Looking for the perfect small dog to join your family, especially with young kids around? It can feel like a tricky puzzle!
Small dogs are super cute and often easy to carry around, but not all of them are the best fit for homes with energetic little ones. Some tiny pups can be a bit fragile or shy when faced with all that childhood energy and curiosity.
Toy dogs are famous for staying puppy-like and lovable their whole lives, making them adorable companions who don’t need tons of space or exercise.
They’re perfect for apartments and families who want a cuddle buddy without the hassle of a big, high-energy dog. Plus, many of these small pups are great for people with allergies, thanks to their hypoallergenic coats.
Ready to find out which toy dogs make the best pals for your kids? Let’s take a look and explore some of the top picks that are as gentle as they are adorable!
Key Takeaways
Meet toy dogs like Yorkies and Papillons that are playful, loyal, and great with kids.
See why Pugs and Shih Tzus make perfect cuddly, low-energy family pets.
Learn how hypoallergenic Toy Poodles and Havanese fit allergy-friendly homes.
Get quick tips on grooming, personality, and family life with these breeds.
Best Toy Dog Breeds For Families With Young Children
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are smart and easy to train. They are very loyal and love to be close to their owners—get ready to have a little shadow following you everywhere!
Their beautiful, silky fur is hypoallergenic, which means they’re less likely to cause allergies in the family. This makes them a great fit for households with allergy concerns.
Playful and Affectionate Personality
This playful and affectionate breed has lots of energy and loves to join in family activities. However, like many small dogs, Yorkies don’t do well in cold weather and can be prone to low blood sugar, so they need a bit of extra care and attention to keep them healthy and happy.
Perfect for Families Who Love a Tiny Watchdog
If you want a tiny, devoted buddy who’s happy to tag along in your tote bag on errands or outings, a Yorkie is a great choice.
They might be small, but they are lively and alert, often acting like a little watchdog. Plus, their low-shedding, human-like hair looks super cute, especially if you like tying it up in a bow! Their spirited nature means they’ll always keep you on your toes.
2. Papillon
Papillons get their name from the French word for butterfly, thanks to their beautiful, wing-shaped ears, as mentioned by PetMD. These small dogs are stylish and graceful, but also very smart. They need plenty of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy and avoid boredom.
Active, Intelligent, and Family-Friendly
Papillons love activities like long walks, agility courses, and playing with their favorite people. They are hardy little dogs who can be great companions for families, especially those with older children who understand how to handle pets gently.
They also do well with other pets and can be a good choice for first-time dog owners or families who travel often.
Minimal Grooming and Loving Companions
Their long, silky fur requires regular grooming—just a few brushes a week to keep it looking smooth. Because their coat doesn’t grow continuously, trims aren’t often needed.
Papillons shine when given puzzle toys and new tricks to learn, but after playtime, they love to cuddle and show off those charming “butterfly” ears.
3. Pug
Pugs are friendly, silly, and full of personality. The AKC says that the breed is often described as multum in parvo, a Latin phrase meaning “a lot in a little”—and that couldn’t be more true! These tiny dogs have big hearts and love being around gentle kids who shower them with affection.
Sturdy, Loving, and Fun-Loving
Though small, pugs are solidly built and enjoy daily walks, but their short, pushed-in noses make it hard for them to handle hot weather.
They’re more the cuddle type than the energetic runner, often earning the nickname “couch potatoes.” Still, they’re lively in their own way—happy, animated, and always ready to entertain family and friends.
Easy Grooming but Watch the Shedding
Pugs have a thick double coat that’s easy to care for, but they do shed quite a bit. Brushing them daily helps keep loose hairs under control and your home cleaner.
With their adorable wrinkled faces and charming personalities, pugs quickly become beloved family members—even if they sometimes demand a little extra vacuuming!
4. Poodle
Toy Poodles are the tiniest of the Poodle family but pack a big personality. They’re playful, intelligent, and surprisingly easygoing when it comes to bath time, which should happen every two to four weeks to keep their fluffy coat looking great.
