If you’re looking for a canine companion, there are tons of reasons a small dog breed is the way to go. Believe it or not, tiny apartments, limited budgets and busy schedules all factor into the ideal dog size for you. But, wait—you got kids? A small dog breed might be your best bet. There are many pint-sized pups with big personalities, like Pomeranians and Bichon Frises, who fit seamlessly into family life. Low-energy breeds like the Bolognese or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are great for families with kids because these dogs don’t require as much exercise outdoors (you’ve already got your hands full, no?). Of course, if burning energy is what your older children need, we recommend a Border Terrier.
The 20 Best Small Dogs for Kids and Families When You’ve Got Your Hands Full
Because your 3-year-old isn’t gonna walk Fido herself
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Updated Dec 24, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- Annie-Mae Levy is a professional dog trainer for the puppy and dog training app, Woofz. She has a degree in Animal Behavior from Exeter University and experience training countless dogs who suffered from reactivity and separation anxiety (until they met her, of course!).
- Nicole Ellis is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover, a site that connects pet parents with pet sitters and dog walkers. She’s trained all sorts of animals for the past 15 years and detailed these experiences in her book, “Working Like A Dog.”
What Makes a Small Dog Breed Good for Kids?
Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer for the puppy and dog training app, Woofz, says small breeds should be very comfortable with hands-on family members if you have kids. Kiddos like to touch and grab and pet and pull. A dog who can’t handle all that handling should not be near touchy-feely children. Levy also recommends small breeds that are lower in energy. This may seem strange, since kids’ batteries seem to recharge constantly, but she says high-energy dogs who need lots of outdoor exercise daily can get overlooked in busy families with kids.
Sometimes, it comes down to the individual dog and kid (or kids). Ages, personalities, preferences and needs should all be considered before adopting a particular dog. “More nervy breeds, such as Chihuahuas, can do well with older children,” Levy says, but adds that those pups still aren’t keen on excessive noise and handling.
What Are the Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids?
Levy’s four big recs are Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pugs. These are all featured on our list, along with many other terrific family pups with very kid-friendly dispositions. We looked at trainability, whether the breed typically enjoys being around people and energy levels.
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1. Bichon Frise
- Group: non-sporting
- Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Personality: cheerful, adaptable
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: curly double coat, low shedding, white, requires frequent grooming
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
These dogs pack a ton of personality and fervor into a small package. Bichon frises are charmers and social butterflies who are eager to please and ready to play. This makes them excellent companions for kids and large families. Plus, bichons are hypoallergenic! Though they do require extra attention when it comes to grooming.
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2. Bolognese
- Group: miscellaneous/AKC Foundation Stock Service
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Personality: affectionate, calm
- Energy Level: low
- Coat and Color: wavy, long, soft, white, low shedding
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Similar in style to the Bichon frise, the Bolognese is a companion pup who won’t freak out when kids come running in fired up after school; they can also embrace the calm moments after dinner when everyone sits down to finish homework. Definitely more on the chill side, though, so if your kids have loud wild sides or are super young, these dogs might feel overwhelmed.
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3. Maltese
- Group: toy
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Weight: 6-7 pounds
- Personality: sweet, elegant
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: long, silky, white, requires frequent grooming
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Here is a dog definitely unafraid of yapping at intruders. Though they are teeny tiny, Maltese adapt well to many environments and enjoy being loved on (they were bred as companion dogs, so laps are their favorite spots). Smart and athletic, they’re also stubborn, which makes training a challenge. Use rewards and incorporate tricks—and your kids—into the routine.
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4. Australian Terrier
- Group: terrier
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 15-20 pounds
- Personality: affectionate, lively
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: medium length, rough double coat, low shedding, tan and black
- Lifespan: 11-15 years
- Trainability: trains best with firm consistency
Training can be fun with an Australian terrier, who is smart and ready to get moving! They’ve got tons of energy and bore easily though, so only houses full of kids eager to play with the pup and participate in training will work. Aussie terriers also have strong prey drives and can exhibit territorial behavior around other dogs, so if you’re into a one-dog household, this pup is for you.
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5. Border Terrier
- Group: terrier
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 11-16 pounds
- Personality: friendly, adventurous
- Energy Level: moderate to high
- Coat and Color: hypoallergenic, short, wiry, tan and black
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Border terriers were bred in the English and Scottish countryside, so they’ve got an instinct for outdoorsy playtime. However, they know when it’s time to come home for dinner (aka they are affectionate and even-tempered). Affection is never in short supply with these pups. The American Kennel Club calls them “fine childhood playmates.”
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6. Japanese Spitz
- Group: Foundation Stock Service
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 10-25 pounds
- Personality: playful, intelligent
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: fluffy, double, white
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Honestly, this Japanese dog breed checks all the boxes necessary for a kid-friendly dog. They are playful, train well because they are so smart and have enough energy to participate in the fun without bowling everyone over. Japanese Spitzes have bright white coats that are fairly low maintenance, except when they shed seasonally when you’ll want to brush a few times a week.
