These 17 Small Dog Breeds Look Cute But Don’t Always Get Along with Children
Small dogs are often seen as perfect family pets thanks to their adorable looks and manageable size. They seem like the ideal choice for households with kids—easy to carry, fun to play with, and just the right size for a child’s lap. But not all small breeds are built for family life.
Some tiny dogs have big personalities that don’t mesh well with children. Whether it’s because they’re naturally nervous, prone to nipping, protective of their space, or simply too fragile for rough play, certain small breeds can struggle in homes with young kids. What looks cute on the outside can come with behavioral quirks or health sensitivities that make them a poor fit for a busy household.
Many of these breeds were originally developed as watchdogs, lap companions, or hunters—not playmates for toddlers. They may get overwhelmed by loud noises, sudden movements, or too much attention, leading to anxiety or even aggression.
Of course, every dog is unique, and with the right training and environment, some can thrive despite the odds. But if you’re a parent considering adding a small dog to your family, it’s important to know which breeds tend to have trouble adjusting to life with children.
Here are 17 small dog breeds that are generally not the best choice for families with young kids.
1. Affenpinscher: The Monkey-Faced Mischief Maker
Nicknamed “monkey dogs” for their expressive faces, Affenpinschers pack huge personalities into tiny bodies. These confident little dogs are known for their fearless attitudes and stubborn streaks that can clash with children’s natural exuberance.
Affenpinschers typically prefer calm, quiet environments and may become stressed by the unpredictable movements and loud noises kids often make. Their independent nature means they don’t always tolerate rough handling or being treated like living toys.
While they form strong bonds with adult family members, these dogs generally do better in homes with older, respectful children who understand boundaries. Their tendency to nip when annoyed makes supervision essential in homes with youngsters.
2. Miniature Pinscher: Fearless Pocket-Sized Guardians
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Don’t let their diminutive stature fool you – Min Pins believe they’re much bigger than they actually are! These spirited dogs earned the nickname “King of Toys” for their proud, fearless demeanor that rivals dogs triple their size.
High-energy and always on alert, Min Pins can be reactive to sudden movements or loud sounds – exactly what young children tend to create. Their protective nature sometimes leads to nipping or barking when they feel their territory is threatened.
Min Pins form deep bonds with their owners but often lack patience for the clumsy handling of small children. Their fragile frames can also be injured during enthusiastic play, making them better companions for families with older, gentler children.
3. Chihuahua: Tiny Dogs With Giant Attitudes
Famous for being the world’s smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas often develop extraordinarily strong attachments to one person while remaining suspicious of others. Their loyalty is legendary, but so is their tendency to be high-strung and defensive.
Chihuahuas’ delicate bone structure makes them particularly vulnerable to injury during rough play. A child accidentally dropping or stepping on these tiny pups can cause serious harm, creating a dangerous situation for both the dog and child.
Many Chihuahuas respond to perceived threats with yapping or even nipping. Their natural wariness combined with their fragility creates a challenging mix for households with energetic youngsters who might not understand the need for gentle handling.
4. Pekingese: Royal Companions With Little Patience
Once treasured by Chinese royalty, Pekingese dogs still carry themselves with imperial dignity. These independent-minded pups have a low tolerance for what they perceive as disrespectful treatment, including the sometimes clumsy affection of children.
Their flat faces make them prone to breathing difficulties, which can be exacerbated by the stress of chaotic environments. Pekingese also have prominent eyes that are vulnerable to injury during rough play, creating health concerns in households with active children.
Despite their thick coats making them appear sturdy, Pekingese have sensitive backs that can be easily injured. Their preference for peace and quiet, combined with physical vulnerabilities, makes them better suited to homes with adults or older children who can respect their royal sensibilities.
5. Brussels Griffon: Sensitive Souls in Scruffy Packages
With their expressive, almost human-like faces, Brussels Griffons capture hearts instantly. However, these sensitive companions form intense bonds with their owners and can become anxious or jealous when attention is divided – a common occurrence in busy family homes with children.
Brussels Griffons tend to be emotionally complex dogs who take perceived slights seriously. Rough handling or being startled can trigger fear or defensive behaviors that might include growling or nipping, especially if they feel cornered.
Their small size (typically under 12 pounds) makes them vulnerable to injury during enthusiastic play. These intelligent but sensitive dogs thrive in quieter environments where they can receive consistent, gentle handling and the undivided attention they crave.
