Picking a dog breed when you have a kid at home should be done with care and consideration. There are several best medium dogs best for kids, and even more best small dogs for kids which new owners can choose from.
In the below list, our dog breed experts have picked the 35 best dog breeds for kids. The list includes about half the best medium dogs for kids and another half for small dogs.
All these breeds have been shown to behave very well around small children and are perfect family dogs.
Before you get one of these dogs listed below, here are two useful video guides for you:
Teaching kids to behave around dogs and vice versa is important for everybody's safety.
Because of its importance, we’ll also give you a quick summary here.
Tips for Helping Kids and Pets Get Along
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll notice plenty of experts suggest waiting until your kid is about five years old or so before you add a dog to your family.
At this point, they’ll better understand when you teach them what they should and shouldn’t do.
If you already have a dog and welcome a kid, or end up adding a pup to your family before then, don’t worry. Everything can still work out great.
The most important thing to remember is always to supervise your dog and kid when they are together. Do this regardless of the breed.
It would help if you also remembered that every dog is different. Just because a breed is on this list, that doesn’t automatically mean that all dogs from that breed will be great with your kids from the start.
You will need to train and socialize your dog well.
Don’t forget that even well-behaved dogs that are great with kids may reach their limit if you don’t teach your kids to interact with them properly.
That’s part of why you should always supervise interactions.
What to Consider When Finding a Kid-friendly Dog?
Don’t forget to think about what will make a dog on this list the perfect fit for you and your family. Keep the following considerations in mind.
Energy Levels
Think about how active your family is and choose a breed that matches your energy levels.
Whether you tend to stay home or love going on long hikes, you can find a dog that’ll love joining your family activities.
Size
Think about how your family will do with a dog of a given size. For example, if you get a tiny dog, it may be more fragile.
Tiny, fragile dogs are typically better for older kids, and you may want to stick to medium-sized ones for younger children.
Required Care
Of course, don’t forget to think about how much care the dog needs. How often does it need baths? How long of walks does it need? Will it likely have expensive health problems in the future?
Make sure your family can handle your future dog’s needs.
With that in mind, take a look at the best medium and small dogs for kids.
35 Best Medium and Small Dogs for Kids
1. Labrador Retriever
Well-known Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds globally and are considered the best small-medium-sized dogs for kids and simply amazing family pets.
As they are also known, labs are kind animals who love to play, know what strong patience is, and love people and especially kids.
They are very protective of their owners, especially children they spend time at home to be your reliable friend and guard.
2. Beagle
A hunting dog who turned out to be an amazing family pet! Beagles are the best small dogs for kids because of their complete domestication and desire to stay at home with the family.
They prefer being active at home, so energetic kids definitely have a blast with this dog breed.
Also, Beagles are sturdy, just as Bulldogs, and they can take and even tolerate most of the damage done by kids while playing; the dog gets tired too quickly.
It's a brilliant and friendly breed that will be an amazing home pet.
3. Shih Tzu
Exotically named Shih Tzu dogs are not only one of the best small dogs for kids, but they're also one of the cutest breeds. Shiz Tzus are very small, friendly, playful, and sweet dogs who are very loyal to those they spend a lot of time together.
So if your kids love playing with pets, this dog breed will accompany them in their playful endeavors and join in whenever possible.
4. Maltese
Another one of the hypoallergenic dogs, Maltese, is also great with children, and despite their long coats, they shed very little.
Aside from being in love with kids, this dog breed is absolutely great with other people, animals, pets, and even cats.
This dog will require a lot of attention and some grooming needs. They don't like being alone and constantly seek to play and communicate.
5. Pug
Pugs are wonderful with kids, mostly because every child adores this breed. This breed is loving, friendly, and curious of children; they love spending time with kids and giving into their chaotic games.
Pugs are known to be very accepting and generally nice dogs that will never be mean to anybody, making them a perfect fit for families with small children.
RELATED: 17 Small Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids
6. Miniature Schnauzer a Small Dog for Kids
Miniature Schnauzer is not only the most popular of the Schnauzer dog family but one of the most sought-after dog breeds, which makes them expensive.
