14 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families

Bringing a furry friend home is exciting, especially when you have kids. If you’re searching for the best small dog breeds for families, this guide has you covered. Small dogs can be wonderfully affectionate and playful, making them great dogs for families with kids. But not all pint-sized pups thrive in a busy household. 

We’ll explore breeds known for being friendly, gentle with children, and easy to care for. Along the way, you’ll also pick up tips on choosing the right small dog for your family – from energy level to grooming needs. Whether you’re asking “what is the best small dog breed for a family?” or “what breed is most child friendly?”, read on to discover our top picks and expert advice for a happy, family-friendly pet.

How to Choose a Small Dog for a Family

Picking the best small breed of dog for families goes beyond just a cute face. Consider these factors:

• Temperament and Patience: The most kid-friendly small breeds typically have calm, tolerant natures. For example, breeds often recommended for families are patient and affectionate. Always teach kids to approach dogs gently and respect their boundaries.
  
• Energy Level: Active kids need a playful companion. Many of the best dogs for kids have medium energy – they’ll enjoy games of fetch or a run in the yard, but can also settle down when it’s time to relax. Too hyper a dog might overwhelm a small child, while a very low-energy pup might not keep up with an active family.
  
• Size & Durability: Even a small dog should be sturdy enough to handle family life. Breeds like Beagles and Boston Terriers are compact but tough, standing up to rough play (with supervision). Generally, a slightly larger small breed (10–25 pounds) will tolerate accidental bumps better than a tiny 5-pound toy dog. Always supervise young children, and show them how to pet and pick up a dog safely.
  
• Grooming and Shedding: Families with allergies (or busy schedules) often prefer small dog breeds that don’t shed and are good with kids. Hypoallergenic coats like those of the Maltese or Bichon Frise shed very little, meaning less dander in the home. The trade-off is regular grooming: these breeds need consistent brushing or haircuts to keep coats tangle-free. For more allergy-friendly options, check our guide to the best small dog breeds that don’t shed.
  
• Training and Socialization: A family dog must be well-trained. Start socializing and obedience training early. As experts note, even the most “kid friendly” breed can become nervous without proper socialization. Teaching kids the basics – like gently calling the dog or letting the dog have a quiet space – goes a long way. Consistent, positive training will help your new pup fit seamlessly into family life.
  
• Household Dynamics: Consider everyone in the home. If you have other pets (like a Yorkie), look for breeds known to be good companions to them. (For example, see companion breeds for Yorkies for ideas.) Think about your living situation too: some small breeds do great in apartments, while others thrive with a yard or active family. Planning ahead and matching a breed’s needs to your home helps ensure long-term harmony.
  

Top 14 Small Dog Breeds That Are Best For Families

Beagle

Beagles are often listed among the best small dog breeds for families because of their spirited and friendly nature. This merry hound is sturdy yet compact (usually under 25 pounds) and adores being part of family adventures. A properly socialized Beagle “handles the loud noise and chaos of family life in stride” and can “love playing with kids of all ages”. Their short coat is easy to care for with weekly brushing. The breed is energetic and curious (be mindful on walks, as their nose may lead them astray!), but with proper exercise they’re a joy. In short, the Beagle’s playful personality and gentle disposition make it a top pick for families with active children.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is often counted among the best small dog breeds for families thanks to its playful, affectionate temperament. These fluffy white dogs are cheerful and love to play; one expert notes they “love to play and want nothing more than to be with their beloved family”. Bichons are gentle and patient, making them great with kids (as long as the children are taught to handle them gently). They have a soft, hypoallergenic coat that sheds very little, which is a bonus for families with allergies. The trade-off is more grooming: plan on regular brushing and periodic professional trims. But many parents say the Bichon’s adorable appearance and friendly nature make it well worth the effort.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are often ranked among the best small dog breeds for families. These “friendly and animated” dogs truly “love all people, including kids”. Boston Terriers have a short, sleek coat and a trademark tuxedo-like color pattern that many find charming. They are sturdy and athletic enough for play but have moderate exercise needs — daily walks and some play sessions usually suffice. 

