Miniature Dogs That Are Good Around Children

For many a child, the ultimate dream is to have a companion dog to care for and love. It is always important to thoroughly research breeds before deciding which dog to get, because some breeds are better than others at living with children. Miniature dogs can be great matches for children's smaller size, but they also need to have sturdy enough bodies to withstand children's high energy levels and some rough handling. Some miniature breeds do very well in families with children, as long as they are gentle and patient with children's behavior. One important factor is socialization---dogs that have been around children from the time they were young puppies are usually better able to live with children.

  1. Pug

    • Pugs' behavior when interacting with children is very good, and they love all of the attention that children are apt to give. They are just as good at giving affection as they are at receiving it. The pug's happy disposition, intelligence level and loyal nature all make it great at being with children. Pugs enjoy going for walks and playing with the children in their families but are not overly active.

    Shih Tzu

    • For a child who does not have a yard or has a small yard, the Shih Tzu can be a great choice, because this breed does not need too much space. The friendly Shih Tzu enjoys playing with toys and going for walks, which will suit the children in their lives just fine. Loyal and affectionate, the Shih Tzu will have found an enduring companion in the child it befriends.

    Maltese

    • A child who enjoys teaching a dog tricks will love the Maltese, who learns new tricks quickly. Walks and play time are other activities that the Maltese enjoys with its child friends. If the child has allergies, he can still comfortably be around a Maltese, because it does not shed much and thus does not trigger many allergic reactions.

    Poodle

    • Poodles are easy to train and are highly intelligent, which are both qualities that make them great around children. The miniature poodle is happy and friendly and is especially loving toward children. This breed is a better choice for a child with allergies because of its hypoallergenic nature.

    Miniature Schnauzer

    • Miniature schnauzers are a great combination of many characteristics that endear them to children--intelligence, playfulness, loving disposition, energetic nature and happy attitude. They crave attention, so children that love to interact can be great matches for miniature schnauzers. They seem to also sense that they should be gentle around children.

    Bichon Frise

    • The hypoallergenic Bichon Frise can be a good choice for children who have allergies. This breed is also great around children because it is so loving and gentle. As much as they love to give and receive affection from children, they are not couch potatoes and also love to play with their young human family members.