10 Best Small Dogs for Kids: A Complete Breed Guide

Introduction: Choosing a Small Dog for a Family with Kids

Bringing a dog into a family with children is a big decision, and small breeds are often at the top of the list. They’re portable, cuddly, and fit well in smaller homes. But not every small dog is a natural fit for kids. According to iHeartDogs, some small breeds are better suited to family life than others, and the site highlights ten that tend to do well with children: the Beagle, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Pug, Toy or Miniature Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Shetland Sheepdog, and Boston Terrier.

However, iHeartDogs cautions that dogs don’t come with guarantees—any dog needs training, regardless of breed. It’s also worth noting that larger dogs are less fragile and less likely to be accidentally injured than small breeds, so families with very young children should consider size carefully. Before you commit, it helps to understand [what to know before getting a dog, especially the long-term responsibility involved.

In this guide, we’ll walk through each of the ten breeds, offer tips on matching a dog to your child’s age and energy level, and cover essential care and safety considerations. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion for a school-age child or a gentle lap dog for an older kid, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Quick Comparison: The 10 Best Small Dogs for Kids

Breed	Best For	Exercise Needs	Grooming	Key Caution
Beagle	Active families	High	Low (short hair)	Follows nose; needs solid fence
Maltese	Older kids, calm homes	Low	Moderate	Fragile; may snap at toddlers
Bichon Frise	Playful families	Moderate	High (curly coat)	Mats without brushing
Pug	Young children	Low	Low	Prone to overheating
Toy/Miniature Poodle	Older kids	Moderate	Moderate	May lack patience for young kids
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Gentle families	Moderate	Moderate	Happiest with people
Yorkshire Terrier	Older children	Low–moderate	High (long coat)	May become yappy
Miniature Schnauzer	Active, structured homes	High	Moderate	High prey drive
Shetland Sheepdog	Active families	High	Moderate	May herd children
Boston Terrier	Quieter households	Moderate	Low (short coat)	Can become territorial

The 10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids (Profiles and Temperaments)

Beagle

Beagles are friendly, happy dogs with short hair that need a lot of exercise—much of which can come from playing with kids. As scent hounds, they follow their nose, so a solid fence is recommended to keep them safe at home (iHeartDogs). Their short coat is relatively easy to maintain, making grooming a low priority compared to their exercise needs.

Maltese

Bred to be companion dogs, Maltese may be snappy or get injured by toddlers, but they adore older kids. They get by with short walks and brief indoor runs, making them a good fit for calmer households (iHeartDogs). Their small size means they are more fragile than larger breeds, so gentle handling is essential.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are playful, energetic, and were bred to be companions. The AKC describes them as a “cheerful” breed. Their curly hair needs regular brushing to avoid painful mats (iHeartDogs). This grooming requirement is a key consideration for families who may be short on time.

Pug

Pugs love kids and are sturdy enough to avoid being easily injured by rambunctious children. They are strong-willed but rarely aggressive, have low exercise needs and little grooming, and are prone to overheating (iHeartDogs). Their sturdy build makes them a better choice for families with toddlers than more delicate breeds.

Toy or Miniature Poodle

Toy and Miniature Poodles are bred primarily for companionship (unlike Standard Poodles) and are described as the second-smartest dog breed in the world. They are easily trained but may lack patience for young children and suit older kids (iHeartDogs). Their intelligence means they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, playful, patient, and eager to please. They have moderate exercise needs, are happiest with their people, and are often used as therapy dogs (iHeartDogs). If you like spaniel-type companions, you may also enjoy learning the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel family’s cousin, the Cavoodle.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers have a large dog personality in a tiny body. They do best with older children, are very intelligent and easy to train, though they may become yappy (iHeartDogs). Their long coat requires regular grooming, though the source doesn’t specify details.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are very playful and easy to train. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and have a high prey drive, likely chasing anything smaller than themselves (iHeartDogs). Families comparing alert, family-oriented dogs may also find our guide to Miniature Schnauzer-style guard dogs useful.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are eager to please and hard-working with a lot of energy. They may herd children if not given an appropriate outlet, and are extremely intelligent and easy to train (iHeartDogs). Their high energy means they need structured activities and plenty of exercise.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers, called the “American Gentleman,” are happy-go-lucky and easily trained. They are generally quiet if trained well as puppies, love being around people though can become territorial, and have a short coat needing minimal grooming (iHeartDogs). Early socialization can help prevent territorial behavior.

Matching the Right Breed to Your Child’s Age and Energy Level

Not all small dogs are equally suited to every child. Age and energy level play a big role in finding a good match. For families with toddlers, sturdier breeds like the Pug may be a better choice, as they are less easily injured by rambunctious play (iHeartDogs). Breeds that are more delicate, such as the Maltese, may be snappy or get injured by toddlers but tend to adore older kids (iHeartDogs).