Because they are eager to please and eager to be with their humans, Bostons usually get along fabulously with children. They’re also fairly quiet indoors and adapt well to apartment living. Affectionate and outgoing, the Boston Terrier is a great family companion that thrives on human interaction.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers, though small, are mighty when it comes to family life. These little terriers are often considered one of the best small dog breeds for families. The Cairn’s bold, fearless nature can be fun for active kids. Notably, “the cairn loves children and will even seek them out specifically,” according to one source. 

Despite weighing under 15 pounds, Cairns are tough and energetic. They were originally bred for hunting in the rocky Scottish Highlands (even playing the role of Toto in The Wizard of Oz). Cairns have a rugged, wiry coat that is low-shedding (many consider them hypoallergenic). 

Keep in mind that, like all terriers, early socialization and gentle handling by children are important. Taught to be friendly and respectful, Cairn Terriers are sturdy little buddies who forgive the occasional accidental bump, making them excellent playmates.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

As one of the best small dog breeds for families, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a true family companion. Cavaliers are famous for being sweet and affectionate—“a friend to all, including children”. They love gentle cuddles and calm play, so they do best in families with kids who know how to handle a lapdog tenderly. Despite being a toy breed, Cavaliers are on the larger side of “small” (often 13–18 pounds) and are quite sturdy. They adapt easily to different living spaces (even apartments) and only need moderate daily exercise like walks or fetch in the yard. Their silky coat is relatively easy to care for with regular brushing. Overall, the Cavalier’s gentle, loving nature and kid-friendly size make it a top choice on family dog lists.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are easily among the best small dog breeds for families. These cheerful sporting dogs are playful, friendly, and eager to join in fun – especially games of fetch. A well-socialized Cocker Spaniel “is a great companion for kids”. They thrive on attention and love to follow their favorite people around. Cockers have a medium-length silky coat that does require regular grooming, but their moderate exercise needs (daily walks and some active play) fit well with busy families. They are known to be gentle and patient, though children should be taught not to tug on their long ears. With their happy demeanor and affectionate nature, Cocker Spaniels fit right in with a family setting, retrieving ball after ball with the kids.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a fun-loving, adaptable breed that frequently appears on lists of the best small dog breeds for families. Frenchies are stocky little dogs with large bat-like ears and loving personalities. They love to do whatever the family is doing – as long as it involves being with you. French Bulldogs are quite patient and easygoing around children, provided everyone is taught to interact respectfully.

In fact, with proper supervision they “can be great companions for kids”. They require very little exercise (a short daily walk will do) and have a smooth, short coat that’s easy to groom. Be mindful that Frenchies can overheat in hot weather due to their flat faces, so they need a cool home. Overall, their affectionate, clownish nature and solid build make them top contenders for families looking for a playful, devoted pet.

Havanese

Havanese have qualities that make them one of the best small dog breeds for families, especially households concerned about allergies. These small Cuban-origin dogs are charming and social. Despite being toy-sized, Havanese are sturdy and love being around people. They are famous for being “exceptionally good with respectful children”. 

Havanese are intelligent and lively, and they enjoy learning tricks – perfect for involving the kids. Crucially, the Havanese has a long, silky, hypoallergenic coat (it sheds very little). That means fewer sneezes in the family home, although it does mean brushing most days to keep the coat tangle-free. All told, the Havanese’s friendly, alert nature and allergy-friendly fur place it high among the best small dog breeds for families seeking a playful yet gentle companion.

Pug

Pugs are widely regarded as one of the best small dog breeds for families due to their outgoing, loving personality. These little clowns are friendly, bold, and utterly devoted to their people. In the breed standard, the Pug is described as “multum in parvo,” Latin for “a lot in a little” – and it shows. 

Pugs soak up lots of loving from family members, especially kids. Their sturdy, solid build (usually 14–18 pounds) means they enjoy plenty of hugs, although very rough play can lead to an upset tummy. Pugs have short coats that shed more than some hypoallergenic breeds, but weekly brushing manages the loose hair. 

They don’t need much exercise. A daily stroll is usually enough – making them perfect couch-side pals. All these traits (playful puppy-like personality, patience with children, and a lightweight but muscular frame) land the Pug on many families’ lists of top small dog breeds for kids.

Shih Tzu

With its charming personality, the Shih Tzu ranks among the best small dog breeds for families. These sweet-faced lapdogs adore being with people of all ages. As one source notes, Shih Tzus “love people of all ages, including well-mannered kids”. 

