Bringing a pet into your home, especially for kids, is not just about considering how cute the dog is; it also depends on various other factors that make it easier for you to make the right choice.
While all dogs are known for their loyalty, charm, and companionship, there are certain breeds that not only possess these traits but are also regarded as the smartest dog breeds of the canine world.
These miniature intelligent breeds are quick to learn and follow commands, can sense your mood, are easily trainable, and can adapt to different situations quickly, as compared to other breeds.
We have gathered 7 small dogs who are not just an intelligent breed but also make great family dogs. We will discuss characteristics that make them the perfect family companion, especially for kids. Let’s get on with the article.
Smartest Toy Dog Breeds For Kids
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Regarded as the 44th most intelligent breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the most obedient dogs out there. According to the American Kennel Club, these small dogs tend to learn new commands when repeated 25-40 times, which means you can easily train your dogs in an hour.
King Spaniels have a gentle and patient nature, which makes them a perfect match for kids. These dogs have high energy and love to have a fun time, making them great playmates for little buds in your house.
Because of their calm temperament, they are less likely to be involved in roughhousing, but will always be ready to snuggle up with their best friends on the couch.
These dogs are eager to please their owners, which makes training a breeze. This small breed responds well to positive reinforcement and enjoys learning new tricks every day.
Their obedient nature, intelligence, and willingness make them a great choice for first-time pup owners. However, they may become destructive and depressed if left alone for a long time.
2. Havanese
Energetic and entertaining toy dog breeds, Havanese belong to the Barbichon family of dogs. This small breed is known for its affectionate nature, silky coat, expressive eyes, and signature plumed tail.
Havanese were bred for the sole purpose of being great companions and are a family favorite breed. These pups are especially great with kids of all ages. They are sweet, gentle, and love to play with little kids, making them ideal chums for toddlers to teens alike.
When playing with children and other pets in the house, it is important that the sessions are supervised to prevent these pups from getting hurt and ensure they are not being played with like a toy.
According to PetMD, this is a smart breed that can be trained easily. Havanese may have a barking problem, but nothing that an obedience training session can not solve.
These are generally a flourishing breed, but can acquire various health problems. Regular visits to the vet are necessary to ensure their well-being.
3. Papillon
This European toy spaniel is known for being a happy and outgoing dog breed and enjoys sitting on laps or running around the house with kids. Papillons are small, dainty-looking pups with ears that flare like the wings of a butterfly.
Papillons love playing with children; however, they must be taught to be careful around them because of their small size. Proper socialization from an early age allows them to bond with kids and become a devoted companion.
While this pup has a gentle demeanor, they are alert, watchful, and fiercely loyal towards their owners. They keep a close eye on kids and don’t back out if any dangerous situation occurs.
This pup loves high-energy activities, agility games, and being outdoors. A park visit and a short walk are more than enough for their mental stimulation.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Known for their feisty and affectionate nature, Yorkshire Terriers may be small dogs, but they are the owners of a big personality. These highly intelligent dogs are famous for their loyalty and charming demeanor, making them great family dogs.
This pup is highly energetic, enjoys playing interactive games, and participates in activities for their mental stimulation. This breed has a fearless attitude, which may go out of hand at times, which is why proper obedience training is required to keep them in control and live happily.
It is recommended to spend time training them and hiring or taking help from a professional to ensure they understand basic commands, stay obedient, and have manners. Start from an early age in their life, use positive reinforcements, and keep the training sessions short and fun so they stay eager to learn.
These smart, easy-to-train dogs are great with kids, but require plenty of supervision around them, or they may end up getting hurt. They are ranked among the top smartest dog breeds because of their sharp and curious little brains, making them the perfect, adorable companions to be around kids.
5. Affenpinscher
Fearless dog breeds, brimming with confidence, the Affenpinscher is known as a monkey terrier due to its appearance. This dog breed is affectionate and well-suited for older kids in the house. They act like clowns to make their owners happy, which helps them form a strong bond with their little friends.
They are great family dogs, but kids need to be taught how to be gentler and calmer with these smart dogs and behave appropriately. A rowdy playtime with this breed might cause an irreversible injury. You need to make sure that their interaction with active kids is always supervised.
They take protecting their family members quite seriously. This courageous quality makes them excellent watchdogs for a household.
This dog needs short or long walks daily, along with exercise and activities to stay smart and obedient. This breed is a great contender in dog sports like agility, rallies, and obedience competitions.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are intelligent dogs with large personalities. Their high intelligence allows them to enjoy learning new tricks and following commands. They do great with training and perform well in mental stimulation activities.
They like their independence, and because of this, they prefer to walk on the ground rather than being a lap dog. Their small size makes them fragile and vulnerable to rough play and handling. However, this does not mean that Pomeranians and children don’t get along well.
They are easier to carry and handle for children. They’re less likely to knock a child over in the excitement. They’re playful, affectionate, and easy to train dogs, which makes them great pets for kids.
According to PetPlan, they need 30 minutes of exercise a day. They love staying around people they love.
7. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a charismatic and captivating dog breed that effortlessly steals the hearts of their owners. These loyal, smart, and admired dogs are known for their unique appearance, expressive eyes, distinctive beard, and wiry coat that demands aspiration.
Despite being a small dog breed, these pups boast an attitude larger than life. They have a playful and social personality and are easy to train, which makes this intelligent dog an excellent pet for your household.
These dogs are the perfect fit for active families as they require a lot of attention and time from their owners. If you have a busy schedule, you must think twice before adopting them. This is a generally robust breed, but it may acquire certain genetic health problems as it grows old.
This breed is excellent with kids and matches their energy well, making them great playmates. Proper training and socialization ensure your dog forms great bonds with you from a very young age. Supervision during playtime is important to prevent any accidents.
Conclusion
The smartest toy dog breeds prove that small size doesn’t limit big brains or big hearts. Their playful energy, quick learning, and affectionate nature make them wonderful companions for children, blending fun with friendship in the best way possible.
The above-mentioned dog breeds are not only loyal companions and loving breeds, but are also highly intelligent breeds that make the perfect best friend for your kids.
So, what are you waiting for? Make the right choice today and bring an intelligent and low-maintenance dog to your house!
