Small dog breeds are popular among families thanks to being more manageable. They fit into different living arrangements easily, including apartments and smaller homes, while still offering the same companionship and lovable temperament as large dogs. Many small dog breeds can also serve as emotional support animals, therapy dogs, and even service animals.
That said, not every small dog breed is the same. Some are energetic and family-oriented, while others are calm and independent. Every small dog breed has their own unique traits, so it’s essential for future owners to dig deeper into these to find the right pup for them. To help get you started, we’ll take a close look at some of the best small dog breeds for families below.
10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families
Here’s our list of the best small dog breeds for families. We’ve made sure to include a good mix to cover different needs, lifestyles, and preferences.
1. Bichon Frise
If you’re looking for a small dog that’s happy and playful, the bichon frise can be an excellent addition. The bichon frise is well-known for their cheerful and sociable personality. They enjoy meeting and playing with similar-sized friendly dogs and bond strongly with children who can match their playful side. The only possible concern is their grooming needs. While considered hypoallergenic, their coat requires daily brushing and routine professional trims.
2. Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier, often nicknamed “The American Gentleman,” is another breed typically sought after by families. They are highly adaptable and do well in small and large families alike. The highlight of this breed’s temperament is that they are generally easygoing and don’t require a lot of exercise, making them low-maintenance. This trait also makes them one of the best therapy dogs.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The cavalier King Charles spaniel is famously affectionate. This little dog bonds strongly with their family members and does well with children of all ages. However, their sensitive side means they’re best suited for families with quiet children who can respect them and be gentle. They can develop behavioral issues like anxiety in chaotic households with loud kids running around and screaming.
4. Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel is cheerful, affectionate, and spritely. While they are relatively larger compared to others in this list so far, they pair extremely well with families leading an active lifestyle. Cocker spaniels are particularly fond of swimming; you will find this breed to be one of the best companions if your family enjoys water activities. They also have a high work drive and are often used as psychiatric service dogs.
5. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are officially the most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club’s popularity listing. This comes as no surprise: They’re low-maintenance, optimistic, and always ready to entertain their families with cute antics. They’re also sociable and will appreciate being included in all your daily activities. However, working with a responsible breeder is critical due to the breed’s potential health problems.
6. Havanese
The Havanese is a small hypoallergenic dog breed that makes a great family companion and an emotional support animal. They are highly people-oriented and do well in families of all sizes. They do have a spritely side, but due to their fragile build, they fare best as a lap dog than a hiking buddy. You should also be mindful that they have high emotional needs and require constant companionship to be content.
7. Toy or Miniature Poodle
Poodles are energetic, highly trainable, and family-oriented dogs who can adapt to different households, as long as they get enough physical and mental stimulation. A toy or miniature variety gives you all the lovable traits of a standard poodle in a more manageable package. All poodles, regardless of size, also have low-shedding coats, making them a great choice for those wanting a hypoallergenic pet.
8. Pug
Pugs are well-known for their adorable flat faces and goofy personalities that make them such fun dogs to have around. They are very easygoing, learn new routines quickly, and adapt to all kinds of living arrangements without much effort. One possible concern is that they shed quite heavily despite their small size, which can be difficult to manage if you’re unprepared. They can also be prone to health issues like the French bulldog.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih tzus were originally bred as companion dogs; they are naturally people-oriented and enjoy staying close to their owners. They thrive in families that provide constant attention in the form of pets and cuddles. Like many other small companion breeds, they do best in families with children who understand their boundaries. It is safe to say that shih tzus are more for families with older or quieter children.
10. Small Poodle Mixes
Additionally, you can also look for poodle mixes like the Maltipoo, cavapoo, cockapoo, and Pomapoo. They can be just as great small companions for families, with many of them having the best qualities of the poodle and the other purebred parent. For example, the cavapoo can have the playful personality of the poodle with the cavalier King Charles spaniel’s calm, making them perfect for families with young children.
Consider These When Finding the Best Small Dog Breeds for Families
Size is surely important when looking for a small dog for your family, but it isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing a dog. Different breeds come with different temperaments, care needs, and energy levels; these are just as important.
Always look at the breed as a whole rather than just how small they are. Everything, from grooming needs to exercise requirements, has a direct impact on whether or not a small dog breed is going to be suitable for your family. Take these factors into account before settling on a breed to ensure you have a small dog that fits your lifestyle and daily routine.
Adding a Small Dog to Your Family
Adding a small dog to your family is a long-term commitment that involves more than simply choosing a breed based on size. Once you decide which small dog breed is best for your family, you will have two options: you can adopt from a shelter or local rescue, or buy a puppy from a breeder.
Regardless of your preferred route, be sure that the dog you add to your family is healthy and even-tempered. Always be on the lookout for red flags like unanswered questions or transactions without any documentation, and check online reviews to ensure your small dog comes from a good background.
By taking these simple actions, you will ensure that the dog you add to your family is healthy and has the expected traits.