6. Shih Tzu: Imperial Lapdogs With Delicate Dispositions
Originally bred as companions for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus expect a certain level of decorum from their human families. Their gorgeous flowing coats require significant maintenance and can become painfully matted if handled roughly by children.
Many Shih Tzus have a low tolerance for being chased or restrained – common behaviors among playful kids. Their prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury, and their small size makes them susceptible to accidental harm during boisterous play sessions.
While generally sweet-natured, Shih Tzus prefer predictable, calm environments where they can lounge in comfort. Homes with gentle, respectful children who understand these dogs aren’t living stuffed animals usually make better matches than those with rambunctious toddlers or very young children.
7. Toy Poodle: Brilliant Minds That Need Gentle Handling
Toy Poodles rank among the most intelligent dog breeds, with sensitive temperaments to match their sharp minds. Despite their aristocratic appearance, these tiny dogs (typically under 10 pounds) have delicate builds that can be injured during rough play.
Their intelligence makes them quick to form opinions about how they should be treated. Toy Poodles often become anxious or defensive when handled inconsistently or roughly, as might happen with young children who are still learning appropriate pet interactions.
Many Toy Poodles bond closely with one person and can become possessive or jealous when that attention is shared. While they can be wonderful family pets with proper training, households with very young or energetic children might find more suitable matches in sturdier, more easygoing breeds.
8. Italian Greyhound: Fragile Speedsters With Nervous Tendencies
Elegant and lightning-fast, Italian Greyhounds possess the thinnest skin and most delicate bone structure of almost any dog breed. Their slender legs snap easily if they jump from furniture or are handled roughly – a serious concern in homes with children.
Beyond physical fragility, many Italian Greyhounds have naturally nervous dispositions. Loud noises, sudden movements, or chaotic environments can trigger anxiety, causing these sensitive dogs to tremble, hide, or even become snappy when feeling cornered.
Italian Greyhounds crave warmth and gentle affection but often lack the patience for typical child-pet interactions. Their tendency to bolt when frightened also creates safety concerns, making them generally better suited to quiet adult homes than bustling family environments with unpredictable young children.
9. Lhasa Apso: Ancient Sentinels With Strong Opinions
Developed as monastery guard dogs in Tibet, Lhasa Apsos carry themselves with dignity and independence that belies their small size. These ancient dogs were bred to make their own decisions – a trait that can manifest as stubbornness when they disagree with how they’re being handled.
Lhasas have long memories and tend to hold grudges when they feel mistreated. A child who plays too roughly might find themselves permanently on a Lhasa’s “untrustworthy” list, leading to avoidance or defensive behavior during future interactions.
Their heavy coats require significant grooming and can become painfully tangled if pulled or handled improperly. While loyal and affectionate with their chosen people, Lhasa Apsos generally prefer predictable, respectful environments over the chaos that often accompanies young children.
10. Chinese Crested: Sensitive Skin Requires Special Care
Perhaps the most visually distinctive breed on our list, Chinese Cresteds come in hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless type lacks the protective fur coat most dogs have, making their skin vulnerable to scratches, sunburn, and temperature changes – all concerns when around children.
Chinese Cresteds form intense bonds with their families but can be startled by sudden movements or loud noises. Their slender build makes them susceptible to injury during rough play, and many have naturally cautious personalities that don’t mesh well with boisterous youngsters.
These unique dogs require special skincare routines that can be disrupted by inconsistent handling. While affectionate and loving, Chinese Cresteds typically do best in quieter households where their physical sensitivities and emotional needs can be properly accommodated.
11. Papillon: Butterfly Ears Hide Strong-Willed Personalities
Named for their distinctive butterfly-like ears, Papillons combine dainty appearance with surprisingly strong-willed temperaments. Despite weighing under 10 pounds, these intelligent dogs have definite opinions about how they should be treated and handled.
Papillons’ delicate bone structure makes them vulnerable to injury during rough play. Their small size means they can be easily stepped on or accidentally injured by children who don’t understand appropriate handling techniques.
While intelligent and trainable, many Papillons prefer the company of adults over children. They can become nervous or defensive when cornered or handled roughly, sometimes resulting in nipping behavior. Families with older, gentle children who respect boundaries typically have more success with this breed than those with toddlers or very active youngsters.
