Why Small Dog Breeds Are Popular in India
India’s rising urban population and space constraints have made small dog breeds more popular than ever. From bustling metros like Mumbai and Delhi to smaller cities and towns, families are looking for compact, friendly, and low-maintenance dogs that fit well into apartment life and the Indian climate.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, this guide highlights the top 10 small dog breeds in India that thrive in Indian homes.
🌟 What Makes a Dog Suitable for Indian Living?
When choosing a small breed in India, consider:
✅ Easy Grooming and Vet Access – Breeds that don’t need expensive grooming or specialized care.
✅ Heat Tolerance – Can they handle India’s hot and humid weather?
✅ Low Shedding or Hypoallergenic Coats – Useful for cleanliness and allergies.
✅ Apartment-Friendly – Quiet and content in limited space.
✅ Child-Friendly – Safe around kids.
✅ Easy Grooming and Vet Access – Breeds that don’t need expensive grooming or specialized care.
🐶 Top 10 Small Dog Breeds in India (Apartment + Family Friendly)
Here’s a list of popular small dogs available in India, with traits suited to Indian conditions, families, and homes:
1. Indian Spitz
- Size: 5–15 kg
- Why Popular: Affordable, adaptable, and easy to maintain.
- Pros: Very intelligent and loyal; thrives in Indian climate.
- Cons: Can be vocal if not trained early.
➡️ Ideal for: First-time pet owners, apartment living, Indian climate.
2. Pug
- Size: 6–8 kg
- Why Popular: Made famous by Vodafone ads in India!
- Pros: Great with kids, easy to groom.
- Cons: Prone to breathing issues in high heat.
➡️ Ideal for: Families in cooler regions or AC-equipped homes.
3. Shih Tzu
- Size: 5–8 kg
- Why Popular: Regal looks, friendly demeanor.
- Pros: Low-shedding, affectionate.
- Cons: Requires regular grooming.
➡️ Ideal for: Families looking for a beautiful, loving companion.
4. Pomeranian
- Size: 2–5 kg
- Why Popular: Small, lively, and often seen in Indian homes.
- Pros: Very alert and intelligent.
- Cons: Can be yappy without training.
➡️ Ideal for: Active families or individuals in flats.
5. Beagle (Miniature)
- Size: 8–14 kg
- Why Popular: Energetic and child-friendly.
- Pros: Great nose, great energy.
- Cons: Needs regular exercise, not ideal for lazy owners.
➡️ Ideal for: Families with children and an active lifestyle.
6. Lhasa Apso
- Size: 5–8 kg
- Why Popular: Tibetan origin dog adapted to Indian climates.
- Pros: Loyal, smart, and friendly.
- Cons: Requires frequent grooming.
➡️ Ideal for: Pet lovers who don’t mind grooming work.
7. Dachshund (Mini)
- Size: 7–11 kg
- Why Popular: Unique body shape and a rising favorite in Indian cities.
- Pros: Very loyal and protective.
- Cons: Prone to back issues, needs careful handling.
➡️ Ideal for: Singles or small families looking for a unique companion.
8. Chihuahua
- Size: 2–3.5 kg
- Why Popular: Tiny and perfect for city life.
- Pros: Very portable, needs little space.
- Cons: Fragile and not suitable for rough handling.
➡️ Ideal for: Solo apartment dwellers or couples.
9. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
- Size: 2–3 kg
- Why Popular: Exotic and available through breeders in major Indian cities.
- Pros: Hypoallergenic, small, affectionate.
- Cons: Expensive and needs regular grooming.
➡️ Ideal for: Affluent pet parents who want a fashionable pup.
10. Toy Poodle
- Size: 4–6 kg
- Why Popular: Highly intelligent and trainable.
- Pros: Hypoallergenic, playful, and a fast learner.
- Cons: Needs mental stimulation and grooming.
➡️ Ideal for: Active, modern households with time for training.
📍 Where to Buy or Adopt Small Dog Breeds in India
🐾 Options Include:
- Reputable Breeders: Always check for KCI registration.
- Pet Adoption Agencies: Groups like People for Animals (PFA) or CUPA Bangalore offer small breeds for adoption.
- Online Pet Classifieds: Use platforms like Petzlover India or DogSpot.in, but verify seller credibility.
💡 Tips for First-Time Dog Owners in India
✅ Use Indian-made dog foods like Drools, Heads Up For Tails, or Pedigree for easy availability.
✅ Start early with vaccinations.
✅ Hire a vet you can access easily in your city.
✅ Consider AC or cooler setups for breeds with thick coats.
✅ Use Indian-made dog foods like Drools, Heads Up For Tails, or Pedigree for easy availability.
🧼 Grooming & Healthcare in India
Some small breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Lhasa Apsos need frequent brushing and trimming—you can find professional grooming salons in cities like:
Bangalore: The Bark Club, Tail Lovers Company
Mumbai: PoochMate, Petgascar
Delhi NCR: Pawsh Box, Heads Up for Tails
| Breed | Heat Tolerance | Grooming | Cost (INR) | Kid Friendly | Bark Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Spitz | High | Low | ₹3,000–₹8,000 | Yes | Moderate |
| Pug | Medium | Low | ₹8,000–₹20,000 | Yes | Low |
| Shih Tzu | Medium | High | ₹15,000–₹30,000 | Yes | Low |
| Pomeranian | High | Medium | ₹5,000–₹15,000 | Yes | High |
| Beagle | Medium | Medium | ₹15,000–₹30,000 | Yes | Moderate |
| Lhasa Apso | Medium | High | ₹15,000–₹30,000 | Yes | Low |
| Dachshund | High | Low | ₹10,000–₹25,000 | Yes | Medium |
| Chihuahua | Medium | Low | ₹12,000–₹25,000 | No | High |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Medium | High | ₹25,000–₹50,000 | Yes | High |
| Toy Poodle | Medium | High | ₹30,000–₹60,000 | Yes | Low |
“Small dogs may be small in size, but they have hearts as big as can be.” –
🐶 Final Words: Which Small Dog Breed is Right for You in India?
Choosing a small dog in India is all about matching your lifestyle, budget, and family dynamics. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance breed like the Indian Spitz or a hypoallergenic charmer like the Toy Poodle, there’s a perfect match for everyone.
✅ City dweller? Go for a Pug, Shih Tzu, or Indian Spitz.
✅ Have kids? Beagle, Lhasa Apso, and Frenchie are excellent.
✅ Live in a hot region? Indian Spitz, Dachshund, and Chihuahua handle heat better.