Top 7 Best Small Breed Dogs for Families - Dogs 101

7 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families - Are you looking for a cuddly little dog with a gentle, sweet-natured personality? Check out our list of the 7 best small dog breeds for families and seniors. From the Beagle to the Norfolk Terrier, these dogs excel in the roles of companion pets, filling your lap and heart. Learn more about each breed's unique characteristics and why they make great family pets. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and click the bell icon to become part of our notification squad!
0:00 - Introduction to the Best Small Breed Dogs for Families
0:10 - Importance of a gentle and sweet-natured dog
0:21 - List of 7 best small dog breeds for families and seniors
1:00 - Beagle
1:29 - Pug
2:10 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
3:00 - Papillon
3:46 - Shih Tzu
4:30 - Lowchen
5:16 - Norfolk Terrier
#smalldogbreeds #smalldogs #doglovers

[@veemercer1698]

I was blessed with the world's gentlest little papillon. Taken from a home breeding situation by animal control and picked by me to live the best life he could ever have. He lived to be 19 -15 of those years in his forever home with me. Miss his itty-bitty paws and sweet little face. ❤️

[@amy1x]

I have a shih tzu and he just loves everyone and every dog

[@graciaore5256]

Lazygirl 22 i have a shih tzu and she only loves me literally dont get me wrong, i like her that way.❤️

[@slobodanmihic3636]

My shit tzu is 12 years old. I have had him for 9 years

[@amy1x]

Funny videos daily awww. Mine was 1 at Halloween and I got him 28 December 2017 but he wasn’t a present we were meant to get him later

[@slobodanmihic3636]

@@amy1x He is very playful and is really my companion. His lifespan is 12-16 years

[@krystalrosario4582]

Me too mine only barks when it needs something or sees a stranger and plays with the other dogs in the neighborhood

[@constantdarkfog49]

I liked the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, very adorable doggie.

[@brendainajera]

i think yorkies needed a spot in this video. my boy is the sweetest he sleeps by my side and waits for me to wake up. he’s such an angel.

[@biaccagreen7157]

brenda isel 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@JacquelineDianee]

brenda isel I agree I own a cavalier yorkie mix and she is the sweetest ❤️❤️

[@budgielover922]

brenda isel my maltipoo does the same

[@doglover7958]

I was waiting for this comment

[@siannleigh2201]

I agree I have had four little Yorkshire terriers and everyone just want to be hugged and cuddles and they all whimper/whimpered if they could not sleep on you.All of them gentle in nature and they all would go bonkers when they see me for me bestest little guys ever :)

[@nikkis6672]

Team Shih Tzu! 🐾🐾 I've had many dogs and tzus are unlike any pup I have ever had. My two girls are so extremely loving and catch on to things fast. They are also so gentle and playful with kids!❤

[@AnimalFacts]

❤️❤️❤️

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

Nikki S Shoh Tzus are the best! 💕 We have a year old one after losing ours of 16 years and I would never have anything but. They are darling and smart!

[@zingyflaps7757]

My Shih Tzu is so laid back, I joke its like having a stuffed animal. Don’t get me wrong, I get him riled up to play. He sits quietly in his car seat, I take him shopping and nobody even knows there is a dog around because he is so well behaved. He will bark to let me know if someone comes onto my property or if I ignore him to long when something is really important to him, but that’s about it. He loves everybody and all other animals, especially cats. I don’t know why, but he is obsessed with cats.

[@Em-by9ez]

don't forget to check out the health issues associated with some of these breeds! Not all of them are going to be affordable in the long term for a senior or young family

[@loisenolp4746]

Cavaliers are the most affectionate and smart dog I have ever had the pleasure to be around. They love everyone and everything. Very easy to train and is great in an environment 🐶🐾

[@jaimicottrill2831]

The King Charles Spaniel is so gentle and sweet. Loves cuddling!

[@AnimalFacts]

Jaimi Cottrill ❤❤❤

[@bethanybradley2369]

I have a black and tan called Ava🐶

[@jasminenking10]

I love my shih tzu. He’s the best dog I ever had.

[@homehelpheart7440]

Mine too! Such a lovey dovey.

