Choosing a dog for a family with children is no small task. It’s important to find a breed that is not only loyal and gentle but also patient and playful. Small dog breeds often make ideal companions for kids, offering manageable size paired with big personalities. Whether you’re looking for a snuggly lap dog or an energetic playmate, the right small dog can transform your home into a lively, loving environment. In this guide, we explore the nine best small dog breeds renowned for their compatibility with kids, ensuring joyful and safe interactions for all family members.
Did you know that 66% of U.S. households own a pet, and small dog breeds are among the most popular choices for families with young children? It’s no surprise—small dogs are affectionate, playful, and great companions for kids. But not all small breeds have the patience, energy, or temperament needed to thrive in a home with little ones.
That’s why we’ve carefully selected nine small dog breeds that are gentle, easy to train, and great with kids. Whether you’re looking for a snuggly lap dog or an energetic playmate, this list will help you find the perfect furry friend for your family!
Small Dog Breeds that are Good with Kids
1. Bichon Frise
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Cheerful personality, hypoallergenic coat
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Ideal for: Families, apartment living
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Temperament: Friendly, adaptable
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Unique Trait: Hypoallergenic Coat – Perfect for families with allergies.
The Bichon Frise is a little bundle of joy that thrives in a family environment. Their cheerful and affectionate nature makes them a wonderful companion for kids, always ready to play or snuggle. Unlike some toy breeds, they aren’t overly fragile, making them a safe and sturdy choice for young children. With their playful spirit and loving temperament, they quickly become an essential part of the family.
These fluffy companions have moderate energy levels, meaning they enjoy a good play session but don’t require endless exercise. Whether it’s a game of fetch or just running around the house, they love being part of the fun. However, they also enjoy quiet moments, making them great for pet parents who want a balanced mix of playfulness and relaxation.
Training a Bichon Frise is a breeze, especially for first-time dog owners, as stated in Petplan. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners when it comes to house training and basic commands. However, they can have a stubborn streak, so consistent positive reinforcement works best.
Bichons are naturally friendly and get along well with other dogs and pets. Their social personality makes them great playmates for children, and they love meeting new people. However, early socialization is key to preventing shyness, ensuring they grow up to be confident and affectionate companions.
Grooming a Bichon requires some commitment, as their soft, curly coat needs regular brushing to avoid mats. Professional grooming every few weeks helps keep them looking their best. Since they don’t shed much, they’re a fantastic option for families looking for a low-allergen pet that doesn’t leave fur all over the house.
2. Boston Terrier
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Friendly nature, distinctive tuxedo markings
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Ideal for: Active families, apartment living
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Temperament: Outgoing, affectionate
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Unique Trait: “Tuxedo” Coat – Nicknamed “The American Gentleman” due to its elegant black-and-white markings.
The Boston Terrier is the perfect mix of charm and spunk, making it an ideal family companion. This playful breed is known for its affectionate personality and deep bond with children. Despite their small size, they have a sturdy build, making them one of the best small dog breeds for homes with active kids.
These little companions bring plenty of energy to a household without being overwhelming. They love playtime but don’t demand hours of exercise, making them a great match for families with a mix of active and relaxed moments. A quick run in the yard or a short walk is usually enough to keep their tails wagging.
Training a Boston Terrier is a rewarding experience, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to learn. They pick up commands quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners, though occasional stubbornness might require extra patience. Using positive reinforcement and treats will make the training process smooth and enjoyable.
Boston Terriers are known for their friendly demeanor with both people and other pets. They love socializing and are rarely aggressive, making them a fantastic choice for multi-pet households. Whether it’s another dog or a cat, they generally get along well, especially when introduced properly from a young age.
Grooming a Boston Terrier is refreshingly simple. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance—just an occasional brush to keep shedding under control. Regular ear cleaning and dental care will keep them in top shape, making them a low-maintenance toy dog that fits easily into a busy family’s routine.
3. Cairn Terrier
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Fearless attitude, affectionate nature
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Ideal for: Active families, adventurous kids
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Temperament: Lively, independent
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Unique Trait: “Toto’s Breed” – This is the breed from The Wizard of Oz, known for its adventurous spirit.
Cairn Terriers are bursting with personality, making them a delightful addition to any family. These dogs are affectionate, yet fiercely independent, giving them a charming mix of loyalty and spunk. Their playful and curious nature makes them excellent family dogs.
If your family is always on the move, this breed won’t slow you down. Cairn Terriers are naturally energetic and love a good play session, whether it’s a backyard chase or an afternoon of fetch. Though they’re classified as high-energy dogs, they don’t require excessive exercise—just enough to keep them stimulated and happy.
Training a Cairn Terrier comes with its quirks. They’re smart and eager to learn but can be stubborn if they sense inconsistency. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and reward-based will make them more cooperative. For first-time canine companions, patience and positive reinforcement go a long way.
