Looking for the Best Small Dog Breeds For Kids? That depends. Every dog breed has some unique characteristics and challenges.

Dogs of any size can make a great companion for kids, but you’re very likely to find the perfect friend in these top 20 best small dog breeds for kids.

DogsLoversBlog selected the top 20 small dog breeds that are best suited for your family and kids. As well as highlighting each of their characteristics.

Best Small Dog Breeds For Kids | Cutest Ones

20# Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog is a popular family dog with lots of energy.

Shelties are sweet and gentle as well as affectionate and playful.

Shelties are amazingly intelligent, and they need to have new challenges and experiences.

They can make great companions, depending on how much time you can commit to their needs.

More Information About The Shetland Sheepdog

Name : Shetland Sheepdog

Other Names : Dwarf Scotch Shepherd, Miniature Collie, Sheltie, Shetland Collie, Toonie Dog.

Origin : United Kingdom

Size : Small

Type : Purebred

Life Span : Between 12 to 14 years

Temperament : Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, and Responsive

Height : Between 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm)

Weight : Between 14 to 27 pounds (6 to 12 kg)

Colors : Black & White, Black White & Tan, Blue Merle & White, Blue Merle White & Tan, Sable & White, Sable Merle & White

Litter Size : For 4 to 6 puppies

19# Keeshond

The Keeshond is a breed that is energetic, alert, and affectionate. All they want is to spend their entire day with the family.

They are social breeds, so they cannot be left alone for long periods of time.

Also, we should mention that you need to brushing them out daily to gain some sort of fur control.

More Information About Keeshond

Name : Keeshond

Other Names : Chien Loup, Deutscher Wolfsspitz, Dutch Barge Dog, German Spitz, Kees, Smiling Dutchman, Wolfsspitz

Origin : Germany, Netherlands

Size : Medium

Type : Purebred

Life Span : Between 12 to 14 years

Temperament : Agile, Bright, Obedient, Playful, Quick, Sturdy, and Intelligent

Height :

Male : Between 17 to 19 inches (44 to 48 cm)

Female : Between 16 to 18 inches (40 to 46 cm)

Weight : Between 35 to 45 pounds (15 to 20 kg)

Colors : Black & Silver, Gray & Black, Gray Cream & Black, Gray Silver & Black, Silver & Black

Litter Size : For 3 to 8 puppies

18# English Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel is considered one of the most loyal dog breeds.

The Cocker Spaniel is one popular choice of the best small dog breeds for kids.

They need gentle and positive leadership because they have a sensitive soul.

Sometimes known to bark excessively, and tend to be timid around strangers.

More Information About English Cocker Spaniel

Name : English Cocker Spaniel

Other Names : Cocker, Merry Cocker Woker

Origin : United Kingdom

Size : Medium

Type : Purebred

Life Span : Between 12 to 14 years

Temperament : Affectionate, Faithful, Friendly, Intelligent, Playful, Quiet, and Trainable

Height :

Male : Between 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm)

Female : Between 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm)

Weight :

Male : Between 28 to 34 pounds (13 to 16 kg)

Female : Between 26 to 32 pounds (12 to 15 kg)

Colors : Black, Black & Tan, Blue Roan, Golden, Liver, Red

Litter Size : For 6 to 8 puppies

17# Beagle

Beagles are playful, loyal, and kind, and always looking for a new adventure. They are sometimes difficult to train.

Furthermore, they are lively, active dogs who are very gentle and trusting.

More Information About Beagle

Name : Beagle

Other Names : English Beagle

Origin : United Kingdom

Size : Small

Type : Purebred

Life Span : Between 12 to 15 years

Temperament : Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, and Sweet

Height :

Male : Between 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm)

Female : Between 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm)

Weight :

Male : Between 22 to 25 pounds (10 to 11 kg)

Female : Between 20 to 23 pounds (9 to 10 kg)

Colors : Black and Tan, Tricolor, Red, and White

Litter Size : For 2 to 14 puppies, The average is 7

16# Basset Hound

This breed is known for its comedic nature and affectionate personality.

However, you may find training as a challenge, as this breed can be quite stubborn.

Basset Hound can be lazy but still, love a few daily play sessions or short walks.

More Information About Basset Hound

Name : Basset Hound

Other Names : Basset, Hush Puppy

Origin : France

Size : Medium

Type : Purebred

Life Span : Between 10 to 12 years

Temperament : Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle…

Height :

Male : Between 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm)

Female : Between 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 cm)

Weight :

Male : Between 50 to 65 pounds (23 to 29 kg)

Female : Between 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg)

Colors : Black and Tan, Brown, Gray, Red, Tricolor, and White

Litter Size : For 6 to 8 puppies

All Breed Characteristics And Facts About The Best Small Dog Breeds For Kids

Slightly Larger Breeds For Kids

15# American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs tend to be amazing with children, Happy, intelligent, and active, which makes them an excellent choice as a family pet.

They are a high energy breed that requires regular walks, and their intelligence makes them easy to train.

These are not dog breeds that you can leave them alone for a long period of time.

More Information About American Eskimo Dog

Name : American Eskimo Dog

Other Names : American Spitz, Eskimo Spitz, Eskie, German Spitz

Origin : United States, Germany

Size : Small, Medium

Type : Purebred

Life Span : Between 12 to 15 years

Temperament : Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, and Protective

Height :

Toy : Between 9 to 12 inches (22-30 cm)

Miniature : Between 12 to 15 inches (30-40 cm)

Standard : Between 15 to 20 inches (49-50 cm)

Weight :

Toy : Between 6 to 10 pounds (3-5 kg)

Miniature : Between 10 to 17 pounds (5-8 kg)

Standard : Between 18 to 35 pounds (8-16 kg)

Colors : White, White & Biscuit

Litter Size : 4 to 6 puppies

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