THE TOP 7 SMALL DOGS FOR FAMILIES: – FINDING THE RIGHT PUP

Having a furry friend around to fill your home with love and laughter is a great feeling, so you’re looking for a pint-sized companion that’s perfect for your family. You want the pup to be active, friendly, and well-behaved; no matter how cute or small they are, you need to find a breed that puts your family first.

Choosing the right pup can be tricky, though; you don’t want a barker, a shedder, or an early morning riser that wakes you up before the sun. You ardently desire a small breed that will fit into your lifestyle, but where do you start?

That’s why I have decided to help you narrow down your decisions by compiling my list of the Top 7 small dogs that make great pets for families. From hypoallergenic sidekicks to spunky lap dogs, these four-legged furry friends are cute and cuddly and have great temperaments that make them ideal for families.

Let’s see what Top 10 Small Dogs for Families have to offer to find you that paw-perfect pup.

1. Beagles –The American Kennel Club Hound Group

Beagles are part of the American Kennel Club’s Hound Group and make the perfect family pet. Beagles are a great choice for any household with their loyal personalities and friendly nature. They love to play and can be easily trained to obey commands – making them excellent additions to any family.

The physical appearance of these breeds includes:

• Eye: The eye color of beagles is usually a rich brown.
• Coat: Beagles have short, smooth coats that come in the color Lemon & White.
• Size: The average size for beagles is 13-15 inches at the shoulder, typically weighing 20-30 pounds.

Average life span: Beagles typically live 12-15 years, making them the perfect lifetime companion.

Beagles should bathe and get groomed every few months to keep their short coats in tip-top condition. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so make sure to provide lots of playtime or training sessions.

2. French Bulldogs –The English Bulldogs

French Bulldogs, also known as “Frenchies”, are a breed of English Bulldog and are easily recognizable by their signature bat-like ears and flat muzzles. French Bulldogs sport very muscular bodies with wide chests, short legs, and stout necks.

The breed can come in various colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and even black. They typically weigh around 16 to 28 pounds, making them perfect for families looking for a smaller canine companion.

The temperament features of French Bulldogs include:

• Friendly: Frenchies are very friendly and get along great with children.
• Calm: While they have a lot of energy, this breed is usually quite calm and collected – making them an ideal small dog for families.
• Loyal: French Bulldogs are incredibly loyal to their owners, often following them around the house like a shadow.

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 10-14 years, so it’s important to walk and exercise regularly to keep them healthy and happy. Grooming is also important; Frenchies should be brushed at least once a week and need their nails clipped every few months.

3. Bichons Frises –The hypoallergentic breed

Bichons Frises are a hypoallergenic breed that sports a white, coated cotton ball-like fur. They have a round faces with soft, dark eyes and triangular ears that hang close to their cheeks. Their bodies are medium in size, but they are known for their agility and playfulness.

The average weight of the breed is between 8 and 12 pounds, making them an ideal size for homes with limited space. Additionally, Bichons Frises typically have good temperaments and are not prone to aggression. You can play and cuddle with them without worry.

The grooming tips for Bichons Frises include:

• Brushing: Bichons should be brushed at least once weekly to remove dead fur and keep their coats looking healthy.
• Shampooing: Bathing with warm water and quality shampoo every few weeks is recommended for the best results.
• Trimming: Nails need to be trimmed regularly, as well as their fur around the eyes and feet.

The average lifespan of a Bichon Frise is 12-15 years, so it’s important to ensure they get proper exercise and nutrition for optimum health. Regular exercise and grooming make this lovable fur fluffs the perfect pet for any family.

4. Havanese – The only breed native to Cuba

Havanese is a breed native to Cuba and are easily recognizable by their curly, long coats. Their hair often comes in shades of cream, white, black, or grey shades. They have round eyes and big ears sticking out from their heads’ sides.

The average weight of Havanese ranges between 7-13 pounds, making them the perfect size for a lap dog. They are also gentle and outgoing, making great family companions.

The personality features of Havanese include:

• Friendly: Havanese is known for being a friendly, outgoing breed.
• Adaptable: This breed adapts easily to new environments and people, making them great pets for families who move around often.
• Intelligent: Havanese are smart dogs and can learn tricks quickly, making great companions for those looking to have a playful pup.
• Loyal and Loving: Havanese are incredibly loyal to their owners and love to cuddle.