However, this dog is not only small and cute, but it's one of the best dogs for kids and families in general.
While they can sometimes have an attitude, for the most part, this dog is brilliant, cheerful, and loves playing around.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Adorable, small, popular toy dog breed Yorkshire Terrier is great for those kids who love to move a lot, be adventurous and explore.
This dog is very active and constantly interested in trying out new things, and when paired with the right type of children, all of them will have a blast together.
They are affectionate to people but require a lot of attention and can get loud.
RELATED: Best Dog Food for Yorkies – How & What to Feed Yorkshire Terriers?
8. Shetland Sheepdog
Another beautiful dog breed, the Shetland Sheepdog, is great for kids with an energetic personality.
Shelties love to move and jump around constantly, and they will ensure that your child doesn't stay still most of the time while also having an amazing playful time.
However, this is also one of those breeds that require regular grooming and special attention.
9. Miniature Poodle is a Great Small Dog for Kids
Just as their bigger family members, Miniature Poodles are also brilliant dogs that will get along well with kids and other dogs and cats.
This is a hypoallergenic dog breed that is perfect for children with allergies. They shed very little, are easy to train, and are a true loyal companion.
On the other hand, Miniature Poodles can be caprice and do require regular grooming.
10. Standard Poodle
Very famous Standard Poodles are considered the best small dogs for kids because of their calmer, more gentle nature.
They love people and especially children, and are generally brilliant dogs. Furthermore, they're also one of the best hypoallergenic dogs, so if your kids have any issues with allergies, this can be a potential winner on your list.
11. Basset Hound
Originally bred for hunting rabbits and other games, this dog has become a loyal family pet and is one of the best small dogs for kids.
Basset Hounds are very laid-back, oftentimes even lazy, and sturdy dogs that can take most punishment from kids with great patience.
If living in the apartment, this dog breed can get very loud, however, and it's difficult to fight with their stubbornness.
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12. English Setter
English Setters, also known as Moderate Setters, is a very easygoing nature dog breed of medium size.
They are affectionate of people, genuinely love kids, and are considered easily one of the best small dogs for kids (or rather, small-medium sized).
English Setter will be a loyal companion interested inactive lifestyle, hunting, and simply being a great friend to all family members.
13. Entlebucher Mountain Dog
A not very popular mostly because of the complicated name, Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a Swiss herding dog.
This is a loud breed that takes their territory seriously and will warn the owner of any strangers or guests and protect you and your kids from anything that looks dangerous to them.
They love to socialize and caring for small children but sometimes might not be gentle enough.
RELATED: 10 Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners
14. Puggle is a Cute Small Dog for Kids
A mix between the already mentioned Pug and Beagle, Puggle is a cute dog breed that will get along well with kids and other family members.
This is a popular dog breed mostly due to its friendly nature, loving personality, and adorable looks.
Puggles are always great family companions and have no problems living alongside other pets; they also welcome new people.
15. Berger Picard
Another small-medium-sized dog rather than small, a dog with an awesome name like Berger Picard can only be a great family member.
This intelligent and vivacious dog breed can be a patient, understand, and resilient playmate for most children. Picards can be easily trained but do tend to be stubborn.
16. American Water Spaniel
Arguably one of the rare dog breeds, American Water Spaniel is small-medium sized but still great around children.
This dog breed is mostly used as a working canine for hunting, and they're always full of life, energy, and enthusiasm, which is exactly why AWS is perfect for kids.
They do require a lot of exercises as well as mental stimulation.
17. Appenzeller Sennenhund
Not really a small dog breed but rather a solid medium-sized canine, Appenzeller Sennenhund might have a very complicated name.
Still, this dog breed is undoubtedly a great companion to children who are a little older.
They're very friendly, protective but tend to “herd” your kids by cautiously nipping at the heels if they need a little guidance.
RELATED: 10 Strangest Dog Breeds on the Planet
18. Pyrenean Shepherd
Here's a perfect dog for kids who love to play, run, move and be constantly active.
Pyrenean Shepherd is one of the best dogs for agility competitions because of its enthusiastic nature, which also works well for them when playing with hyperactive kids.
This herding dog is loyal to its family members but can sometimes get a little over-protective.
