HDB-approved dog breeds in Singapore (2026 list)

Thinking about a dog for your HDB flat? Here is the short version of the HDB-approved dog breeds rule: each flat may keep one dog, and it should be either an approved small breed (or a cross of two approved breeds) or a local mixed-breed dog adopted under Project ADORE. HDB says you do not need its approval for an approved breed, but you do need an AVS dog licence. Keeping a dog outside these rules can lead to a fine of up to $4,000.

The list below follows the schedule in the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules 2024. HDB publishes the same list on its keeping pets page. We recommend checking that page before you commit to a puppy, because the official list is what counts.

The HDB-approved dog breeds list

The schedule has 61 named breeds, plus a 62nd item that allows a cross of any two breeds on the list. A mix that includes a breed from outside the list is not covered by item 62, even if the dog is small. Specified dogs (the breeds AVS regulates more tightly) are not allowed in HDB flats at all.

• Affenpinscher
• Australian Silky Terrier
• Australian Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bohemian Terrier
• Bolognese
• Brussels Griffon (also known as Griffon Bruxellois)
• Bichon Havanese
• Border Terrier
• Boston Terrier (Lightweight or Middle weight)
• Cairn Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Crested Dog
• Chinese Imperial Chin
• Chinese Temple Dog (Classic or Miniature)
• Coton de tulear
• Czech Terrier
• Dachshund (Light or Miniature)
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• English Toy Spaniel
• Griffon Belge
• German Hunting Terrier
• Griffon Brabancon
• Hairless Dog
• Italian Greyhound
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Japanese Spaniel (also known as Chin)
• Japanese Spitz
• Lhasa Apso
• Little Lion Dog
• Lakeland Terrier
• Maltese
• Manchester Terrier
• Miniature Pinscher
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Papillon
• Pekinese
• Pomeranian
• Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
• Pug
• Schipperke
• Scottish Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Shetland Sheep Dog
• Shih Tzu
• Silky Terrier
• Small Continental Spaniel
• Small English Terrier
• Small Spitz
• Smooth Fox Terrier
• Toy Fox Terrier
• Toy Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Volpino Italiano
• West Highland Terrier
• Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
• Welsh Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Cross of any two breeds in the list above

Adopting a Singapore Special under Project ADORE

Love a bigger local dog? The 2024 Rules also allow a dog adopted through HDB’s rehoming scheme. Under Project ADORE, you can adopt a local mixed-breed dog (a Singapore Special) up to 55cm tall at the shoulder into an HDB flat. There is no longer a weight limit. The dog comes from one of AVS’s Project ADORE partners, such as SOSD, Action for Singapore Dogs or the SPCA. It must be licensed, microchipped, vaccinated and sterilised, and you will complete an obedience programme together with an AVS-accredited trainer. It still counts as your one dog.

One dog, plus up to two cats

The dog limit is one per flat. Since 1 September 2024, the same flat may also keep up to two cats. AVS summarises both limits on its limits of ownership page. One thing that surprises people: an AVS licence is not HDB approval, and HDB approval is not a licence. You will want the licence either way. Our guide to dog and cat licensing covers the steps.

Our suggestions before you adopt or buy

• Ask the shelter or seller for the breed in writing, or for both parent breeds if the dog is a cross.
• If you love a local mixed breed, ask the shelter whether the dog is eligible for Project ADORE before you fall for them.
• Living in an HDB flat for now? We would gently suggest waiting on a breed from outside the list until you move. The rule applies to the flat you live in today.
• Private housing has different AVS limits, and a condo’s by-laws can be stricter. Read those rather than relying on the HDB list.
• Size alone does not make a breed approved. A small mixed breed from a pet shop still has to fall under item 62.