Best Small Dogs for Families and Kids

Written by Alain Courchesne, founder of Doggy Bathroom — designer of the original indoor potty system for small dogs.

Summary

Discover the best small dog breeds for families and homes, including family-friendly small dog breeds and our top 10 small dog breeds for families. From playful companions to gentle lap dogs, these affectionate small dog breeds and small companion dogs are known for their friendly personalities, adaptability, and ability to thrive in family environments.

Takeaways

Small dogs for families can make excellent family pets thanks to their affectionate personalities and adaptability to home life.
Many family-friendly small breeds are intelligent, social, and among the easy to train small dogs with positive reinforcement.
Choosing the right breed depends on your lifestyle, activity level, and the dog's temperament. Apartment dwellers can prioritize the best apartment dogs for families.

When it comes to choosing the right dog for your family, there are several factors to consider.

Family dynamics, the ages of your children, and the activity level of your household all play a crucial role in determining which breed will be the best fit. Additionally, it's important to think about the dog's temperament, size, and grooming needs. Many parents search for the best small dogs for kids that match their routine and living space.

Some families may prefer a playful and energetic dog that can keep up with active kids, while others might look for a more laid-back companion that enjoys cuddling on the couch.

By understanding these aspects, you can make a more informed decision that ensures a harmonious relationship between your new furry friend and your family.

What Makes a Good Family Dog?

A good family dog should possess a combination of traits that make them suitable for living with children. These traits often include a friendly and gentle temperament, patience, and a willingness to engage in play. These characteristics make the best dogs for children, truly dogs good with children and good family dogs.

A good family dog should be adaptable to various environments and able to handle the occasional roughhousing that comes with kids. Breeds that are known for their loyalty and protective instincts can also provide a sense of security for families, making them not just pets but also cherished family members and some of the best family dogs.

Ultimately, the right dog will enhance the family dynamic and create lasting memories for both children and adults alike.

Traits of Ideal Family Dogs

When selecting a family dog, it's essential to consider the breed's energy level and how it aligns with your family's lifestyle. For instance, high-energy breeds like the Labrador Retriever or Border Collie may be perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities, while calmer breeds such as the Bulldog or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be ideal for families that prefer a more relaxed environment. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, for instance, is a classic Cavalier King Charles Spaniel family dog known for its gentle manners.

It's important to assess the dog's compatibility with children, as some breeds are naturally more tolerant and gentle, making them better suited for homes with young kids.

Considerations for Families

When considering the best dogs for families, it's also crucial to evaluate the grooming and maintenance needs of different breeds. Some dogs require regular grooming and bathing, which can be time-consuming for busy families.

Breeds like the Bichon Frise and Cocker Spaniel, while affectionate and great with kids, have coats that need consistent care to prevent matting.

On the other hand, short-haired breeds such as the French Bulldog or Pug may be more manageable for families looking for lower-maintenance options. These are often considered low maintenance small dogs and part of low maintenance small dog breeds. By factoring in grooming requirements alongside temperament and energy levels, families can choose a dog that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle. If you live in a condo, consider small dogs for apartments and the best small dog breeds for apartments.

Top 10 Best Small Dogs for Families

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often celebrated for its affectionate nature and gentle demeanor, making it an excellent choice for families with children.

This breed is known for its playful spirit and adaptability, thriving in both active and calm environments. Cavaliers are eager to please and form strong bonds with their families, which helps them integrate seamlessly into family life. Their moderate energy levels mean they enjoy playtime but are also content to snuggle up on the couch after a long day, providing the perfect balance for families seeking companionship and love. Altogether, this makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel family dog a reliable pick for households with kids.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standing outdoors, a gentle and affectionate small dog breed for families.

2. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is another fantastic option for families, known for its cheerful disposition and playful nature. These small dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on human interaction, making them wonderful companions for children. Bichon Frises are also known as one of the hypoallergenic small dog breeds, which can be a significant advantage for families with allergies.

Their friendly and social temperament allows them to get along well with other pets and children alike, ensuring a harmonious household. Additionally, their moderate exercise needs make them suitable for both active play and cozy family time, making them a versatile choice for any family dynamic. A Bichon Frise family dog fits comfortably into many homes.

