Are you looking for the perfect family dog? You’ve come to the right place because we will help ease the selection process for you. Choosing the right dog according to your family life depends on various factors. If you’re someone with an apartment living situation, a small house, or have a confined space, then bringing home a small canine is the right way to go.

We have gathered 7 small dog breeds that make perfect companion dogs for your family. They get along well with all family members and are well-suited to play with children who know how to behave around small dog breeds.

These four-legged friends have an affectionate personality, a friendly nature, and a gentle demeanor, which allows them to form strong bonds with their pet parents.

Read on to learn more about these wonderful companions, how they fit into your family dynamics, and how you can ensure these small breeds remain well-behaved pups as they grow older.

Best Small Dog Breed For a Loving Family Dynamic

1. Bichon Frise

Little balls of fur with an eager-to-please attitude, Bichon Frise are bright and cheerful dog breeds who love to be the center of attention and thrive in human interaction. These small dogs were originally bred to perform in circuses, but now are a wonderful choice for family life. They love learning new tricks and grasp commands quickly because of their intelligence.

Their happy-go-lucky attitude and sweet nature are hard to miss and have made them people’s favorite all over the world. These dogs are alert and can also be great watchdogs, only if trained otherwise; they think of everyone as their friend and get along with everyone.

These friendly dogs are highly intelligent and smart, which makes the training process so much easier. According to PetMD, they master potty training cues like sit and stay very quickly because of their intelligence and eagerness to please.

2. Poodle

Poodles come in three different sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, but regardless of the size, these small dog breeds are lively, fun-loving, and active. They are intelligent, which makes it easier to train these pups.

These cute dogs thrive with human interaction, and if they’re not getting enough attention, they may tend to bark and show unwanted behaviors.

Poodles are easy keepers and become great family dogs. They thrive with active families and prefer to be with people who can understand their needs. They require plenty of daily physical and mental stimulation to feel happy and stay satisfied.

With poodles, regular grooming is an essential part of their life. These pups are also at risk of getting matts in their coat, which is why it should be trimmed or groomed daily, along with regular baths to keep them looking perfect.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Because of their small size and utmost love for people, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most popular small dog breeds that you can own. These canines were originally bred for companionship and enjoy being around their family members, making them excellent family dogs.

Cavs are kind and loyal pups with a gentle nature who need constant companionship from their dog owners. These small dogs do not like to be left for a long time, as they get upset and may tend to show unwanted behaviors.

They are happy and adaptable dogs who are perfect for apartment living or any living situation, for that matter, as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.

According to PDSA, Cavs have playful personalities, and they like to be involved in all the adventures with their family. They are great with children and get along well with everyone.

These dogs can be a bit noisy, which is why early training and socialization are a must. It is recommended to use positive reinforcement methods with these pups to ensure their interest in the process.

4. Boston Terrier

These pups were originally bred as fighting dogs, but over the years, they have captured the hearts of many and become popular family pets. Boston terriers are lively and happy dogs who are quite determined and strong-willed.

They get along well with active children and love a fun play time. These pups are prone to eye injuries, which is why rough play is not recommended.

These pups are named terriers, but do not belong to their group nor behave like them. They would prefer staying indoors with their family rather than getting into trouble or being a part of mischief. These pups do not prefer much exercise but are all in for a fun time with their owners.

Boston terriers are easy to groom. Owners can use grooming mitts once a week to remove dead hair from their coat. This not only helps to keep their coat looking sharp and clean but also prevents doggie odors.

5. Beagles

Bred for being a hunting companion for Englishmen, Beagles are a cheerful, friendly, and active breed that make the perfect family pets. These dogs have an affectionate nature, are smart, energetic, and have an adorable face, which makes your heart melt.

According to Purina, this small breed was bred to work in packs, which is why they get along well with humans and other dogs and new pets in the house. It is not recommended to leave these little dogs home alone for a long duration; otherwise, they may get restless and show unwanted behavior.

The amount of exercise this breed needs depends on their age and health. These pups may be active, but they prefer lounging on the couch rather than moving around. However, it is important to exercise these dogs to keep their health in optimal condition. You can also plan an exercise routine for these pups using our dog exercise calculator.

6. Maltese

Known to be one of the highest valued dogs in society, Maltese are easily identified because of their long silky coat that sweeps on the floor, while their head hair is tied in a top knot to give them their signature look. These pups are intelligent, have an affectionate nature, and are lively with a playful spirit.

These small dogs have a calm demeanor, but they snap at children if they act out; otherwise, they get along well with everyone, making them suitable for families. These family dogs are highly alert and may even bark to alert their pet parents if something seems out of the usual.

Maltese tend to be light shedder which makes them a great choice for adults or children with allergies. They don’t prefer outdoor activities and would much rather stay indoors.

Because of their small size, these pups are ideal for families living in confined spaces or small apartments and houses. Their favorite pastime is to hang out with the family and prefer interactive play with children who know how to behave around dogs.

7. Pomeranian

A true toy breed that only weighs around 3-7 pounds, the Pomeranian was the most favorite and loved companion of Queen Victoria. They have a fluffy double coat along with a fox-like alert face, which gives them their signature look. They are perky and friendly little dogs with a big personality.

They are high-energy dog breeds who are well-suited for active families. They have a fearless nature and behave as if they’re much bigger than they actually are. This small dog breed is intelligent and are quick learners which allows them to excel in obedience competitions as well.

Poms are great with children, but only those who know how to behave around small dogs. They are alert dogs and will not shy away from barking if the need arises. Their double coat needs regular grooming every once or twice a week, to stay in optimal condition.

Conclusion

Many small dog breeds are ideal for a small family and smaller spaces. These pups have the best traits and bring warmth into your homes. Their playful nature and affection towards their family and kids in the house make them ideal dogs for companionship.

These breeds are ideal for families who enjoy an energetic yet relaxed small breed that is not much high maintenance but does require attention from their favorite humans. So, choose your favorite small breed today and bring home love, warmth, and pawsitivity.