Top 10 Best Small Dog Breeds For Kids & Children

Raising a dog is a huge responsibility and the stakes are even higher when your children are involved. When putting in size requirements, options become limited, but here are a few breeds that will surely get along well with your little ones. For today’s video, we’re listing down our picks for the top 10 best small dog breeds for kids. Before we get into the video, make sure to subscribe to the channel and hit that notification bell to help us beat the YouTube algorithm. If you stick around to the end of the video we might even include a bonus you won’t want to miss.

NUMBER 10: BICHON FRISE

The Bichon Frise is a small dog with a big personality. These charming social butterflies are always eager to please their owners. Other than that, they are also very playful and always up for fun. This makes them great playmates for families with little kids. Because of their docile, affectionate, and loving demeanor, this breed is a popular choice for plenty of dog owners. These dogs don’t need a vigorous exercise routine and only require light and easy activities to stay fit and healthy. As a bonus, the Bichon Frise surprisingly doesn’t shed much. So if someone in your family is prone to allergies, this canine is perfect because they’re hypoallergenic dogs. Or if you’re a neat freak, this breed’s light-shedding quality will also relieve you of some extra work. The only drawback of this dog is that they have tendencies to be stubborn. This is why you should be more patient when training them as little puppies.

NUMBER 9: BOSTON TERRIER

Boston Terriers are social dogs that are always up to make friends with everyone. Adaptable, energetic, and highly affectionate, Bostons are a great choice for your family because they are known to be gentle and playful with kids. They often bond closely with only one person but this doesn’t mean they’re aggressive to other people in the household. This dog is sensitive to human emotions and they’re very in touch with what their owners feel. The Boston Terrier will adjust their behaviors to cater to what their human family needs. One thing to know about these dogs is that they can be loud. While this makes them excellent guard dogs, some neighbors might not be the proudest audience. However, Bostons have fairly easy needs. Just regularly meet their grooming requirements and give them a decent amount of exercise. This dog is great for kids that are learning how to interact with other animals. Because of the Boston Terrier’s durable body and tolerance for children, they can surely withstand all the tricks your child might whip out. However, remember to always supervise your kids.

NUMBER 8: BOLOGNESE

The Bolognese is the type of dog who would remain calm and collected when your kids come running home after school. This relaxed, tiny, white dog best fits families with older kids where their energy levels match up. Being a reliable companion dog, Bolos love to be around their human families. This dog thrives on human attention and they will do anything to be held and cuddled. They’re probably at their happiest when you pet them on your lap while watching TV. Bolos aren’t known for being a hyper dog but they’ll win you over with their playful antics if they choose to. You will most likely see this technique when they’re not the center of attention. Knowing that this breed is more on the chill side, don’t bring one in a loud, buzzing household.

NUMBER 7: NORFOLK TERRIER

Known to be naturally pack-oriented, the Norfolk Terrier will form a close bond with the entire family. These dogs are calm and quiet so they are great for small living spaces like apartments, as long as they’re given an adequate amount of exercise. Though they’re a bit reserved, this doesn’t mean that they don’t like to play. The Norfolk Terrier can also be an active dog that is always down to play with its owners. This dog breed doesn’t do well when they’re kept inside kennels and they’d appreciate it if they could be beside their humans at all times. Typical terriers, need a job to do or else they will get bored and become destructive. These dogs have their own stubborn streaks so it can be a challenge to train them. The Norfolk Terrier is the stereotype for all terriers. They bless their owners with spirited, devoted, and loyal companionship.

NUMBER 6: FRENCH BULLDOG

French Bulldogs are not only loving, fun, and adorable; they’re also entertaining and even-tempered. Their tiny size means they don’t need much space and they don’t have excessive requirements; all they need is human attention. This intelligent and loyal dog gets along well with everyone, including children. They’re bred to become companions so naturally, they love to be held and cuddled. Doing so will make them feel like they’re part of the pack. They are also suckers for belly rubs and would submissively roll over to receive one. Though they look the part for an aggressive breed, they’re very far from that. Truly, French Bulldogs are lovely and patient additions to a family with kids.

NUMBER 5: PUG

Anyone can recognize that wrinkled face, flat nose, and soulful eyes. The Pug is a little and affectionate dog that easily bonds with anyone. They are generally comical, exuberant, and expressive. If you want a dog that will give you a good time, the Pug is serving you that. While Pugs love to catch their owner’s attention, they also love to sleep. On average, they sleep for about 14 hours a day. If other breeds tend to be active and loud when they’re having their energy outbursts, the Pug is snoozing in a corner, giving you all the peace you need. Known to be a great family pet, the Pug is affectionate and playful with kids. This breed is definitely kid-safe because they can’t deliver strong, aggressive bites. Their mouth shape prevents them from doing so. But even if they were capable, this dog is far from being vicious and dangerous.

 

NUMBER 4: BIEWER TERRIER

If you’re on a hunt for a small dog that obeys simple rules, is relatively calm, and wants nothing else than to be your number one companion, well then the Biewer terrier is the one for you. They look similar to little Yorkies but this breed is more cheerful and definitely less stubborn. As mentioned, they respond well to training and they’re even eager to learn new tricks and commands. They’re friendly and patient with children, which makes them ideal family dogs. Because of their protective instincts, they might not be polite with strangers. However, this dog is generally active and they don’t tire quickly, which is great news for kids looking for a playmate.

NUMBER 3: HAVANESE

The Havanese is an easy-going and loving family dog. Though they’re active, they don’t have much interest in venturing outside the house. The Havanese are affectionate with everyone, even other dogs, pets, and children of all ages. But because of their small size, they can easily get hurt so it’s best to teach your children how to handle them. This breed is mild and gentle. But just like any dog, good manners need to be established, and this includes putting a stop to nipping. Imposing a general rule that biting, in general, is prohibited can help save you from future liabilities. But honestly, the Havanese is far from aggressive. This dog is all about love and affection and unlike other breeds that tend to stick with one significant person, the Havanese has no favorites. They love everyone!

NUMBER 2: CHINESE CRESTED

This unique looking breed loves to be around people while they get showered with love and attention. The Chinese Crested is playful and gentle with kids, and they also make great lapdogs for adults. This dog tends to have a strong bond with their humans that they’re miserable when left alone. In fact, they’re vulnerable to separation anxiety. This dog needs human companionship so much that they appear to be needy. It’s best to accept that when you own a Chinese Crested, they’re sleeping with you under the covers. However, they’re not very welcoming to strangers and they have tendencies to bite. This can be prevented through training and early socialization. But overall, once the Chinese Crested grows fond of you, you’re set with an affectionate and loving dog breed for your kids. 

NUMBER 1: SHIH TZU

The Shih-Tzu is a low-energy dog that is affectionate and welcoming to everybody. Solely bred to become companion dogs, the Shih Tzu is outgoing, happy, and well, very clingy and they will probably follow you from room to room. They make for great family dogs because they can easily get along with other pets and children as well. So long as you teach your kids how to properly treat animals. Other than their incredibly appealing visuals, the Shih Tzu is also very friendly. They won’t let anyone ignore them and you can always expect a Shih Tzu to make friends with anyone — even strangers! They’re not only friendly but highly adaptable too. Whatever home you have, this dog will fit right into a household with little kids to venture with.

BONUS: MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

Adorable, outgoing, and obedient, the Miniature Schnauzer is a great pick for dog owners with kids. This breed learns new commands and tricks quickly and they’re always up for anything. If you’re looking for a small dog that’ll keep your children active and engaged, then the Miniature Schnauzer is the perfect dog for you.

 

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