Everyone loves small pups! Imagine your child curled up on the couch with their new furry friend, both of them happily sighing. Picture the joy as your kid tosses a frisbee, and the small dog eagerly retrieves it, frisbee in mouth and tail wagging, playfully refusing to let go once back.
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Small dogs are often chosen by families with kids, but are they the best fit for your children? This is a common question for parents thinking about adding a new pet to the family.
The great thing about small dogs is that they are generally easier to handle than larger breeds. They need less space, require less exercise, and are less intimidating to young children, making them ideal for small homes or apartments. They also tend to be easier to train, which is perfect for busy families.
However, not all small dogs are suitable for kids. It’s crucial to choose a dog breed that is known to be child-friendly and matches your family’s lifestyle and energy levels. Below, we’ll introduce you to 9 small dog breeds that are great for kids and why they might be a perfect addition to your household.
Best Small Dogs for Kids
1. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are friendly, playful dogs with lots of energy. Originally common farm dogs in America, they are now beloved family pets, great with kids because of their friendly and loving nature.
They are small to medium-sized, standing about 10 to 18 inches tall and weighing between 8 to 35 pounds, so it’s important to watch them around small children to avoid any accidental injuries due to rough handling.
While they aren’t guard dogs, Rat Terriers will bark to let you know when someone is approaching, and they might be a bit wary of strangers at first. They are quite easy to take care of, needing just a weekly brushing due to their short, smooth coats.
Even though they are calmer than most terriers, they still need plenty of exercise and do well in homes where they can get lots of playtime and daily walks.
WebMD notes that Rat Terriers are smart, and while they can be a bit stubborn, they are also highly trainable and enjoy activities like agility and obedience sports. Originally bred to hunt rats, they have a strong instinct to chase, so they might not be the best choice for homes with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.
2. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are truly charming with their expressive eyes and lively energy. Originating in America and named after the city where they were first bred, these dogs are often called “the American Gentleman” due to their tuxedo-like markings.
They’re perfect for first-time dog owners because they’re friendly, smart, and easy to train. Weighing between 10 to 25 pounds and standing about 16 inches tall, they adapt well to various living situations and are great with children, providing lots of laughs with their playful antics. Despite their high prey drive, they generally get along well with other pets.
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According to ASPCA, renowned for their sociability, Boston Terriers have even been pets to U.S. presidents—President Gerald Ford had two named Fleck and Spot, and Warren G. Harding had one named Hub.
These dogs need regular exercise to manage their energy and prevent boredom, which can lead to behaviors like destructive chewing. Fortunately, they don’t require a lot of space to get their exercise. They do tend to snore and make other noises due to the shape of their muzzles.
Their short coats are low maintenance but benefit from regular brushing and the occasional bath. Be cautious in hot weather, as Boston Terriers can easily overheat. It’s important to monitor their playtime to keep them cool and comfortable.
3. Bichon Frise
Originally bred as stars for circuses and traveling shows, Bichon Frises are naturally cheerful, intelligent, and love being the center of attention. These small, fluffy dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate, and cheerful demeanor.
Weighing between 10-18 pounds and standing about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder, Bichon Frises are sociable and get along well with everyone, including children, other pets, and even strangers. They thrive in active households where they can be part of the daily hustle and bustle.
Petplan says that Bichon Frises are eager to please and highly intelligent, making them quick learners who respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods and can be quite vocal, which highlights the importance of early training and socialization.
Despite their small size, Bichon Frises have plenty of energy and require regular interaction and play to keep them happy and healthy. Their curly coats are less prone to shedding, which is a plus for allergy sufferers, but they do require daily brushing to prevent matting. Regular visits to a professional groomer are also necessary to maintain their coat’s health and appearance, and you can even opt for different cuts and styles to suit your preference.
4. American Eskimo
If you’re in search of a lively and exceptionally smart dog that looks like a fluffy cloud, the American Eskimo dog is sure to capture your heart. Known affectionately as “Eskies,” these dogs come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The toy Eskies start as small as 6 pounds, while the standard ones can reach up to 35 pounds.
American Eskimo Dogs are bundles of energy, always ready to play. They’re fantastic companions for children, matching their endless energy and only stopping when the kids tire out. Daily walks are essential for them, and engaging in dog sports will keep them happily occupied.
Despite their small, fluffy appearance, Eskies have a powerful bark that makes them less suitable for apartment living due to the potential disturbance to neighbors. They are naturally protective, quick to alert their owners about strangers, and it might take them a moment to warm up to new people.
These dogs are quick learners, often mastering new tricks after just a few repetitions. This makes them perfect for families who enjoy teaching their pets new skills. However, owning an Eskie comes with the responsibility of managing their shedding. They require daily brushing to control the amount of hair in your home, making grooming an important part of their care routine.
5. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is an irresistibly adorable and friendly dog breed loved by many. These small, active dogs are perfect for families with children, fitting comfortably on your lap or trotting alongside you on a walk. Typically, males stand about 10 inches tall and weigh around 14 pounds, while females are slightly lighter at 13 pounds.
