Are you looking for small to medium–sized dog breeds to add a special member to your family? You may have heard that some smaller dogs and children do not mix well and that small dogs might be fragile, yappy, or even snappy. There are many small to medium–sized dog breeds that make wonderful, loving companions for families with babies, small children, and older children.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 small to medium-sized dog breeds for families. We hope this information helps you to find the best small to medium family dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel
Big black eyes, gentle, lovely faces, long, lush ears, and thick, wavy coats distinguish American Cocker Spaniels. Cocker Spaniels are the AKC’s smallest sports spaniel, standing 14–16 inches tall and weighing 15–31 pounds.
American Cocker Spaniels thrive in rural, metropolitan, and suburban settings as long as they get frequent exercise. These type of small to medium–sized dog breeds are one of the best small to medium family dogs since they are intelligent, affectionate, and kind.
They enjoy being around children and frequently put themselves in the middle of the action. They also make excellent therapy dogs for children with special needs. While American Cocker Spaniels are mostly used as companion dogs, they can also be trained for agility, flyball, hunting tests, obedience, and tracking.
American Cocker Spaniels can be nervous at times. They are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh scolding or physical correction.
American Cocker Spaniels can be social with strangers and other pets if properly trained. To stay trim and healthy, they need a vigorous 30-minute stroll or enjoyable mental activities.
Because American Cocker Spaniels are primarily bird dogs, they may attempt to chase small animals while out for a walk. When you are not in a fenced-in area, keep them on a high-quality dog leash.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are very clever (ranking in the top ten of all dog breeds in intellect), energetic, and vocal herding dogs that originated in the Scottish Shetland Islands.
These small to medium-sized dog breeds are always anxious to please their owners and, in comparison to other dog breeds, are often quite obedient. Shelties are very sensitive and kind, making them excellent for families with older children.
They are fiercely protective of all family members and will bark incessantly if people or animals enter their territory. Shelties also make excellent medical alert, service, and therapy dogs. Because of their athleticism, endurance, and obedience, they are perfect adventure dogs.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are great small to medium–sized dog breeds, weighing no more than 25 pounds and standing 15–17 inches tall on average. They are social, joyful, and inquisitive, and they get along well with children.
They will always be willing to accompany you while you explore city streets, parks, and trails. They are one of the best small to medium family dogs.
Did you know that the Boston Terriers were named after the city of Boston? According to the American Kennel Club, “it’s a fair bet that a breed named after a city, such as the Havanese or Brussels Griffon, will make an outstanding city pet.” “Bostonians” are no different.
Boston Terriers are also one of the easiest small dogs to train.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are bright, bold, and joyful dogs that were developed to hunt mice and rats in barns on the British Isle of Skye and in the Scottish Highlands. They can wriggle through tunnels and along rocky pathways after vermin while weighing no more than 18 pounds and being 13 inches tall. Cairn Terriers are also southpaws, with well-padded front feet that are larger than their back ones.
These small wire-haired dogs make great apartment dogs as well as joyful travelers and family companions. They thrive on attention from their loved ones and are dissatisfied with being alone for long periods of the day.
While they are good with children, these small wire-haired dogs may be domineering and feisty with other family pets. Cairn Terriers require regular, lengthy walks or energetic play to stay happy and healthy. Cairn Terriers are obstinate and independent, and they will dispute your authority.
You will need to establish ground rules and promote positive behavior with toys and treats. Cairn Terriers will bark at larger dogs and chase squirrels or rabbits. As a result, they should be walked on a leash in public and allowed to run free only in a fenced-in yard.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and other King Charles mixed dog breeds, including Cavapoos and Cavashons, are friendly, amiable, and easygoing small to medium–sized dog breeds. Although they enjoy romping in the dog park, these dogs make excellent lap dogs and can happily cuddle or nap by your side for hours.
They are also on our list of one of the best small emotional support dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are quite social and get along well with children and other household pets. As a result, they make excellent city and one of the best small to medium family dogs. Their small size (13–18 pounds) and lack of barking make them low-maintenance apartment dogs and easy travel companions.
