| Small dogs have become popular pets to own in | | | | children, but the small dog may be fragile and not |
| recent years. The growth in the popularity of these | | | | suitable for a family with small children. |
| pets may be attributed to several factors. Since small | | | | Small Dogs Good with Kids |
| dogs are physically smaller in stature than their larger | | | | • Boston Terrier - These dogs are a great choice |
| counterparts, small dogs eat less, most require less | | | | for families |
| exercise, and almost all small dogs are suitable for | | | | • Pugs - These dogs are able to tolerate |
| apartment living. Because small dogs are generally | | | | excitement and noise |
| easier and cheaper to care for, a family may consider | | | | • Beagles - These dogs are able to tolerate |
| adopting or purchasing a small dog as a pet. For a | | | | rough play and excitement |
| family with children, it will be essential to find a small | | | | • Pomeranians - These dogs can be good with |
| dog good with kids. | | | | children |
| In general, if children are under 6 years of age, it is | | | | • Jack Russell Terrier - Requiring a lot of discipline |
| best to adopt or purchase a dog that is at least 2 | | | | and attention, these dogs are good with children |
| years old. Older children, usually 7 years of age or | | | | Small Dogs Not Good with Kids |
| older, will be capable of owning and enjoying a puppy. | | | | • Chihuahuas - These dogs have a big dog |
| Both child and dog have to be trained how to relate | | | | attitude and tend to nip and growl at small children |
| to one another and this is the parent's responsibility. | | | | • Toy Poodles - Frightened by noise and activity, |
| In order to maintain the children's safety and well as | | | | these dogs are not suitable for children |
| the dog's safety it is important to know what small | | | | • Maltese - These dogs have a good |
| dog breeds are best suited for a family with children. | | | | temperament, but they are very fragile |
| When deciding on a small dog for your family, several | | | | • Dachshund - These dogs may be aggressive |
| factors will need to be considered including: breed, | | | | towards children |
| temperament, trainability, dietary requirements, | | | | • Pekinese - This breed is not good with other |
| grooming requirements, and health problems. Of | | | | animals or with children |
| course, if you have children, the most important trait | | | | With many breeds to choose from, finding a small |
| to look for in a small dog is whether the dog gets | | | | dog good with kids that will fit into your family should |
| along with children or not. Since children are often | | | | not be difficult. Also keep in mind that it will be |
| noisy, rambunctious and like to rough play, it will be | | | | important to choose a small dog that gets along with |
| important to find a breed of dog that is not easily | | | | other animals if you have other pets already in the |
| frightened or injured. Further, the temperament of | | | | home. |
| some small dogs may be suitable for families with | | | | |