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7. Biewer Terrier
- Group: toy
- Height: 7-11 inches
- Weight: 4-8 pounds
- Personality: smart, loving
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: long, silky, black, tan, white, sometimes blue, frequent grooming required
- Lifespan: 16 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Looking for a small dog that takes direction well, doesn’t excite easily and wants nothing more than to be your BFF? Check out the Biewer terrier. They look like little Yorkies but are much less stubborn and much more cheerful. Biewer terriers don’t tire quickly, either, which is good news for kids looking to frolic. Trips to the groomer’s will be more frequent whether you decide to let their coats grow long or trim regularly.
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8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Group: toy
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Personality: affectionate, friendly
- Energy Level: low to moderate
- Coat and Color: wavy, silky, medium to long
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
For a more chill small dog, head toward the nearest Cavalier King Charles spaniel. These pups adapt to your family’s lifestyle (whether you host neighborhood parties or prefer quiet board game nights) and could be the biggest sweethearts on our list. They make great therapy dogs, too, which says it all: comfort and love!
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9. Cocker Spaniel
- Group: sporting
- Height: 13-16 inches
- Weight: 20-30 pounds
- Personality: gentle, intelligent
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: long, double, silky, variety of colors
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Look deep into the dark, affectionate eyes of a cocker spaniel and you’ll understand immediately why they’re often labeled “merry” and “gentle.” These dogs enjoy hanging out with kiddos as much as they like taking long walks with adults. They’re sensitive, which means although they respond well to commands, they don’t take kindly to angry tones or discipline—so don’t be too harsh if they screw up.
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10. German Spitz
- Group: miscellaneous/AKC Foundation Stock Service
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 24-26 pounds
- Personality: lively, adaptable
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: double, moderate shedding, variety of colors
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Trainability: relatively easy to train
A fox-like resemblance makes this dog super cute—but don’t worry, they aren’t as wild or wily. The German spitz is incredibly obedient and ready to have a fun time. While they love their people, strangers who aren’t part of a German spitz’s inner circle will likely get a taste of their wary bark.
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11. Havanese
- Group: toy
- Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Personality: smart, social
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: long, double, silky, moderate shedding, variety of colors
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
Trainability: easy to trainThere’s something almost goofy about a Havanese, like they’re trying to make us laugh with their mischievous eyes and ability to learn any number of tricks. They adapt well to various environments but will be truly hurt if you just let them out for their exercise instead of joining them in the fun.
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12. Miniature Schnauzer
- Group: terrier
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 11-20 pounds
- Personality: obedient, brave
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: medium, double, wiry, moderate shedding, black and silver
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Outgoing. Obedient. Adorable! Miniature schnauzers make excellent family dogs because of their ability to learn commands quickly and engage in fun activities, all while keeping an eye on the ones they love most (hint: that’s you!). They definitely think they are watchdogs and can become protective (which is sweet) or upset with other dogs for getting too close to you (which is not sweet). Socialize them early to teach them good manners.
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13. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Group: herding
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 28-30 pounds
- Personality: playful, affectionate
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color:
- Lifespan: 12-13 years
- Trainability: relatively easy to train
If their smiling faces are any indication, Pembroke Welsh corgis are always in a happy headspace. A solid combination of loyalty and alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. Content to give affection or get it, a Corgi might just feel like another kid instead of a dog. Like many herding breeds, they are independent spirits, so be firm and engaging while training.
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14. Chihuahua
- Group: toy
- Height: 5-8 inches
- Weight: < 6 pounds
- Personality: charming, intelligent
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: short or medium, smooth, variety of colors, low shedding
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Perhaps it’s the Chihuahua that gives small dogs everywhere that feisty reputation. They aren’t big on roughhousing, but they are big on cuddling and doting on their favorite human. Train Chihuahuas early—and well—to ensure they follow household rules. After that, they’ll fit right in (and expect to join you whenever you leave the house, even if you’re just dropping the kids off at soccer practice).
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15. Pug
- Group: toy
- Height: 10-13 inches
- Weight: 14-18 pounds
- Personality: adaptable, charming
- Energy Level: low to moderate
- Coat and Color: short, smooth, moderate to high shedding, black and fawn
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
Trainability: relatively easy to trainWith their thick, muscular bodies and expressive faces, pugs make some of the funniest companions in the dog world. They love their owners with everything they’ve got and get along well with all ages in most environments (high heat can be dangerous to pugs). Just make sure your pug doesn’t overeat; they’re known for easily packing on pounds.
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16. Pomeranian
- Group: toy
- Height: 6-7 inches
- Weight: 3-7 pounds
- Personality: lively, adaptable
- Energy Level: moderate to high
- Coat and Color: long, double, low to moderate shedding, variety of colors
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
- Trainability: trains best when young
Pomeranians might be happiness in dog form. These are lively dogs who have big personalities. They enjoy children as long as the children remember these are tiny dogs (no more than seven pounds!) and rough-housing isn’t a good idea. While Poms need exercise like any other dog, a few daily walks should usually do the trick (plus some gentle playtime, of course).