The Cavalier is also on our list of easiest small dogs to potty train.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are amiable, mild-mannered, and intelligent dogs that are ideal for apartment and city living. They are also one of the most popular small to medium–sized dog breeds among city dwellers. French Bulldogs are also on our list of best non-shedding small dogs.
Apart from being gorgeous, French Bulldogs are excellent with toddlers and young children. Their placid demeanor and lack of excessive barking make them excellent house dogs, especially if you have neighbors living above or below you.
The small stature of Frenchies normally weigh little more than 25–28 pounds also means they don’t take up much space and are exceptionally easy to transport about town. These dogs are also one of the best small therapy dogs you can find.
Before purchasing a French Bulldog, keep in mind that they can be prone to breathing problems and overheating in certain settings. Frenchies are a dog breed with a flat face.
They are more prone to trouble breathing and/or heatstroke in hot and humid weather due to the tiny form of their nose openings and tracheas. For these reasons, it is critical to ensure that your Frenchie gets access to air conditioning when the temperature rises above 85 °F.
Maltese And Maltipoo
Maltese dogs are a small dog breed recognized for their calm and friendly demeanor as well as their long, silky hair. Their small stature and adaptability make them ideal apartment and city pets. They are recognized as one of our best small dog breeds for seniors and retirees.
This tiny white fluffy dog is also passionately loyal to their families, following them around like shadows. They are a kid-friendly dog breed, but they are best suited to older children. Maltese are quite frail and can be easily hurt by toddlers and young children, weighing a maximum of 8 pounds when fully grown.
Maltipoos are a hybrid of Maltese and toy or miniature poodles. They have the gentle nature of their Maltese forebears as well as the vitality of their Poodle relatives. A little exercise on a regular basis helps keep your Maltese happy and healthy.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers have warm and feisty dispositions, standing 12–14 inches tall and weighing 20 pounds which makes them great small to medium–sized dog breeds. They’re well known for their walrus-like beards and expressive brows.
Miniature Schnauzers are excellent with children of all ages and will guard them. They are sociable and independent, although they are suspicious of strangers. They adjust readily to city or country living if they get an hour of exercise every day.
They are considered small wire-haired dogs when their hair is grown out but smooth when trimmed short.
If you are a Miniature Schnauzer’s favorite person, they will always want to touch or be near you. Miniature Schnauzers are also dig-in-the-sand stubborn, and if bored, they will pretend they can’t hear you.
They prefer to chase after smaller animals and bark at larger dogs without thinking about the repercussions. This swagger can lead them into a lot of trouble, so it’s up to you to keep them under control.
Please see my article on mini schnauzer health issues to get some health information with the schnauzer breed.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are slight, but tough small to medium–sized dog breeds. They are recognized for their outgoing and alert personalities, as well as their lovely, flowing, and silky curls.
Shih Tzus are exceptionally loyal to their dog owners, but they are also quite social. They will happily curl up against a stranger if it means more cuddles! They are excellent companions for newborns, toddlers, and young children because of their calm and loving demeanor.
Because of their small stature and easygoing demeanor, they make excellent apartment and city dogs. They, like dachshunds, are prone to stubbornness. As a result, they require early routine instruction to prevent disobedience later in life.
Shih Tzus are also on our list of small dogs with the least health issues.
Best Small to Medium–Sized Dog Breeds
There are so many choices when looking for your perfect small to medium-sized dog that will be you or your family’s new companion.
Look at your situation to accommodate them. Do you need a hypoallergenic low maintenance dog because of family members with pet allergies?
Do you need one of the low energy small dogs that don’t require a lot of exercise?
Maybe you have a small home, apartment, or yard.
Take a look at the options and I’m sure you will find at least one or two small to medium–sized dog breeds that will be a perfect match for you.
As always, proper nutrition is an important part of a dog’s health along with feeding the recommend amount.
The Phalene Papillon dogs did not make our list, but we have dedicated an entire article to them that you can read at Phalene Papillon Dogs.
See my article on how to stop small dogs from barking.
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