19. Golden Retriever a Not So Small Dog for Kids
Golden Retrievers are slightly smaller than Labrador Retrievers.
Still, they are just as kind, very confident, and clever best small-medium dogs for kids that will be loyal to your family and get along very well with everybody in the household.
Retrievers are never aggressive without reason (only to protect those they love), they're not timid either, and their best quality is that they are extremely patient, and that's a quality required when dealing with kids.
20. Bulldog
Everybody praises English Bulldogs (breed profile) as the best small dogs for kids because of their “build.” Apparently, dog trainers are confident that most Bulldogs will take on any hyperactive children because of how sturdy they are.
It's true that this dog breed isn't very active and is usually lazy, similar to French Bulldogs, but that doesn't make them any less cute, fun, or interesting to play around with, especially for kids who love to climb dogs and do all sorts of nasty things to them on occasion.
Bulldogs can take it, and they love children.
21. Collie
No list of the best small dogs for kids can go without the famous Lassie. Collies are very kind dogs that love children and know how to be patient with them, taking in whatever comes.
And even though their long, luxurious coat requires constant high maintenance, it's a small price to pay in exchange for how much kids love their looks and attitude.
The Collie breed is considered one of the best small dogs for kids because of their 100% unconditional loyalty to humans – they love their owners and will do everything to make them happy.
22. Vizsla
A slightly more rare dog breed with a complicated name, Vizslas, comes from middle-European countries where they used to be hunting dogs.
Today, the times have changed, and they have gained the title of one of the best small dogs for kids and families that are very gentle and loyal to their owners.
This dog breed knows how to be quiet when necessary, be patient with those “small humans,” and be affectionate.
Every kid will love spending time with this cute, family-friendly, energetic dog.
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23. Irish Setter
Rarely mentioned on best small dogs for kids, Irish Setters are well known for their gorgeous ginger/red/maroon/dark brown color type coats.
This dog breed is very playful and energetic, making them one of the best small dogs for kids or families in general. Irish Setters love humans and like spending time around people, playing, and having fun with children.
However, this canine breed will need a lot of exercise, so it's better if the kids themselves are active and will provide the dog with that.
24. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Considered as one of the more popular herding dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are perfect pets for families with kids.
They're very bold, friendly, sturdy, and strong dogs that can handle any rambunctious kids with patience.
Corgis also need a lot of exercise, so if you have very active kids, both of them will complement each other.
25. Newfoundland is Not a Small Dog for Kids
Newfoundland dog breed has gained a name for itself by being a rescue dog, and it appears that helping humans is simply in their blood.
This is one of the best small dogs for kids because of its patient and kind nature; they even gained a nickname among most dog owners and pet lovers – Nature's Babysitter.
This huge, furry animal loves children very much and will be extremely protective of them. In fact, you can let this dog protect your kids anywhere outside and leave: be sure they will not let anyone come even close to your children no matter what.
26. Bull Terrier
The famously scary-looking dog breed is actually a great family pet, believe it or not.
They are one of the best small dogs for kids because of their sense of camaraderie and companionship, which is what they were bred for before.
The bad name this dog breed has is completely undeserved. Bull Terriers are friendly with their family and love kids as well as adults.
They are also protective of their owners and will ensure that everybody knows that these kids are under their protection.
RELATED: 25 Best Dog Breeds for Small Apartments
27. Bichon Frise
A true small breed that has also gained the title of one of the cutest dog breeds, Bichon Frise is easily the best small dog for kids, whom they seem to love dearly.
They are very active, happy-go-lucky, and enthusiastic dogs who love spending time with people, and tiny humans are known as children.
They will actively play around with kids and have fun at the same time.
In addition to that, they are irresistible to anybody who meets them and is very difficult not to love. Kids adore this dog breed!
28. American Boxer
This more of a mid-sized but still considered best small dogs for kids breed is athletic and active. They will exhaust your kids before the children exhaust the dog.
They are great guardians of their owners and family and will protect the children from any danger at all times.
American Boxers, which is not the same as the Standard Boxers, love affection from humans and will serve loyally to gain it.
Make sure to take them out for regular exercise daily, however, as they require a lot of energy expenditure.