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17. Beagle
- Group: hound
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: 15-30 pounds
- Personality: friendly, doting
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: smooth; short; many color varieties, typically black, white & tan
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Trainability: relatively easy to train
Calm, loyal and only slightly needy, beagles feel right at home with a family of humans ready for mutual doting. In fact, if left alone too long, they may worry and get destructive. Plus, they have perhaps the most quintessential puppy dog eyes of any breed—how can you say no to that face? As a member of the hound group, beagles do tend to follow their noses and allow their prey drive to kick in if they see a squirrel. Maybe wait until kids are older and stronger before letting them hold a leash attached to a beagle.
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18. French Bulldog
- Group: non-sporting
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 22-28 pounds
- Personality: affectionate, even-tempered
- Energy Level: low
- Coat and Color: short, smooth, moderate shedding, variety of colors
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Trainability: may be difficult to train
Right now, French bulldogs are the most popular dogs in the United States. It’s easy to see why: they are good-natured, thick little bundles of joy. Frenchies don’t bark often and are always down to meet someone (or some dog) new. Training should definitely happen earlier, otherwise they can get stubborn (but still lovable).
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19. Shih Tzu
- Group: toy
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Personality: charming, adaptable
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: long, double, low shedding, variety of colors
- Lifespan: 10-18 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
The Shih Tzu is one of the breeds Levy recommends for kids, in part because they are adaptable and in part because they adore people of all ages. They also thrive on simple playtime at home with a few walks each day - nothing intense. The one drawback is their aversion to training. Shih Tzus like to have their way and can charm you into giving them what they want, instead of following directions.
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20. Coton de Tulear
- Group: non-sporting
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Personality: charming, social
- Energy Level: moderate
- Coat and Color: long, double, wavy, white
- Lifespan: 15-19 years
- Trainability: easy to train
The bond between Coton de Tulears and their people is strong. These companion pups want to be around their people all the time! Jovial and obedient, they enjoy meeting new friends and fun challenges. Training and play should keep their brains sharp, so don’t be afraid to mix it up or teach them tricks.
What Small Dog Breeds Are Not Good for Kids?
Small dog breeds that are territorial, high-energy, nervous or all of the above are not ideal for households with kiddos. Levy says working-type breeds with super high energy levels should be avoided. “The average family will not have enough time to dedicate to their training and exercise needs,” she says. While most working breeds are enormous dogs, smaller breeds like the German Pinscher or the Miniature American Shepherd definitely fall into this category.
It may also be wise to avoid dogs who can be territorial or possessive. “Dogs bred to enjoy possession…can be prone to resource guarding, which can turn into a nightmare around children's toys,” Levy says, adding spaniels can exhibit some possessive qualities.
Finally, breeds that are super sensitive or more nervous may find life difficult in busy, noisy households.
Why Do Small Dogs Have a Bad Reputation?
Small dogs sometimes get a reputation for being overly aggressive. While this is a pretty grand generalization, one University of Sydney study did find a correlation between size and behavior, showing shorter dogs tended to be more combative with their guardians and destructive in their homes. The study’s authors added this could have a lot to do with environmental factors, not just natural temperament.
It’s possible people tend to allow nastier behavior from tiny canines than they do from bigger ones, since a Chihuahua feels like less of an immediate threat than say, a German shepherd. A poorly trained Great Dane makes us feel more vulnerable than a poorly trained Yorkie, so we focus our energy on really solidifying commands with the Great Dane and let the Yorkie have his way. A vicious cycle.
Another study from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna supports this self-fulfilling prophecy: Pet parents assume small dogs are yappier and more demanding, so people give in more easily and train less consistently than they do with large dogs. On top of that, small dogs tend to respond to punishments more sensitively than big dogs, which makes chastisement a more delicate process with tiny canines.
How to Train Small Dogs to Be Around Kids
If you’ve got kiddos and your heart set on a small breed, Zoom Room Dog Training’s Head Trainer Courtney Briggs tells PureWow that strong socialization is the key to instilling good behavior in any pup. Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover, says her top training tip is rewarding the behavior you want your dog to repeat. Also known as positive reinforcement training, this is considered the best route for small breeds who are often sensitive souls.
Another tactic is to observe your dog’s body language and behavior if and when she gets upset. Knowing what to look for can prevent nipping or jumping incidents between dogs and kids. Even if your dog is a good dog (who’s a good dog?!), Levy says you should avoid leaving her unsupervised around little children. Dogs who are startled unexpectedly (by a rough four-year-old trying to grab fur, for instance) may react instinctively with teeth.
On that note, take time to teach kids the best way to interact with your small dog. Gentle petting, firm commands and ample space are good places to start. Again, it depends on the dog, the kid and the environment.
