14 Best Small Dogs for Kids Finding the Perfect Family Companion

mall Dogs for Kids – Finding the perfect dog to welcome into your family can be an exciting and rewarding journey. But when you have children, the stakes are higher – you want a canine companion who is not only cuddly and fun but also safe and well-suited for life with little ones. If you’ve narrowed your search to small dog breeds, you’re in for a treat, as many small dogs are known for their playful personalities and gentle nature. This list of 14 small dog breeds, each known for being great with kids, can help you find the ideal family member for your home.

Tip: Choosing the Right Breed for Small Dogs for Kids

When it comes to choosing a breed for a family with children, consider their temperament, patience, and trainability. It’s also important to teach your children to be respectful of the dog and their space. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind as you make your decision:

Temperament and Trainability:

Gentle and Patient: Small dogs who are known for their gentle dispositions and patience are ideal for families with young children. Look for breeds that are naturally tolerant and understanding of playful, sometimes clumsy kids.
Easy to Train: A dog that is eager to learn and respond to commands is much safer around children. Choose a breed that is known for its intelligence and responsiveness to training.
High Energy Levels: While some small dogs are lap dogs, others have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. If you have active kids, a dog that can keep up with them is important.

Understanding Your Child’s Maturity Level:

Age: While many dog breeds are great with kids, it’s generally recommended to wait until your youngest child is at least five years old before bringing home a dog. By this age, most children have developed more impulse control and are better able to understand and follow the rules regarding pet interaction.
Responsibility: Talk to your children about the responsibility of dog ownership. Explain their role in feeding, playing with, and caring for the dog.

Safety First:

Supervision: It’s crucial that an adult always supervise all interactions between children and dogs, regardless of the breed. Even the most family-friendly dogs need guidance and supervision to ensure safety for both parties.

Beagle

The fun-loving beagle is a popular choice for families with kids. Known for its friendly and active nature, this breed effortlessly blends into the hustle and bustle of family life.

Beagle Traits:

Friendly and Social: Beagles are eager to please and love making new friends, whether it’s fellow dogs, kids, or even strangers.
Playful and Energetic: Prepare for endless games of fetch and playtime with your beagle. They’re enthusiastic about going for walks, running around the backyard, or engaging in any activity that involves adventure.
Curious and Independent: Beagles are naturally curious, and their keen sense of smell inspires them to explore everything! However, their independent nature can sometimes lead them into trouble if they aren’t supervised closely.

Beagle Considerations:

Barking and Howling: Beagles are notorious for their love of barking and howling. Be prepared for occasional vocalizations, especially if your beagle gets excited or bored.
Escape Artist: These pups are masters of sniffing out opportunities to escape, so keeping them leashed and secure is essential. Their instincts might lead them to chase after interesting smells, potentially putting them in dangerous situations.

Bichon Frise

The playful and fun-loving bichon frise hails from France, where these little dogs originally lived a life of luxury as pampered pets to nobility.

Bichon Frise Traits:

Gentle and Affectionate: Bichons are known for their gentle disposition and love showering their families with affection. They’re happiest when they’re surrounded by loved ones and soaking up all the attention.
Lively and Playful Their playful antics and spunky nature are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Even the tiniest bichon frise loves engaging in games of fetch, tug of war, or just bouncing around the house.
Adaptable and Low-Shedding: These fluffy companions are surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of settings, whether it’s a bustling home or a quiet apartment. Their hypoallergenic coat is a huge bonus for families with allergies.

Bichon Frise Considerations:

Grooming Needs: The bichon frise’s curly white coat requires regular grooming to maintain its fluffy beauty. Professional grooming is recommended, but you can also brush their coat at home to prevent matting and tangles.
Sensitivity: While bichons are generally outgoing and sociable, they can be sensitive to loud noises or overly boisterous behavior. It’s crucial to teach children to interact with them gently and respect their space, especially if they are showing signs of nervousness.

Boston Terrier

Friendly and animated, Boston terriers love all people, including kids. This breed, which originated in Boston in the late 1800s, has always been a devoted companion.

Boston Terrier Traits:

Loyal and Affectionate: Boston terriers are known for their love and dedication to their families. They’re happiest when they’re by their people’s side and basking in their love and attention.
Intelligent and Trainable: Boston terriers are eager to please and respond well to training, making them easy to manage and train in a family setting.
Playful and Happy-Go-Lucky: These dogs have a knack for bringing joy and laughter to any household. Their playful spirit and enthusiasm for life are contagious.

Boston Terrier Considerations:

Energy Levels: Boston terriers have moderate energy levels and need regular exercise. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, or even just a brisk game of fetch will keep them happy and healthy.
Manners: Despite their small size, Boston terriers can be quite energetic and playful. It’s essential to teach them proper manners and boundaries to ensure their interactions with children are safe and enjoyable for all parties involved.