Portable and Cuddly Companion
These little fluff balls are about the size of a stuffed animal but much more fun to play with. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect sidekicks for families on the go. Toy Poodles are known for their devotion and can live well into their teens, sometimes even reaching 20 years or more.
Smart, Active, and Allergy-Friendly
Toy Poodles love learning tricks and playing games like hide and seek, which kids will absolutely adore. Despite their fancy appearance, they’re quite active and eager to please.
Plus, their hypoallergenic coat is a big bonus for families worried about allergies, making them a wonderful choice for many households and active families. Their intelligence means they thrive on mental stimulation, so regular play and training keep them happy and well-behaved.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred to keep laps warm—and they do it perfectly! Loved by King Charles I and II, these sweet dogs are clever, friendly, and eager to please, making them an excellent choice for first-time pet parents.
Gentle Temperament and Great with Kids
This happy and even-tempered breed is a true friend to everyone, especially children. They enjoy cuddles and gentle play but aren’t fans of roughhousing, so it’s important to teach kids how to handle them with care. Their highly affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions in any family.
Adaptable and Easy to Care For
Though one of the larger toy breeds, Cavaliers are still small enough for apartment living and easy to travel with. They stay healthy and happy with daily walks and moderate exercise.
Their silky coat requires regular brushing to avoid tangles and keep their fur soft. Known for their comforting presence, Cavaliers often excel as emotional support dogs, easily balancing being both loving family pets and calm therapy companions.
6. Shih Tzu
Bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to look like tiny lions, Shih Tzus are small but full of personality. These adorable dogs form strong bonds with their families and require regular professional grooming to keep their long, luxurious coats tangle-free. They thrive in homes where they get lots of attention and care.
Sweet, Outgoing, and Kid-Friendly
Shih Tzus are friendly and love people of all ages, including gentle children. Though some breeders hesitate to place puppies with kids under five, adult Shih Tzus are surprisingly sturdy for their size. With careful supervision, they make wonderful playmates for well-mannered kids.
Low Exercise Needs and Lovable Attitude
Known for their lovable but stubborn nature, Shih Tzus may not always be eager students, but their charm wins everyone over.
Originally bred as lapdogs for Chinese royalty, as per Pedigree, these pups prefer cuddling over long walks. This makes them perfect companions for families, seniors, and apartment dwellers who want a loving, low-energy friend by their side.
7. Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog native to Cuba, and they’re as charming as their island home. These small, fluffy pups are full of energy and love being around people, making them fantastic family dogs who get along well with small children and other pets.
Friendly, Sturdy, and Great with Kids
Originally lapdogs for wealthy plantation owners, Havanese have a social and sweet nature. Unlike many toy breeds, they’re small but sturdy and especially good with respectful children.
Their lively personalities and eagerness to learn make them a perfect match for families who enjoy teaching tricks and playing games.
Low-Shedding and Easy to Groom
Havanese have silky, hypoallergenic coats that need daily brushing, though clipping their fur short can make care easier. They don’t bark much, usually only alerting you when something’s wrong.
With their silly, loving attitude, these happy dogs brighten any home and quickly become beloved family members—sometimes even making friends with the family cat!
Conclusion
When choosing the best dog breeds for your family, it’s important to remember that small dog breeds can be just as loving and loyal companions as their larger counterparts. These small packages often have playful energy and a sensitive nature, making them famously good with kids and adults alike.
Whether you own a purebred or mixed breed, proper socialization and regular walks help your furry friends develop into well-behaved, smart dogs that bond closely with their humans.
Many of the best family dogs are not only good-natured but also protective, showing strong protective instincts while remaining gentle and affectionate. To prevent issues like separation anxiety or excessive barking, basic obedience and consistent human interaction are key.
There are other dog breeds as well that make excellent family dogs. These include the Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Cairn Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, Biewer Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Japanese Chin.