[@carollynch8319]

This list left out the Maltese. They’re intelligent, gentle, sweet and love to be close to their human.

[@melanier7309]

My neighbor next door and across the street have one. They're very affectionate and playful.

[@budgielover922]

Carol Lynch yup they also left out the Maltipoo which I have which is a malt ease cross

[@zpyzygyui9635]

I AGREE WITH YOU

[@chrislewis615]

Maltese are lovely! I would be happy just getting them for the rest of my life.

[@MimMim-hs2rs]

@@budgielover922 I think they were going with pure breeds, it's horrible that irresponsible people are mixing more and more breeds, creating more possible health issues and then charging people who don't know any better ridiculous amounts of money for a dog that is essentially a mutt, I have two mutts, most of my dogs have been mutts and they're the best but these breeders want to refer to them as designer dogs, ummm noooo, they're mixed, hence a mutt.

[@Briana-li]

As a shih tzu owner for more than 14 years, these are great family dog. Highly recommend

[@carolbrubaker6572]

Cavaliers and Papillon!! 😍😍😍🐶🐶

[@lizdelisle1912]

I never met a Shih Tzu that wasn't a gentle lap dog! My favorite!

[@emiliarodriguez7809]

I have a 3 year old shih tzu and he is the most sweetest dog l ever met. He likes to takes naps with mama (me) and he loves to play with my daughters and two cats we have.

[@rainstorm2606]

Seeing as how I want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I am incredibly happy they're on this list

[@ingriddubbel8468]

You must get one; they are absurdly sweet. You also get the added bonus that people gush on how cute your dog is.

[@rawexplorer8373]

Best little doggos. You wont regret it

[@cherylmcdaniel3349]

We had a shih tzu/maltese, Nuedle. He was an amazing little guy who was so good with all the grand kids. We were really blessed to have had him for twelve years.

[@angiebethea2179]

I have a long hair Chihuahua , is most sweetest dog I have ever seen and loves everyone I really think it's the way people raise their dogs to that makes them so people person. He loves hugs and loves to sleep with us my husband loves him too. He has never met a stranger . We take him everywhere. But they are very needy dogs I need lots of attention, hope you have lots of time 😁

[@serafinathecavalierkingcha1481]

Cavaliers are the best! We are so gentle with children. We're up for anything they want to do, whether it's running and playing or just relaxing around the house. Love In, Love Out.

[@grat2010]

We adopted two shih tzu mixes from a shelter and they both have the sweetest disposition and are great companions.

[@AnimalFacts]

grat2010 ❤❤❤

[@17Yanie]

Cavalier king charles are the best 💗😍

[@lolamiller4570]

Shih Tzu are the best. I have one. And he is so cute. 😘😚❤❤❤

[@ivaleeweather]

I just have to say the ShihTzu. I had one over 18 years, she was so very precious. I miss her every day.

[@elizabethciambrano2096]

Iva Weatherford ,)

[@SillyMochar]

3: Shih Tzu I HAVE A SHIH TZU...And actually I can tell his personality. Playful, Funny, Cuddle monster, Barks, Likes everybody, And pretty...Bad....

[@kasperdakat]

Of all the dogs I took into my rescue, I like the Bichon Frise the best. They are the most loving, loyal and kid friendly dogs I have ever seen♥️

[@kerriefearby9542]

My little girl a Mini Foxy X Shih Tzu rescue dog is perfect. With me most all the time, loves cuddles but loves playing with me outdoors too. She is very social and just loves kids and babies. I hit the jackpot with this little mate.

[@cuddlykirby3207]

Love your pooch💟💟💟 Poyo ,

[@YetisPlace]

Yeti and I just absolutely love your channel! Thank you so much for putting great doggies on here, with all the info.

[@giulianamiglioli3514]

I have a shih tzu that loves to be around people. She is scare of other dogs. Every time she sees another dog she hides. But if someone talks to her, she just want to be around and play with the person. She is my heart.

[@shonaosmond4886]

I can definitely attest to the beagle and the Pug. I’ve had both and both are very gentle, loving and super cuddly!!

[@tswanso8374]

Shona Osmond love my Puggle!

