When you’re looking for a small or medium-sized dog for your family, you might have heard that smaller dogs and children don’t always mix well. There’s a common misconception that small dogs can be fragile, yappy, or even snappy, especially around kids. However, the reality is quite different. Many small and medium dog breeds can be excellent, loving companions for families with babies, small children, and older kids. In this article from henriprints.co Dog Blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top 17 small and medium dog breeds that are ideal for families. This guide will help you find the perfect pup for your family.
- American Cocker Spaniel
- Appearance: Big dark eyes, soft expressions, long lush ears, and wavy coats.
- Size: 14-16 inches tall, 15-31 lbs.
- Characteristics: Intelligent, affectionate, and gentle; great with children.
- American Eskimo Dog (Eskie)
- Appearance: Thick, snow-white coats, lion-like manes, and plumed tails.
- Size: Toy, miniature, and standard sizes, averaging 9-19 inches.
- Characteristics: Eager to please, clever, mischievous, and loyal to families.
- Basset Hound
- Appearance: Stout legs, floppy ears, and forlorn eyes.
- Size: 40-60 lbs, moderate to large.
- Characteristics: Sociable, low-key, and known for an incredible sense of smell.
- Beagle
- Appearance: Square-cut nose, big eyes, and excellent sense of smell.
- Size: Small.
- Characteristics: Happy, lovable, gentle, and energetic; great with kids.
- Boston Terrier
- Appearance: Moderate-sized dogs, weighing under 25 lbs.
- Size: 15-17 inches tall.
- Characteristics: Sociable, happy, curious, and excellent for city life.
- Bulldog
- Appearance: Stocky and muscular.
- Size: Up to 50 lbs, 14-15 inches tall.
- Characteristics: Watchful, loyal, and protective; great with kids.
- Cairn Terrier
- Appearance: Intelligent and fearless with larger front feet.
- Size: 18 lbs or less, 13 inches tall.
- Characteristics: Friendly with kids but bossy with other pets; needs daily exercise.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Appearance: Gentle, affable, and easy-going.
- Size: 13-18 pounds.
- Characteristics: Incredibly sociable and great with kids.
- Dachshund
- Appearance: Playful, athletic, and intelligent.
- Size: Standard and miniature sizes.
- Characteristics: Loyal, good with kids, and adaptable to city or country life.
- French Bulldog
- Appearance: Friendly and mild-mannered.
- Size: Up to 25-28 lbs.
- Characteristics: Great with toddlers, calm, and ideal for apartment living.
- Havanese
- Appearance: Small, intelligent, and spirited.
- Size: 7-13 lbs.
- Characteristics: Velcro dogs, love children, and dislike being alone.
- Maltese and Maltipoo
- Appearance: Gentle, affectionate, and long, silky hair.
- Size: Maltese dogs are small (max 8 lbs).
- Characteristics: Fragile but kid-friendly; Maltipoos inherit the gentle disposition of their ancestors.
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Appearance: Warm and spunky with beards and expressive eyebrows.
- Size: 20 lbs, 12-14 inches tall.
- Characteristics: Protective, energetic, and adaptable to city or country life.
- Pug
- Appearance: Loving, loyal, and mischievous.
- Size: Vary, but relatively small.
- Characteristics: Great with children and adaptable to various environments.
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Appearance: Highly intelligent, energetic, and vocal.
- Size: Varied.
- Characteristics: Ideal for families with older kids, protective, and obedient.
- Shih Tzu
- Appearance: Small and sturdy.
- Size: Varies.
- Characteristics: Outgoing, alert, and suitable for apartments.
- Whippet
- Appearance: Medium-sized sighthounds.
- Size: 18-48 lbs, 21-22 inches tall.
- Characteristics: Intelligent, affectionate, and gentle; great for various settings.
These dog breeds are not only adorable but also known for their compatibility with children and adaptability to different living situations. When choosing a dog for your family, always consider the specific needs and temperament of the breed to ensure a harmonious and safe environment for both kids and pets.
