Small dog breeds are very popular, especially in large urban areas. There are many breeds to choose from if you are looking for a dog that is under 30 lbs. With so many options, you are sure to find one that suits your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a furry friend to take on long walks, or one content with sleeping on the couch, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices on this list.  

The Best Dog Breeds Under 30 Pounds

If you live somewhere with limited space, choosing the right companion is important. You can easily get drawn to beautiful dog breeds without considering how feasible it is to keep them in an apartment or a small yard. The size of all dog breeds on this list also means that you should never have to worry about a lack of space for them to exercise. Here is a look at the five most popular small breeds under 30 pounds.  

French Bulldog

The loveable French Bulldog—or Frenchie, as they are affectionately known—is a small but sturdy breed that has grown wildly popular in recent years. They are well suited to apartment living, as they are relatively calm and have exercise needs that can easily be met with a short walk every day. Frenchies are also not prone to excessive barking, but they are very alert and make good watchdogs.

The French Bulldogs have their roots in England, where they were bred to be a smaller version of the English Bulldog. The Frenchies made their way to the US in the late 1800s and showed up at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1896.

A Frenchie’s looks are characterized by a large square head and a distinctive set of bat ears. They are brachycephalic dogs, which means that they have a short, flattened nose and face. While adorable, this can come with some complications. Brachycephalic dogs often have health issues related to their airways being blocked, and owners should be aware of these potential problems before adopting one. French Bulldogs tip the scales at a maximum weight of 28 pounds.  

Beagle

The Beagles can be traced all the way back to 16th century England, where they were bred as rabbit hunting dogs. Over time, the breed was refined and developed in both England and North America. Beagles became popular and officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

If you’re looking for a big dog personality in a compact package, look no further than the Beagle. Long used as hunting dogs, they are tenacious and energetic companions. These dogs are far from couch potatoes and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy.

If these needs are not met, they are prone to destructive behavior and excessive barking or howling. Beagles are not a great choice for a first-time dog owner or for people without patience. While very intelligent, they are also quite stubborn and can be difficult to potty train. They are very affectionate, however, and well suited for families with children.

The Beagle comes in two sizes: one 13 inches high at the shoulder and one up to 15 inches high. Both sizes weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. While they are prone to barking, they are very friendly and more likely to wag their tail at an intruder instead of attacking them. Beagles are easy to care for with few health issues, though you should take special care to ensure they do not become overweight, especially later in life.  

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small, toy-class terrier that weighs in at only 7 pounds. What they lack in size, they make up for in personality. They are brave, sometimes bossy little dogs who do well in urban settings. They are also a great option for people with allergies, as they have fewer allergens thanks to their fur type.

Yorkies can be difficult to train because of their stubbornness, but they can be incredibly friendly little dogs with proper socialization. Owners should introduce their Yorkie to many types of people and situations from a young age. They are very playful and energetic, which means that they need plenty of exercise and playtime throughout the day. 

Their long coat can be clipped short, but will always require frequent grooming to avoid mats forming. These dogs are not a great fit for households with children as their small size means that an overly enthusiastic child could easily injure them. They may also snap or bite if they feel threatened. 

The Yorkie is a fairly young breed, being developed in 1800s Yorkshire, England, by mill workers looking to create effective rat hunters. The Yorkshire Terrier was introduced into the United States in 1872 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. 

Dachshund

Though the modern-day Dachshund can be traced back to the 15th century, the breed didn’t really begin to develop until the 17th century in Germany. Dachshund translates to “badger dog”, and that’s a good indicator of what they were bred to do! Their short legs and brave personality made them ideal for burrowing into small tunnels and hunting badgers. They are not known to back down from a fight, making them the perfect choice for hunting animals as aggressive as badgers.

The Dachshund comes in two sizes: miniature and standard. They also come in smooth-coated, longhaired, and wirehaired varieties. Due to their origins, these small dogs are tenacious hunters. They are very smart and stubborn, so they can be challenging to train. They also require a lot of playtime to keep them from getting bored. If left to their own devices, Dachshunds can be destructive to furniture and the like. They are very friendly and get along well with other dogs, especially other Dachshunds. 

Dachshunds are relatively healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, but they can develop various back problems because of their long bodies. As such, special care should be taken to ensure that they do not jump from high places to avoid injury. Another contributing factor to their back problems is their voracious appetite. If not monitored, they are known to overeat, which can lead to obesity. 

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a breed with mysterious origins, and there is no consensus on when exactly they came into existence. The UK Kennel Club did not recognize them until 1925, and the American Kennel Club until 1936. Pembrokes have slowly grown in popularity over time and are now popular family dogs. Queen Elizabeth’s corgis have contributed to their popularity worldwide, but especially in the UK.

Pembroke Welsh corgis are working dogs, first and foremost. They are effective at herding cattle and other livestock, and those instincts can sometimes cause their herding behavior to come out when dealing with humans. They are very intelligent, which makes them easy to train, but they are also quite independent, meaning they won’t always listen. They make good watchdogs who will bark at strangers to alert their owners.

As with all herding dogs, they require a significant amount of exercise each day to keep them happy and would be best in an environment with enough space to run around. 

The Pembroke is between 10 and 12 inches tall and can reach up to 30 pounds. They are a healthy breed, but prone to a few serious health conditions, so regular vet visits are necessary. Hip dysplasia, cataracts, and epilepsy are just a few of the problems that they may have. Their size makes them pretty sturdy, so they are a good breed for families with children.  

Conclusion

All of these dog breeds are relatively low maintenance and friendly, making them a perfect choice for an urban environment. While puppies may be adorable, they also require a lot of care. Adopting an adult dog from a shelter or breed-specific rescue is a great option for someone with limited free time.

Breed-specific rescues are also an excellent resource if you are simply looking for more information on any of the breeds we mentioned. No matter which dog you choose, they are sure to provide you and your family with love and loyalty for years to come.