This breed thrives on companionship and enjoys socializing with both humans and pets. Early exposure to different environments will help them build confidence and ensure they get along with other animals. They’re naturally friendly but still maintain a bit of that terrier tenacity, giving them a bold and fearless charm.
According to WebMD, grooming a Cairn Terrier is relatively easy. Their wiry double coat only requires occasional brushing to prevent matting. While they don’t shed excessively, a bit of hand-stripping now and then will keep their coat looking its best. Low-maintenance but full of life, they fit right into a busy household.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Loving nature, gentle temperament
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Ideal for: Family life, companionship
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Temperament: Friendly, affectionate
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Unique Trait: “Velcro Dog” – Loves staying close to its humans at all times.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent family dogs. Their patient and friendly personality helps them bond well with small children, always ready to snuggle or play. Cavaliers have a calm and adaptable temperament that suits young families perfectly.
Their affectionate energy level makes them playful without being overly energetic. They enjoy short bursts of playtime, whether it’s running around the house or chasing a toy in the yard. However, they’re just as content curling up next to their owners, making them an ideal fit for both active and laid-back households.
Training a Cavalier is usually easy. They love pleasing their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement. Whether teaching children basic commands or working on house manners, these intelligent dogs catch on quickly, making them great for first-time pet parents.
Cavaliers are naturally social and get along well with other pets. They’re not naturally protective, but their friendly and outgoing nature makes them wonderful companions for both people and animals. Because they form strong bonds with their family, they don’t enjoy being left alone for long hours.
Grooming-wise, Cavaliers require moderate maintenance. Their silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles, and occasional trims keep them looking their best. While not as high-maintenance as some toy breeds, their grooming routine is essential to keeping them comfortable and healthy.
5. French Bulldog
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Playful charm, affectionate personality
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Ideal for: Apartment living, companionship
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Temperament: Easygoing, loyal
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Unique Trait: Bat-Like Ears – Instantly recognizable due to their upright, rounded ears.
French Bulldogs thrive in family environments, offering unwavering companionship and affection. Their gentle and patient demeanor makes them wonderful around children, as they love being involved in daily activities. Unlike high-energy breeds, they prefer lounging beside their favorite family members.
Despite their compact size, Frenchies have an intelligent energy level, making playtime enjoyable without being overwhelming. They enjoy short bursts of gentle play but don’t require excessive exercise, making them a great match for older children who prefer a more relaxed canine companion.
Training a French Bulldog is a rewarding experience, as they are eager to please and pick up commands quickly. However, their stubborn streak can sometimes make them a little challenging for first-time owners. Consistency and positive reinforcement go a long way in guiding this breed to be the right dog for any family.
French Bulldogs are naturally social and love forming close bonds with people and little dogs alike. They thrive on human interaction and can feel lonely if left alone for long hours. Their affectionate nature ensures they blend seamlessly into any household, offering both love and laughter.
Grooming is minimal with this breed, as their short coat requires little maintenance. However, regular cleaning of their facial folds is essential to prevent irritation. Being low-shedding, they are ideal for families looking for an easy-to-care-for pup that fits effortlessly into everyday family life.
6. Havanese
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Playful charm, affectionate personality
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Ideal for: Loving families, companionship
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Temperament: Social, adaptable
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Unique Trait: Silky Flowing Coat – The only dog breed native to Cuba, known for its luxurious fur.
The Havanese is a good-natured companion that thrives in family environments. Known for their affectionate and gentle personality, they form strong bonds with children and love being part of daily activities. Their adaptable nature makes them well-suited for both small apartments and spacious homes.
Though small, the Havanese have a lively energy level that keeps them ready for play at any moment. They enjoy short bursts of activity and are always eager to chase a toy or follow their humans around. Their playful spirit makes them a perfect match for kids looking for an interactive and cheerful pet.
Training a Havanese is an enjoyable experience, as they are highly intelligent and eager to please. However, they respond best to consistent training with positive reinforcement. Their sensitivity means they don’t do well with harsh discipline, but patience and rewards will shape them into well-mannered companions.
This breed is incredibly social and loves making new friends, whether human or furry, as stated in AKC. Their happy-go-lucky attitude makes them excellent playmates for children and other pets alike. They crave companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Despite their luxurious coat, Havanese dogs don’t shed much but require frequent brushing to prevent tangles. Regular grooming, along with plenty of mental stimulation, keeps them happy and looking their best. While they may be high-maintenance in the grooming department, their affectionate nature makes the effort worthwhile.
7. Pug
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Playful nature, clown-like charm
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Ideal for: Laid-back homes, companionship
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Temperament: Friendly, affectionate
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Unique Trait: Wrinkled Face & Curly Tail – Their expressive face and tightly curled tails make them stand out.
