Choosing the right dog breed for your family is essential, especially when you have children. Small dog breeds are often a great option for kids due to their manageable size, friendly nature, and compatibility with an active family lifestyle. In this post, we present the top 10 small dog breeds that make excellent companions for children.
Beagle: The Beagle is a small, friendly, and curious breed known for its playful nature. Beagles are great with kids, as they are affectionate, patient, and enjoy joining in on family activities. They have a keen sense of smell and love exploring, making them ideal for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate breed, making them a popular choice for families with kids. They are intelligent, easy to train, and love to be around people. Their friendly demeanor and adaptability make them a perfect fit for families of all sizes.
Boston Terrier: Boston Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with a friendly and outgoing personality. They are known for their love of play and have a knack for entertaining children with their clownish antics. Despite their energetic nature, they are also quite gentle and patient, making them an excellent choice for families.
French Bulldog: The French Bulldog, or “Frenchie,” is a small breed known for its affectionate and easygoing nature. They have a charming personality and get along well with children, making them a wonderful family pet. French Bulldogs are also low-maintenance, requiring minimal exercise, which can be a plus for busy families.
Pomeranian: Pomeranians may be small in size, but they are big in personality. These fluffy and cheerful dogs are highly energetic and love to play. Pomeranians are known to form strong bonds with their families, including children, and can provide endless hours of entertainment.
Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is a small breed with a sweet and gentle disposition. They are great with kids and enjoy being a part of family activities. Shih Tzus are loyal, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for families seeking a small and friendly companion.
Miniature Schnauzer: Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, sociable, and playful dogs that make excellent companions for kids. They are known for their loyalty and adaptability, which allows them to easily integrate into family life. Miniature Schnauzers also have a hypoallergenic coat, making them a suitable choice for families with allergies.
Bichon Frise: The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy breed that loves to be around people, including children. They are cheerful, affectionate, and have a playful demeanor that can entertain kids for hours. Bichon Frises are also hypoallergenic, making them a great option for families with allergy sufferers.
Cocker Spaniel: Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and gentle nature, which makes them an excellent choice for families with kids. They are intelligent, easy to train, and enjoy being part of family activities. Cocker Spaniels thrive on companionship and will form strong bonds with children.
Cairn Terrier: Cairn Terriers are small, spirited dogs that are full of energy and love to play. They are intelligent, curious, and make great companions for kids who are active and enjoy outdoor adventures. Cairn Terriers are also known for their loyalty and are quick to become part of the family.
Bonus: Shichon: The Shichon is a cross-mix breed between the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. My dog Koko is a Shichon, and she is the greatest pet for a family. She is very loyal, trusting, and has a “wolfpack” mentality. Her personality is wonderful, and she is very playful. The only con is she has to be with you constantly. Like the Bichon, she’s hypoallergenic, so no need to worry about allergies! Her hair does need to be cut about every 2 months. When their hair does grow in though they look just like a stuffed teddybear making them a dream pet for kids.
When selecting a small dog breed as a pet for kids, it’s crucial to consider their temperament, energy level, and compatibility with family life. Their personalities is very important to see firsthand because you may end up with a nonstop yapping dog.The top 10 small dog breeds mentioned above, including the Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and French Bulldog, offer a combination of friendliness, adaptability, and playfulness that make them ideal companions for children. However, it’s essential to remember that each dog is unique, and individual temperaments can vary. Therefore, proper socialization, training, and supervision are key to ensuring a harmonious bond between your child and their furry friend. No matter what dog you choose I highly recommend socialization training over anything else. I hope you make a great addition to your family with one of these lil dogs. If you have any questions specifically about the Shichon/Teddybear like Koko please feel to ask me in an email that you can find in the contact page!