29. Pharaoh Hound
Exotic-looking Pharaoh Hound is a very gentle, loving, and affectionate dog.
They're also known to be very aloof and clownish on occasions but always get along very well with any family member, other pets, and tiny children.
This is not a small dog breed but definitely a great option if you're looking to adopt an extremely loving dog who will adore your children forever.
30. American Pit Bull Terrier
Another dog breed, specifically American, these canines are one of the best small dogs for kids.
Even though they are known to be fighting dogs, if raised and treated appropriately in the family, this breed becomes an incredible family friend who loves kids.
American Pit Bull Terrier will be a good guardian of your children, but they require daily exercise and attention.
RELATED: 10 Best Dog Breeds for First Time Owners
31. Labradoodle
Cute-looking Labradoodles are the best small dogs for kids because of their wise, fatherly look and because they are straightforward to train and know how to get along well with children.
They are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please nature, which is vital when considering the best family dog as a pet.
However, these dogs aren't best for first-time dog owners.
32. Boston Terrier
This dog breed is absolutely perfect for children because of its size and nature.
Boston Terriers have long been considered one of the best small dogs for kids and have earned themselves a cool nickname – American Gentleman.
This is a very gentle and patient animal who will be extremely easy to house and crate train and quickly fall in love with children.
More importantly, no child will be able to resist the charm of a cute Boston Terrier.
33. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The royally titled breed is yet another one of the best small dogs for kids and their parents.
CKCS are amazing family pets who are very cute, intelligent, and love spending time with humans. On top of that, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an affectionate dog breed that loves to run around and expend their energy, so they will be perfect for kids who love to play with dogs.
This canine breed is smart and will quickly learn what exactly you expect from them and will make sure to accommodate your needs.
RELATED: 30 Most Lazy Dog Breeds Perfect for a Couch Potato Owner
34. Havanese
Lastly, on the Top Dog Tips list of best small dogs for kids, we have the cute Havanese – a more rare breed that is impossible to resist.
They are becoming more popular every year, and most families love these dogs due to their accepting nature, patience, and love of children.
They might not be the strongest protector, but Havanese is a brilliant dog that will give plenty of love to your family and your kids.
And no human will dislike the magnificent wavy coat of the Havanese dog breed.
35. Small Munsterlander Pointer
Last but definitely not least is a Small Munsterlander Pointer. Generally used in sports and hunting, this dog breed is very confident and patient.
It's one of the best small-medium-sized dogs for kids due to their calm temper, and they also get along with everybody else around the house.
SMPs were only popular in Europe, but their presence is now increasing in the US.
Honorable Mentions
With just 35 dogs on our list, clearly, not every breed cut. If you want to expand your options a bit, consider these other breeds that also tend to be great with kids.
- Australian Terrier
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
- Border Terrier
- Boykin Spaniel
- Brittany
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Cesky Terrier
- Dachshund
- English Springer Spaniel
- Finnish Lapphund
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Keeshond
- Papillon
- Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Whippet
Common Questions About Medium and Small Dogs for Kids
Do you still have questions about the best medium and small dogs for kids? We’ve gathered all the most common questions and answers in one convenient place.
What Are the Best Medium-sized Dogs for Families?
The best mid-size dogs for families are collies, dalmatians, poodles, Australian shepherds, Siberian huskies, and Samoyeds.
What Is the Most Child-friendly Small Dog?
The American Eskimo dog is among the most child-friendly small dogs. Other great options include Australian terriers, Bedlington terriers, Bolognese dogs, Bichon Frises, and Brussels Griffons.
Which Dog Can Kill a Lion?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can kill a lion.
What Is the Cutest Medium-sized Dog?
Most people agree that the cutest medium-sized dogs include the Samoyed, Siberian husky, Labrador retriever, dalmatian, Shiba Inu, cocker spaniel, Yorkshire terrier, and soft-coated wheaten terrier.
What Is the #1 Dog Breed 2020?
The most popular dog breed in 2020 was the Labrador retriever. German shepherds came in second, followed by golden retrievers and French bulldogs.
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Video of Top 10 Best Small Dogs for Kids