[@Mamalion730]

I adored my Puggle. He passed away a year ago. 💔

[@silvermoon1922]

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the best dog😍❤

[@jessmjfan989]

Im so happy the Beagles made it into this list! They’re my favorite breed!

[@belle369]

I have a small dog. She can be gentle, but she’s crazy. She’s my best friend though. I’ve had her since I was 5, and we do everything together!

[@bumblebees8732]

I'm a dog trainer for about 15yrs now and I have trained most breeds and have owned a cavalier. I must say the cavaliers are the most gentle loving breed.

[@lyssamalloy5162]

I have 5 shih tzus .. theyre a handfull of cuteness 🥰

[@Ksyusha1]

I have Cavachon - mix between Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Bichon . The gentlest dog I ve ever encountered . He melts everyone’s heart . I never knew such dog personality even exist though I was always a dog person.

[@priscillasharp8582]

Yes I have to say Maltese are great companions, I had one she was all of 4.5 lbs. lived 23yrs. Passed away last yr. 1 day after Thanksgiving. They are high maint. But no shed,loveable ,and easy to train ". See you in Heaven Daphanne ".

[@Encephalitisify]

Of all the dogs I’ve owned, my Maltese have been the most gentle.

[@SamLove.]

I agree the Maltese are most gentle.

[@ellaw356]

I have a papillon and she loves to cuddle, and loves to play. They are smart and one of the most well behaved dogs. They are easy to train and so So sweet! Very loveablel !! 💞

[@AnimalFacts]

El Law ❤❤❤

[@kimparish1174]

Me too!!

[@lauracanciu9303]

The cavaliers are the most gentle, quite,loving,perfect dogs

[@AnimalFacts]

Laura Canciu ❤❤❤

[@cmdudycz2921]

Go NUMBER THREEN AT 3:49 because I have a Shih tzu and she is the most amazing, beautiful, generous and gentle dog I have ever seen

[@janusloggins876]

All of these dogs are sweet, loving companions!!! I can't believe that you didn't include the Boston Terrier tho. My son has one and he is a sweet, cuddly lap warmer but also sturdy and playful enough to be a great companion to my grandsons. They are very smart and easily trained as well.

[@AnimalFacts]

Janus Loggins ❤❤❤

[@AnimalFacts]

I can say that every BT I've ever met I fell in love with.

[@sandybristow2236]

I totally agree! Bostons are the absolute best!!

[@deannalynn909]

I gave one to my grandson for his birthday this year! And he is a clown! Absolutely adorable!

[@barbaramatthews4921]

I have a cavalier King Charles and a pug and I find them both very affectionate,I wouldn’t change them for the world.

[@elizabethmanzo692]

French Bulldogs should be on this list! They're so loveable, and laid back. Love All ppl, especially children! I have two French Bulldogs!!🥰🥰

[@yelmyagosa6963]

All dog breeds are Sweet and deserve to be love...

[@MegensBay]

I had a male Cavalier King Charles (RIP) and have a female Shih Tzu. Both are kind, loving, friendly and gentle companions. My Cavalier wagged his tail for all his almost 12 years. Now my Shih Tzu, once independent, follows me everywhere. Part of my bedroom closet is now her Condominium 😂

[@debedwards1717]

Cavoodle for sure and the King Charles Cavalier.

[@HeidiJohnson01]

The two Papillons we've owned were very smart, athletic, and wanted to be on my lap or next to me at every calm moment, I.e. very cuddly.

[@tarajohnston3772]

I have a cavalier King Charles spaniel x 1/4 beagle and he is the sweetest most gentle dog ever, who loves dogs, people and especially kids. 🐶

[@Joe_Potts]

Shih tzus ftw

[@maciemidwinter2673]

I have a shih Tzu and I love him xx

[@Briana-li]

Couldn’t agree with more on the shih tzu. Great first dog for any person or family.

[@sherryrodrigo5457]

Wow you forgot to include the Bichon

[@madmax1528]

Omg #5 the calvier king charles spaniel is adorable

[@puttytat007]

Pomeranian, they are the best!!!!!!! Just love them. 💓💋💓

[@Victoria_183]

My best friend has a maltese and omg he's so sweet and adorable

[@Beeezledrop]

I have a Papillon and she is very sweet. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She does get overwhelmed by hyper kids and dogs.

