The Best Small Dog Breeds

 Your furry, four-legged friend is part of your family, and so you need to make sure that the breed you choose can adapt to life with kids and other pets. Small dog breeds are typically better suited to family life than larger dogs, as they are easy to handle and less intimidating for children or those who are unfamiliar with dogs in general. If you’re looking for the best small dog breeds for families, consider these top 10 choices from the American Kennel Club.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed originally bred for fox hunting. One of its ancestors, terriers that were used to hunt vermin and other small game, was brachycephalic (flat-faced), similar to Pugs and Boston Terriers today.

Maltese

As they say, it’s a good thing that Maltese are so cute because they require a lot of work. Dogs who are bred to be companion animals generally love people and want to be around them as much as possible. Maltese fall into that category—they want to sit in your lap and cuddle with you. However, these little dogs also need exercise (daily walks) and shouldn’t live outdoors or in apartments without yards.

Chihuahua

Affectionately known as the clowns of dogs, Chihuahuas are lapdogs by nature. If you want a dog that fits in your purse or pocket and isn’t too big, a Chihuahua is an excellent choice. But don’t let their size fool you: they have large personalities! You can expect these feisty little dogs to follow you around constantly.

French Bulldog

This small dog breed is among the most popular in North America. The French Bulldog was originally bred to hunt rats in 19th-century France, but today it’s mostly a household companion. These energetic dogs are good with children and enjoy playing games and spending time with their owners. They’re also easily trainable, making them a great choice for families who want to raise a pup together.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a tiny breed that originated in Tibet. Despite their small size, they are incredibly spunky and playful. And even though they have long hair, they’re actually very easy to groom! These dogs enjoy being part of a family and are known to live happily with children, cats, other dogs, and even horses. They can be protective of their owners but also get along with new people easily.

Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is a small dog with a big personality. He loves kids and wants to please his owner, so he’s easy to train. His fur comes in black, salt-and-pepper, and solid salt-and-pepper colors. He needs regular grooming. Be sure to keep him cool in warm weather as he’s sensitive to heat.

Pug

The pug is a breed of dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. These dogs are known for their friendly disposition and love of companionship. They thrive on human attention, particularly cuddling, which means they make great family pets. Pugs do best with older children as younger kids have a tendency to be rough when playing with them. These dogs tend to get along well with other pets but can be territorial about resources such as food and toys.

Yorkshire Terrier

The ultimate lap dog, Yorkies don’t require a lot of space—and they aren’t very high-energy. They do have a tendency to bark quite often, though, so it’s good if you don’t live in an apartment.

Poodle

The poodle is one of a few dogs that come in small sizes. The standard poodle and miniature poodle are both relatively compact. Poodles are loyal, intelligent, and well-mannered. They can be trained easily to follow basic commands like sit and stay – though it may take some time if you don’t start as a puppy – making them ideal pets for families with younger children.

Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is a good choice if you live in an apartment or want to keep your dog inside. However, these dogs require plenty of grooming because their coat can become tangled easily. Also, small dogs do not like being picked up by children, and a younger child may accidentally hurt a puppy when playing with it. These dogs are very intelligent and playful, but they may be too active for families that have children over 10 years old.