Small dog breeds make wonderful companions for families with kids. They are not only adorable, but they also have the temperament and size that make them great playmates for children. In addition, many small dog breeds are friendly, easy to train, and have minimal shedding and grooming needs. If you’re looking for a small dog breed that is perfect for your family, look no further. In this article, we will explore 20 small dog breeds that are not only great with kids but are also the cutest and most loyal companions you can find.
Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Bark
Learn about 20 small dog breeds that are both adorable and don’t shed or bark excessively.
– Chihuahua: A small breed that doesn’t shed much and is known for its loyalty.
– Dachshund: These small dogs have short hair and minimal shedding.
– Bichon Frise: This breed has a curly coat that doesn’t shed much.
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small and energetic dog breed that is known for its big personality. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are confident and fearless, making them great with kids. They are loyal and love to cuddle, making them perfect companions for children. Chihuahuas are also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, with their short coats requiring minimal brushing. However, it’s important to note that Chihuahuas can be prone to dental issues, so regular dental care is a must.
Insider Tip: Chihuahuas may be small, but they have a big bark. Early socialization and training can help curb excessive barking.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs, are small dogs with long bodies and short legs. They are playful, affectionate, and great with children. Dachshunds are known for their loyalty and will often form a strong bond with their human family members. They are also intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy.
Insider Tip: Due to their long backs, Dachshunds are prone to back problems. It’s important to prevent them from jumping off furniture or engaging in activities that could strain their backs.
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small and fluffy dog breed that is known for its friendly and gentle nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Bichon Frises are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for families with children who want to be involved in their dog’s training. They have a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed much, making them a suitable option for families with allergies. However, their coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Insider Tip: Bichon Frises are social dogs and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small and fluffy dogs that are full of energy and love to play. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Pomeranians are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They are also highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments. While their double coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best, Pomeranians are relatively low-shedding dogs.
Insider Tip: Pomeranians can be prone to barking if not properly trained and socialized. Early training and positive reinforcement can help curb excessive barking behavior.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small and affectionate dog breed that is great with kids. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them perfect family pets. Shih Tzus are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments. They have a long and luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy. Shih Tzus are also intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
Insider Tip: Due to their long coats, Shih Tzus can be prone to eye and ear infections. Regular grooming and proper hygiene practices are essential to keep them healthy.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small and affectionate dogs that are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for families with children who want to be involved in their dog’s training. They have a silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it looking its best.
Insider Tip: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, including heart problems and syringomyelia. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder and schedule regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being.
7. Maltese
The Maltese is a small and elegant dog breed that is known for its playful and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it looking beautiful. Maltese dogs are also hypoallergenic, making them a suitable option for families with allergies.
Insider Tip: Maltese dogs can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
8. Havanese
Havanese dogs are small and friendly dogs that are great with kids. They are known for their outgoing and sociable personalities, making them perfect family pets. Havanese dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for families with children who want to be involved in their dog’s training. They have a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy.
Insider Tip: Havanese dogs are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
9. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are small and affectionate dogs that are great with kids. They are known for their independent and confident personalities, making them perfect family pets. Pekingese dogs are intelligent and can be stubborn at times, so consistent and patient training is important. They have a long and luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy.
Insider Tip: Pekingese dogs have a brachycephalic (flat) face, which can make them prone to various health issues, including respiratory problems. It’s important to provide them with proper care and avoid situations that could cause overheating.
10. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small and friendly dogs that are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Boston Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy.
Insider Tip: Boston Terriers are prone to certain health issues, including breathing problems and eye conditions. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder and schedule regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being.
11. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small and affectionate dogs that are great with kids. They are known for their friendly and easygoing personalities, making them perfect family pets. French Bulldogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for families with children who want to be involved in their dog’s training. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy.
Insider Tip: French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and can be prone to certain health issues, including breathing problems. It’s important to provide them with proper care and avoid situations that could cause overheating.
12. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers, also known as Min Pins, are small and energetic dogs that are great with kids. They are known for their fearless and lively personalities, making them perfect playmates for children. Miniature Pinschers are intelligent and independent, so consistent and patient training is important. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy.
Insider Tip: Miniature Pinschers have a strong prey drive and may not be suitable for families with small pets, such as cats or rabbits.
13. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are small and graceful dogs that are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy.