[@cuddlykirby3207]

And you need to teach kids to be calm and gentle.

[@katieandolly8639]

I have 5 pugs and I love them so so much xoxo 😘

[@florencebolduc539]

Bichon frisé are so friendly. Perfect for family.

[@monica-ec6ql]

Team cavalier King Charles spaniel 💖🌹✨

[@debbieross6274]

I have a papillon mix & he is very much a lap dog. Thank you for the information. Happy new year. God bless.

[@AnimalFacts]

Debbie Ross Thank you very much 🙂 And a happy New Year to you.

[@deniesekline-thatcher8380]

too cute! Thank You!

[@AnimalFacts]

Deniese Kline - Thatcher Thank you very much 🙂

[@ItsForTheDogs]

I always loved Snoopy when I was little, then I grew up and discovered Beagles bark alot! Basset Hounds are the sweetest of the hounds. He has never barked at me.

[@AnimalFacts]

Cao-Cao Rabbit ❤❤❤

[@heavensmountains323]

I would definitely put a Havanese at the top of the list. My daughter has one...he is a lovely dog to have around & a real cuddle mutt. He is a great pal to their bigger dog and loves their new kitten! Best attribute is that he is not a barky dog.

[@jessscally17]

I have a papillon and he has an overbite so his lips don’t touch and he’s so cute. Easy to train and very protective but cuddly and loves people

[@Isabel6194]

before watching the entire video, I thought "oh this will be just another video where small terriers will be overlooked" my childhood pet and dog of 15 years (he sadly passed away 2 years ago) was a Cairn Terrier / Jack Russel mix, and though CRAZY, (seriously, I could write a book about his antics) the most loving family dog. active, smart, strong-willed, and very loyal. if I'd get myself a dog now, however, I'd get a norfolk terrier since their size makes it easy to take them anywhere!

[@maribart4237]

I think shih tzu are the most gentle!

[@AnimalFacts]

Hela ❤❤❤

[@julieserpa9763]

I have a shith tzue my Lilly is so gentle and loyal ❤️🐶

[@huntresskrystle]

Yup! Our household has four and they are all gentle. 😊❤️

[@ShopElletta]

Hela couldn't agree more😘

[@AstralTraveler]

True... My shih tzu doesn't even understand agression :)

[@melaniethompson3135]

Pugs are the very best!

[@airingaairinga3603]

Team Papillon❤️❤️ These butterflies are the best🦋🦋

[@daniefritz4858]

YES ‼️‼️💕🐾

[@vaivasmirnova619]

So cute

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

Shih Tzus also shed less than others on the list. Havanese are also marvelous, friendly small dogs that don't shed like the others. I want a Norfolk terrier but would have to travel across the Irish sea to get one!

[@frenchiemomma1879]

My Frenchie is very sweet and loving. My kids absolutely adore him and he kindly reciprocates that affection.

[@jcbulldog533]

I was thinking about the Cute French Bulldog!! They're so Stocky & Cute 😘

[@gwinnet3142]

Thanks 🙏

[@simplymaddie8766]

My dream dog is number 3 ❤️🥳 I am getting him sometime this year :)

[@susanhaynes3001]

We have a little rescue Havapoo Milo . He’s the sweetest kindest little ball of Fur We LOVE him so much

[@ainnaestoquia4527]

I think beagle,shih tzu ,cavalier are the most gentle

[@sablethebarncat2376]

I have a beagle when I give him a treat or something he takes it so gentle unlike my first dog.

[@sonjasukhoruchkina7641]

I think paillons are one of the best small dogs to have !!!! They love hugs,stroking and playing they literally never bark !!

[@vanessamay3689]

Do you mean Papillon?My one could stand on her hind legs.Left her with a young family and think she fretted and died suddenly.She was my best mate.😢Irreplaceable

[@cuddlykirby3207]

They are smart too.