Cairn Terrier

As a member of the AKC Terrier Group, the cairn terrier is perhaps best known for portraying Dorothy’s little dog Toto in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

Cairn Terrier Traits:

Friendly and Affectionate: Cairn terriers often form strong bonds with their families and are known for their loving and playful personalities. They’re usually eager to please and want to be part of the action.

Brave and Confident: These little dogs have a big personality that shines through in their brave and confident demeanor. They’re not easily intimidated, which can be beneficial in a family environment where kids might be rambunctious.
Active and Adventurous: Cairn terriers have plenty of energy and love to explore. They enjoy going for walks, hikes, or playing outdoors.

Cairn Terrier Considerations:

Independent and Stubborn: Cairn terriers can be independent and stubborn, which might make training a little more challenging. It’s important to use positive reinforcement techniques and remain patient and consistent.
High Prey Drive: This breed is known for its high prey drive. While they generally love children, they might not be the best choice for homes with small pets that could be seen as prey.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The happy, even-tempered Cavalier King Charles spaniel is known for its friendly and loving nature. This breed is a true friend to all, including children.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Traits:

Sweet and Affectionate: Cavaliers are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They love cuddles, snuggles, and spending time with their families.
Gentle and Patient: These dogs are incredibly patient, even with young children who might not always handle them with care. They’re good at forgiving accidental bumps or roughhousing.
Adaptable and Calm: Cavaliers are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from busy households to quiet apartments. They’re relatively low-energy and don’t need excessive exercise.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Considerations:

Sensitivity: While typically friendly, Cavaliers can be sensitive to harsh handling or loud noises. It’s important to teach children to handle them gently and respectfully.
Grooming Needs: The Cavalier’s long, silky coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.

Cocker Spaniel

The cocker spaniel is a happy little dog that loves being with their favorite people.

Cocker Spaniel Traits:

Gentle and Loving: They’re known for their kind and affectionate temperaments and often form strong bonds with their families.

Playful and Energetic: Cocker spaniels love to play and will happily engage in games of fetch, frisbee, or even just a good romp in the backyard. They’re typically eager to learn new tricks, making them enjoyable companions.
Loyal and Devoted: These dogs are fiercely loyal and devoted to their families. They’ll often follow their humans around the house, wanting to be involved in every activity.

Cocker Spaniel Considerations:

Grooming Needs: The cocker spaniel’s long, flowing coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Prone to Separation Anxiety: Cocker spaniels can be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important to gradually acclimate them to being alone for short periods and provide them with safe and stimulating environments when you’re not home.

French Bulldog

The French bulldog, or Frenchie, is an adaptable and playful breed that loves to do whatever you’re doing.

French Bulldog Traits:

Affectionate and Playful: French bulldogs are known for their loving and playful personalities. They adore cuddling with their families and are always up for a game or two.
Adaptable and Low-Energy: Frenchies can thrive in a variety of environments, making them great companions for people who live in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space. They don’t need excessive exercise.
Friendly and Social: Frenchies are typically friendly with people and other dogs. They love meeting new people and are often the life of the party.

French Bulldog Considerations:

Health Considerations: Frenchies are brachycephalic breeds, which means they have short snouts. This can lead to respiratory issues and make them prone to overheating.
Grooming Needs: Frenchies have short, smooth coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep them clean and healthy.

Havanese

Known for their gentle nature and playful personalities, Havanese dogs are small, furry companions that make wonderful additions to families.

Havanese Traits:

Affectionate and Loyal: Havanese dogs are incredibly affectionate and often form strong attachments to their families. They love to be cuddled and showered with love.
Playful and Energetic: Despite their small size, Havanese dogs are full of energy and constantly seeking out fun and games.
Trainable and Intelligent: Havanese dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They learn new tricks quickly and are often eager to impress their families with their skills.

Havanese Considerations:

Grooming Needs: Their long, silky coats require regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Socialization: It’s crucial to socialize Havanese puppies early on, introducing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments. This helps them develop into well-adjusted and confident dogs.

Pug

The pug is a truly unique dog breed that has a loyal following worldwide. These small, wrinkled companions are known for their silly antics and goofy personalities.

Pug Traits:

Loving and Affectionate: Pugs are known for their loving and affectionate personalities. They adore being cuddled and often follow their families around the house.
Adaptable and Low-Energy: Pugs are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, making them suitable for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
Playful and Cheerful: Pugs are known for their happy-go-lucky nature and love to play. They’ll often entertain their families with their silly antics and curious explorations.

Pug Considerations:

Health Considerations: Pugs are brachycephalic breeds, which means they have short snouts and can be prone to respiratory issues, especially in hot weather.
Grooming Needs: Pugs have short, smooth coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep them clean and healthy.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small, charming dog breed with a long, flowing coat.

