Small Dog Breeds That Are Great With Kids
A small breed appeals to families with kids because it needs less space and exercise, but not every small breed is automatically good with children. What matters more than a dog's weight is its temperament, patience and resilience.
Why consider a small breed for kids
A small dog fits an apartment or a smaller house, usually needs less exercise than a large breed, and costs less to feed and equip. But smaller doesn't automatically mean easier with kids — some small breeds are actually more fragile and less tolerant of rough play than bigger, calmer breeds.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is one of the calmest, most affectionate small breeds, usually patient with kids and happy to cuddle and play. It has no strong territorial or hunting instincts, which makes it one of the safest small breeds for families with young children. Read more in our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, friendly dog with no aggressive streak, and it adapts quickly to family noise and kids' games. Its curly coat doesn't shed, but needs regular brushing and trimming. Read more in our Bichon Frise profile.
Pug
The Pug is a laid-back, sociable dog with low exercise needs, which suits families who can't manage long daily walks. Its flat face means sensitivity to heat and harder breathing, so summer walks with kids need extra care. See the Pug profile for more.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is livelier and more spirited than the breeds above, but usually patient and playful with kids it grows up with. It also doesn't shed much, which families with allergies appreciate. It needs regular coat maintenance — more in our Miniature Schnauzer profile.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was bred for centuries as a companion lap dog, and it's usually friendly and patient with kids as long as it's handled gently. Its long coat needs regular grooming, and its short muzzle brings similar heat sensitivity to the Pug's. More in our Shih Tzu profile.
Poodle (toy and miniature)
The Poodle, especially in its toy or miniature size, is one of the most intelligent small breeds and trains easily, which helps when teaching house rules around kids. It doesn't shed and suits allergy sufferers too, but needs regular coat trimming. More in our Poodle profile.
What to watch for with the tiniest breeds
A Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese often weighs just 2 to 4 kilograms and is physically fragile — a fall from a lap or an over-enthusiastic squeeze can seriously injure it. With kids under five or six, these tiniest breeds need much closer supervision than mid-sized dogs like the Cavalier or the Schnauzer. See the Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese profiles for more.
What matters more than size
More important than a dog's weight is its temperament, how well it's socialized, and how much time the family invests in training and shared house rules. A small breed makes apartment living easier, but the responsibility for a safe relationship between dog and child stays the same regardless of size. Browse the full list in our breed guide, and read more about the right age for a child's first dog in what age should a child get a dog.
Try caring for a small dog, risk-free
TestDog simulates real feeding and walking windows in real time — even small breeds have their own regular rhythm. Let your kids see how demanding daily care really is before you decide.