Pugs may be small, but they come with big personalities that make every day entertaining. They love being the center of attention and have an affectionate, goofy nature that keeps their family smiling. Always ready to snuggle or follow their humans around, they thrive on companionship and hate being left out of the fun.
They aren’t built for endless zoomies, but they do need daily walks to stay healthy. Short strolls and playful moments around the house are usually enough to keep them happy. Their energy levels are manageable, making them a great match for families looking for a fun but low-effort playmate.
Training a Pug is easier when treats are involved because they love food more than anything. They are even-tempered and eager to please, but their stubborn streak means patience is key. Keeping sessions short and rewarding makes learning fun for them and less frustrating for first-time owners.
Despite their small size, Pugs can have a bit of a prey drive, especially when it comes to chasing leaves or random objects that move. However, they are incredibly social and get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats. Their friendly, laid-back attitude makes them perfect for multi-pet households.
Grooming is simple with Pugs, but their wrinkles need extra care to prevent irritation. Regular brushing helps with shedding, and keeping their face clean is a must. While they don’t need high maintenance, they do need lots of love—something they’ll always give right back.
8. Shih Tzu
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Loving nature, royal history
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Ideal for: Apartment living, companionship
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Temperament: Gentle, affectionate
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Unique Trait: “Lion Dog” – Originally bred for Chinese royalty, often resembling a tiny lion.
Shih Tzus are the definition of a lap dog—loyal, affectionate, and always ready to cuddle. They adore being pampered and thrive in a loving home where they can soak up all the attention. Their sweet nature makes them perfect for families, as they bond deeply with their humans.
While they enjoy playtime, they aren’t overly energetic, making them ideal for families looking for a more relaxed pup. Short bursts of play inside the house are usually enough to keep them happy, though they do enjoy a casual stroll now and then. Their playful side shines most when they’re still a puppy, bouncing around with excitement.
Training a Shih Tzu requires patience and positive reinforcement. They are intelligent but can have an independent streak, which means consistency is key. Starting early when they are still a puppy helps set good habits, making them easier to manage as they grow into their confident, well-mannered selves.
They get along well with kids, other pets, and even strangers, thanks to their naturally friendly personality. Their social nature makes them fantastic companions, as they love being surrounded by family and friends. Shih Tzus don’t have an aggressive bone in their body, making them one of the gentlest breeds out there.
Grooming is where they demand the most attention. Their long, flowing coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles, and occasional trims keep them looking neat. Though they require some upkeep, their affectionate nature and charming personality make every bit of care worth it.
9. Papillon
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Intelligence, lively personality
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Ideal for: Active families, first-time dog owners
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Temperament: Energetic, affectionate
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Unique Trait: Butterfly-Like Ears – The breed’s signature large, fringed ears resemble butterfly wings.
Papillons may be tiny, but they’ve got big personalities. Confident, affectionate, and always ready to be part of the fun, they love sticking close to their humans. These pint-sized pups bring energy and charm to any home, making them a favorite for families who want a playful and loving companion.
Their energy levels are off the charts for such a small breed. Whether it’s zooming around the house, running through the yard, or just entertaining everyone with their antics, they always find a way to stay active. Perfect for families who enjoy a lively, engaging pet that keeps up with the excitement.
Training is a breeze with these little geniuses. They pick up commands quickly and love showing off their skills. With some consistent guidance, they can master tricks and obedience in no time. Teaching kids how to train them adds another layer of fun and helps build a great bond.
Friendly and outgoing, Papillons love being around people and other pets. They’re social butterflies in every sense, bringing their joyful energy to every interaction. With the right introduction, they fit right into family life and keep the household entertained.
Despite their elegant fur, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance. A few brush sessions a week keep their coat looking great, and they don’t shed much. Easy grooming, high intelligence, and fun-loving nature make them a fantastic choice for families looking for a small but mighty companion.
Conclusion
With so many incredible dog breeds out there, choosing the best fit for kids can feel overwhelming. The American Kennel Club provides valuable insights into breeds like the gentle Cocker Spaniel and the spirited Border Terrier, both great choices for families.
Australian Terriers are another fantastic option, offering loyalty and companionship, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis bring playful energy to any household. No matter the breed, a well-matched pup can create lasting memories and a lifetime of love for children and parents alike.
In conclusion, selecting the perfect small dog breed for families with children involves considering temperament, size, and energy levels. The nine breeds highlighted, renowned for their gentle and playful nature, make excellent companions for kids. These dogs offer not only a manageable size but also adaptability to family lifestyles and playful environments. Their friendliness and patience create a nurturing atmosphere, promoting positive interactions and lifelong bonds. With proper care, socialization, and training, these small dogs can become beloved family members, enriching the lives of children and fostering responsible pet ownership.