Older children who can handle a dog with care often do well with intelligent, trainable breeds. The Toy or Miniature Poodle, for example, is easily trained but may lack patience for young children, making them a better fit for older kids (iHeartDogs). Similarly, the Yorkshire Terrier does best with older children and is very intelligent and easy to train, though they may become yappy (iHeartDogs).

Energy level is another key factor. High-energy breeds like the Beagle need a lot of exercise, much of which can come from playing with kids (iHeartDogs). The Shetland Sheepdog is also eager to please and hard-working with a lot of energy, but may herd children if not given an appropriate outlet (iHeartDogs). The Miniature Schnauzer is very playful and easy to train but needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation (iHeartDogs). These breeds may be better suited to active families who enjoy outdoor play and can provide structured activities.

For calmer households, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affectionate, playful, patient, and eager to please, with moderate exercise needs (iHeartDogs). The Boston Terrier is happy-go-lucky and easily trained, generally quiet if trained well as puppies, and loves being around people (iHeartDogs). These breeds can adapt well to quieter lifestyles while still enjoying family time. If you want a dog that forms a close bond, some of these breeds also appear among the most clingy dog breeds.

Care, Training, and Safety Considerations for Small Dogs

Regardless of breed, iHeartDogs emphasizes that dogs don’t come with guarantees and any dog needs training. This is especially important in families with children, where consistent rules and positive reinforcement help dogs and kids coexist safely. Small dogs may be more fragile than larger breeds, so gentle handling should be taught early. The article notes that larger dogs are less fragile and less likely to be accidentally injured than small breeds (iHeartDogs). Some breeds are also more sensitive to rough handling and loud environments, so calm, respectful interaction matters.

Grooming needs vary widely among small breeds. Bichon Frises require regular brushing to avoid painful mats due to their curly hair (iHeartDogs). Yorkshire Terriers, with their long coats, also need regular grooming, though the source doesn’t specify details. In contrast, Pugs have little grooming needs, and Boston Terriers have a short coat needing minimal grooming (iHeartDogs). Beagles have short hair, which is relatively easy to maintain (iHeartDogs). If allergies are a concern, compare coat types and consider hypoallergenic options before choosing.

Exercise requirements differ too. Beagles need a lot of exercise, and a solid fence is recommended because they follow their noses (iHeartDogs). Pugs have low exercise needs but are prone to overheating, so care should be taken in hot weather (iHeartDogs). Miniature Schnauzers need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and their high prey drive means they may chase anything smaller than themselves (iHeartDogs). Shetland Sheepdogs have a lot of energy and may herd children if not given an appropriate outlet (iHeartDogs).

Training is essential for all breeds. Toy and Miniature Poodles are easily trained, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please (iHeartDogs). Boston Terriers are easily trained and generally quiet if trained well as puppies (iHeartDogs). Yorkshire Terriers are very intelligent and easy to train, though they may become yappy (iHeartDogs). Early socialization and obedience training can help mitigate potential issues like territorial behavior in Boston Terriers (iHeartDogs). For apartment families, it also helps to know which breeds are easiest to potty train.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Dogs and Children

Are small dogs good with kids? Many small dogs can be great with kids, but it depends on the breed and the individual dog. iHeartDogs lists ten breeds that tend to do well with children, including the Beagle, Pug, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. However, the site cautions that dogs don’t come with guarantees and any dog needs training.

Which small dog breeds are best for young children? Breeds that are sturdy and tolerant are often a better fit for young children. Pugs, for example, love kids and are sturdy enough to avoid being easily injured by rambunctious children (iHeartDogs). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, playful, patient, and eager to please, making them a good choice for families with young kids (iHeartDogs).

Are small dogs fragile? iHeartDogs notes that larger dogs are less fragile and less likely to be accidentally injured than small breeds. This is an important consideration for families with toddlers who may not understand how to handle a small dog gently.

Do small dogs need a lot of exercise? Exercise needs vary by breed. Beagles need a lot of exercise, much of which can come from playing with kids (iHeartDogs). Pugs have low exercise needs (iHeartDogs). Maltese get by with short walks and brief indoor runs (iHeartDogs). It’s important to match the breed’s energy level to your family’s lifestyle.

Are small dogs easy to train? Many small breeds are intelligent and trainable. Toy and Miniature Poodles are described as the second-smartest dog breed in the world and are easily trained (iHeartDogs). Yorkshire Terriers are very intelligent and easy to train (iHeartDogs). Boston Terriers are easily trained and generally quiet if trained well as puppies (iHeartDogs). However, all dogs require consistent training and patience.

What should I consider before getting a small dog for my child? Consider your child’s age and energy level, the dog’s temperament, exercise and grooming needs, and the fact that any dog needs training. Also, remember that small dogs may be more fragile than larger breeds. iHeartDogs recommends choosing a breed that fits your family’s lifestyle and being prepared for the commitment of training and care. The bond between a child and a dog can also be deeply rewarding, similar to the role of emotional support dogs in providing comfort and companionship.

Source: iHeartDogs