Are you wondering what the best small dog breeds are for families with young children?
Finding the right dog can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming. You want a furry friend who is gentle, playful, and thrives as a family pup, while also fitting comfortably into your daily life.
Many parents hope for a perfect family dog that bonds with kids, is patient during play, and brings joy to every moment at home.
That’s why toy dog breeds and small dog breeds are such a popular choice—they are often easier to manage indoors, adapt well to apartment living, and are suitable companions for active families or quieter households alike. Many small dog breeds also adapt well to apartment living.
According to studies, having pets in the home can help children develop empathy, responsibility, and even strengthen their immune systems.
Choosing the right toy dog can turn these benefits into daily experiences, with dogs offering love, play, and gentle interaction.
In this article, we will explore seven wonderful toy dog breeds for families with young children to help you find the ideal furry friend for your home.
Wonderful Toy Dog Breeds For Families With Young Children
1. Papillon
Looking for a playful little companion for your family?
The Papillon is one of the most charming toy breeds you can welcome into your home. Known for their intelligence and alertness, these small breed dogs are full of energy and love interacting with children and adults alike.
Perfect for an active family, Papillons thrive when given both physical and mental stimulation, making them delightful companions for games, training sessions, and family activities.
According to PetMD, Papillons are highly trainable and adapt easily to homes with other pets, offering loyalty, affection, and a cheerful presence throughout the day.
Papillons are tiny but packed with personality. Their friendly demeanor and playful spirit make them ideal dogs or devoted friends.
Some highlights of this breed include:
Quick learners who love puzzles and interactive toys
Extremely affectionate and eager to be near family members
Small size ideal for indoor living or apartment living
Gentle and playful personalities suitable for young children
Fun Fact
Did you know Papillons are named after the French word for “butterfly” because of their large, fringed ears that resemble delicate wings? Their elegance and charm have earned them admiration in dog shows worldwide.
2. Maltese
Curious which little dog can steal everyone’s heart at home?
The Maltese is a timeless favorite among toy dogs and one of the most enchanting small dog breeds you can bring into a family with young children.
Known for its silky coat and gentle nature, this tiny pup thrives on attention and loves being close to people — making it a wonderful companion for kids who enjoy cuddle time as much as playtime.
Maltese dogs are affectionate and lively, often forming strong bonds with family members and fitting well into apartment living or larger homes alike. Their calm demeanor and friendly spirit make them excellent family dogs for households willing to spend a little time on grooming and socialization, often under the guidance of a professional groomer.
Despite their delicate size, Maltese pups are full of playful energy and enjoy short daily activities that give them both physical and mental stimulation. They are ideal for families who want a loyal friend with a sweet personality.
Some highlights of Maltese include:
Compact size and tiny frames make them easy to handle
Loves interactive play and gentle games with kids
Low shedding but requires daily coat care
Affectionate and eager to please
Fun Fact
Did you know Britannica states that a Maltese named Trouble inherited $2 million from its owner, hotel heiress Leona Helmsley, complete with a full‑time security guard?
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Looking for a tiny dog with endless energy and charm?
The Yorkshire Terrier, often called a Yorkie, is a perfect choice for families seeking a lively and intelligent toy breed. These small dogs are full of playful energy, curious about their surroundings, and love interacting with family members.
Yorkies adapt well to apartment living or homes with other pets, as long as twhen they are properly socialized and trained.
According to the AKC, this breed thrives on human interaction and enjoys being included in family activities, making them an engaging companion for children who understand gentle handling.
Despite their tiny frames, Yorkies are courageous and alert. Their spirited nature makes them excellent active breed choices for families who enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation.
Some highlights of the Yorkshire Terrier include:
Energetic and intelligent, quick to learn new tricks
Affectionate and loyal to family members
Requires proper socialization to manage potential excessive barking
Small size ideal for indoor play and cozy cuddle sessions
Fun Fact
Did you know that Yorkies were originally bred in the 19th century to catch rats in clothing mills? Their small size and agility made them perfect little hunters!
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Ever wanted a sweet, loving dog that feels like part of the family?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be the great family dog you’ve been searching for. This gentle small breed is known for its calm demeanor, friendly nature, and strong bond with all family members — especially children.
These dogs love being around people and are often called ‘nanny dogs’ for how well they interact with kids of all ages. If left alone too long, they may show mild separation anxiety, like some other small breeds.
