HDB-Approved Dog Breeds: The Complete Guide for Singapore (2026)

You have fallen in love with a fluffy face, the adoption paperwork is half done in your head, and then a friend drops the bombshell: "Eh, is that breed even allowed in HDB ah?" Cue the panic-Googling at 11pm. 😅 It is one of the most common worries we hear from new pawrents in Singapore, and honestly it is a fair one. Bring home the wrong dog and you could be facing a fine, a heartbreaking rehoming, or both.

Here is the thing though: the rules are actually pretty clear once someone lays them out without the legalese. The catch is that they differ depending on whether you stay in an HDB flat or private property, and there is a lovely scheme called Project ADORE that quietly opens the door to adopting our local Singapore Specials. Most pawrents have never even heard of it.

So let us walk through all of it: how many dogs you can keep, which breeds make the HDB approved list, the size rules, the ADORE pathway, and the licensing step nobody should skip. By the end you will know exactly where your future furkid fits. ❤️

How many dogs can you actually keep?

This is the first fork in the road, and it comes down to your home type.

• ✅ HDB flat: A maximum of one dog per flat, and it must be from the HDB approved (small breed) list.
• ✅ Private property (condo, landed): Up to three dogs in total.

That one-dog HDB limit is firm regardless of how small or well-behaved the dog is. If you are tempted to sneak in a second one, please do not. Beyond the rules, two dogs in a flat with no licence is just asking for stress all round.

What counts as an HDB approved dog breed?

HDB keeps an official list of roughly 62 approved breeds, running alphabetically from Affenpinscher all the way to Yorkshire Terrier. The common thread is size: these are small breeds suited to apartment living. As a general rule of thumb, dogs allowed in HDB flats sit on the smaller, shorter side (around 55cm at the shoulder is the height marker used in the related Project ADORE scheme, more on that below).

We are not going to dump all 62 here (you would scroll forever), but these are the crowd favourites we see most often in Singapore:

• ✅ Maltese
• ✅ Shih Tzu
• ✅ Toy Poodle / Miniature Poodle
• ✅ Jack Russell Terrier
• ✅ Chihuahua
• ✅ Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• ✅ Yorkshire Terrier
• ✅ Bichon Frise
• ✅ Miniature Schnauzer
• ✅ Pomeranian

Breeds that are popular but not on the HDB list include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds and Huskies. They are wonderful dogs, just not flat-friendly under the rules. For the full, official 62-breed list, always check the HDB keeping pets page directly, since lists can be updated.

A quick word on mixes

A mix of two approved breeds is generally fine. But the moment a non-approved breed enters the mix (or the dog grows beyond the small-breed profile), you are likely looking at the Project ADORE route instead. When in doubt, do not guess: ask AVS.

Project ADORE: bringing home a Singapore Special 🐶

Here is the part that makes us happy. Project ADORE (short for ADOption and REhoming of dogs) is a scheme run by AVS and HDB together with animal welfare groups. It lets HDB residents adopt a local mixed-breed dog, our beloved Singapore Specials, even though many of them are bigger than the standard approved breeds.

Under ADORE you can keep one such dog in your HDB flat, up to 55cm in height at the shoulder. The old 15kg weight cap was removed back in 2020, so it is now height, not weight, that matters. This has given so many gentle, deserving rescue dogs a real shot at a forever home.

The conditions are sensible and built around being a responsible neighbour:

• ✅ The dog must be licensed with AVS
• ✅ Microchipped
• ✅ Vaccinated and sterilised
• ✅ Adopters complete a mandatory obedience training programme with an AVS-accredited certified trainer or an ADORE trainer
• ✅ Adoption goes through an AVS-approved animal welfare group (such as SPCA, SOSD, Action for Singapore Dogs, or Causes for Animals Singapore)
• ✅ You agree to a Code of Responsible Behaviour, which keeps your dog from causing a nuisance to neighbours

For the exact current criteria (these can be refined over time), the official AVS Project ADORE page is the source of truth. If you have the space in your home and heart, adopting a Special is one of the most rewarding things a pawrent can do. We are big fans. ❤️

Do not forget the dog licence (it is mandatory)

Whether your dog is a tiny Maltese or an ADORE Special, every dog in Singapore must be licensed with AVS. It is not optional, and it is genuinely quick to do online. Keeping the licence current (and your dog microchipped) is the baseline of responsible ownership here. You can read the official details on the AVS licensing and limits of ownership page.

Counting the real cost (and the joy) of getting it right

Picking an allowed breed is step one. Step two is being honest with yourself about the commitment, because a dog is a 12 to 16 year relationship, not a weekend hobby. If you are still weighing things up, our guide on the true cost of pet ownership in Singapore lays out the numbers most people forget, and once your furkid is home, choosing the right vet early will save you a lot of stress later.

The best part of HDB-friendly dogs? They are small, but their need to move and bond is just as big. A daily walk, some training games and play in your living room go a long way. We have a whole list of activities to bond with your dog in SG if you want ideas beyond the same old block round.

Feeding your new flatmate well

One thing that surprises a lot of first-time pawrents: Singapore is very kibble-dominated, even though kibble is usually cooked at scorching temperatures above 200°C, which can strip away nutrients. At The Bon Pet, our meals are gently cooked sous vide at around 80°C, single-protein, PhD-formulated and meet AAFCO All Life Stages standards. Small dogs especially tend to be fussy eaters, so if you want to see whether your furkid takes to real food, our gently cooked dog trial packs are a low-commitment way to test the waters. No pressure, just happier mealtimes. 🐾

Got questions about which food suits your breed, or just want to chat through the adoption process? WhatsApp us at +65 9010 8515 and a real human (a fellow pawrent) will help you out.

❤️ The Bon Pet team

Frequently asked questions

How many dogs can I keep in an HDB flat?

Only one. HDB allows a maximum of one dog per flat, and it must be from the approved small breed list (or one local mixed-breed dog adopted through Project ADORE). Private property owners can keep up to three dogs in total.

How many breeds are on the HDB approved dog list?

There are about 62 approved small breeds, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier. Popular ones include the Maltese, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua. Always check the official HDB keeping pets page for the current full list, as it can be updated.

Can I keep a big dog or a Singapore Special in an HDB flat?

Yes, through Project ADORE. It allows one local mixed-breed dog up to 55cm at the shoulder in an HDB flat, provided the dog is licensed, microchipped, vaccinated and sterilised, you complete a mandatory obedience course, and you adopt through an AVS-approved welfare group. Check the AVS Project ADORE page for the latest exact criteria.

Does my dog need a licence in Singapore?

Yes. Every dog in Singapore must be licensed with AVS (Animal and Veterinary Service), regardless of breed or whether you live in an HDB flat or private property. It is mandatory and can be done online. Refer to the AVS website for fees and steps.