Bichon Frise walking outdoors, a cheerful family-friendly small dog with a soft white coat.

3. Pug

Pug is a delightful small breed that brings a unique charm to family life. Known for their playful and affectionate nature, Pugs are excellent companions for children, often forming strong bonds with them. Often considered among the calm small dog breeds, their friendly disposition makes them great playmates, and they are typically patient and tolerant, which is essential when interacting with younger kids.

Pugs also have a moderate energy level, enjoying both active playtime and quiet moments of relaxation, making them adaptable to various family dynamics. Additionally, their distinctive wrinkled faces and expressive personalities can bring joy and laughter to any household, solidifying their place as a beloved family pet. Many families consider the Pug among the best small dogs for kids.

Pug looking at the camera, a playful and affectionate small dog breed for families with children.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that is well-loved for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion for families with children.

Known for their playful spirit, Shih Tzus are typically gentle and patient, which allows them to thrive in a bustling household. Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming, but their charming personalities and loyalty more than make up for the extra care. Shih Tzus enjoy being part of family activities and are known to be great lap dogs, often seeking out cuddles and companionship. They are one of the affectionate small dog breeds that do well with gentle children.

Shih Tzu stepping out of an indoor dog potty system in a modern living room, designed for small-breed indoor potty training.

5. French Bulldog

French Bulldog is a popular choice among families due to its affectionate and easygoing nature. These small dogs are known for their playful yet calm demeanor, making them great companions for children of all ages.

French Bulldogs are typically very social and enjoy being part of family activities, whether it's playing in the yard or lounging on the couch. Their minimal exercise needs and short coat make them low-maintenance pets, which is a significant advantage for busy families. This French Bulldog family dog reputation also makes them one of the low maintenance small dog breeds and excellent small dogs for apartments.

Additionally, their sturdy build and friendly disposition allow them to handle the rough and tumble of playtime with kids, ensuring a joyful and loving environment for everyone involved.

French Bulldog portrait, a calm and adaptable small dog breed for family homes and apartments.

6. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a small breed that packs a big personality, making them a delightful addition to family life. Known for their loyalty and affection, Chihuahuas often form strong bonds with their family members, including children. Despite their tiny size, they are spirited and can be quite playful, enjoying interactive games and activities with kids. They are classic small companion dogs when properly socialized.

Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living situations, whether in a small apartment or a larger home.

For small breeds living in apartments, a consistent routine and an indoor potty system can also help make daily life more manageable.

However, it's essential to supervise interactions with younger children, as Chihuahuas can be sensitive and may not tolerate rough handling. With proper socialization and training, they can become loving and devoted companions, bringing joy and laughter to any family.

Chihuahua using a Doggy Bathroom indoor potty system in a modern home.

7. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them a wonderful choice for families with children. These dogs are highly social and thrive on companionship, often forming strong bonds with their family members.

Their playful demeanor and eagerness to please make them excellent playmates for kids, as they enjoy engaging in various activities, from fetch to family outings. Cocker Spaniels do require regular grooming due to their beautiful, long coats, but their affectionate personality and adaptability to family life more than compensate for the extra care. With consistency, many families find Cocker Spaniels to be easy to train small dogs.

With their loving disposition and playful spirit, Cocker Spaniels can bring joy and warmth to any household, making them a cherished family pet.

Cocker Spaniel portrait, a gentle and affectionate dog known for its family-friendly temperament.

8. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, often affectionately called Yorkies, are small dogs that are full of personality and charm, making them a fantastic choice for families.

Known for their playful and affectionate nature, Yorkies are great companions for children, often forming strong bonds with them. Their lively spirit and intelligence make them eager to engage in play, while their small size allows them to adapt well to various living environments. With proper supervision and training, Yorkies can be small dogs good with kids.

Although they do require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, their loving disposition and loyalty more than make up for the extra effort. With proper training and socialization, Yorkshire Terriers can thrive in a family setting, bringing joy and companionship to both kids and adults alike.

Yorkshire Terrier sitting indoors, a small companion dog known for its lively and affectionate personality.

9. Maltese

Maltese dogs are renowned for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children. These small, toy breeds are known for their playful demeanor and love for human companionship, often forming strong bonds with family members.