Full-grown Shih Tzus are surprisingly sturdy for their tiny size, making them fine companions for older children who know how to play gently. Because this breed was bred to be a royal companion, it tends to be calm and affectionate. 

Keep in mind that Shih Tzus have very long hair, so they need daily brushing or regular grooming trims. But their luxurious coat and sweet temperament make them truly lovable. If given a little space to retreat to (as many small dogs appreciate), a Shih Tzu will be a loyal, cuddly family member that fits naturally into family life.

Maltese

For families wanting a gentle, hypoallergenic pet, the Maltese is counted among the best small dog breeds for families. These elegant white dogs are known for being “one of the calmest and friendliest small dogs for kids”. 

They are very affectionate and prefer cuddling to rough play. The Maltese’s coat is long and silky, but it doesn’t shed much, making it easier for kids with allergies. Because they are small (often under 7 pounds), Maltese do best with slightly older children who understand how to hold them softly. 

A Maltese will happily trot alongside your child or family member, and many owners braid or trim their coats short for convenience. When handled with care, Maltese are delightful, quiet companions – earning them high marks as one of the best small dog breeds for families that want a loving, low-shedding pet.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) is a tiny bundle of energy often included among the best small dog breeds for families. Yorkies are bold and adventurous. The AKC even rates Yorkies 5/5 in kid-friendliness, the same as much larger family favorites. Of course, their very small size (often under 7 pounds) means they can be fragile. 

But a confident, well-socialized Yorkie will be a loving companion to respectful children. They are naturally curious and will follow the family around looking for fun. 

The Yorkie’s long, silky coat is hypoallergenic, which is a plus for allergy-sensitive families. With supervision and teaching the kids how to be gentle, a Yorkie’s spirited yet affectionate nature can make it one of the best small dog breeds for families who want a tiny, fearless playmate.

Papillon

The Papillon is a happy, smart toy breed that also lands on many lists of the best small dog breeds for families. These dogs are intelligent, friendly, and surprisingly hardy for their size. Papillons love to be lapdogs and are very social – they’ll happily tag along on family outings or curling up during story time. 

One source notes that Papillons are “active and intelligent, and they make wonderful companions for people of all ages”. They do best with slightly older children who can appreciate a delicate toy dog (and everyone should brush them a few times a week to keep the silky fur neat). Overall, the Papillon’s alertness, trainability, and loving nature make it a top pick for families who want a joyful, energetic companion.

Dachshund

Dachshunds (or “Doxies”) are the classic short-legged hounds that many families adore. Dachshunds, known for being loving and fun, are often mentioned among the best small dog breeds for families. These dogs come in two sizes (standard and miniature) but all share the same devoted personality. If raised from puppies and socialized early, Dachshunds can be good for families with kids. 

Once properly introduced, a Dachshund is affectionate and always ready for a family adventure. Keep in mind, though, that Doxies were bred to hunt burrowed animals, so their high prey drive means you’ll want to watch them around small pets. With proper training and gentle handling by children, the Dachshund’s loyalty and playful side shine, making it a terrific family member.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Before bringing any puppy home, remember that even the friendliest breed needs proper introductions. Teach children to respect a dog’s space and approach calmly. Always supervise playtime, especially with smaller breeds, to prevent accidental injuries.

Use positive reinforcement in training – you can even involve older kids in teaching basic commands, which helps them bond with the pet. Lastly, make sure the dog has a quiet corner or crate where it can retreat when overwhelmed. Following these tips, along with choosing one of the best small dog breeds for families above, will set the stage for years of happy companionship.

Choosing The Best Small Dog Breeds For Families: Conclusion

Every family is unique, so the best small dog breeds for families ultimately depends on your lifestyle, home, and children’s ages. However, the breeds above have proven to be kid-friendly, gentle, and eager to be part of the family. From energetic Beagles and Boston Terriers to affectionate Cavaliers and hypoallergenic Havanese, there’s a small-breed match for nearly every household. 

Consider your family’s needs and involve everyone in the choice – with the right pup, your kids will gain a loving new pal for walks, playtime, and plenty of snuggles. By picking one of these loving companions, you’re well on your way to having the perfect small dog breed for your family at your side for years to come.