10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families
It just doesn't get much cuter than this!
Last month, we brought you the 10 Best Big Dog Breeds For Families for those of you out there that adore the larger, huskier type of pooch. Today, we highlight the best small dogs for families.
Although pint-sized pups might look unassuming, children still need to be taught how to properly interact with any dog, big or small. Small dogs have been known to bite, in some cases more than larger dogs. Yet small dogs do have a certain advantage.
For starters, they can go with you virtually anywhere. There are so many purse and bags out now in pet stores that you can literally take your dog with you everywhere you go.
Plus, for the many city dwellers who still really want to share their lives with a canine companion, a small dog is the way to go.
Oh, and did we mention they are devastatingly cute? (I mean, just look check out the photos below.)
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Maltese
Don’t be fooled by the Maltese. Although they are tiny in stature, they are fearless canines. Typically gentle and affectionate, they are also lively and playful. They are intelligent, quick learners and respond well to rewards. These pint-sized pups weigh anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds.Image: Stockxchng
Image: Flickr
Source: American Kennel Club
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The 10 best big-dog breeds for families
Before you add ANY pet to your house, talk to your vet. They can evaluate your life style and point you in the right direction. I have been reading all of these factoids about these little dogs and no where are their health issues mentioned. If you are going to get some of these little dogs, the first thing you have to know is that most of these are the WORST behaved dogs because owners do not bother to train them. Afterall, if the dog growls or jumps on people, it is easy to just think it is cute or to pick it up and move it. People with larger dogs are more prone to actually train their dogs to behave. I have been bitten and growled at by more small dogs than large dogs.
And be aware that the term “tea cup” usually means “small because there is some genetic problem that inhibits growth. Yorkies….famous in the vet world for liver shuts. Chihuahuas: hydrocephalus, knee problems, too many teeth crammed into a little mouth (especially a problem with the apple heads). The list goes on and on. Better than just choosing a breed and paying out the nose for one that is bred correctly, go adopt one. And NEVER buy one from a pet store. The Continental Kennel Club will register anything and literally anyone that can vouch that their animal is pure bred can get a certificate. They even register mixed breed. Those pet stores say that each puppy was bred by a loving home, most of the time they are from puppy mills. The Amish are particular offenders. Look it up. Nasty video. The don’t believe in using vets. When it is time for one of the “parents” to retire, they are not euthanized, they are killed by whatever manner the puppy millers can use. Sad
Talk to your vet BEFORE getting a dog. Set up a savings account for veterinary emergencies or purchase insurance for your new pet. Train your pet.
The best small dog breed for families (in my opinion as my husband and I own three of the little darlings) is the Papillon, which was left off this list…
You forgot one of the best small breeds. The Havanese
Why not the chinese crested?? Or the smaller size xolo?? Both hairless and great with families!!
KaTea is so right…I bought a chihuahua puppy from a “breeder” and the poor thing isn’t even a year old yet and will have to have surgery to correct a luxating patella. My 3 yr. chihuahua had the same surgery last year and it cost me a small fortune! I did not know that this was a common problem in chihuahuas..Do research on whatever breed you choose..great advice!!!!
My husband and I have 2 Havanese. Lucy, the female, is weird but wonderful. And Dodger, the male, is the best. Wonderful personalities and they don’t shed.
You failed to include the Cairn Terrier. I have had mine for over 12 years and she is absolutely the best dog I have ever had.
I have the cutest, loving, Lhaspo Apso–this is an excellent, healthy, sturdy breed to have. She loves her squeaky toys, other animals, and people of all ages, and she definitely enjoys belly rubs and being combed. She rarely barks-only if someone comes around, and is a very quick learner, don’t know why this breed wasn’t included on your list!
Why not the Pekingnese. If a Shih Tzu is on the list so should be the “pekes”. we have had this breed for about 20 years. They are loyal, protective, fun-loving, & great little alarms. They do need grooming but it’s all worth it.
My comment disappeared while I was typing. I’m recommending the Tibetan Spaniel known as Tibbies. They are similar to the Shih Tzu but do not require the daily grooming and expense of having them professionally groomed regularly. They are supposed to be “au naturel.” I have 3 and couldn’t be more thrilled with them.
Chihuahua should not have been on here I grew up with two they are NOT good family pets.
I just got a chihuahua puppy that was a stray. She is about 4 months. She wasn’t my first choice but I’m so glad I have her. Very smart, very sweet and loyal. Actually a good guard dog. Her bark is 10x bigger then her. Still struggling with the potty training. She knows how to go outside but I sometimes get inpatient waiting. Of course when we go back in she finds a spot to go in the house. Any tips on preventing this? Do they let you know at some point they have to go out? Also, will she eventually want to walk with a leash. Right now I have to practically drag her so I end up carrying her. It’s ok but would like her to walk too. Any tips are appreciated.
