Fetch FinderFor many older adults, the best dog is small, affectionate, moderately active and easy to train. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Bichon Frise and Boston Terrier are easy to lift, happy with gentle walks and love a lap.
Small, affectionate breeds that are easy to own
Small · 16–28 lb👪 Good family dogFrench BulldogPlayful, quiet and built for apartment life. Frenchies need little exercise, but their flat faces make them sensitive to heat and cold.
Small · 9–16 lb👪 Good family dogShih TzuA calm, cheerful lap dog bred purely for companionship. Shih Tzus are easygoing and great for first-time owners.
Small · 14–18 lb👪 Great family dogPugFunny, loving and happy to nap all day. Pugs are excellent apartment dogs but their flat faces need careful handling in heat.
Small · 7–11 lbBetter with adults or older kidsJapanese ChinA dainty, catlike toy breed bred as a companion for Japanese nobility. Charming, quiet and devoted.
Small · 8–14 lbBetter with adults or older kidsEnglish Toy SpanielA gentle, flat-faced toy spaniel and close cousin of the Cavalier. Quiet and affectionate.
Small · 4.5–11 lb👪 Good family dogRussian Tsvetnaya BolonkaA fluffy, colorful lap dog from Russia, newly AKC-recognized in 2026. Gentle, happy and easy to live with.
Small · 13–18 lb👪 Great family dogCavalier King Charles SpanielSweet, gentle and adaptable. Cavaliers are happy in an apartment or a house and get along with almost everyone.
Small · 12–25 lb👪 Good family dogBoston TerrierFriendly, funny and easy to live with. Boston Terriers are a top pick for apartments and first-time owners.
Small · 7–13 lb👪 Great family dogHavaneseOutgoing, gentle and eager to please. The Havanese is one of the best small breeds for families and first-time owners.
Small · under 7 lbBetter with adults or older kidsMalteseA gentle, playful toy breed with a silky white coat that barely sheds. Maltese love being close to their people.
Small · 12–18 lb👪 Great family dogBichon FriseA cheerful, fluffy companion that gets along with everyone. Bichons are low-shedding and easy for beginners.
Small · 20–30 lb👪 Great family dogCocker SpanielA sweet, merry spaniel and one of America's longtime favorites. Cockers are gentle family dogs with beautiful coats.
Small · 8–15 lb👪 Great family dogCoton de TulearA cotton-soft, white companion dog from Madagascar. Happy, gentle and wonderful with families.
Small · under 12 lbBetter with adults or older kidsManchester Terrier (Toy)A toy-sized version of the Manchester Terrier with the same sharp mind. Devoted and alert.
Small · 8–12 lbBetter with adults or older kidsChinese CrestedA toy breed that comes hairless or fully coated (the Powderpuff). Playful, loving and very attached.
Small · 10–15 lb👪 Good family dogLöwchenThe "little lion dog," often clipped with a lion-style mane. Lively, affectionate and low-shedding.
Small · 4–8 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBiewer TerrierA tri-colored toy terrier related to the Yorkie. Playful, friendly and low-shedding.
Small · 9–15 lb👪 Good family dogTibetan SpanielA small, catlike watchdog from Tibetan monasteries. Confident, smart and affectionate with family.What to look for
- Easy to handle: a dog under about 25 lb is easier to lift, carry to the vet and control on a leash.
- Moderate energy: look for breeds that are happy with one or two walks a day.
- Not a strong puller: big, powerful dogs can cause falls on icy or uneven ground.
- Affectionate: these breeds love companionship and being close.
- Grooming you can manage: long coats need regular brushing or a groomer, so factor that into time and budget.
Consider an adult or senior dog
Puppies are a lot of work: house-training, chewing and late-night potty breaks. An adult dog from a rescue is often calmer, already house-trained, and you know its size and personality from day one. Many rescues also have "seniors for seniors" programs with reduced fees.
Plan for the dog's future
Small breeds often live 12–16 years. It's wise to name a backup caregiver for your dog, just in case.
Find the right companion with the breed quiz, or estimate costs with the dog cost calculator.