Best Dogs for Single People
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for single people in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for single people evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from France, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 16–28 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from England, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 4–7 lbs and lives 11–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 11–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 3–7 lbs and lives 12–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$3000
Beagle
The Beagle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from England, this medium-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Pug
The Pug earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from China, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 14–18 lbs and lives 13–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 13–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from England, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 13–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Mexico, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 3–6 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $500–$1500
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from United States, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 12–25 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Japan, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 17–23 lbs and lives 13–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 13–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from China, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 10–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500