Imagine a tiny dog curling p beside a toddler during story time ears perked as if carefully listening to each word. Not only that, these small pooches can become a silent protector of innocence. They are not just physically manageable, what make them more special is their calmer demeanor, and high social intelligence enabling them to be good with children.
Parents may worry about the overprotectiveness, but with right training and socialization, the worries can fade. They are often easier for kids to hug, carry, and play with increasing their ability to interact with others via love and care. With time, the emotional bond strengthens which helps the kids feel security and companionship.
Study showed that children who grow up with companion animals are healthy and happy showing more empathy, emotional development and social understanding than those who do not have any pet in their homes.
The Best Toy Dog Breeds for Families with Young Children
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Friendly and easy going Cavalier king Charles spaniel makes a great family dog breed. Their energy levels are minimal, but the love they bring is enough to integrate them into the households having younger kids. They were bred for companionship and were the favorites of British royalty.
Cavs are gentle, loyal and highly trainable small dogs. Their size and adaptable nature allow them to live in various lifestyles provided with constant loving interactions. Their affectionate nature and carving for companionship help them to get along with other pets in the family.
Cavs are smart dogs, who love to participate in different canine sports and learn new commands quickly. They are characterized by sweet expressive eyes, long silky coat with various colors, and floppy ears. These lap dogs are considered the one among perfect breeds for novice pet parents.
2. Pug
Charming pug is another small dog who is highly affectionate with children and adults but only as a single pet in the house. They are tiny in size but a lot in personality. According to AKC, they are mischievous canines with human like expressions that appeal the dog owners the most.
Pug’s love is not limited to its family only; they enjoy making new friends either its small children or grown adults. Back in past, these big personalities were also cherished by Chinese emperors. Pug adores to be loved and is a low maintenance dog breed as well.
Their glossy coats need minimal grooming and also have low energy levels. Pug is a lively and family friendly toy breed who makes great snuggling partner. However, they are sensitive to hot weather and may develop some respiratory problems due to their flat faces.
3. Papillon
The beautiful coat, happy and alert temperament and adaptable nature makes Papillon one of the best dog breeds for families with kids. They are also famous for their butterfly shaped ears, which is why they were named as Papillon; French word means butterfly.
This toy dog breed loves spending most of the time with its favorite humans. These friendly dogs adapt different lifestyle without creating any fuss. They either can be your quiet cuddling partners or a ready steady dog for some outdoor adventure, says Pet MD.
While Papillons are considered as kid friendly small dog breed, their interaction with children should always be supervised, as there are chances of getting injury during indoor playtime due to their tiny size. Since they are prone to separation anxiety, properly socialized papillon is vital for families.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds, thanks to its joyful, affectionate and calm nature. Yorkies just demand loved presence from their pet parents, and in return they bring warmth and more love to them and for their loved ones including children.
Their floor length silky hair not only make them appealing but also a hypoallergenic dog breed. These adorable faces also have some stubborn streak and big dog attitude. Early socialization and obedience training classes are must to raise them as well mannered little furry friends.
Intelligent and eager to please Yorkshire terriers also make great therapy dogs. Moreover, their alert and bossy nature enable them to be fiercely loyal and watchful canines. Though they make perfect lap dogs, mental stimulation and physical activities are equally important for their happy and healthy lives.
5. Havanese
Do not be fooled by the irresistible looks of Havanese as this little dog is an outgoing pooch and has lots of hidden entertainment and energy levels. They are national dog of Cuba and make strong bonds with their pet parents, and are real quick canines to alert them.
A well socialized and trained Havanese does well around children and other dogs in the house, thanks to its loving and well behaved nature. These loving dogs with small size make perfect choice for apartment dweller. However, if they are left alone for longer time span they become vocal and stressed.
Havanese is a relatively high energy dog breed, and needs 30 minutes of exercise on daily basis including short walks and indoor playtime. Even tempered Havanese is one of the best dog breeds for people of all ages as they get on beautifully with kids, and seniors alike.
6. Chinese Crested
Chinese crested dog is famous for its hairless bodies but it also comes in another variety called powderpuff. This small breed has delicate nature and fine boned, and gets along well with different kind of families including kids and other animals.
Chinese Crested are better fitted as apartment dogs, thanks to their petite size, indoor friendly disposition and less barking tendency. They are social butterflies of dog world and are welcoming towards everyone and love making new friends.
These dogs also have cat like attitude you can see them perching on the back of your couches. However, lack of attention and love from their owners may lead to development of undesirable behavior in them. They are high maintenance dogs in context to grooming, no matter which kind of breed you are going to adopt.
7. Poodle
Small package of Poodle makes an excellent family dog due to its high intelligence, manageable size and cute looks of course. Since they are ranked as second best dog breed when it comes to smartness, they often know the desires of their beloved humans before commanding.
These loving pals tend to enjoy their time as lap warmers, especially the toy dog and miniature size. Early socialization and training are must for these pups, to interact them with kids and other pets in the house. What make them more irresistible is their ability to watch over and protective instincts.
According to Orvis, older kids who have prior experience of dog handling do best with toy poodles, due to their sensitive nature against loud voices. Active families can have poodles as their pet as they love to burn off their energy levels via daily walks, agility and hunting.
8. Maltese
Maltese is considered one of the oldest toy breeds who majorly finds in the Mediterranean regions of Malta, though its real origin is doubtful. They were selectively bred for companionship, that’s why Maltese are playful, adaptable and easy to train little companions.
These small dogs were also cherished by old Greeks and Romans, may be due to their eye catching long coat which is pure white and silky. They enjoying siting in the laps o their favorite humans, and do well with those young ones who know how to interact with dogs.
Regardless of their aristocratic history, Maltese are hardy and adaptable dogs. Their coat sheds minimal, but they often required a professional groomer to keep their look at its best. This social canine loves making friends but sometimes may appear as stubborn and strong head.
9. Pekingese
Pekingese are well known toy dogs due to their lion like mane and history where they enjoyed the Chinses royalty. These lap dogs are charming and good natured. Meanwhile they are also recognized as brave dogs among toy breeds, and make fine watchdogs as well.
Interestingly enough Pekes prefer human companionship over canine friendship. They are highly affectionate and loyal companions, making strong attachments with their owners. Proper socialization at early age enable them to get along with kids.
People call Pekingese opiniated pups, which is true as they have been loved by kings and queens in the palaces for so long that still they have a kind of independent nature. Their sole purpose of life is to get comfort and amuse their beloved humans.
Conclusion
In the end, selecting tiny breed for a home having children is not all about its size but the management. Its shaping the childhood for your little ones so that they can remember the memories forever. These small canines bring everything what a pet parents wants – comfort during tantrums, laughter during play, and companionship during quiet moments. This future friend of your child will teach him kindness, empathy and responsibilities in the sweetest way that you have ever imagined.
