Bringing a dog into your home for the first time is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own challenges, particularly in potty training. In addition to intelligence, size plays a significant role in choosing the right dog for first-time pet parents. With apartment living and limited space becoming more common, many seek smaller, low-maintenance breeds that don’t require large yards to thrive.
The good news is that many small dog breeds are not only low-energy but also highly intelligent. These dogs can learn quickly and adapt well to house training, especially with the help of tools like grass potty pads for dogs, which provide a convenient and natural-feeling bathroom solution. This makes them a great match for owners seeking a smart, trainable companion.
What Makes a Dog Easy to Potty Train?
A dog's mental abilities are among the most important factors in house training success. Studies have shown that dogs have cognitive skills comparable to those of a 2 to 2.5-year-old child, with the ability to learn up to 165 words. Dogs can absorb and retain new commands, especially when reinforced with positive motivation.
While each dog learns at their own pace, some breeds are naturally more suited for faster learning. For example, working breeds or dogs with a reputation for obedience tend to pick up new commands quickly. Additionally, dogs motivated to please their owners are more likely to excel in house training. The quicker a dog understands the process, the faster and more successful the journey will be.
These 12 Small Breeds Are the Easiest to Potty Train
While potty training any dog requires time, consistency, and patience, small dog breeds are generally quicker to house train thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. Motivation and assertive human leadership are key to successful potty training for small dogs. Contrary to the myth that small dogs are more difficult to train because their accidents are smaller and owners may be more lenient, small dogs can be just as assertive and intelligent as larger breeds when adequately trained. Here are some of the best small dog breeds that are easy to potty train.
Havanese
Havanese dogs are playful and eager to please, making them quick learners. These little dogs love learning new tricks and easily adapt to new environments. Their desire to please their humans makes them excellent candidates for potty training, and they often pick up on the process faster than other breeds.
Bichon Frise
This dog breed is known for its gentle and charming nature. Bichon Frises are highly intelligent and easy to crate train, which is also a great part of potty training. As these dogs naturally don't like peeing in their sleeping area, they often catch on to where it's acceptable to do their business. Their eagerness to please makes them especially receptive to positive reinforcement.
Miniature Schnauzer
Known for being reliable and attentive, Miniature Schnauzers are quick learners. With positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, Schnauzers can be potty trained in as little as a few days. They thrive in structured environments and appreciate gentle, consistent guidance, as they can be quite sensitive.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus may have a reputation for being stubborn, but they are also loving and food-motivated. These traits make them responsive to potty training when paired with patience, praise, and tasty treats. Their affectionate nature also helps them form strong bonds with their owners, making them more likely to respond to training efforts.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are quick learners and are often potty trained before arriving at their new home. Their small size doesn’t hinder their ability to pick up new habits quickly, and they tend to be very eager to please.
Papillon
Papillons are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners, which makes potty training a breeze. These dogs bond strongly with their humans and are quick to learn new commands. With positive reinforcement, they quickly pick up on where to go for bathroom breaks, and their friendly demeanor makes them excellent companions.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are energetic and love being active. They have short attention spans, requiring more patience, but they can also be potty trained quickly with the right approach. Nevertheless, they will quickly adapt to a potty training routine once a bond is formed with their human. Boston Terriers respond best to consistent, positive reinforcement.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and intelligent, making them excellent at picking up new skills. Their gentle nature makes them excellent candidates for house training, and they respond well to praise and positive reinforcement. These dogs often excel in obedience training and can quickly learn the potty routine.
Poodle: Toy & Miniature
Both Toy and Miniature varieties of poodles are extremely intelligent and versatile dogs. They love to please their owners and respond quickly to commands, making them some of the easiest dogs to potty train. Whether you have a Toy or Miniature Poodle, you’ll find that their eagerness to please and quick learning abilities will make the potty training process easier.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are courageous and bold dogs that can sometimes be a little independent. However, their intelligence and desire to please make them good candidates for potty training. Once they form a strong bond with their human, they respond well to consistent training methods and positive reinforcement.
Coton De Tulear
Charming and bright, Coton De Tulears are fun-loving dogs that thrive with lively and entertaining training sessions. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners, and their high level of intelligence makes them quick learners. Keeping training sessions engaging and consistent will lead to successful house training.
American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs are clever and eager to please. They are known for their alertness and trainability, making them excellent candidates for potty training. With patience and positive reinforcement, Eskies will learn where to go for bathroom breaks in no time.
How to Potty Train Small Breeds
The most important factor in potty training is consistency. Potty training doesn’t just depend on the dog—it also requires your commitment to the process. Being patient, clear with expectations, and consistent in training will lead to success. Establishing a regular potty routine and reinforcing positive behavior with praise and rewards is crucial for all dogs, but it’s especially important for small breeds.
Small dogs tend to have smaller bladders and faster metabolisms than larger breeds, so they have to go outside more often. As a result, it’s essential to take them out for bathroom breaks frequently—especially in the early stages of potty training. Solutions like grass potty pads for dogs from Gotta Go Grass can also be helpful for small dog owners, providing a natural grass-like surface for indoor potty training. These pads can be particularly useful in apartments or places where it’s not always easy to take your dog outside immediately.
Final Thoughts
Small dogs can be potty trained quickly and effectively with the right tools and consistent effort. Breeds like the Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Miniature Poodle are smart, eager to please, and quick learners, making them ideal candidates for easy potty training. For more tips on potty training, check out our guide on How to Train Your Dog to Use Gotta Go Grass Potty Pads. By putting in the time and effort, you’ll have an obedient dog that understands the potty routine and will make life easier for both of you.
