The Best Toy Size Dogs for Children

Children are often drawn to toy breed dogs because they are small and don't feel as imposing as some larger dog breeds. However, toy breeds are not always suited for family life. Their small size may draw children to toy breeds, but it is also what makes these dogs more prone to injury. For this reason, it is not advisable to have a toy breed dog around very small children that may have unsteady movements, or lack the knowledge and ability to handle delicate pets with care.

  1. Pug

    • Pugs tend to be mellow dogs that get along well with other animals and children. An adult pug weighs between 14 and 18 pounds and is 10 to 11 inches in height. Pugs require minimal grooming and exercise, making them a fairly low maintenance breed. However, pugs are prone to eye injury so caution should be taken to avoid eye injury during exercise and play.

    Havanese

    • Havanese dogs are prone to genetic eye disorders.

      Havanese dogs tend to be sweet, intelligent and obedient. They can range in height from 8½ to 11½ inches and 7 to 13 pounds. in weight. Havenese are energetic dogs so they don't do well when they are left indoors too much. They also require daily grooming so their coat doesn't become matted.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are prone to heart disease.

      The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically gets along with everyone, other pets, adults and children. The breed also tends to be affectionate, loyal, trustworthy, cheerful and easy to train. The average size is 12 to 13 inches and between 13 and 18 pounds. in weight. They require regular brushing to remove loose fur.

    Shih Tzu

    • Shih Tzus are prone to problems with the back, joints and eyes.

      The Shih Tzu dog breed may look dainty, but this breed is much sturdier than its size would suggest. This breed is typically affectionate, playful and friendly. Shih Tzus are usually intelligent, but they are also stubborn, so training may be difficult. The average weight is between 9 and 16 pounds and 8 to 11 inches in height. This breed doesn't shed much, but daily brushing is still required to prevent the fur from becoming matted.

    Maltese

    • Typically healthy, the Maltese breed may experience eye and respiratory problems.

      The Maltese is a small dog in size, but generally the breed is huge in personality. The temperament of the average Maltese tends to be energetic, playful and fearless. In most cases they are also smart, easy to train and clean. They do require daily brushing to prevent matted hair although they don't shed much. The average Maltese is between four and seven pounds in and five to eight inches in height.