Small Dogs in Singapore: Adoption, Suitability, and Everyday Care

Thinking about getting a small dog in Singapore? You’re not alone.

For many HDB and apartment dwellers, small dogs feel like the most realistic (and adorable) way to start pawrenting. They’re compact, often HDB-approved, and can thrive in smaller homes — if their needs are understood and met.

This guide helps you decide whether a small dog fits your lifestyle, where to find small dogs for adoption in Singapore, what ethical buying looks like, and what everyday care really involves in HDB living.

Gentle note: This article is general guidance. If your household has allergies, young kids, elderly family members, or your dog has health concerns, check with a vet (or a qualified trainer) for tailored advice.

Why small dogs can be a great fit for HDB & apartment living

Small dogs often suit Singapore homes well because they generally:

• Fit HDB regulations (only approved breeds, one dog per flat)
• Need less indoor space to move around
• Are easier to bring for vet visits, grooming, and travel
• Usually cost less to feed than large breeds (but grooming can add up)
• Can do well with structured indoor routines (walks + play + enrichment)

That said: “small” doesn’t mean “low-maintenance.” Some small breeds have big brains and big opinions — and without training and stimulation, you’ll feel it.

HDB-approved small dog breeds (and what they’re really like)

HDB allows one dog per flat, and only from an approved list of small breeds. If you’re unsure, always double-check the latest HDB/AVS list before committing (rules and lists can change over time).

Below are some common small breeds you’ll see in Singapore, with practical notes beyond the stereotypes.

Maltese

• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, people-oriented
• Energy: Low to moderate
• Grooming: High (regular trims help in SG heat)
• Good for: Seniors, families, first-time pawrents

A classic companion dog that adapts well to apartment life - but they’re happiest when they’re close to you.

Toy / Miniature Poodle

• Temperament: Very intelligent, eager to learn
• Energy: Moderate to high
• Grooming: Very high (non-shedding coat, frequent grooming)
• Good for: Engaged owners who enjoy training

Poodles are brilliant… which means they get bored easily. Mental stimulation is non-negotiable (training, puzzle toys, sniff games).

Shih Tzu

• Temperament: Gentle, friendly, companion-focused
• Energy: Low
• Grooming: High
• Good for: Calm households, seniors

Bred as lap companions. Short walks, lots of chill, plenty of affection - that’s their vibe.

Pomeranian

• Temperament: Alert, confident, often vocal
• Energy: Moderate
• Grooming: High (thick double coat)
• Good for: Owners willing to train barking early

Very cute, very fluffy… and sometimes very opinionated. Early training helps prevent nuisance barking and over-guarding.

Chihuahua

• Temperament: Loyal, bold, sometimes possessive
• Energy: Low to moderate
• Grooming: Low
• Good for: Singles/couples, calm households

Often labelled among “aggressive small dogs”, but many issues come from fear, poor socialisation, or inconsistent boundaries - not their size.

Miniature Schnauzer

• Temperament: Spirited, friendly, alert
• Energy: Moderate
• Grooming: Moderate
• Good for: Active families, older kids

A sturdy small dog that enjoys daily walks and engagement. They tend to do best with routine.

Jack Russell Terrier

• Temperament: Intelligent, driven, energetic
• Energy: High
• Grooming: Low
• Good for: Very active owners

HDB-approved by size, but not lifestyle-friendly for everyone. They need real exercise and real training - or they’ll invent their own hobbies (usually loud ones).

A note on Singapore Specials (Project ADORE)

Under Project ADORE, some Singapore Specials (mixed-breed dogs) may be allowed in HDB flats if adopted from approved welfare groups. This expands options beyond pedigree toy breeds - and many Singapore Specials make wonderfully steady, affectionate home dogs.

Where to adopt small dogs in Singapore

Adoption is strongly encouraged by local welfare groups — and yes, small dogs do come up, though you may need patience.

SPCA Singapore

• Sometimes has small breeds and small mixes available
• Adoption fee typically covers essentials such as sterilisation, vaccinations, and microchipping
• Good support for first-time adopters

Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD)

• Focuses on Singapore Specials
• Some dogs may qualify for HDB via Project ADORE
• Thorough matching process (a good thing)

Causes for Animals (CAS)

• Foster-based rescue
• Occasional small-breed or small-mix dogs
• Best followed via social media for updates

Voices for Animals (VFA)

• Known for rescuing abandoned pedigrees and some retired breeding dogs
• Often a good option if you’re looking for adult Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Pomeranians
• Adoption fees help cover medical rehabilitation

Real talk: adopted dogs may be older or come with quirks - but many settle beautifully into home life with routine, patience, and gentle training.