According to the AKC, they are affectionate, easy to train, and enjoy both quiet cuddle time and playful moments with their family.
Their sweet nature makes them one of the wonderful toy breeds for families with children. Despite their elegant looks, Cavaliers are happy with moderate exercise and lots of human interaction.
They do well in homes that can offer both physical and mental stimulation, such as fun games, gentle walks, and learning new tricks.
Here are some highlights of this breed:
A calm and loving temperament makes them great companions
Adapts well to other pets and family routines
Enjoys playtime and quiet snuggles alike
Ideal for both busy homes and relaxed living
Fun Fact
Did you know that Queen Victoria helped make Cavalier King Charles Spaniels popular in England during the 1800s? Her love for the breed helped shape its friendly, companionable personality that families adore today.
5. Brussels Griffon
Looking for a tiny dog with a big personality?
The Brussels Griffon is an energetic toy dog breed that brings joy in a compact package. These small dog breeds are known for their expressive faces and playful energy, making them fun companions for families who want a lively, affectionate furry friend.
They form strong bonds with their humans and are happiest when included in daily family life. With their curious nature and expressive eyes, these pups are full of charm and quirky behavior that makes them stand out among wonderful companions.
However, because of their sensitive nature, Brussels Griffons do best with gentle play and may need supervision around very young kids to keep everyone safe and happy.
Brussels Griffons also enjoy a bit of adventure and mental stimulation through games and short walks. They adapt well to apartment living and can get along with other dogs when socialized early.
Here’s why many families love them:
Small size with a bold, confident personality
Smart and eager to engage with owners
Happy with moderate daily play and attention
Fits well into homes with other pets when introduced carefully
Fun Fact
Did you know Brussels Griffons are sometimes called “Velcro dogs” because they love to stay close to their people and never want to be far from their favorite humans?
6. Pug
Ever wondered which small dog can make your whole family smile?
The Pug is a lovable toy dog with a friendly face and a heart full of affection. These small breed dogs are known for their calm demeanor, playful personality, and smooth coat that is easy to care for.
Pugs are gentle companions that enjoy being around people and make excellent dogs. They don’t need long runs or intense exercise, making them ideal for families looking for a low-exercise companion.
Their happy outlook and warm presence make them a favorite among families looking for a loyal and joyful companion.
While Pugs are low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, they do best with regular short walks and gentle play to provide physical and mental stimulation.
Here’s why many families fall in love with Pugs:
Calm and friendly temperament, great with young children
Enjoys snuggles, games, and easygoing daily routines
Small size makes indoor play simple and fun
Loves human interaction and being included in family time
Fun Fact
Did you know Pugs were once treasured pets of Chinese emperors and were believed to bring good luck and protection to their families?
7. Poodle
Ever wondered which intelligent little dog loves learning new tricks?
The Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds and an excellent choice for families with children. Known for their sharp minds and eager attitudes, Poodles thrive on physical and mental stimulation.
This breed is highly trainable, playful, and eager to take part in family activities, whether it’s learning new commands or playing gentle fetch in the yard.
Poodles come in multiple sizes — including toy and miniature — making them ideal small-dog companions for any household looking for a bright, dedicated furry friend. Their joyful energy often makes them one of the best dog breeds for those who enjoy interactive play.
While Poodles are active and affectionate, they are admired for their gentle temperaments and are easily adaptable to different lifestyles as long as they get attention and playtime.
Here’s what makes them so beloved:
Extremely intelligent and quick to learn
Loves fun games that challenge the mind
Adapts well to family life
Perfect for families who enjoy training and play
Fun Fact
Did you know Poodles were originally bred in Germany as water retrievers and were prized for their ability to swim and retrieve game?
Conclusion
So, which dog breeds will fit perfectly into your family?
These popular small dog breeds bring love, joy, and companionship to every home.
Are you looking for a family pup that thrives with children?
Do you want a furry friend who is gentle, affectionate, and eager to join in daily fun, whether as the only dog or part of a pack?
Each breed offers unique personalities and energy levels, making it easier to find the right dog for your family dynamics.
These choices are endless, from small toy dogs to larger dogs who enjoy family life. Proper socialization, play, and attention ensure your wonderful companions grow up happy and confident.
Investing in the right small dog means years of laughter, play, and heartwarming memories for every family member.
