Breed Guides

Best Small Dogs in South Africa

Small dogs can suit flats, townhouses, seniors, and busy cities, but they are not automatically low-effort. Barking, grooming, dental care, fragility, and training still matter.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-23

Quick takeaways

Small dogs often considered in South Africa include Dachshunds, Yorkies, Maltese Poodle types, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Miniature Poodles, and small mixed-breed rescue dogs.
This guide is not a ranking and does not claim any breed is perfect for every home.
Individual dogs vary by genetics, health, early experiences, training, age, and environment.
Consider adoption, rescue matching, and responsible breeder verification before making a decision.

South African context

Small dogs are popular in complexes and apartments, but body corporate rules, barking, visitors, lifts, stairs, and safe toileting routines need planning.

Hot pavements, large dogs in public spaces, and rough child handling can be bigger risks for small dogs than owners expect.

Breeds often considered

These examples are starting points for research, not an absolute ranking. Meet real adult dogs and ask rescues, vets, trainers, and ethical breeders practical questions.

Breed or type	Why owners consider it
Dachshund	Big personality and small size, but back care and barking matter.
Yorkshire Terrier	Portable and alert, but grooming and dental care need planning.
Maltese Poodle type	Often considered for low shedding, but coat care is not low effort.
Small mixed-breed dog	Can be a good fit when temperament and adult size are understood.

Before choosing a breed

Use this checklist before contacting a seller, rescue, shelter, or breeder.

Will neighbours tolerate alert barking?
Can you afford grooming or dental care if needed?
Can children handle a small dog gently?
Is the dog safe around stairs, balconies, pools, and larger dogs?
Meet adult dogs of the type where possible, not only puppies.
Ask how the dog fits your home, heat, garden, rental rules, neighbours, children, work routine, and budget.
Budget for food, parasite prevention, grooming, training, routine vet care, insurance or savings, and emergencies.
Check adoption options and breed rescue before buying.
If buying, verify records, health screening, breeder transparency, written agreements, and the puppy's environment.

Cost and care factors

Food may cost less than for large dogs, but grooming, dental care, jackets, safe harnesses, and vet care still add up.

Small dogs can be injured by falls, rough handling, or unsuitable play with larger dogs.

Insurance can still matter because dental, knee, back, and chronic issues may be costly.

Training and grooming considerations

Small dogs need training just as much as large dogs: lead manners, recall, calm greetings, and alone-time skills.

Long or curly coats need brushing and professional grooming schedules.

Barking should be managed with enrichment, training, and routine, not punishment.

Health and insurance considerations

Dental disease, kneecap issues, airway concerns, back problems, and weight gain may be relevant depending on type.

Ask your vet about body condition, teeth, safe exercise, and parasite prevention by weight.

Read insurance wording carefully for hereditary and pre-existing condition exclusions.

Adoption and responsible breeder cautions

Ask rescues about barking, house training, child exposure, separation distress, and handling tolerance.

Avoid tiny puppies sold with pressure tactics or missing records.

Avoid impulse buying from a cute photo, pressure payment, delivery-only advert, or seller who avoids records and questions.

Do not choose a dog only for looks, status, protection, or social media appeal.

Individual dogs vary. Breed tendencies do not predict every puppy, rescue dog, or adult dog.

Ask a veterinarian, humane trainer, shelter, rescue, or breed club for guidance when you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions

Are small dogs cheaper to own?

They can cost less to feed, but grooming, dental care, training, insurance, and vet costs still matter.

Are small dogs good for apartments?

Some are, if barking, exercise, landlord approval, toileting, and enrichment are managed.

Do small dogs need training?

Yes. Small dogs still need polite manners, confidence, and safe public behaviour.