Their long, silky coats require regular grooming, but their charming personalities and loyalty make the extra effort worthwhile. Maltese dogs are typically good with kids, enjoying interactive play and cuddling sessions alike. They are often counted among small dog breeds for kids thanks to their sweet temperament.

Their adaptability to various living situations, combined with their friendly disposition, ensures that they can thrive in a family environment, bringing joy and warmth to any household.

Maltese small dog looking out a car window, showing an adaptable companion suited to family life and travel.

10. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are a unique and spirited breed that can make a wonderful addition to family life. Known for their fox-like appearance and confident demeanor, Shiba Inus are intelligent and independent dogs that thrive in active households.

They are generally good with children, especially when raised together, and their playful nature can provide endless entertainment. However, it's important to note that Shiba Inus can be a bit stubborn, so early training and socialization are essential to ensure they develop into well-mannered companions.

With their loyalty and affectionate nature, Shiba Inus can bring a lively and loving energy to any family, making them a cherished member of the household.

Shiba Inu, small dog resting indoors, a calm companion breed suited to family homes and apartment living.

Why Small Dogs Are Great for Families

Small dogs are often ideal for families due to their manageable size, which makes them easier to handle and care for, especially in homes with young children.

Their size also makes them well suited to apartment living, especially when families create consistent routines around walks, feeding, playtime and indoor potty training.

Their compact stature allows them to adapt well to various living environments, whether it's a cozy apartment or a spacious house. This makes them practical small dogs for families and some of the best apartment dogs for families. Additionally, many small breeds are known for their affectionate and playful nature, which can create a joyful atmosphere in the home.

Their ability to bond closely with family members, combined with their generally lower exercise requirements compared to larger breeds, makes them a practical choice for families looking for a loving and engaging pet. For city living, small dogs for apartments are particularly convenient. This combination of traits ensures that small dogs can provide companionship and joy without overwhelming the family dynamic.

1. Pug

Small dogs like the Pug are particularly well-suited for families because they are known for their friendly and sociable nature. Their playful antics and affectionate demeanor make them excellent companions for children, often engaging in games and activities that foster strong bonds.

Pugs are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise, requiring only moderate daily walks and playtime, which fits well into the busy schedules of many families.

Their adaptability to different living situations, combined with their charming personalities, ensures that they can thrive in a variety of environments, making them a beloved choice for families seeking a small dog that brings joy and companionship to their lives.

Small black pug dog resting on a blanket, a gentle companion for quiet family moments at home.

2. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are particularly appealing to families due to their affectionate and easygoing nature. These small dogs are known for their playful yet calm demeanor, making them great companions for children of all ages. French Bulldogs are typically very social and enjoy being part of family activities, whether it's playing in the yard or lounging on the couch.

Their minimal exercise needs and short coat make them low-maintenance pets, which is a significant advantage for busy families. Additionally, their sturdy build and friendly disposition allow them to handle the rough and tumble of playtime with kids, ensuring a joyful and loving environment for everyone involved.

French Bulldog puppy dog sitting indoors, a small companion dog known for loyalty, personality and adaptability.

3. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are not only known for their cheerful disposition but also for their adaptability to family life. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for children, as they thrive on interaction and love to engage in games. Additionally, Bichon Frises are generally good with other pets, which can help create a harmonious household environment.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, allowing families to establish good behavior from an early age. With their hypoallergenic coats, they are also a great option for families with allergies, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the joy of having a dog without the worry of triggering sensitivities.

White Bichon Frise sitting by a potted plant, a hypoallergenic small dog breed for families.

Hypoallergenic Family Dogs

Understanding Hypoallergenic Breeds

Hypoallergenic family dogs are breeds that produce fewer allergens, making them suitable for families with members who have allergies or sensitivities. These dogs often have hair instead of fur, which reduces the amount of dander and hair shed in the home. Many pet parents look for hypoallergenic small dog breeds for this reason. Breeds like the Miniature Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog are popular choices for families seeking hypoallergenic options.

These dogs not only provide companionship and love but also allow families to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without the discomfort that allergens can cause. By choosing a hypoallergenic breed, families can create a nurturing environment where everyone, including those with allergies, can thrive alongside their furry friends.

1. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are an excellent choice for families seeking a hypoallergenic dog that is both affectionate and playful. Known for their spirited personality and intelligence, these small dogs are great companions for children, often engaging in fun activities and games that foster strong bonds.

Their wiry coats require regular grooming, but this effort is rewarded with a loyal and loving pet that thrives on family interaction. Miniature Schnauzers are also known for their alertness and protective instincts, making them not only delightful companions but also vigilant watchdogs. With their adaptability and friendly nature, they can seamlessly integrate into family life, bringing joy and companionship to all members.

Miniature Schnauzer portrait, an intelligent and affectionate hypoallergenic dog for families.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are another fantastic hypoallergenic option for families, known for their energetic and friendly disposition. These dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train, which is a significant advantage for families with children.

Their love for water and play makes them excellent companions for outdoor activities, whether it's swimming at the beach or playing fetch in the park.

With their curly, non-shedding coats, they are less likely to trigger allergies, allowing families to enjoy their playful nature without concern. Additionally, Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, ensuring they not only provide companionship but also a sense of security for the family.

Portuguese Water Dog playing in the snow, a loyal and energetic hypoallergenic family dog.

Perfect Pups for Your Kids

Selecting the right small dog for your family can lead to a rewarding and joyful experience for everyone involved. By considering factors such as temperament, energy levels, grooming needs, and compatibility with children, families can find a furry companion that fits seamlessly into their lives.

Whether you choose a playful Pug, a gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or a spirited Miniature Schnauzer, the right dog can enhance family dynamics, create cherished memories, and provide unconditional love and companionship. For many households, these are the best small dogs for families and some of the best dogs for families with kids. Ultimately, the bond formed between a family and their dog can be one of the most fulfilling relationships, enriching the lives of both children and adults alike—and helping parents identify the best dogs for kids and other good family dogs.

Q&A

Question: How do I choose the right small dog for my family?

Short answer: Start with your family’s dynamics, kids’ ages, and daily activity level, then match a breed’s energy, temperament, and grooming needs to your lifestyle. Gentle, adaptable breeds (like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) suit relaxed homes, while playful but moderate-energy companions (such as Pugs or Bichon Frises) fit families wanting a balance of play and cuddle time. Also consider living space—apartment dwellers often prioritize lower-maintenance, adaptable breeds—and factor in how tolerant and patient the dog is with children. Positive-reinforcement training and early socialization help most small breeds thrive with kids.

Question: Which small breeds from the list are lower maintenance for busy families?

Short answer: French Bulldogs and Pugs stand out for minimal grooming and modest exercise needs, making them convenient for tight schedules and smaller spaces. By contrast, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Maltese, and Shih Tzu need regular coat care to prevent matting, so plan for grooming time if you prefer one of these affectionate, family-friendly breeds.

Question: Are there hypoallergenic small dog options for families with allergies?

Short answer: Yes. The Bichon Frise and Miniature Schnauzer are highlighted as hypoallergenic choices that shed less dander and can be good fits for families seeking fewer allergy triggers. The article also mentions the Portuguese Water Dog as a hypoallergenic family option (though not a small breed), valued for its non-shedding, curly coat and family-friendly temperament.

Question: Are small dogs safe with young children, and what should we watch for?

Short answer: Many small breeds are gentle, patient, and playful with kids, but supervision and respectful handling are essential. The guide notes that some breeds—like Chihuahuas—can be sensitive to rough play and do best with careful supervision around younger children. Others, such as Shiba Inus, may be a bit stubborn, so early training and socialization are key. Choose a breed known for tolerance and pair that with positive reinforcement to build safe, happy interactions.

Question: Which small dogs do well in apartments or condos?

Short answer: Pugs and French Bulldogs are repeatedly noted as excellent apartment-friendly choices thanks to their adaptability and modest exercise needs. In general, many small dogs adjust well to compact living as long as their activity, grooming, and social needs are met. For urban households, tools like an indoor potty system for small dogs can further simplify routines and support consistent house training.

About the Author

Alain Courchesne is the founder of Doggy Bathroom. As a designer and pet parent, he created the original indoor potty system for small dogs, trusted by thousands of owners across North America. His mission is to make pet ownership easier and more hygienic, with thoughtful solutions that adapt to modern living.

Top 10 Best Small Dogs for Families and Kids

Summary

Takeaways