Small breed dogs include types such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Maltese. The weight for small breed dogs generally ranges from 3-12 pounds. Even though small breed dogs are relatively lightweight, their nails can still scratch and gouge the surface of some of the softer floor types. As a general rule, it's best to keep their nails trimmed to minimize floor scratches.

Even though they are small in stature, small breed dogs still produce pet dander and are capable of shedding. You may want to consider a hypoallergenic floor that can resist pet dander. Hypoallergenic floors not only resist pet dander, but also other household allergens such as mites, dust and pollen. Cork, bamboo, linoleum and concrete are some examples of flooring that naturally resist allergens. However, concrete may not be suitable for homes with dogs as acidic substances, such as urine, can damage and dull the concrete finish.

Cork provides a hypoallergenic surface that is also comfortable to walk on. This is ideal for older pets that may have walking difficulty. Floors that tend to be more slippery, such as many of those comprised of tile or stone, are not usually recommended for pets with bad joints as this could increase the risk of an accident.