[@ajay2482]

Where is a Pomeranian like if you agree

[@DusBeforeDawn2008]

There cute but aren't the gentlest. One tried to bite me when I pet it

[@huskyplays_yt7888]

Pomeranians are really gentle but they aren’t as gentle

[@ms.independent8935]

Shih tzu woot woot!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@AnimalFacts]

MsIndependent893 H. ❤❤❤

[@kishorimalvi2405]

My westie 7 is the most gentlest dog every she obeys my every command she doesn’t t bark scratch nip nothing she’s the best PAT dog ever

[@cocosammu5377]

I love shih tzu

[@lynnlassen6649]

Love Papillons!

[@lynnlassen6649]

Good at agility too, very smart.

[@normajeanbonner3287]

Miniature poodle. Smart and loving and great alert dog. Well, mine is.

[@yoly0527]

Maltisse should be in the list!!!!

[@carlosvillalta7192]

It’s a Maltese not maltisse

[@narnia1233]

My family had a Pekingese/Lhasa Apso mix when my sister and I were teens and I loved her. She looked like a Pekingese mostly. Made me a fan of the Pekingese breed. She wasn’t good with small children that don’t behave but if your kids are well behaved then I think that breed is okay. In her whole life that dog never bit anyone, even when my uncle’s little boys came over and were harassing our poor dog and grabbed her face. It was the first and only time I saw her growl at someone and luckily I was more responsible than my uncle and told his kids not to do that. (As a teenager. Yeah my uncle was a jerk.). Anyways, she was great because she could be independent and liked her alone time but also was so sweet and would come up to you when she wanted attention. Loved her grumpy exterior but sweet interior personality. 💕. Our other small dog was a poodle/Lhasa Apo mix and he was a bit difficult. Literally bit everyone he met a least once if the person stayed over for a long time. Essentially he would sit himself right up against you on the couch and act really sweet as you pet him, but suddenly if you moved too much or something surprised him or he just got irritated by you he would immediately bite you. It was such a quick 180 in mood change even if you knew him for years you still couldn’t read it in his body language until he already bit you. Luckily he was just a small dog and never really hurt anyone seriously but obviously we never let him around kids. He kind of put me off poodles. Yeah poodles are smart but man if you got a neurotic smart dog it can be a real pain. He was a weird mix of being incredibly clingy but at the same time wanting to have his own personal space. But he still was cute overall and did some funny things. Like being so smart he opened a cabinet while he knew no one was looking and stole some M&Ms that were difficult to get to even though we never fed him chocolate. We had no idea he’d even eat that because he was a picky eater. And he would come up with games to play by himself, like taking a ball with him up the stairs and drop it down the stairs and then chase after it. Anyways dogs really do have a lot of personality.

[@bangtantxt6943]

Shih Tzu ❤️

[@schale8051]

Dachshunds are big cuddlers too and very friendly and gentle. They're a little on the mischivious side but they thrive on attention and love to be around the people they trust.

[@shayne2464]

shih tzu ❤️

[@misscottencandy15]

Baby Cavaliers are just brutally cute

[@craftbegins9463]

Super

[@LFC123bbbf]

Nice I got a golden and it cool

[@Ari-bz8go]

Chihuahua gang

[@Romulus_Maximus]

I have a German Spitz and she dosent like strangers or other dogs, loves to pick a fight. But is very affectionate towards the family members.

[@sabrinadoctor9653]

I ❤️Shih Tzu Breed

[@pandalyn2267]

My Shih Tzu, Toshi, is the best dog I've ever had. He is #1 in my book, even over the humans in my life.

[@yungjroc5193]

LOL same w my 3 yr old Leo i would literally take a bullet for him

[@mralexis89]

Beagle is my favorite among the list.

[@vianca_m8069]

What about Yorkie??? Or a Maltese? I have had both of these breeds they are amazing, can be a bit stubborn but are very loyal dogs! :) props to my 10 week old yorkie pup sitting right next to me on the couch :)

[@idrathernotsay6016]

I have a 10 week old female maltese

[@larrydieter4854]

I have a yorkie and a maltese. Both very good dogs. I cant imagine any dod being. Kinder and sweeter than my maltese. The yorkie though has a mind of his own. And is the boss as he was here with me longer than the maltese

[@chrispapa2782]

The absolutely most gentle is first the cavalier 2nd the Pomeranian and the shi tzu and 4th is the beagle

[@eviantoniou7768]

I think Maltese should have a place in this video...Also it was an amazing video❤❤❤