Insider Tip: Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold weather due to their thin coats. It’s important to provide them with proper warmth and protection during colder months.
14. Papillon
Papillons are small and elegant dogs that are known for their friendly and intelligent nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Papillons are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports, such as agility and obedience. They have a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy.
Insider Tip: Papillons are active dogs and require regular mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with interactive toys and engaging activities can help keep them happy and fulfilled.
15. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are small and energetic dogs that are great with kids. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them perfect playmates for children. Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy.
Insider Tip: Toy Fox Terriers can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
16. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small and spunky dogs that are known for their lively and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Affenpinschers are intelligent and independent, so consistent and patient training is important. They have a wiry coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
Insider Tip: Affenpinschers have a strong prey drive and may not be suitable for families with small pets, such as cats or rabbits.
17. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are small and charming dogs that are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Brussels Griffons are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a wiry coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
Insider Tip: Brussels Griffons are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
18. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are small and elegant dogs that are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Japanese Chins are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy.
Insider Tip: Japanese Chins are sensitive to heat and should be kept in a cool environment during hot weather. It’s important to provide them with shade and fresh water to prevent overheating.
19. Löwchen
Löwchens are small and lively dogs that are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. Löwchens are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They have a curly coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
Insider Tip: Löwchens are active dogs and require regular mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with interactive toys and engaging activities can help keep them happy and fulfilled.
20. Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers are small and energetic dogs that are great with kids. They are known for their friendly and confident personalities, making them perfect playmates for children. Silky Terriers are intelligent and independent, so consistent and patient training is important. They have a silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
Insider Tip: Silky Terriers have a strong prey drive and may not be suitable for families with small pets, such as cats or rabbits.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a small dog breed that is great with kids, there are plenty of options to choose from. These 20 small dog breeds not only have the temperament and size that make them perfect playmates for children, but they are also the cutest and most loyal companions you can find. Whether you prefer a fluffy dog like the Bichon Frise or a short-haired breed like the Boston Terrier, there is a small dog breed out there that will fit perfectly into your family. So go ahead and find your perfect furry friend!
H3. Personal Story: How My Chihuahua, Bella, Became My Loyal Companion
When I first brought Bella home, I had no idea how much she would change my life. Bella is a Chihuahua, one of the smallest dog breeds on this list, but she has the biggest heart and the most unwavering loyalty.
As soon as Bella entered my life, she became my constant companion. Whether I was having a good day or a bad day, she was always by my side, offering comfort and companionship. Her small size made her the perfect lap dog, and she would curl up in my lap for hours on end, providing me with a sense of warmth and security.
But Bella’s loyalty extended beyond just being a cuddly lap dog. She quickly became my protector. Whenever we would go for walks, she would walk bravely by my side, always alert and ready to defend me from any potential danger. Despite her small stature, she had a fierce bark that would make anyone think twice before approaching us.
One particular incident stands out in my mind. We were out for our usual evening walk when a stranger approached us from behind. Before I even had a chance to react, Bella let out a loud bark and positioned herself between me and the stranger. Her protective instincts kicked in, and she stood her ground until the stranger backed away. In that moment, I realized just how lucky I was to have Bella by my side.
Bella’s loyalty and companionship have made her an invaluable part of my life. She has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and has brought so much joy and happiness into my world. I am grateful every day for the small but mighty presence of my Chihuahua companion.
Olivia Turner, a renowned dog behaviorist and trainer, has an extensive background in working with small dog breeds. With over 15 years of experience, Olivia Turner has dedicated their career to understanding and improving the relationship between humans and their furry companions.
Having obtained a degree in Animal Psychology from a prestigious university, Olivia Turner has conducted numerous studies on small dog breeds and their behavior patterns. They have also worked closely with renowned veterinarians and animal shelters to gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and characteristics of small dogs.
Olivia Turner is widely recognized for their expertise in training small dogs to exhibit good behavior, including minimizing excessive barking and shedding. They have been invited to speak at several national and international conferences on dog behavior, where they have shared their valuable insights and practical tips with fellow trainers and pet owners.
With a genuine passion for small breeds, Olivia Turner is dedicated to helping individuals find the cutest and most loyal companions that suit their lifestyle and preferences. Their knowledge and experience make them a trusted authority on small dog breeds, ensuring that their advice is reliable and practical.