining the best of both the Maltese and Toy Poodle breeds, the Moodle is a charming and intelligent pup. Moodles thrive when given up to 60 minutes of daily exercise a day. They have a curious mind, so allow them to explore the world and follow different scents on a sniffari (a nose-led dog walk). Their low-shedding coats mean less time cleaning and more time playing!  

Their small mouths can make them predisposed to dental disease. Introduce them to tooth brushing at an early age so they accept this as part of their daily routine.  

Read more: Moodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips → 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together

No matter which breed captures your heart, a real food diet can make a world of difference to your pup’s health and quality of life. Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, Lyka dog food is made with human-grade ingredients to nourish your dog from the inside out. Say goodbye to itchy skin, dull coats, and digestive troubles, and hello to a happier, healthier pup. Our meals are backed by science and custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.

Learn more about how Lyka is transforming mealtime for dogs across Australia.