Popular small dog breeds in India include Pomeranians, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and the Indian Spitz. Most stay under 15 kg and do well in apartments.
Breed choice is serious business. Thing is, most people Google “small dog breeds” and assume that’s already the smart, apartment-friendly choice. And mostly it is. But there’s a world of difference between a Chihuahua who’s perfectly content curled up next to you on the couch and a Beagle who will absolutely redecorate your house with his teeth if you skip his morning walk. Both small. Completely different animals in terms of what they need from you.
Table of Contents
- The Top 10 Small Dog Breeds in India
- Quick Comparison Table
- Which Small Dog Breeds is the Friendliest?
- Which Small Dog Breeds is the Calmest?
- The 5 Small Dog Breeds You Can Get
- Things Worth Knowing Before You Buy
- FAQs
The Top 10 Small Dog Breeds in India
1. Pomeranian
Walk into any pet market in Delhi or Mumbai and Pomeranians are everywhere. They’re the most popular small dog breed in India right now and probably have been for the last decade. They weigh about 1.4 to 3 kg, fit in a flat easily, and they’ve got this fluffy face that makes people melt.
What the photos don’t show you is that Poms are loud and opinionated. They’ll bark at the doorbell, at other dogs, at a plastic bag blowing outside the window. If you want something quiet, keep scrolling. But if you’re okay with a little noise and can brush their coat every couple of days, they’re genuinely fun dogs to have around.
2. Beagle
Beagles are the kind of dog that gets along with everyone. Kids, other dogs, random aunties who visit unannounced. They just don’t seem to hold grudges or get anxious. At around 9 to 11 kg they’re on the heavier side for small dog breeds but still very manageable.
The one thing I’ll warn you about, and I cannot stress this enough: Beagles howl. Not bark. Howl. It’s a deep, mournful sound and they do it when they’re bored, when they smell something interesting, or sometimes just because. If you live in an apartment building with thin walls, just… think about it first.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is basically the introvert’s dog. It doesn’t need much exercise, doesn’t care much for strangers, and would rather spend the evening on the sofa than go on a long walk. They form really tight bonds with their owner and can get a bit clingy, which some people love and others find a bit much.
Grooming is the real commitment here. That long coat looks stunning in photos but it tangles easily, especially in humidity. Most owners in India just get them trimmed short every few weeks, which honestly looks equally cute and saves everyone a lot of stress.
4. Dachshund
I have a soft spot for Dachshunds. They’re ridiculous looking in the best possible way, and they absolutely know it. Long body, tiny legs, walks around like they own the place. They weigh 7 to 15 kg depending on whether you get a standard or miniature, and they’ve got this confidence that doesn’t match their size at all.
They’re also stubborn as anything. My friend’s Dachshund knows at least 12 commands and chooses to follow about 3 of them. So if you want a highly obedient dog, this probably isn’t your match. But if you want a funny, feisty companion who’ll keep you entertained, they’re great.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas get a bad rap. People think they’re aggressive little ankle-biters and yes, some of them are. But that’s almost always about how they were raised, not the breed itself. A well-socialised Chihuahua is devoted, smart, and perfectly suited to city living. At 1.5 to 3 kg they’re the smallest dogs you’ll commonly find in India.
They do best with adults or older kids. Very small children tend to handle them too roughly, and Chihuahuas don’t put up with that. They’ll warn you once and then they’ll bite. Not because they’re mean, just because they’re small and feel vulnerable. Respect the dog and you’ll have a great relationship.
6. Maltese
If someone asked me to describe the Maltese in one word it would be gentle. They’re soft, quiet, not demanding, and genuinely sweet-natured. They weigh 3 to 4 kg and don’t need a lot of exercise, which makes them perfect for people with slower lifestyles or anyone who’s a bit older and wants a calm companion.
The coat is high maintenance, though. White fur in an Indian city is a recipe for constant baths. They also pick up skin issues if grooming is ignored. But if you’re the type who enjoys that kind of care, a Maltese is incredibly rewarding.
7. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso has been around for centuries and carries this dignified, slightly aloof energy that I find really charming. They’re not going to come bounding up to every guest. They’ll size the person up from across the room first. But with their own family, they’re loyal and affectionate in a quieter way.
They do surprisingly well in Indian weather, both the heat and cooler winters up north. Indoors they’re quite calm, don’t need massive amounts of exercise, and aren’t destructive. A decent low-drama choice for people who want a dog that’s easy to live with.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are 3 to 4 kg of nonstop energy. They want to be involved in everything. They’ll follow you from room to room, investigate every bag you bring home, and demand to know what you’re doing at all times. They’re sharp, curious, and genuinely entertaining to have around.
Training takes consistency because they can be headstrong, but they’re smart enough to pick things up quickly once they understand you mean business. Better suited for active owners who actually want a dog that keeps them on their toes.
9. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are just… nice dogs. I don’t know how else to put it. They’re gentle, they’re happy, they don’t have a mean bone in their body. Kids love them. Other dogs love them. At 8 to 14 kg they’re among the bigger small dog breeds but they carry themselves well in smaller spaces.
They do need regular grooming, especially those ears which get dirty and can cause infections if you ignore them. And they genuinely enjoy outdoor time, so they’re best for someone who doesn’t mind daily walks. If you want a reliable family dog that won’t cause any drama, Cocker Spaniels are hard to beat.
10. Indian Spitz
Okay I’ll say it plainly: the Indian Spitz is massively underrated and I think it’s because people assume that expensive imported breeds must be better. They’re not, at least not for Indian conditions.
