7 Best Small Dogs for Kids: Find Your Perfect Family Companion 🐶

Choosing the right dog for your family is a big decision!

You want a furry friend who’s not only adorable but also patient, playful, and good with kids.

While large dogs might seem like ideal protectors, small dogs can be fantastic companions for children, offering plenty of love and entertainment in a manageable package.

This article explores some of the best small dog breeds that are known to be great with kids, helping you find the perfect addition to your family.

Key Takeaways:

• Several small dog breeds are known for their gentle temperament and suitability for families with children.
• Consider your family’s lifestyle and energy level when choosing a breed. Some small dogs need more exercise than others.
• Factors like grooming requirements, potential health issues, and training needs should also be taken into account before you get a dog.
• Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization is a wonderful way to give a deserving dog a loving home.
• Responsible dog ownership includes proper training, socialization, and regular veterinary care.

Finding the Best Dog: More Than Just Size Matters

When looking for the best dog for your family, size is just one factor. The temperament of the breed, its energy level, and how well it typically interacts with children are all crucial considerations.

Remember, every dog is an individual, and socialization from a young age is essential for any dog to be comfortable around kids. It’s also important to teach children how to interact respectfully with dogs.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

7 Top Small Dogs Great with Kids

Here are seven small dog breeds that are often recommended as family dogs and are known to be great with kids:

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Affectionate Companion 👑

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate breed that thrives on human companionship. They are known for their sweet temperament and adaptability, making them a great choice for families with children of all ages, including those with special needs.

• Size: 12-13 inches tall, 13-18 pounds
• Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, playful, adaptable
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Grooming: Requires regular brushing to prevent mats
• Good with Kids: Excellent
• Bark: Moderate. They will bark to alert you to someone at the door, but are not excessive barkers.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is eager to please and relatively easy to train. They enjoy playing games and going for walks, but they are also happy to cuddle on the couch. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful lap dogs and devoted family pets.

2. Beagle: The Happy-Go-Lucky Hound 🐾

Beagles are scent hounds known for their friendly and curious nature. They are energetic and playful, making them a fun companion for active children.

• Size: 13-16 inches tall, 18-20 pounds
• Temperament: Friendly, curious, playful, energetic
• Energy Level: High
• Grooming: Minimal
• Good with Kids: Good
• Bark: High. They are hounds and will bark and howl.

Beagles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are intelligent but can be independent, so consistent training is important.

Be aware that beagles have a strong prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with small pets like rabbits or cats, unless raised with them from a young age.

Some people may find that beagles are not the right fit for their lifestyle despite their many positive qualities.

3. Bichon Frise: The Cheerful Cloud ☁️

The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog with a cheerful and playful personality. They are known for their hypoallergenic coat, making them a good choice for families with allergies.

• Size: 9-11 inches tall, 10-18 pounds
• Temperament: Cheerful, playful, affectionate, gentle
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Grooming: Requires regular professional grooming to prevent mats
• Good with Kids: Excellent
• Bark: Moderate. They are not excessive barkers, but will bark to alert you to strangers.

Bichons Frises are intelligent and easy to train, and they love to learn new tricks.

They are also very social and enjoy being around people, making them great family pets. While they are considered hypoallergenic, no dog is truly 100% allergy-free.

4. Cocker Spaniel: The Gentle and Playful Companion 🎾

Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate temperament. They are playful and energetic, making them a great choice for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.

• Size: 13.5-15.5 inches tall, 20-30 pounds
• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playful, intelligent
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Grooming: Requires regular brushing and professional grooming
• Good with Kids: Good
• Bark: Moderate. They may bark at strangers or when excited.

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and relatively easy to train, but they can be sensitive to harsh correction. Positive reinforcement methods work best. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

5. Pug: The Charming Comedian 😂

Pugs are known for their charming and comical personalities. They are affectionate and playful, making them a fun and loving companion for children. Finding the right dog bed for your pug is important for their comfort and health.

• Size: 10-14 inches tall, 14-18 pounds
• Temperament: Charming, playful, affectionate, lazy
• Energy Level: Low to Moderate
• Grooming: Minimal
• Good with Kids: Good
• Bark: Low. They don’t bark much.

