Bringing a dog into your HDB flat is a life-changing decision that adds immense joy and companionship to your home. However, navigating the specific rules of the Housing & Development Board (HDB) can be a daunting task for many first-time paw-rents. In Singapore, urban living requires a delicate balance between pet ownership and communal harmony.
Whether you are looking for a tiny toy breed or are interested in adopting a Singapore Special through Project ADORE, staying compliant with the latest 2026 regulations is crucial to avoid heavy fines and ensure a smooth living experience for you and your neighbours. This guide provides an exhaustive, up-to-date breakdown of all HDB approved dogs, licensing requirements, and tips for responsible ownership.
The Official List: 62 HDB Approved Dog Breeds
Under the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules 2024 (which remain the gold standard in 2026), HDB residents are generally permitted to keep one dog of an approved small breed. As of this year, the list includes 62 specific breeds and their cross-breeds.
Popular Toy and Companion Breeds
These breeds are the most common sights in HDB estates due to their manageable size and adaptable temperaments:
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Poodle (Toy or Miniature): Highly intelligent and hypoallergenic, making them perfect for families with allergies.
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Shih Tzu: Known for being calm, friendly, and requiring relatively low exercise.
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Pomeranian: Spirited and alert, though they can be vocal if not trained.
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Maltese: A classic lap dog that is gentle and thrives in small spaces.
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Chihuahua: The smallest of the approved breeds, ideal for 2-room or 3-room flats.
The Terrier Group
Many terriers are HDB-approved, but they often possess high energy levels:
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Jack Russell Terrier: Energetic and intelligent; requires plenty of mental stimulation.
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Miniature Schnauzer: Known for their distinctive "beard" and loyal personality.
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West Highland White Terrier (Westie): Sturdy and confident companions.
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Australian Silky Terrier: A spirited breed that is closely related to the Yorkshire Terrier.
Full A-Z Checklist of HDB Approved Dogs
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Affenpinscher
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Australian Silky Terrier
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Australian Terrier
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Bichon Frise
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Bohemian Terrier
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Bolognese
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Border Terrier
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Boston Terrier (Light/Medium)
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Brussels Griffon
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Bichon Havanese
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Cairn Terrier
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Chihuahua
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Chinese Crested Dog
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Chinese Imperial Chin
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Chinese Temple Dog
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Coton de Tulear
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Czech Terrier
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Dachshund (Light/Miniature)
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Dandie Dinmont Terrier
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English Toy Spaniel
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German Hunting Terrier
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Griffon Belge
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Griffon Brabancon
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Hairless Dog
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Italian Greyhound
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Jack Russell Terrier
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Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
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Japanese Spitz
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Lakeland Terrier
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Lhasa Apso
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Little Lion Dog
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Maltese
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Manchester Terrier
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Miniature Pinscher
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Miniature Schnauzer
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Norfolk Terrier
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Norwegian Lundehund
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Norwich Terrier
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Papillon
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Pekingese
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Pomeranian
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Poodle (Toy/Miniature)
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Pug
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Schipperke
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Scottish Terrier
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Sealyham Terrier
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Shetland Sheepdog
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Shih Tzu
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Silky Terrier
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Small Continental Spaniel
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Small English Terrier
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Small Spitz
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Smooth Fox Terrier
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Tibetan Spaniel
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Toy Fox Terrier
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Toy Terrier
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Volpino Italiano
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Welsh Terrier
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West Highland Terrier
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Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
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Yorkshire Terrier
Project ADORE: Keeping Larger Dogs in HDB Flats
If you’ve always wanted a larger dog, you aren't strictly limited to the toy breeds mentioned above. Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) is a scheme managed by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) and HDB that allows residents to adopt medium-sized local mixed-breed dogs, affectionately known as Singapore Specials.
Requirements for Project ADORE (2026 Update)
To qualify for this scheme, both the owner and the dog must meet specific criteria:
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Physical Limits: The dog must have a shoulder height of up to 55cm. Note that the previous weight limit of 15kg was removed in 2020 and remains abolished in 2026.
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Approved Partners: You must adopt through an AVS-approved Animal Welfare Group (AWG), such as the SPCA, SOSD, or Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD).
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Mandatory Training: Owners must enroll their dog in a basic obedience training course conducted by AVS-accredited trainers.
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Limit: Similar to standard rules, only one dog is allowed per HDB flat under Project ADORE.
The K-9 Adoption Scheme
In a move to honor service animals, retired K-9 sniffer dogs can also be adopted into HDB flats. Approved breeds under this specific wing of Project ADORE include Labradors, English Springers, Cocker Spaniels, and Pointers.
Mandatory Licensing and Responsible Ownership
Regardless of the breed, every dog in an HDB flat must be licensed by AVS. Since September 2024, Singapore has updated its pet laws to include mandatory licensing for cats as well, but the rules for dogs remain strict.
Licensing Your HDB Approved Dog
Dog licenses are for traceability and disease control (rabies). You can apply for a license via the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS).
| Feature | Details |
| Max Dogs per Flat | 1 (Standard or Project ADORE) |
| Licensing Age | Dogs must be licensed by 3 months of age |
| Microchipping | Mandatory for all licensed dogs |
| Renewal | One-time license for sterilized dogs; annual for unsterilized |
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Keeping a non-approved breed or failing to license your dog is a serious offence. Under the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules, offenders can face fines of up to $4,000. In persistent cases of nuisance (like excessive barking), HDB may revoke the permission to keep the pet.
Creating a Dog-Friendly Home in High-Rise Environments
Living in a vertical city like Singapore means your dog’s behavior affects everyone on your floor. To be a "gracious heartland" pet owner, consider the following:
Noise Management (Excessive Barking)
HDB walls can be thin. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or barks at every passerby in the corridor, invest in positive reinforcement training. Addressing barking early prevents neighbor disputes and visits from HDB officers.
Walking and Hygiene
Always keep your dog on a leash in common areas. It is an offence to let your dog roam freely in corridors or void decks. Furthermore, always carry "poop bags" to clean up after your pet—failing to do so can lead to fines from the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Interaction with Neighbours
Not everyone is a dog lover. Some residents may have allergies or phobias. When using lifts, always be mindful. If the lift is crowded, it is polite to wait for the next one or ask if others are comfortable with your dog joining.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Match for Your Flat
Choosing from the list of HDB approved dogs is just the first step. The key to a happy home lies in matching a dog’s temperament to your lifestyle. If you lead an active life, a Jack Russell might be your best friend. If you prefer quiet evenings, a Shih Tzu or a retired K-9 might be more suitable.
By adhering to HDB and AVS regulations, you protect your pet and ensure that Singapore remains a pet-friendly society. Remember, pet ownership is a lifetime commitment that extends far beyond the four walls of your flat.
