Best Small Dog Breeds For Families With Children

It is often thought that small dogs are especially suitable for a family with children, but this is not entirely true. According to some experts, the best dog for a family with children is actually a medium-sized dog with a patient nature. This is because children can find it difficult to handle not only a huge but also a very small dog. A small dog can also accidentally get stuck in children’s feet while playing.

Also, a dog that is sensitive to sounds or longs for its own space and does not tolerate hustle and bustle is usually not the best choice for a family with children. However, this does not mean that any small dogs would not be suitable for living with children. Below we list the best small Dog Breeds for families with children.

Factors to consider before purchasing a dog

There are many factors to consider when purchasing any pet, and this is especially true for dogs, as they need more care and attention than many other animals. The very first thing to assess is whether the family has the opportunity to spend enough time with the dog. Namely, it is not enough for a pet to be fed and used in the yard for its needs, but a dog needs a lot of exercise, activation, stimulation and attention on a daily basis. The purchase of a pet must also always be planned in such a way that the animal can be provided with good care that suits its needs throughout its life.

It is also important to weigh whether the family has the financial capacity to care for the pet. Purchasing dog food, toys, and other supplies costs monthly, and veterinary and medical expenses can be particularly expensive if your pet becomes ill or injured.

The size and location of the home are also things that affect getting a pet. Living in a small home doesn’t mean you can’t get a pet, but it’s worth thinking about what kind of animal can live a happy life in your own home. Almost every dog ​​enjoys having space around it and its own yard at its disposal, but not all dogs require these things. A small or medium-sized dog usually thrives well in a townhome, as long as it gets outside enough.

The reason for getting a dog is not enough that the idea of ​​an animal is funny or that a child in the family wants a pet. Almost all children love animals, and it is common for a child to start asking for a pet at the age of 5-6 if the family does not already have one. However, it must be remembered that the pet is always ultimately the responsibility of the parents, although it is good for the child to help take care of it.

A pet should never be acquired on a whim or just because the animal happens to be a sweet puppy. Animals are not toys or objects, but living beings that need to be taken care of for years. Parents must also be prepared to teach the children of the family to behave properly in the company of a dog.

The benefits of a pet for a child

Living with a pet has been proven to benefit human health in many ways, and this is as true for children as it is for adults. Living with an animal teaches, among other things, respect, animal love, and the following:

• Responsibility. If your child loves animals, he or she should be involved in caring for the pet in an age-appropriate manner. Walking, washing, and feeding give the child a sense of responsibility, and this doctrine will last a lifetime.
• Patience. When a pet enters the family, the child is allowed to experience all the positive aspects of living with the animal, but he or she must also learn to tolerate the less pleasant aspects of living with the pet.
• Emergence of emotional bond and trust. Some children have difficulty expressing love for other people. However, a child can sincerely love a pet without any problems, which at best helps him or her to communicate more openly in general.
• Learning about an animal. Curiosity is one of the best qualities of children. If a child has a pet, he or she may spend days using the animal researching and observing, comparing each new attention to his or her own experiences.

• Experiencing emotions with a companion. An animal-loving child finds playing with a pet natural, just like spending time with a friend. Emotions are deeper and bring more positivity to life when they are allowed to be shared with a dear friend.

The best small dog breeds for families with children

Bichon frisé

The Bichon Frize is a cheerful, playful and lively companion dog that is usually well suited as a pet for a family with children. These dogs, who enjoy spending time with their families, are moderately stubborn, so the owner needs to teach the pet consistently as soon as it arrives at its new home.

Pug

Pugs are popular dogs around the world and they do this not only because of their fun looks but also because of their awesome nature. Pugs are really social dogs that get along well with both humans and animals. They like different games with their classmates and love their human family deeply. Pug’s best friends are often the youngest members of the family.

Beagle

Thanks to their friendliness and adorable appearance, these dogs, originally used for hunting, have earned their place as popular pets. Beagles are active and curious dogs that need plenty of exercise and activities. By their very nature, they are intelligent, gentle, cheerful, adaptable, independent, and even stubborn, which is why they need consistent education.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a small and active companion dog with roots in England despite its breed name. The nature and other characteristics of this dog make it a perfect pet for families and those living in a small apartment, for example.

Poodle

Poodles are divided into four size variants based on the height at the withers, namely toy poodles, dwarf poodles, medium-sized poodles and large poodles. These dogs are known not only for their curly fur, but also for their intelligence and ability to learn. A poodle loves attention, and when frustrated or having to spend too much time alone, it can adopt bad habits and start barking, for example.

Mixed breed dogs

Many mixed breed dogs are also great for families with children. However, in the case of a mixed-breed puppy, little is necessarily known about the animal’s personality — especially if the puppy’s parents are not known. Mixed-breed dogs are generally considered stubborn, loving, and easy to train, but in the end, the nature and behavior of an animal depends on its inheritance and training – and, of course, how people have treated it.