Tuesday, May 26, 2026

20 small dog breeds suitable for kids


There are many small puppies with appropriate personalities that can provide wonderful supplements for families with young children.

Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC), said that almost all families with children can keep dogs, but certain factors need to be considered.

“Dogs teach children about responsibilities and the importance of caring for pets,” he said Weekly newspaper“When choosing a dog for your family, it is important to consider your lifestyle and the age of your child.

“If a child is too young, a delicate dog is not suitable for a noisy two to six year old. Those children may live a stronger but more stable breed.”

AKC experts added that different dog breeds may be more suitable for specific situations.

He said: “Some breeds have enough patience, some breeds have the energy to play for a few hours, while others are inherently protective of family members.

“Understand that although dogs benefit from training, it is important to teach your children to be gentle and interact with their canine partners in the right way.

“If you need guidance to choose the breed that suits you, the breeder is a good starting point, and by talking to them, you can understand what it’s like to live with the breed you are considering.

“They have a wealth of knowledge and information that can help you make the right choices for your family.”

Read on to learn which small dog breeds are the best pets for families with children.

1. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is an alert and lively breed, eager to please
Mixed shapes/Getty Images

The American Eskimo Dog may be known for its striking white coat. It is an alert and lively breed, eager to please.

AKC’s chief veterinary officer said: “They are very social animals and get along well with their families and other dogs.”

2. Boxer

boxer
The Boxer is a smart, trainable and loyal dog breed that likes humans, especially children
SStajic/Getty Images

The boxer is a large and active breed that requires daily exercise and a short coat that requires weekly brushing.

Dr. Klein said: “The boxer is a smart, trainable and loyal dog breed that likes humans, especially children.”

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly partners and thrive in families with children
Tatiana Volkava/Getty Images

The cute King Charles Spaniel breed is a natural companion.

Dr. Klein said: “The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly companion and will thrive as a member of the family. They are cheerful and easy to train.”

4. Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier
The rat terrier likes to please its owner, so this breed is a well-trained partner
L Toure/Getty Images

This freewheeling and playful breed is sensitive and intuitive. Through training, socializing and a little patience, this dog breed can become a valuable member of any family with children.

The American Kennel Club tells Weekly newspaper: “The rat terrier likes to please its owner, so they are good partners and well-trained.”

5. French Bulldog

French bulldog
French bulldogs are affectionate, naughty, intelligent, and adaptable dogs, which are good for children
SouthWorks/Getty Images

This purebred breed has an easy-going personality, making them excellent family friends.

“French people are affectionate, naughty, intelligent, and adaptable dogs. They are very good to children,” said Dr. Klein.

7. Welsh Terrier

Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is suitable for children and other dogs
Slow Life/Getty Images

This energetic dog breed is known for making friends and is naturally affectionate.

AKC Chief Veterinary Officer said: “Because they are high-energy dogs, they like to engage in high-intensity activities, such as running with their family.”

8. Beagle

Beagles
The Beagle breed is considered a caring family companion and is always keen to be part of the action
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The Beagle breed is considered a caring family companion and always aspires to be part of the action.

Dr. Klein said: “They are great for kids and other dogs,” but added, “They are active dogs and require a lot of interactive games.”

9. Pug

Chris Amaral
Pugs are easy-going, naughty, affectionate dogs with a peaceful temperament
Chris Amaral/Getty Images

These sturdy, compact purebred dogs are classified in the toy group of the American Kennel Club and are known for their outgoing personality.

“Pugs are easy-going, playful, affectionate, and gentle. They are loyal and loyal to their families,” said Dr. Klein.

10.Boston terrier

Boston terrier
Boston Terriers are very friendly, portable and passionate about everything they involve
Reuben PH/Getty Images

Boston Terriers are very friendly, portable, and passionate about everything they involve.

Dr. Klein pointed out: “Whether it is walking or socializing with other dogs and people, they are happy and ready to take new adventures.”

11. Australian Terrier

Australian terrier
Australian terriers are precious companions for people living in small apartments
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The Australian Terrier was originally bred to hunt rodents and snakes, and it is also regarded as a watchdog and companion for people living in small apartments.

AKC tells Weekly newspaper“This kind of energetic and intelligent terrier is very suitable for family companions. They are loyal to the family and are vigilant little watchdogs.”

12. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise
Bichon is known as the “great personality” dog in the world, full of charm and friendly character
iv-serg/Getty Images

Bichon is known as the “great personality” dog in the world, full of charm and friendly character.

“This breed is alert, but very curious, and is a good family pet,” said an AKC veterinarian.

13. English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel has a positive personality and is easy to train because they are eager to please their family
LeoniekvanderVliet/Getty Images

Despite their affectionate personality, English Cocker Spaniel owners need gentle and consistent training for their young dogs.

Dr. Klein said: “This optimistic and gentle breed has a positive personality and is easy to train because they are eager to please their families.”

14. Dachshund

Sausage
Dachshund has a strong personality, likes to be noticed and likes to be with relatives
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Doxie’s low profile and lively personality make this breed attractive to families with children of all ages.

The chief veterinary officer of AKC said: “They have a strong personality, they like to be noticed, and they like to be with their relatives.”

15. Havanese

Havanese
The Havanese breed is the happiest when someone is with them
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These cheerful little bichon frises are good companions, they are all a bit outgoing, but easy to train.

Dr. Klein added: “They are also very good watchdogs, and they are happiest when someone is with them.”

16. Poodle

Standard Poodle
Poodle is easy to train, people-oriented, and it is a comprehensive and versatile dog breed
Katherine Lederner/Getty Images

Poodle is divided into three types: standard, mini and toy. It is a sporty and intelligent breed, which is very suitable for any active family with children.

An American Kennel Club expert said: “They are also easy to train, people-oriented, and a comprehensive and versatile breed.”

17. Border Terrier

The border terrier is a gentle dog
The Border Terrier is known as an affectionate dog breed that is good for children
Tim Graham/Contributor/Getty

This affectionate breed is a great childhood playmate and even gets along well with other dogs.

Dr. Klein said: “They are gentle, easy to train, and like to spend time with their owners.”

18. Buggy Hound

Buggy Hound
The Buggy Hound is a laid-back dog breed, very relaxed in the human company
Matt Cady/Getty

This dog breed with the most unique appearance is considered to be adaptable, friendly and relaxed in the company of humans.

AKC Chief Veterinary Officer told us Weekly newspaper“This low-key hound is charming, loyal, and naughty to children.”

19.Brussels Griffin

Brussels Griffin
The Brussels Griffon is a very loyal dog breed and likes to get along with children
Okssi68/Getty Images

The Brussels Griffin is considered a smart and loyal toy dog, both playful and energetic.

However, Dr. Klein warned: “They don’t like being alone, so they like being close to humans.”

20. Phalaenopsis

Papillon
Papillon translates to “butterfly” in French, they are eager to join the family fun
Akifyeva Svetlana/Getty Images

This dog breed derived from the toy terrier breed is described as happy, alert and friendly.

The Chief Veterinary Officer of AKC added: “They are eager to join the family fun and prefer to be with their owners rather than alone.”



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