Toy dog breeds may be small in size, but they carry enormous charm and personality. These little companions were often bred to provide comfort, affection, and companionship, making them perfect for families and individuals alike. Despite their petite frames, many of these breeds have big hearts, proving that friendliness and loyalty aren’t measured in inches.
Families with children or households that already include other pets often seek dogs that can adapt easily to different environments. The best toy breeds shine in this role, offering not only affection but also the patience and social temperament needed to coexist harmoniously. Their playful nature ensures they’re fun for kids, while their gentle demeanor makes them great companions for other animals.
From lap-loving pups to lively little explorers, toy breeds bring joy in diverse ways. They are portable, adaptable to small living spaces, and generally thrive on human interaction. For households searching for a furry friend that blends seamlessly into family life, these toy breeds make an excellent choice.
Friendliest Toy Dog Breeds To Other Pets And Families
1. Shih Tzu
Often nicknamed the “Lion Dog” (from its Mandarin name Shih Tzu Kou), this toy breed is beloved for both its glamorous looks and warm temperament. With origins tracing back over 1,000 years, Shih Tzus were bred in Tibet and later cherished by Chinese royalty as palace companions.
They are sturdy despite their petite frame. PetMD says this breed has existed for centuries, though it was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1969.
What makes them especially family-friendly is their adaptable, affectionate nature. They bond closely with people, enjoy playtime with kids, and usually get along well with other pets.
Shih Tzus thrive in apartments, requiring only moderate exercise—a short daily walk and play sessions suffice. Their true love, however, is being near their humans, often curled up on a lap like a regal little heater.
Owners should be prepared for coat care: their long, silky hair needs regular brushing and frequent grooming to stay tangle-free. In return, they give endless affection, cheerful companionship, and a bit of sass that keeps life entertaining.
Fun Fact: Every modern Shih Tzu is said to descend from just 14 dogs that survived the Chinese Communist Revolution.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, sometimes simply called “Bichon,” is a cheerful member of the toy group, famous for its cloudlike white coat and endearing personality. AKC says a well-sized Bichon stands just under a foot tall at the shoulder.
This small but sturdy dog has been celebrated for centuries as both a companion and entertainer. Their round, fluffy head paired with dark, expressive eyes gives them an unmistakably charming appearance.
Known as one of the most sociable toy breeds, Bichons thrive in households with children and other pets. They’re affectionate, playful, and thrive on human interaction—perfect for families who spend a lot of time at home.
With their intelligence and eagerness to please, they respond well to positive training and often enjoy showing off little tricks for attention. Despite their watchdog tendencies, they’re not aggressive; rather, they assume everyone is a new friend.
These small dog breeds are adaptable, making excellent city or apartment dogs. Their hypoallergenic, velvety coat requires regular grooming to maintain its signature puffball look.
Owners should also keep in mind the importance of health checks and insurance, as this energetic breed can be prone to certain hereditary conditions.
Fun Fact: The Bichon’s sunny personality has earned it the nickname “the world’s great personality dog” throughout history.
3. Havanese
Known as the only native breed of Cuba, the Havanese—sometimes called the “Havana Silk Dog”—is a cheerful and social member of the Toy Group. With their curled-over tails, expressive brown eyes, and luxurious, silky coats that can be clipped, corded, or left flowing, these sturdy little companions charm admirers wherever they go.
Originally treasured by Cuban aristocracy as pampered lap dogs, they later proved versatile as watchdogs, playmates, and even small livestock herders. Today, they thrive as affectionate family companions who bond closely with both children and other pets, provided they’re well socialized.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training enjoyable, and their clownish personality often shines through in playful antics. WebMD says they typically stand between 8.5 and 11.5 inches tall, with the ideal height ranging from 9 to 10.5 inches.
Though their hypoallergenic coat doesn’t shed, it demands regular brushing several times a week to prevent mats. These dogs also crave human company and don’t do well left alone for long stretches.
Energetic but not overly demanding, they adapt well to apartment living as long as they get daily walks and interactive play sessions.
Fun Fact: Some pet owners groom their Havanese in cords, similar to a Puli, giving them a unique, mop-like appearance.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionately called the Cavalier, is a toy spaniel that blends the elegance of nobility with the playful energy of a sporting dog.
Standing no taller than 13 inches, they are recognized for their large, round eyes that radiate warmth, along with a flowing, silky coat available in four color varieties.
True to their gentle temperament, Cavaliers are exceptionally affectionate with children. While their social nature makes them ideal companions, owners should keep in mind their occasional spaniel instincts, which may trigger playful chases of smaller animals.