Cairn Terriers are known for their lively and affectionate nature, making them great companions for both kids and adults. They can play for hours and are always eager for a game or adventure. These terriers are not only fun but also smart and responsive to training, thriving on mental challenges to keep them out of mischief.
However, Cairn Terriers might not be the best match for households with other small animals, as their instincts can sometimes lead them to chase smaller pets.
Their moderate activity requirement makes them versatile; they are as suited to life in a city apartment as they are on a country farm, making them a practical choice for many living situations. Despite their adventurous spirit, Cairn Terriers are relatively low-maintenance. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming—just a weekly brushing and comb to keep it tidy.
6. Boxer
There’s so much to adore about Boxers! From their powerful physique and expressive faces to their clownish humor and sharp intelligence, Boxers are truly captivating. But what really wins hearts is their deep love for their families and their need for affection in return. Known for being patient and protective, Boxers are especially wonderful with children, making them the perfect family dog.
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A male can stand up to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 80 pounds, while females are typically smaller. Despite their strong hunting heritage, today’s Boxers are deeply attached to their humans. Their strong bond with humans also makes them excellent candidates for service dog roles.
Training a Boxer requires patience, consistency, and creativity due to their intelligent, independent nature. Boxers are very playful and energetic. They require plenty of daily exercise, either on a leash or in a secure area, as their instinct to chase can lead them to run off if not properly contained. Young Boxers are quite bouncy and often need reminders to keep all four paws on the ground.
According to the AKC, caring for a Boxer’s coat is easy. Their short, shiny fur looks great with just a once or twice-weekly brush using a rubber curry-brush or a hound glove. This simple grooming routine is enough to keep a Boxer looking sharp.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming and affectionate breed known for its intelligence and deep devotion to its owners. These dogs are a hit with kids of all ages due to their sweet nature and lively energy, making them excellent playmates despite their smaller size. They typically weigh between 10 to 18 pounds and stand about 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
Cavaliers are typically very gentle, which makes them well-suited for families with young children. They were originally bred as lap dogs, so they love nothing more than to cuddle and be close to their family members. Additionally, these dogs are extremely adaptable. Whether in a bustling city apartment or a quiet rural home, Cavaliers thrive in various environments.
When it comes to exercise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have moderate needs, requiring about an hour of activity each day. This can be easily met with daily walks, playtime in a secure yard, or engaging in interactive games that keep them both physically and mentally stimulated.
While Cavaliers may greet friends and family with excited barks, they are generally not known to be protective dogs. Grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat, but it’s fairly straightforward—a thorough brushing once a week is typically sufficient to keep their fur in good condition.
8. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is known for its sweet, gentle nature, making it an excellent family pet that is generally loving towards children. This breed is very people-oriented, always seeking human attention and affection. English Bulldogs typically weigh between 50 to 54 pounds and stand about 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder.
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Despite their friendly nature, English Bulldogs still possess the bravery bred into their ancestors for bullbaiting, making them effective watchdogs. They usually get along well with other family pets but can be aggressive towards dogs they don’t know.
English Bulldogs are well-suited for apartment living as they do not require a backyard and are relatively inactive indoors. They are low-endurance dogs that need only a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy. However, they are best kept in temperate climates; they are prone to overheating and breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they do not tolerate cold well.
While they make fantastic family companions, English Bulldogs can be a challenge for first-time dog owners due to their sometimes stubborn nature. They are not suitable for active families looking for a dog that can engage in running or long hiking trips.
Known for their loud breathing, Bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze, and many also drool. They are moderate shedders with coats that require minimal grooming, but it’s important to clean their facial wrinkles to prevent skin infections regularly.
9. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle, easy-going, and affectionate nature, combined with a lively spirit, making them great companions, especially for families with children. Male Cocker Spaniels typically stand about 15 inches tall and weigh around 28 pounds, while females are usually around 14 inches tall and weigh about 25 pounds.
According to Hillspet, these dogs are generally non-aggressive towards both people and other animals, which makes them poor watchdogs but excellent family pets. However, it’s important to be aware that their popularity once led to overbreeding, resulting in some dogs that are high-strung or have health issues.
Training Cocker Spaniels can vary; while some may find them averagely easy to train, others note their stubborn streak, particularly when it comes to housebreaking. Regardless, they are known to respond well to consistent and patient training.
Cocker Spaniels thrive on attention and are best suited for those who enjoy giving plenty of affection to their pets. They are average shedders, but their elaborate coats require regular grooming—a couple of hours each week—to maintain their condition and avoid mats, with occasional professional trims needed. It’s wise to keep them out of areas with burrs and thickets that can tangle their fur.
Adaptable to various living situations, Cocker Spaniels do well, whether in an apartment or a house, as long as they get daily walks or have playtime in a fenced area.
Conclusion
Small dogs make some of the best family dogs, offering endless affection and fitting perfectly into various home environments. The American Kennel Club celebrates breeds like the French Bulldog for their gentle nature and suitability as family companions.
Among the best dog breeds for households with children, these playful and active dog breeds bring joy and energy, making them ideal playmates and loving additions to any family.