The average lifespan of Havanese is 14-16 years, with proper care and nutrition. Grooming is also important for this breed – they should be brushed at least twice a week and need regular nail trimmings.

5. Pug – The member of the AKC toy group

Pugs are part of the AKC toy group and are easily recognizable by their wrinkly faces, curled tails, and round eyes. They typically come in shades of fawn, apricot fawn, or black. The average weight range is between 14-18 pounds, making them perfect for families who want a small companion.

The temperament of Pugs is known for being playful yet gentle. They are loyal to their owners and usually get along great with children. Their short snouts can sometimes cause breathing issues, so watching them during exercise is important.

The healthy care tips for Pugs include:

• Exercise: Pugs need exercise every day to stay healthy and happy.
• Grooming: Brushing their fur at least once a week is recommended as trimming their nails regularly.
• Diet: Feeding them the right amount of food is key – ensure you find quality dog food with enough nutrients for your Pug.

The average lifespan of a Pug is between 12-15 years, provided they are cared for properly. With the right love and care, Pugs make an excellent pet choice. However, it’s important to remember that they must be monitored closely during exercise due to their short snouts.

6. Shih Tzu – The lapdog of Chinese royalty

Shih Tzu is well-known for their friendly and gentle personality. They are loyal companions that love to be around people, which means they make great additions to families with children.

In terms of grooming, the breed needs to have its long fur brushed regularly to prevent tangles and keep it looking healthy and shiny. Additionally, the breed needs regular baths as part of their grooming routine to maintain a clean coat. When trimming nails, owners must be careful not to trim them too close or risk cutting them quickly.

The body features of the Shih Tzu include:

• Height: 8-11 inches.
• Weight: Male: 9-16 lbs. Female: 9-16 lbs.
• Coat: Long and thick fur
• Eyes: Round with a sparkly look to them
• Ears: Long and floppy
• Color: Black, brown, white, gold, and silver
• Average Lifespan: 10-16 years

Shih Tzu is an excellent choice for families looking for a small lapdog that loves to cuddle and receive attention. These furry friends can live up to 16 years with proper care and love. So start your search for the perfect Shih Tzu companion today.

7. Cocker Spaniel- The breeds in the AKC Sporting Group

Cocker Spaniels are a breed in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting Group. They are medium-sized dogs with sturdy bodies and typically weigh between 13-14.5 kgs (28-32 lbs).

They have a strong and muscular build and an athletic stance that gives them a look of grace. Their coat is usually thick and wavy, with colors ranging from black, dark brown, tan, and any variation of these shades. They have expressive eyes and long ears that hang close to the head. The tail of a Cocker Spaniel is usually docked, giving them an iconic silhouette.

The special characteristics of Cocker Spaniels include the following:

• Friendliness: Cockers are known for being friendly with other dogs and people, making them great family pets.
• Intelligence: They have intelligent minds and can learn quickly with proper obedience training.
• Energy Level: Cocker Spaniels are full of energy and need plenty of exercises to keep them happy and healthy.
• Barking: Cockers bark when they sense something is wrong and can make good watchdogs.
• Sense of smell: Cocker Spaniels have an amazing sense of smell, making them great hunting companions.

Cocker Spaniels make great family pets, as they are loyal and affectionate. With the right training, exercise, and love, these dogs can bring joy to any home for many years. So start your search for the perfect Cocker Spaniel companion today.

So, these are the seven popular dog breeds and tips for caring for them, and exercise is essential for all these dogs to stay healthy and happy. If you’re looking for a furry companion that’s loyal, intelligent, and full of love – start your search today. You could be surprised at just how much joy one pup can bring into your life. Be sure to do your research and find the best breed for you and your family.

Conclusion

There’s nothing like the joy of adding a small dog to your family. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for purebred cuteness, ease of training, or both – you can’t go wrong with these top 7 small dogs.

Each pup has its own quirks and characters that make it stand out from the rest, whether it be its intelligence or friendship. You can find a dependable companion in any one of these puppies that’ll give you plenty of unconditional love, laughs, and tail-wags to last a lifetime.

So if you’re looking for the right pup, ensure you give each one an equal chance; who knows which one will steal your heart?