Are you looking for a sweet-natured canine to bring into a home with kids? You’ve come to the right place. We have gathered 7 highly affectionate toy breeds for dog lovers who get along well with all family members and are especially great companions for children who know how to behave around small dogs.

Despite their size, these small dogs have a loving temperament and a people-pleasing attitude, which allows them to form strong bonds with their family members. These canines are highly adaptable and do well in large houses, small spaces, and even apartment living as long as their needs are being met properly.

Read on to learn more about these cutesy family dogs who thrive with human interaction, have a playful energy, and make the perfect little companions for both adults and kids.

Top Toy Dog Breeds For Families With Young Children

1. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are a popular toy dog breed that are known for their lively personality and deep loyalty to their owners. They may be small in size, but they are confident and affectionate little dogs who love being surrounded by their favorite humans.

These pups are ideal for apartment living because of their size and have moderate energy levels that can be managed with indoor play and short walks around the block. These small dogs are highly intelligent, which is why it is easier to train them. It is recommended to use positive reinforcement methods and fun activity sessions to keep them engaged.

Yorkies do well with children who are taught to be around small dogs and have a gentle approach towards them. According to the American Kennel Club, they are feisty and brave, more like a big personality dog in a small package. They bond closely with their owners and become loyal companions of their loved ones.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Admired for being the most family-friendly toy dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids, especially those who are gentle with them and understand well how to behave around small pups. Cavs are known for their sweet nature and loving temperament, making them the best lap dogs to bring home.

Cavs love being a part of family gatherings and enjoy a fun play time with kids. They are patient, friendly, and tolerable which makes them great to be around kids and teenagers. They don’t mind rough play, but owners must supervise kids and dog interaction to ensure no one ends up injured.

Cavs have moderate energy levels, which is why play times at home, short walks around the block, and playing fetch in the yard are all they need to feel happy and satisfied. These furry friends should not be left alone for long hours; otherwise, they may tend to show unwanted behaviors.

3. Shih Tzu

Pretty, long coat pups, perfect for apartment dwellers, the Shih Tzu is a wonderful toy dog breed that is known for its affectionate and patient nature. These canines were originally bred to be companion dogs, and they thrive with human interaction and being the center of attention.

According to PetMD, Shih Tzus are lion dogs who have a playful energy, and they love being in the company of their favorite humans. They are happy and sociable dogs who get along well with everyone in the house. They are also great around other dogs, cats, and animals if socialized from an early age.

Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat of silky hair, which is why pet owners must ensure regular grooming for these small dogs to protect their beautiful coat from dirt and debris. If you are unable to manage a long coat, you may go for a professional groomer who can either cut their hair short or help you with maintenance.

4. Toy Poodles

Though small in size, toy Poodles are equally intelligent, friendly, people-oriented, and fun to be with as the standard breed is. These smart dogs like to be involved in family adventures and daily activities. They have a calm yet playful energy, which allows these fluffy dogs to thrive in active families.

Poodles are quick learners and enjoy games that provide them with mental stimulation. They are fun companions and stay well-behaved indoors as long as they are getting their energy needs fulfilled. Though they might not be able to protect, they ensure to alert dog owners if something does not feel right.

These eager-to-please pups are easy to train, but you need to plan out different activities to ensure they pay attention. They have a sensitive nature when it comes to their owners, which is why you can not leave them alone for long hours, or they may get separation anxiety.

5. Pug

Originally bred as companion dogs for the Chinese Royalty, Pugs are admired for their affectionate nature and people-friendly attitude. These pups were selectively bred for being lap dogs, which is why they provide comfort, great companionship, and devoted loyalty to their owners.

Pugs love being the center of attention. They are gentle, playful, and patient, which makes them great to be around kids of all sizes. However, playtimes must be supervised so that kids don’t end up hurting these small dogs. Pugs have prominent eyes, which is why they are prone to getting injured. Special care must be taken.

Pugs have a laid-back attitude and would prefer staying indoors rather than going outside. Though exercise and mental stimulation are important for these dogs, try not to overexert them. These pups have flat faces, which can cause breathing problems, which is why pet parents must avoid getting their bodies overheated, especially in summers.

6. Havanese

Havanese are small dogs that were originally bred to be companion dogs. These happy dogs are cheerful, affectionate, and love being around their pet parents. According to Hill’s Pet, these active dogs love learning new tricks and enjoy a fun play session with their owners. Havanese dogs are highly intelligent, which allows the training process to be much easier.

Early socialization is recommended for these dogs to make them feel less intimidated around strangers. If properly socialized as a new puppy, it helps them get along well with other pets in the vicinity. These pups are alert, which makes them excellent watchdogs; they may have a protective nature, but are not good protection dogs.

Havanese dogs are not at all aggressive, which makes them the perfect fit for a house with kids. However, it is essential to teach kids how to behave around small dogs so they don’t end up hurting the little guy in rough play.

7. Papillon

A breed name that translates to butterfly, Papillons are named so because of their long butterfly-wing-like ears. You can find Papillons in various artworks from the 16th century, and they are still regarded as the most popular and loving companion pets in the US. They are friendly, loving, and fun tiny dogs who love spending time with their family members.

Papillons are good-natured small dogs and interact gently with everyone, which also makes them great therapy dogs. These dogs have boundless energy, and once they’ve had their fun playing, they like to cuddle up in your lap or sit by your side on the couch. As long as they are getting their needs fulfilled, these pups don’t mind adapting to any living situation.

Papillons are high-energy dogs and love to play outside, making them an excellent choice for a house with kids. These pups need a lot of activity to stay happy.

If there’s a properly fenced area, they would be more than happy to run around freely. You can take help from our dog exercise calculator to plan an activity schedule for them to ensure their energy needs are taken care of:

Conclusion

These breeds have the best traits to be called perfect family dogs and the greatest companions for kids. These pups may not be the best protectors, but they are alert and have protective instincts, which is why they bark to let their owners know if something seems fishy.

These little dogs may be small in size, but they have the personality of a large dog. All they need to thrive is enough human interaction, a fun play time with small children, and a lot of love and cuddles from their pet parents. So, what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest breeder and bring home a loving small breed