Buying small dogs in Singapore (ethically)

If you decide to buy, do it responsibly — because the demand side affects real animal welfare.

Key rules to know

• Buy only from AVS-licensed pet shops or licensed breeders
• Puppies should come with documentation and health records
• Avoid sellers who:
  • Offer many breeds “always available”
  • Can’t explain a puppy’s origin clearly
  • Push you to pay quickly or meet in carparks

(When in doubt, follow AVS guidance on choosing reputable sources and documentation.)

What ethical sourcing looks like

• Clear origin (local or imported with proper paperwork)
• Transparent health records and vaccination status
• The seller asks you questions too (home setup, time at home, experience)
• No pressure tactics, no “last one, must decide now”

Also: small dog puppies in Singapore can be expensive (often SGD 1,500–5,000+), but price ≠ quality. Adoption remains the most ethical choice where possible.

Adoption vs buying: how to decide (without guilt)

Adoption may suit you if you:

• Want to give a dog a second chance
• Are open to adult dogs
• Prefer lower upfront costs
• Can handle some uncertainty in history/temperament (with support)

Buying may suit you if you:

• Need predictability in size, coat, or allergies (note: no dog is truly “hypoallergenic”)
• Want to raise a dog from puppyhood
• Are prepared for higher costs and responsibility

Both paths require commitment. The dog doesn’t care where it came from - only how it’s treated next.

Myths about “aggressive small dogs”

Small dogs get a bad rap, but often what people call “aggression” is:

• Fear (especially when dogs feel cornered or handled roughly)
• Over-coddling (no boundaries because they’re “too small to matter”)
• Lack of training (because the behaviour seems “harmless”)
• Poor socialisation (especially during puppyhood)

Common challenges include:

• Excessive barking
• Resource guarding
• Separation anxiety

The good news: these are trainable with:

• Consistent boundaries
• Positive reinforcement training
• Proper socialisation and confidence-building

Small dogs need training just as much as big ones - sometimes more, because they’re often unintentionally “excused” from learning manners.

Everyday care for small dogs in Singapore

Exercise (what most small dogs actually need)

Most small dogs do well with:

• 2 short walks daily (roughly 15–30 minutes total)
• Indoor play (tug, fetch down the corridor, “find it” games)
• Mental stimulation (sniffingreed™ games, puzzle toys, basic obedience)

Energy varies hugely by breed: a Jack Russell is not the same lifestyle as a Shih Tzu.

Grooming & hygiene (humidity makes everything… more)

In Singapore:

• Long-coated breeds often need regular trims
• Dry thoroughly after rain (ears, paws, belly) to reduce skin issues
• Dental care is especially important for small breeds (small mouths = crowded teeth = plaque builds faster)

Budget grooming every 4–8 weeks for fluffy breeds (and more often if your dog is prone to matting).

Heat management

Many small breeds struggle with heat:

• Walk early morning or evening
• Avoid hot pavements
• Watch for overheating signs: heavy panting, drooling, wobbliness, “not wanting to move”

Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic dogs) need extra care in heat. If your dog is panting hard, it’s not being dramatic — it’s struggling.

Alone time & separation anxiety

Many small dogs are deeply people-oriented (they were bred for companionship).

Help them cope by:

• Training alone time gradually (start with minutes, not hours)
• Using enrichment toys (lick mats, stuffed Kongs, sniff games)
• Considering daycare or a dog walker if you’re out long hours

Nutrition & weight

Small dogs eat little - but obesity is common in Singapore.

• Measure food (don’t free-pour)
• Watch treats (tiny dog + a few treats = huge calorie percentage)
• Choose diets formulated for small breeds if needed

(We cover this in detail in our feeding guide — see Further Tips below.)

Who small dogs are ideal for

Small dogs often thrive with:

• Young professionals who can commit to daily walks
• Active retirees
• Families with older children
• Owners who enjoy close companionship (velcro dog life is real)

They’re less ideal if you’re rarely home or want a “low-interaction” pet.

Conclusion

Small dogs can be wonderful companions in Singapore - affectionate, adaptable, and deeply bonded to their humans.

Whether you adopt or buy, the most important thing isn’t breed or size, but commitment. Understand HDB rules, choose responsibly, invest in training, and plan for long-term care.

Do that, and your small dog will repay you with years of loyalty, laughter, and tiny paw-steps following you everywhere. (Yes, even to the toilet. Especially to the toilet.)

New to pawrenting? Learn the nutritional needs of small dogs in our vet-reviewed feeding guide - including what “complete & balanced” means, how much to feed, and common small-dog diet mistakes to avoid.