You also forgot the Cavalier King Charles, the sweetest dogs. They are the largest of the “toy” breeds. Ihave had my baby for 8 years, easy to train and extremely loyal
Where or where are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the forever puppy!
You are very right about the Maltese, I was blessed with Slick about 6 years ago, and I also have 3 more and they are girls, Bobbie Sue,Pooh, Pansi,These are the most affectionate dogs, and loving and fun! I lost my son, about 3 years ago, and My Slick has been there for me all the time, he can sense when I am hurting and he is always by my side, and they all have little bit of clownliness in them,which I say makes them, like my children, ,sometiimes, I forget they are dogs, and just call them my kids If you get blessed with one of your own, you wont regret it!
The best small dog is the Havanese. They are very good natured, really smart, they do not shed and they love people of all ages, and cats. They are not little yippers and are calm and loving.
I had a Cavalier King Charles on my original list but them narrowed it down and dropped it off!
Thank you everyone for the Havanese recommendations. I think I may to do another list, round 2! Too many cuties for just 10 spaces!
@Jasmine I have a Chihuahua- she is a wonderful, affectionate family pet.
You completely overlooked the Japanese Chin! We have in our family and he’s the best little dog ever–they love people and rarely bark. We love our little guy.
When i was a child, i was bitten in the face by a Labrador, i required stitches after being bitten by a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd (both owned by the same family), and absolutely terrorized repeatedly by 3 Chihuahua’s. The dogs i found that were the most loving to me were a Pittbull (which i treated jsut like a baby, and she treated me with kindness and love in return) who absolutely ran from the neighborhood chidlren in fear, she either hid under the house, or under my beds, scared to death because they said “BOO” to her! A Doberman my auntie had, he wore hoodies, slept in the house on his own bed in my cousins room, and was even shampoo’d with his own brand. he always smelled applicious, and loved bath time! I also had a Tabby/Lynx, he was a declawed housepet and very tempermental. when he wasnt having a mental moment, he was a spoiled brat! My best friend for 10 years, even allowed me to dress him, and parade him in a stroller like a baby!
Havanese dogs are amazing!!!! Such a pity that this breed was overlooked. It could have replaced the yorkie as the havanese are much more tolerant of children.
It seems everyone has a favored pup for the family . My family is composed of my wife and my self . Our breed of choice is Jack Russell or Parson Russell . They both put on a new and different show every day . We had four ,one passed away last year . they are the most loving pups I have ever seen . They don’t like strangers until they are sure they mean no harm to my wife or me . The three remaining pups have been with us over five years and I hope will be with us for a long long time to come !
This list sure seems to follow the standard top 10 AKC breeds….and many of these are known to be difficult with children! I agree with pug and Boston, wonderful, funny, love everybody dogs,but what about Schipperke, Coton de Tulear, or my favorite, Chinese Crested? These breeds are not as common, but are much less tempermental than some that are listed. They also don’t suffer as many of the health problems that over breeding causes. I encourage people to research breeds well, there are hundreds!
Rat Terrier should have made the list in my opinion. They are small. Mine weighs 14 pounds, and they are fairly durable little dogs who will put up with kids fairly well. They also are VERY active little dogs that can keep up with the children and they want to be their owner’s shadow. They have to keep an eye on you at all times to make sure you are not getting away!
My son had Tiny and was unable to be with her much because of his work. I took her and I have had her for 10 years. She was 2 when I first got her. Tiny stays by my side every minute of the day. If I sit she wants beside me or in my lap. When I sleep she wants between my knees. She also wants the cover over her and when she gets too warm she gets on top of it. I don’t have to tell her to get up on my lap, all I have to do is hold my hands together and no matter how far she is she will come and jump or or else I will lift her. Yes, she is spoiled but she won’t let anyone hurt me as long as she is in my lap. I am blessed to have her and I love her dearly. I tell my husband if he loved me like she does, I would never complain. LOL.
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my boyfriend ignored my advise and bought a boston terrier pup from a puppy mill. 2 weeks after we had him,i had to put him to sleep. but before i did it, i let him run with my shepherds thru the fields like he always wanted to do but couldn’t because he was so small. and i told him what a good boy he was. he had genetic defects and then my bf went back and got his brother! his name is stewie 2. he has been the most trainable dog i have ever seen! he seems to have the intelligence of a border collie! i have the 2 big shepherds and the watch stewie and if another dog starts gettin over on little stewie “mama” Luna just walks by and thats enough for the two dogs to stop wrestling! and “papa” Bishop don’t even put up with ruff housing. stewie has been a wonderful dog,to be so little! but he runs with the big dogs!
ive had a few dogs before and the best ones i have owned were my pitbulls they were easy to train loyal great w my kids and everyone else who walked threw my door unless they wernt supposto be there i think everyone has their fav dog and i believe its all in how they r trained and w all dogs u have to be careful my son was just a baby when my father in laws german shepard bit him in the face and hes never done tha before so i believe its the dog and how u train them