Imagine a lazy Sunday afternoon, gentle patter of the rain against the window, camped in front of the TV, watching You've Got Mail with your family for the hundredth time, sipping hot chocolate, all cuddled up with your kids, your dog falling asleep in the lap of your youngest. What a dream, sigh! 

Or maybe the dream is falling asleep on your couch snuggling with your little puppy to a quiet house because the kids are at school. Yes, the dog is totally for them! wink-wink! Whatever may be the case we can't deny that dogs are amazing company. 

If you've watched movies like Marley and Me, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmations and Dog days, is it safe to assume you are also a dog? Or maybe it's your kids who ask you for a pet every time they see someone walking theirs? 

A pet would be a great addition, but what about all the extra responsibilities and care they require? What about not having a backyard or that you have small children? If you're wondering this, don't worry, we’ve got your back! We believe there is a perfect dog for every family, you just need help looking. The answer is small dog breeds for kids that are also perfect if you live in an apartment and are worried about space.

Here is our pick of top child-friendly small dog breeds:

1. CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

Named after King Charles II of Britain, they are adorable and excellent companion dogs. They adapt well to apartments and are affectionate towards family, kids, other dogs, and strangers. Weighing between 13 to 18 pounds, perfect for even smaller kids to pick them up and plant them with kisses because they are just SO cute! 

Did you know? King Charles II loved these dogs so much he decreed they couldn't be denied entry in any building, including the Houses of Parliament! Also, Ronald Reagan gifted one to his wife for Christmas.

2. FRENCH BULLDOG

What do Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, The Rock, and Leonardo Di-Caprio all have in common? A common love for their French Bulldogs, of course!

These dogs are amazing for apartment dwellers, and first-time fur baby parents. They make amazing babysitters, taking on a protective role and love spending time with kids. They don't bark much and make great watchdogs. They shed very less and their coat isn't high maintenance at all!

3. PAPILLON

French for “butterfly”, they are suitable for apartment dwellers because of their compact size. They weigh 4 to 9 pounds and give kisses freely. Don’t disregard them as lap dogs though, they are playful little creatures and highly trainable. 

They love children just as much as painters love them. They have been featured in works of Titian, Goya, Ruben and Rembrandt.

4. MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the best little dogs for kids. Your kids will love taking this intelligent and affectionate dog to the park and playing ball all day! Well until dinnertime. They are super adaptable, whether it is a small apartment in the city or acres of farmland. They shed minimally and did we mention they’re hypoallergenic? Yes, they are!

Simon Pegg and Bruce Lee have both owned this extroverted breed known for their walrus mustache.

5. BRUSSELS GRIFFON

Basically Belgian royalty, this breed is the little package with a lot to give. They are hypoallergenic and super kid-friendly. If you’re a Star Wars fan or your kids are, this is the perfect dog because they often get compared to Ewoks or Wookies. 

They’re agile and obedient, getting along well with other dogs and cats.

6. BOSTON TERRIER

Dubbed the ‘American gentleman’, these are the best dogs for small children. Not only kid-friendly but they’re also good with other dogs and strangers. These will become an affectionate part of your family in no time! You can relax when leaving the kids alone because these babies make great guard dogs too. They shed minimally. Perfect for city dwellers. They will love accompanying you to an outdoor café. 

Easy to train, Dexter the Boston Terrier learned how to skateboard! 

7. BICHON FRISE

Hypoallergenic with the fluffiest white coat, the Bichon Frise looks like a walking cloud. They make one of the best small dogs for kids because of their loving nature towards everyone. Perfect for first-time owners and apartment dwellers. They train nicely and love showing off by putting shows for the whole family! 

They were popular lap dogs among nobles of Spain, Italy, and France. So much so that they have been featured in many paintings by famous artists.

8. HAVANESE

This breed loves to stick close to its owners and will shower you with love. They adapt well to apartments and are nicely trainable. Don’t disregard them for being just a pretty face, they are circus performers and even assist people with disabilities. 

Joan Rivers, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Ernest Hemingway have all owned these intelligent beauties. 

9. SHIH TZU

Their name may mean little lion but they’re all love. Apartment friendly and affectionate these are the best little dogs for kids. This breed is glamorous as well as agile. So they’ll make perfect partners for a game of throw and catch! 

These dogs are so beloved Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Colin Farell and even Bill Gates have them as pets.

10. PUG

The Pugs are an ancient breed with royal connections everywhere! From being kept as lap dogs by the Emperors of China to being fancied by Queen Victoria herself, we totally get why their winning popularity contests all over the world! 

They are apartment-friendly even though, and this is true, they were given mini palaces and guards of their own. They are friendly little creatures, compatible with kids and other dogs. They are also quite playful! 

That’s our pick for 10 small dog breeds for kids! Remember to adopt not shop! The amazing feeling you get after saving a life is unparalleled and you’ll be teaching your kids an important life lesson.

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.