The 12 Best Small Family Dogs Ready To Join Your Pack

From the Boston terrier to the cockapoo , these spritely and tender pup add extra good to your homely lifestyle and will become your nipper ’ special pals .

As a parent , few things are better in life than hearing your youngster laughing and scampering about with their little furry friend . written report suggestdogs pay close aid to the human being in their family and as a termination , kid are quite capable oftrainingthem .

How To Choose the Best Small Breed Family Dog

Before adding asmall dog breedto your house , make trusted your nestling are old enough to address and handle the dog respectfully . " Little dogs can be sturdy , no doubtfulness , but they should n’t have to consent rough handling or be put at risk of infection by toddlers whose coordination may not be good enough yet to allow them to pace carefully,“Fear Free ’s Kim Campbell Thornton , FFCP , tell Daily Paws .

She also recommends that if you ’re notadopting a dog from a tax shelter , meet with several breeder and be reliable with them about what you ’re looking for in a dog and what your family lifetime is like . " Let them guide your choice , " she adds . " They know their puppies and can help you choose the one that will fit good with your family and life-style . "

Also consider the clip andcost of groomingwhen making your decision . Campbell Thornton say any domestic dog with a curly or long coating , such as aminiature poodle , bichon frise , Havanese , andshih tzu , postulate regular brushing at home and frequent trips to a professional groomer . " If your family is already busy , go for a fluent - cake dog such as atoy fox terrierorBoston terrier , " she advises .

family together outdoors holding a miniature poodle, one of the best small family dogs to own

Photo: Group4 Studio / Getty

As you read the options below for the best small family dogs , you ’ll noticeeveryone is a perfect 10 on the adorableness scale !

Bichon Frise

Beneath the floof of a bichon frise ( judge BEE - shon destitute - ZAY ) beats a heart of gold and a cunning creative thinker . A rooter favorite at dog show , the bichon is also an ancient strain from islands in the Mediterranean , where their silly caper withdraw center stage in both royal courts and circus tents as far back as the 1300s . So endearing , they pick up ontricksquickly and volunteer a threefold fillip ofnot cast off much .

Havanese

Even though they ’re appoint after their topographic point of prominence in Havana , Cuba , the energetic Havanese is actually a cousin of the bichon . And talk about a performing artist ! This clever pupper with the bouncy footmark responds so well topositive reinforcement trainingthat — get this — some have teach to herd chickens and ducks ! In addition to being a brisk kin chum , a Havanese is also a great dog breed forretirees .

Shih Tzu

Look up " lick dog " in the dictionary , and there sit a shih tzu ! Once known as " under the table " dogs in China 1,000 geezerhood ago , they really are n’t supposed to do much of anything but be soft , cuddlesome looker who require all , yes , all , of your tending . Surprisingly , they did n’t arrive in the U.S. until the fifties . Now pet parents who want a tiddler - friendly frank ca n’t get enough of thisfluffy playmate .

Boston Terrier

Known as the " American Gentleman , " a dapper and bright Boston terrier is also a total bozo ! Considered one of the most pop and best smallfamily dogs , they positivelyloveto manoeuvre . However , as abrachycephalic breed(flat - face ) , they really do n’t require a lot ofexercise . Chasing balls , dodgingsprinklers , and read off for treats makes day-after-day life only a delight .

Schipperke

And the congenialness award goes to … the spunkyschipperke ! This bouncy Belgian wonder fits right into the groove of an active kinsperson with a sparky personality that lights up even more in the company of small fry , other dog-iron , and even cats onceofficially enter . Here ’s a puppy who benefits from regularsocializationand daily vigorous exercise so you know how to convey all his push . work up him anagility courseand you ’ll be endlessly entertained .

Miniature Schnauzer

Another perfect pooch for the pack on the go is theminiature schnauzer . A native ofGermany , they used their fuzzy snoot to steady down out vermin , so with that kind of intelligence and pluckiness , just think how this tenacious terrier will take totricks ! They ’re a " Velcro dog " and eager tofollow you aroundand be first on the scene for a newfangled adventure . They ’re a bit more barky than most puppy , though , so lick with a behaviorist to understand what they ’re trying to tell you and how tocontrol it .

Miniature Poodle

If someone in your household has dog allergies but still longs for an intelligent , athletic dogtooth friend , the snuggableminiature poodlemight be the response . As the poster pup for being nearlyhypoallergenic(no breed iscompletely ) , they ’re one of the well - behaved small dogs and supereasy to trainnot only for fun , but also for design . Since they ’re such sensitive sweeties , they do favor a more mellow bread and butter surround , so keep that in mind .

Bolognese Dog

Campbell Thornton saysBolognese dogsare overbold , amusing , and rum , and they require nothing more than to drop prison term with their people , doing whateverthey’redoing ! Also known as " Bolos , " these precious niggling snowballs were coveted associate among European nobleness as far back as the Renaissance . However , they ’re surprisingly ruff ' north tumble , always ready for ahikeor romp in thebackyard .

Cockapoo

append one part poodle to one partcocker spanieland this match the tender - heartedcockapoo . Considered one of the most democratic hybrid breeds in the U.S. , they ’re a lovable , felicitous - go - prosperous doggo who ’s never fill a alien . As such , they do n’t like being alone for long , and might developseparation anxietywithout right preparation ( always best to confer with a trainer or behaviorist ! ) . Fortunately , they ’re eager to bet and explore with abandon , becoming your true canine sidekick .

Coton de Tulear

Another former majestic favorite , this time fromAfrica , is theCoton de Tulear . Pronounced " knockout - tawn day too - lee - are , " this chirpy puff of fluff amaze her name from the French word for cotton wool as well as the Madagascan interface of Tulear . Quite the mass - pleaser , preparation with treatsworks well with this quick - witted pooch , who ’s also a toptravel companion . Campbell Thornton say as an added fillip , cotons are n’t yappy , although they ’ll sound the alarm in the outcome of anything out of the average .

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Honored in paintings over the centuries and beloved by kings and queens , theCavalier King Charles spanielis also completely content in your home , particularly if they can nestle right beside you jolly much all day long ! Alert , favorable , and kind , they can exchange between being furry comfort or a rousinggame of fetchin an instant ! All creatures in the house , human and otherwise , will love thiscalm kinfolk dog .

Toy Fox Terrier

Now here ’s one of the beneficial modest mob dog-iron breeds you might not think of at first — thetoy fox terrier . Also called an " Amertoy " terrier because the toy dog version of the Englishsmooth fox terrieroriginated in America , expect a batch of flavor — and maybe a bite of mischief!—from this affectionate four - pawed chum . Theyloveinteractive toy and games(they’re so brilliant , you might even be able-bodied to teach them totalk with buttons ! ) and cohabitate best with older children .

Young Black brother and sister cuddle with white small curly-haired dog on floor