Best Small Dogs for Kids
Not all small dogs are the ideal pets for kids. Although many have a gentle or harmless appearance (like chihuahuas, for example) they aren’t always the best option. The best small dogs for children aren’t necessarily what you might normally think.
There are various dog breeds that have the ideal personalities for children. Not only are they easy to domesticate but they also tend to have patient, docile, protecting and loving personalities.
When you want to chose a family pet, you may experience a rush of doubt. If your family prefers dogs over other pets, keep in mind that there are many options to choose from.
If there are little ones in your home, this adds many other factors to consider. One of the main questions that comes up is: What are the best small dogs for children?
Factors to Consider
There are many factors to consider when choosing pets. You have to make sure to spend time with them and pay attention to their needs. Additionally, they require physical space and can be expensive to take care of.
You should always be aware of the fact that a pet, especially a dog, is not a toy. It’s a living being that has and develops feelings and needs. You should teach your child to learn to identify them. It’s also important to establish rules to make the shared living space as enjoyable and harmonious as possible.
When it comes time to pick a puppy, it’s important that you keep the following considerations in mind:
- The personalities of the animal’s parents.
- If the animal suffered from a traumatic separation from his mother.
This will determine certain behaviors for your dog and how he interacts with people.
When choosing small dogs for kids, it’s good to know that many of them would be a good option. However, you should also be aware of their personality, which can vary even among dogs in the same litter.
Advantages of Having a Small Dog
Having a pet has various benefits for children. For example, if he’s well trained, this helps your child be orderly and responsible. Small children with dogs can be more creative and have lower probability of developing allergies or asthma.
Other advantages of kids having small dogs is how easy it is to transport them. Since they’re very light, they can be a great companion anywhere. Similarly, they can happily live in apartments or smaller living spaces.
It’s also more likely for small dogs to be accepted in shops or other public spaces. This doesn’t always happen with bigger dogs. Additionally, they get along better with other animals and tend to live longer than larger breeds.
The Best Small Dogs for Kids
- Bichon Frise
- These are small dogs with great personalities. They’re considered an excellent breed for families. Bichon Frise are very small, have a happy temperament, and tend to be very loving. Another advantage is that they’re very clean and don’t shed.
- Pugs
- These dogs are even tempered and feel comfortable with people all around them. Their favorite family members are often the smallest ones in the house, and get along with them really well when it’s time to play.
- Beagles
- This is one of the best breeds for companion dogs. Beagles are very dynamic and love activity, which helps kids run out their energy, playing and receiving positive stimulation.
Other Small Dogs for Kids
French Bulldogs
This beautiful and unique dog breed is becoming more and more popular. One of the reasons is because of their sociable temperament and their predisposition to give and receive affection. Additionally, they usually take care of the children’s safety when they might get hurt.
French Poodles
This breed has a fundamental characteristic of being intelligent and having a high learning capacity. Above all, French poodles are very caring, miniature dogs. They’re extremely loving with their owners, especially children. French poodles are very loyal, happy and always ready to play.
Mutts
The breeds mentioned above have many great qualities, but people often forget about mutts: dogs that don’t have a defined breed.
These are usually puppies that were rescued from the street. They haven’t had an easy life and therefore know how to appreciate signs of affection. They often return the love and care that you show them.
Adopting a small mixed breed dog, with the assistance of a veterinarian, could be an excellent option for children. It’s also a good contribution to society.