Top 10 Small Dog Breeds for First-Time Pet Owners

Large or small, all dogs are definitely heaven-sent companions for humans.

But here is a moment of truth: we all have a soft spot for cute small-breed dogs. Especially first-time pet owners lean more towards small dog breeds.

I mean, who can resist their cute, fluffy, and cuddly appearance? For first-time pet owners, they are a perfect choice: Manageable size with a tendency to give unconditional love and a perfect partner to watch the sunset and chill.

So, we heard you and curated a list of the top 10 small dog breeds in India for first-time pet owners and explained the factors you need to consider before getting one.

But First, Consider These Factors Before Buying Small Breed Dogs

We know you are curious to see the list of cute small dog breeds. But first, let’s be clear on this fact that small dog breeds are also a big responsibility.

So, ask these questions when you are selecting a small dog breed:

• Which personality trait do you prefer in your dog? – Calm & cuddly or fun & playful.
• How much time can you spend on their exercise daily? – 30 mins walk or a 1-hour mini-marathon?
• Do you live in an apartment or private property? – Some dogs can be lousy. Choose wisely if you don’t want your neighbors to complain about you.
• Ready to take them for regular grooming sessions? – Long-haired dogs need regular hair trimming more than short-haired dogs.
• Are you well aware of their common health problems? – For example, small dog breeds like pugs experience more respiratory issues than others.
• Can they fit into your lifestyle? – Some dogs are clingy. So, choose them according to your lifestyle.
• Can they live in the Indian climate? - Always choose an Indian friendly dog.

But where can you compare all the dogs with these questions and choose one among them? Don’t worry!

In Happy Pet, we have information about 237+ dog breeds with all the details you ever need to make a decision, and they are Indian friendly. Explore our dog breed list.

Top 10 Small Dog Breeds in India (For First-Time Pet Owners)

Here are ten fluffy small dog breeds in India:

1. Pug

Who else can forget about their iconic Vodafone AD era? Even without it, Pugs are one of the most loved small dog breeds in the world. They can easily charm you with their wrinkled, innocent face.

• Personality traits: Playful, Lazy, Loyal, and Intelligent
• Monthly expenses: ₹2,200- ₹3,750
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Activity level: They love short walks and can entertain themselves when you are away.
• Best for: They are an ideal choice if you live in an apartment.
• Advice: Buy only from reputed dog breeders because, compared to other breeds, they tend to experience more health issues.

2. Pomeranian

With their fluffy appearance and intelligent personality, Pomeranians stole many historical celebrities. They are so cute that Queen Victoria alone owned 35 Pomeranian pups, and she is one of the main reasons why Pomeranians are smaller.

• Personality traits: Energetic, loyal, Protective, and playful
• Monthly expenses: ₹3,300- ₹5,400
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Activity level: They also love 30-minute short walks.
• Best for: Apartment friendly, but sometimes they are aggressive with other dogs.

3. Maltese

Nobody can ignore a Maltese presence in a room. Because they literally come from a royal lineage. Maltese will melt your heart with their pure white silky hair and big black eyes. They are the most expensive small dog breed on this list.

• Personality traits: Energetic, Fearless, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹3,300- ₹5,400
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Activity level: They love slow and quiet 30-minute short walks.
• Best for: Apartment friendly, good with kids, and older people.

4. Poodle

If you ever witness a poodle, your mind will be filled with only one question: “How can a dog be this elegant?”. Their curly hair, walk, and pose - everything about them is so poised. This cute small breed dog comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.

• Personality traits: Disciplined, Energetic, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹3,300- ₹5,400
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Activity level: They need more stimulation and regular exercise.
• Best for: Apartment friendly, good with kids, and older people

5. Shih-Tzu

Meet the new popular guy in town. Now, in India, they are the go-to pet choice for people living in apartments in India. The luxurious lion-like might be high maintenance, but Shih-Tzu cuteness is worth every penny.

• Personality traits: Intelligent, Fearless, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹3,300- ₹5,400
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Activity level: They love slow and quiet 30-minute short walks.
• Best for: Apartment friendly, good with kids, and older people

6. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the real love bug in this small dog breeds list. Don’t their small size fool you, they are one of the boldest dogs.

Chihuahuas adapt well to the Indian climate.

• Personality traits: Playful, Fearless, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹2,200- ₹3,750
• Lifespan: 12-20 years
• Activity level: They are small, so they need minimal exercise.
• Best for: Apartment friendly, good with kids, and older people

7. Welsh Corgi

Corgis are all-arounders. One moment, they will be cuddly and lovey-dovey with you, and the next moment, they will go to war to protect you. If you have kids, they are the perfect small dog breed, a cute choice.

• Personality traits: Intelligent, protective, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹2,200- ₹3,750
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Activity level: They love it when they have work to do, and they need moderate exercise.
• Best for: Apartment-friendly and good with kids.

8. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso breeds have more folklore than you can imagine. In Tibetan culture, their ancestors were considered sacred beings and helped monks by alerting them about intruders. Lhasa Apsos have long flowing hair. So, they need regular grooming. 

• Personality traits: Intelligent, protective, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹3,300- ₹5,450
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Activity level: They need moderate exercise.
• Best for: Apartment-friendly and good with kids

9. Maltipoo

Do you need a Maltese but on a budget? Then, Maltipoo is the one for you. These adorable, affectionate, and kind dogs will charm any kids and senior citizens. But they are clingy and need you all the time, or else they tend to develop separation anxiety.

• Personality traits: Affectionate, Intelligent, kind, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹3,300- ₹5,450
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Activity level: They need moderate exercise.
• Best for: Apartment-friendly and good with kids.

10. Beagle

How can anyone forget Charlie Brown’s beloved pet, Snoopy? That’s a Beagle breed. Despite their England origin, they adapt well to the Indian climate. These gentle dogs will be great companions to your kids. 

• Personality traits: Affectionate, Intelligent, kind, and loyal.
• Monthly expenses: ₹2,200- ₹3,750
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Activity level: They need moderate exercise.
• Best for: Apartment-friendly and good with kids.

Tips On Raising Small Dog Breeds In India

• Sometimes, small dog breeds look like toys, but that doesn’t mean you have to treat them like toys. They are living beings with their own emotions.
• Like larger breeds, they also need proper training, or else they tend to be aggressive.
• Small dog breeds are fragile and small. So, walk carefully when they are around.
• The most responsible thing you can do for your dog is to buy or adopt them only from a reputable breeder.
• Long-haired small dog breeds need regular grooming. So, if you are a first-time pet parent, think twice before getting them.
• Never, ever skip on in their vaccination schedule.