The Indian Spitz has adapted to this country over many generations. It handles our summers better, needs fewer vet visits, and costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a Pomeranian or Maltese from a breeder. They’re energetic, trainable, and genuinely healthy dogs. If you’re a first-time owner in India and budget matters, please just look into the Indian Spitz before you spend Rs. 50,000 on something that’s going to struggle in the May heat.
Quick Comparison: All 10 Breeds at a Glance
| Breed | Size | Weight (kg) | Temperament | Best For |
| Pomeranian | Toy | 1.4 – 3.1 | Playful, bold | Apartments |
| Beagle | Small | 9 – 11 | Friendly, curious | Families |
| Shih Tzu | Toy | 4 – 7.2 | Affectionate, calm | Senior owners |
| Dachshund | Small | 7 – 15 | Brave, stubborn | Active singles |
| Chihuahua | Toy | 1.5 – 3 | Loyal, feisty | Urban living |
| Maltese | Toy | 3 – 4 | Gentle, sweet | Companions |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | 5 – 8 | Independent, loyal | Houses with yards |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | 3 – 4 | Alert, spirited | Active owners |
| Cocker Spaniel | Small | 8 – 14 | Gentle, playful | Families |
| Indian Spitz | Small | 6 – 10 | Energetic, alert | Indian climate |
Which Small Dog Breeds is the Friendliest?
Beagle, by a mile. It’s not even a debate among people who’ve spent time around multiple small dog breeds. Beagles were bred to work in packs so social interaction is just baked into them. They don’t have the suspicion that Chihuahuas have, or the aloofness of a Lhasa Apso. They just like everyone.
After Beagles I’d put Cocker Spaniels and then Maltese. All three are genuinely good-natured dogs that won’t make your guests feel unwelcome. If you have a busy household with kids and visitors, any of these three will fit right in.
Which Small Dog Breeds is the Calmest?
Shih Tzu, and it’s not close. This breed has one job and that job is to be a companion. It was literally developed in Tibetan palaces to sit with people. It has no hunting drive, no herding instinct, nothing. It just wants to be near you and be comfortable.
I’ve seen Shih Tzus in homes with loud kids, constant visitors, renovations happening, and they just… don’t care. They find a soft spot, curl up, and tune it all out. The Maltese and Lhasa Apso are also very calm indoors, but the Shih Tzu is the gold standard if peace and quiet is what you’re after.
The 5 Small Dog Breeds You Can Get in India
If you specifically want the smallest possible dog, these five are your options:
- Chihuahua: 1.5 to 3 kg. World’s smallest breed. Huge personality, zero awareness of their own size.
- Pomeranian: 1.4 to 3.1 kg. Fluffy, vocal, extremely popular across Indian cities.
- Maltese: 3 to 4 kg. The quiet one. Perfect for calm homes.
- Yorkshire Terrier: 3 to 4 kg. Tiny but full of energy, don’t make the mistake of underestimating them.
- Shih Tzu: 4 to 7.2 kg. Heavier than the others but very compact and genuinely the easiest to live with.
All five are available in India. Whatever you decide, buy only from someone who can show you the puppy’s vaccination card and let you meet the mother. If a breeder is cagey about either of those things, walk away.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Buy
- Small dog breeds aren’t low-effort dogs. Some need more attention and grooming than large breeds.
- Indian Spitz is the best value for money option, especially for first-time owners.
- Pomeranians and Shih Tzus need indoor cooling in summers. Don’t skip this.
- Beagles and Yorkies need daily walks. If you skip them, you’ll hear about it.
- Very small dog breeds like Chihuahuas need careful handling around toddlers.
- Always check health papers. A Rs. 5,000 health certificate saves Rs. 50,000 in vet bills.
FAQs
Q: Which small dog breeds is best for beginners in India?
A: Indian Spitz or Shih Tzu. The Spitz is tough, climate-adapted, cheap, and easy to train. The Shih Tzu is calmer and more forgiving if you make rookie mistakes, though the grooming is more work. Either way you won’t go wrong.
Q: Can small dogs survive Indian summers?
A: Depends on the breed. Indian Spitz and Beagles manage fine. Pomeranians and Shih Tzus really need AC or at least a good fan and shade during peak summer. Getting their coat trimmed before summer hits makes a real difference.
Q: What’s a reasonable budget for a small dog breeds in India?
A: Indian Spitz from a good breeder runs about Rs. 3,000 to 8,000. Pomeranians are typically Rs. 10,000 to 25,000. Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers can easily go Rs. 40,000 to 80,000 or more. Adopt if you can. Shelters have wonderful small dogs for a fraction of the cost.
Q: Which small dog breeds bark the most?
A: Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Yorkies are the loudest. Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are quieter by nature. No dog is completely silent but early training helps a lot with any breed.
Q: Are small dogs okay with kids?
A: Beagles and Cocker Spaniels are the most reliably patient with children. Chihuahuas and Lhasa Apsos can be less tolerant, especially with very young kids who don’t know how to handle them gently. Supervision always matters regardless of breed.
Wrapping Up
There’s no single best small dog breed. There’s only the right one for your specific situation. A Beagle in the right family is a dream dog. The same Beagle with a busy owner who can’t walk it will howl the building down.
Think about your actual daily life, not the life you imagine having. How many hours are you home? Do you have outdoor space? Kids? Other pets? Are you okay with grooming? Can you handle a bit of noise? Answer those honestly and the right breed will become pretty obvious.
And if you genuinely can’t decide, go visit a shelter. You might meet a mixed breed small dog that fits your home better than any pedigree could. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever met didn’t have papers.
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