Pugs are relatively low-energy and don’t require a lot of exercise.

They are prone to certain health problems, such as breathing difficulties due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) face. It’s important to choose a breeder who screens their dogs for these health issues.

While many pugs are city dwellers, some wonder if a pug can be an outside dog (generally not recommended due to their temperature sensitivity).

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” – Charles M. Schulz

6. Shih Tzu: The Loyal and Affectionate Lap Dog 🧸

The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate breed known for its loyalty and love of cuddling. They are relatively low-energy and don’t require a lot of exercise, making them a good choice for apartment dwellers or families with a more relaxed lifestyle.

• Size: 9-10.5 inches tall, 9-16 pounds
• Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, playful, gentle
• Energy Level: Low
• Grooming: Requires regular brushing and professional grooming
• Good with Kids: Good
• Bark: Moderate. They may bark at strangers, but are not excessive barkers.

Shih Tzus need regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles in their long coat. They are also prone to certain health problems, such as eye and respiratory issues.

7. Maltese: The Gentle and Playful Toy Dog 🧸

The Maltese is a small, white dog known for its gentle and playful temperament. They are affectionate and enjoy being around people, making them great family pets.

• Size: 8-10 inches tall, 4-7 pounds
• Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate, intelligent
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Grooming: Requires regular brushing and professional grooming
• Good with Kids: Good
• Bark: Moderate. They may bark at strangers or when excited.

Maltese dogs are intelligent and can be easy to train, but they can also be stubborn. They need regular grooming to keep their long, white coat clean and free of mats. They are a popular small dog.

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Family

Choosing the right breed is crucial, but remember that individual dogs can vary in temperament. Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Energy Level: Does your family lead an active lifestyle, or are you more laid-back? Choose a breed whose energy level matches your own.
• Grooming Needs: Are you willing to commit to regular brushing and professional grooming? Some breeds require more grooming than others.
• Training: Are you prepared to invest time and effort in training your dog? Some breeds are easier to train than others.
• Living Space: Do you live in a house with a large yard, or a small apartment? Some breeds are better suited for apartment living than others.
• Children’s Ages: Very young children may not be able to handle a delicate toy dog appropriately.
• Allergies: If anyone in your family has allergies, consider a hypoallergenic breed.
• Other Pets: If you already have pets, make sure the breed you choose is likely to get along with them.

Before You Get A Dog: Essential Considerations

Before you get a dog, it’s important to be prepared for the responsibilities of dog ownership. This includes:

• Financial Commitment: Dogs require food, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses.
• Time Commitment: Dogs need exercise, training, and attention.
• Training and Socialization: Proper training and socialization are essential for a well-behaved dog.
• Veterinary Care: Regular checkups and vaccinations are crucial for your dog’s health.
• Responsible Ownership: This includes picking up after your dog, providing them with a safe and loving home, and ensuring they are properly trained and socialized.

Finding a Reputable Breeder or Rescue Organization

If you decide to purchase a puppy, it’s important to find a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for health problems and provides them with a good start in life.

Avoid puppy mills or backyard breeders, as these dogs are often poorly bred and may have health or behavioral problems.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization is a wonderful way to give a deserving dog a loving home. Many shelters have small dogs available for adoption, and the staff can help you find a dog who is a good match for your family.

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” – Karen Davison

Looking for the perfect name for your new furry friend? Check out this helpful dog name generator to find inspiration!

For those looking for a particularly adorable companion, explore these cutest small fluffy dog breeds that might be perfect for your family. If noise is a concern in your household or apartment building, you might want to consider these quietest small dog breeds instead.

## Interactive Breed Selector

Here’s a simple tool to help you narrow down your choices based on your family’s needs and preferences:

Conclusion: A Lifetime of Love and Companionship

Choosing the right dog for your family is a decision that will bring years of joy and companionship.

By considering your family’s lifestyle, energy level, and preferences, you can find a small dog breed who will become a cherished member of your family.

Remember that responsible dog ownership is a lifelong commitment, but the love and loyalty you receive in return are priceless. Good luck choosing the best dog! 🐾