Adaptable by nature, they can be active adventurers or content lap companions depending on their family’s lifestyle.
Health considerations are important with this breed. Cavaliers can be prone to heart disease (particularly mitral valve disease), eye disorders, ear infections, and certain neurological conditions. Prospective owners are encouraged to seek reputable breeders who follow recommended health screening practices to reduce risks.
Fun Fact: Despite their royal name, Cavaliers are equally happy chasing squirrels in the yard as they are lounging gracefully on a couch.
5. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound—often affectionately called an “IG”—is the toy-sized version of the classic Greyhound, admired for its aristocratic elegance and slender build. With roots reaching back to ancient Egypt and popularity in Renaissance courts, this breed has long been associated with nobility.
These fine-boned sighthounds display graceful curves, long legs, and a short, smooth coat that comes in a wide palette including fawn, cream, blue, black, and red.
Despite their refined look, IGs are playful and affectionate companions who thrive on human closeness. They love curling up on couches and beds, yet still carry the instinctive chase drive of larger coursing hounds—quick movements can send them dashing after small animals.
Their gentle, sweet-natured temperament makes them well-suited for families, though they may shy away from rough play and prefer calmer children. They generally coexist peacefully with cats and dogs of similar size.
Because of their thin coat and low body fat, Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to the cold and need protection in chilly weather. Minimal grooming, however, makes them easy to maintain compared to many other toy breeds.
Fun Fact: Italian Greyhounds were a favorite of European royalty, appearing in portraits of nobles from Catherine the Great to Frederick the Great.
6. Maltese
Also known as the “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” this toy breed has been adored for centuries as a lap dog to royalty and a beloved household companion. The Maltese carries a trademark flowing white coat that adds to its elegance. Behind that glamorous appearance, however, is a lively and affectionate personality.
Maltese dogs are happiest when close to their people. They bond deeply with family members and often become the center of attention, whether performing tricks in the living room or joining in playtime with children.
Their gentle, sweet nature also makes them excellent therapy dogs, capable of lifting spirits in hospitals and care homes. At the same time, they are fearless watchdogs with a sharp bark, ready to alert their family to anything unusual.
While they thrive in affectionate households, Maltese don’t enjoy long periods alone. Separation anxiety can lead to barking or mischief, so consistent training and early socialization are important for a balanced temperament. Despite their dainty looks, they are agile, spirited, and surprisingly bold.
Fun Fact: References to Maltese-like dogs appear in ancient texts, making them one of the oldest known toy breeds.
7. Pekingese
The Pekingese, also known as the “Lion Dog,” is a toy breed with roots in ancient China, where it was bred by nobles to resemble miniature lions—symbols of courage and protection.
Deeply tied to Chinese royalty, this breed once lived exclusively within the Imperial Palace in Peking (modern Beijing). The tiniest of these companions were called sleeve dogs because aristocrats carried them tucked inside their wide sleeves.
Compact and solidly built, these loyal dogs typically weigh up to 14 pounds and are easily recognized by their flowing mane-like coat, wide head, and luminous dark eyes.
Their unique rolling gait adds to their dignified presence. Despite their small size, they display remarkable bravery and independence, often showing a regal self-assurance inherited from their palace lineage.
These small breeds form close attachments to their families, offering loyalty and warmth, though they often choose one favorite person above all. They tolerate children but prefer gentle handling, making them better suited for households that respect their delicate nature. Ever alert, they also make effective little watchdogs.
Fun Fact: The Pekingese first arrived in the West as spoils of war, when British soldiers brought them to England from the Imperial Palace.
Conclusion
When it comes to companionship, many small dog breeds shine as both loyal and affectionate additions to family life. Other popular small dog breeds like the Toy Poodle and Boston Terrier, to playful wiener dogs and cheerful Jack Russell Terriers, also prove that size doesn’t limit love or loyalty.
Their adaptable personalities allow them to blend well with children, other pets, and even busy households. With the right care, consistent socialization, and plenty of mental stimulation, they become excellent family dogs and trusted companions.
Beyond the purebred favorites, mixed breeds and less common choices like the Cocker Spaniel also make remarkable family pets, often combining the best traits of their lineage. Some, with a fluffy double coat, may require more grooming, but their affectionate and gentle nature makes the effort worthwhile.
Whether you seek dogs that are easy to train, eager to play, or content to snuggle, toy breeds—and their small-sized cousins—truly stand out as excellent family pets who bring joy, warmth, and balance to any home.