Shih Tzu Traits:

Gentle and Affectionate: These dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They love to be cuddled and showered with love.
Adaptable and Low-Energy: Shih Tzus are surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, making them suitable for busy families or those who live in apartments. They’re not known for having a high energy level.
Playful and Curious: Despite their calm exterior, Shih Tzus are often playful and curious. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and are often eager to join in on family fun.

Shih Tzu Considerations:

Grooming Needs: Their long, silky coats require regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Sensitivity: Shih Tzus can be sensitive to loud noises or rough handling. It’s important to teach children to handle them gently and respectfully.

Maltese

The Maltese is a small, elegant dog breed with a long, flowing white coat.

Maltese Traits:

Gentle and Affectionate: Maltese are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They love to be cuddled and showered with love.
Adaptable and Low-Energy: Maltese dogs are relatively low-energy and don’t need excessive exercise. They’re surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of settings.
Social and Playful: Maltese dogs are often playful and social. They enjoy playing games with their families or just cuddling up on the couch for a movie night.

Maltese Considerations:

Grooming Needs: Their long, silky coats require regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Sensitivity: Maltese dogs can be sensitive to rough handling or loud noises. It’s crucial to teach children to handle them gently and respectfully.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a fluffy, white breed that is known for its charming personality and intelligence.

American Eskimo Dog Traits:

Loyal and Affectionate: American Eskimo Dogs are known for their loyalty and deep affection for their families. They’re often eager to please and want to participate in everything their family is doing.
Energetic and Playful: American Eskimo Dogs have a lot of energy and love to play. They often enjoy going for walks, hikes, or playing fetch in the park.
Intelligent and Trainable: American Eskimo Dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn. They respond well to training and can be taught a variety of tricks and commands.

American Eskimo Dog Considerations:

Barking: American Eskimo Dogs are known for being vocal. They’re natural watchdogs and will often let their families know about any activity, especially if they sense something unusual.
Grooming Needs: American Eskimo Dogs have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.

Papillon

The Papillon is a small, butterfly-eared dog breed that is known for its elegant appearance and playful nature.

Papillon Traits:

Active and Playful: Papillons are active and energetic dogs that love to play. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports.
Intelligent and Trainable: These dogs are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
Affectionate and Loyal: Papillons are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities. They often crave attention and companionship from their families.

Papillon Considerations:

Sensitivity: Papillons can be sensitive to rough handling or loud noises. It’s crucial to teach children to handle them gently and respectfully.
Grooming Needs: The Papillon’s long, feathered coat does require regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.

Dachshund

Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” are instantly recognizable for their long, low-set bodies.

Dachshund Traits:

Curious and Adventurous: Dachshunds are often described as curious and adventurous dogs. They love to explore their surroundings and are often eager to go for walks or hikes.
Loyal and Affectionate: Dachshunds are known for their affectionate personalities and love spending time with their families.
Independent and Stubborn: Dachshunds can be independent and stubborn, which could make training a bit more challenging. It’s important to use positive reinforcement techniques and remain consistent.

Dachshund Considerations:

Back Problems: Dachshunds are prone to back problems, especially if they are not handled carefully.
Sensitivity: Dachshunds can be sensitive to rough handling or loud noises. It’s important to teach children to handle them gently and respectfully.

Tips for Choosing a Small Dog for Kids

Finding the perfect small dog for your family is a journey that requires careful thought and consideration. Ultimately, the best dog for any family is the one that fits their lifestyle, personality, and commitment.

Teach Children How to Behave Around Dogs:

Gentle Handling: One of the most important things to teach children is how to handle dogs gently.
Respecting Boundaries: It’s essential to explain to children that dogs have boundaries and need their space.
Appropriate Play: Teach children how to play with dogs appropriately, using gentle toys and avoiding roughhousing.

Understand a Dog’s Behavior Cues:

Body Language: It’s important to teach children how to read a dog’s body language.
Stress Signals: Educate children about stress signals such as tail tucking, panting, licking lips, growling, or showing teeth..
Respecting Space: Encourage children to give the dog space if it seems stressed or uncomfortable.

Do Your Research and Plan Ahead:

Breed Research: Before adopting or purchasing a dog, it’s critical to do your research to understand the specific needs and temperament of each breed.
Meet the Dog: Always meet the dog beforehand.
Prepare Your Home: Make sure your home is dog-friendly.

Conclusion

Choosing a small dog for kids is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. With so many wonderful small dog breeds to choose from, it’s important to find a dog that is a good match for your family. By understanding each breed’s temperament, energy levels, and needs, you can make a well-informed decision and bring home a loving companion that will enrich your family life for years to come. Remember, the key to a happy and harmonious relationship between kids and dogs is always supervision, respect, and a shared love for one another.