Small dogs can be a great addition to any family. Don’t know where to start looking? Here are some small dogs that are good for kids to consider. There are several reasons that small dogs are a great option for people with apartments or who simply live more mobile lives that might be better suited for a small dog. Small dogs are usually within the range of 3-20 pounds, sometimes referred to as purse dogs or teacup breeds (via Dog Sized). Keep on reading to learn about some of the adorable breeds that are part of this category. Owning a dog, no matter the size is a responsibility that should not be considered lightly. But, in return for your care, you’ll get a small furry friend for life and lots of unconditional love.
Chihuahua
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The Chihuahua is a breed with a large personality despite their very small size. A national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua is an ancient breed that comes in numerous colors and only grows to about 6 pounds. Their coats come in two varieties; smooth coat and long coat, each of which need different grooming practices, but nothing too in-depth (via American Kennel Club). They are loyal and confident dogs, though they can suffer from anxiety and owner attachment, so be sure you have the time to spend with your Chihuahua. They are loving with children, just be sure that your children don't rough house with them because they are one of the smallest breeds of dogs out there.
Shih Tzu
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According to Dog Time, Shih Tzu means “little lion.” However, these small fluffy dogs are total lovers. These regal dogs come in shades of black, white, brown, and grey and are sometimes called Chrysanthemum Dogs for the way their fur grows out from their face like the petals of a flower. They range between 9-16 pounds in weight and love nothing more than to follow around their owners and family alike. These dogs are active, loyal, and friendly furry companions.
Yorkshire Terrier
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The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is a loving, mischievous breed that will be a great addition to your family. Weighing in around 7 pounds fully grown, their coats can grow down to the floor and come in shades of black and tan, gold and blue. They are brave and vocal despite their dainty appearance and make great companions who are very loving with children (via AKC). Again, be sure that your kids understand how to interact with small dogs of this size.
Pug
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The Pug is a clownish toy dog breed with a big personality and a lot of love to give. They are playful and affectionate lap dogs and thrive when they're around their people. If constant companionship is what you're after, Pugs are one of the best small dogs that are good with kids. Pugs come in black as well as the more popular black and tan marked coat. They weigh between 14-18 pounds although a lot of their weight can depend on their diet and walking habits (via Dog Time).
Toy Poodle
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The Toy Poodle is an active, intelligent, and loving small breed of dog. Coming in an array of colors, these mini poodles clock in between 4-6 pounds. With their curly coat and charming, cuddly personality, this breed is sure to melt your heart. They are comparable in size to the Chihuahua. The Toy Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that helps their learning ability and trainability in the household (via AKC).
Pomeranian
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The Pomeranian dog breed is actually descended from sled dogs though they can't do much sled-pulling in their modern breed evolution. These tiny dogs weigh between 3-7 pounds and come in many color variations of reds, oranges, whites, browns, or blacks. They aren't overly dependent upon their owners and are very suited to apartment living due to their small size. Children are friendly and outgoing explorers, and up there in terms of small dogs that are good with kids. Be sure to practice consistent training techniques so this confident breed knows, without a doubt, who is the top dog (via Dog Time).
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are regal and loving furry companions. Weighing between 13-18 pounds, this breed is intelligent, confident, and affectionate with its family. Their elegant coat appears in several shades between chestnut, tri-color, and ruby, all of which are often offset with white. Be prepared to groom and brush them copiously and also grant yourself plenty of time to spend with this breed, as they are very family connected and dependent (via Dog Time).
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Maltese
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Maltese dogs are a patient and loving breed with fluffy white coats and cuddly personalities. They are hypoallergenic and dependent little dogs who need socialization to behave their best around smaller children. Older children are automatically great playmates, they just need clear boundaries and training with some of their more territorial tendencies. This breed weighs up to about 7 pounds and enjoys constant companionship around their chosen family (via Dog Time).
Bichon Frise
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The Bichon Frise is similar in many ways to the Toy Poodle. They are known for their charm and natural comedic personality as well as their pretty constant state of happiness. Their coat is recognizable for its puffy white grooming and they typically weigh between 12-18 pounds when they're fully grown (via AKC).
Dachshund
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Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs. Their modern counterparts are great family dogs due to their outgoing, active, and loving personality. Their coats come in three lengths, smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired, and can appear in numerous shades and color combinations. As for size, there are standard-sized Dachshunds and miniature Dachshunds that weigh between 11-32 pounds(via Dog Time).
Papillon
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The Papillon dog breed is an athletic, alert, and friendly family pet. According to the American Kennel Club, they were originally bred as charming purse pets for noblewomen in Europe. This breed is trainable and happy to simply spend time with its chosen family. Papillons, also called “Paps” weigh between 5-10 pounds (via AKC).
Havanese
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This breed of dog is as cute as it is cuddly. Weighing between 7-13 pounds when fully grown, Havanese dogs are fluffy and friendly little dogs. They are highly trainable and can even be service dogs. Havanese dogs require active exercise and pretty constant companionship and come in shades of white, black, and brown color combinations (via Dog Time).
Border Terrier
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The Border Terrier is an alert and loving breed of dog that gets along quite well with younger children. They train well and enjoy hard work when given the chance. Keep your new pup highly stimulated with mental and physical activities. Color-wise, Border Terriers come in variations of red, white, tan, black, grey-blue, and brown. This breed weighs between 11-15 pounds depending on the gender you select to join your home and family. Remember adoption is always the best option for finding your furry friend their forever home (via AKC).
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- The must-have convenient reference guide for every home cook!
- Includes more than 8,000 substitutions for ingredients, cookware, and techniques.
- Save time and money on by avoiding trips to grab that "missing" ingredient you don't really need.