12. Dachshund: Long Bodies With Strong Hunting Instincts
Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds retain the tenacity and sometimes stubborn disposition of their working ancestors. Their elongated spines make them particularly vulnerable to back injuries if picked up incorrectly or dropped – a significant risk when handled by children.
Many Dachshunds form strong attachments to one person while remaining somewhat aloof or protective around others. Their hunting heritage can manifest as resource guarding behaviors around food, toys, or favorite people – potentially creating conflict in family settings.
Dachshunds often have low tolerance for rough handling or perceived disrespect. Their tendency to nip when annoyed combined with their physical vulnerability creates challenges in homes with young children who might not understand proper handling techniques or respect the warning signs when a dog is uncomfortable.
13. Japanese Chin: Feline-Like Companions With Royal Standards
Often described as cat-like in temperament, Japanese Chins are elegant, somewhat aloof companions who prefer gentle handling and quiet environments. These former palace dogs retain a certain regal expectation about how they should be treated.
Japanese Chins have prominent eyes and flat faces that make them vulnerable to injury during rough play. Their small size (usually under 10 pounds) means they can be easily hurt if dropped or stepped on by accident – common concerns in households with active children.
While capable of forming loving bonds with respectful family members, Japanese Chins typically prefer predictable routines and gentle handling. Their tendency to climb to high perches (like cats) can also create safety concerns, as falls can result in serious injuries to these delicate dogs.
14. Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny Terriers With Outsized Courage
Yorkies may look like living stuffed animals, but these tiny terriers possess the bold, sometimes feisty temperament characteristic of their larger working cousins. Weighing typically under 7 pounds, their diminutive size creates serious injury risks in households with children who might play too roughly.
Many Yorkshire Terriers develop strong attachments to one person while remaining wary of others. Their natural terrier confidence means they rarely back down from perceived challenges – even when facing much larger “threats” like enthusiastic children.
Yorkies’ silky coats require significant maintenance and can become painfully tangled if handled improperly. While loyal and affectionate with their chosen people, these tiny dogs generally prefer homes where they’ll be treated with consistent gentleness rather than environments with unpredictable handling.
15. Maltese: Aristocratic Lapdogs With Delicate Dispositions
With their flowing white coats and elegant bearing, Maltese dogs have been cherished companions of aristocrats for thousands of years. These refined lapdogs expect gentle handling and can become stressed or fearful in chaotic environments – exactly what most households with young children tend to be.
Maltese typically weigh under 7 pounds, making them physically vulnerable to injury during rough play. Their long, silky coats require daily grooming and can become painfully matted if pulled or handled incorrectly by children who don’t understand proper pet care.
While capable of great affection, many Maltese prefer predictable routines and calm environments. Their tendency to be somewhat high-strung means they often react poorly to the sudden movements, loud noises, and inconsistent handling common in homes with young children.
16. Basenji: The “Barkless” Dogs With Independent Spirits
Famous for their unique yodel-like sounds instead of barking, Basenjis maintain the independent, sometimes aloof temperament developed during their centuries as African hunting dogs. These intelligent canines are known for making their own decisions rather than simply obeying commands.
Basenjis tend to be physically active and mentally clever in ways that can create challenges in family settings. Their natural prey drive might cause them to chase running children, and their problem-solving abilities often lead to creative mischief when bored.
While capable of forming strong bonds, Basenjis typically prefer respectful relationships over the sometimes overwhelming affection children offer. Their cat-like cleanliness and dignity means they often dislike being handled roughly or restrained, potentially leading to avoidance or defensive behaviors in homes with youngsters who don’t understand canine body language.
17. Pomeranian: Fluffy Exteriors Hide Bold Personalities
Descended from large Arctic working dogs, Pomeranians retain the confident, sometimes bossy attitudes of their much bigger ancestors. These tiny balls of fluff (typically under 7 pounds) often have no idea of their small size, leading them to stand their ground even when intimidated – a trait that can create conflict with children.
Pomeranians’ delicate bone structure makes them vulnerable to injury during rough play. Their double coats require significant grooming and can become painfully matted if handled improperly by children who might see them as living stuffed animals.
Many Pomeranians develop strong bonds with adult owners while remaining somewhat suspicious of children’s unpredictable movements. Their tendency to nip when frightened or annoyed, combined with their physical fragility, creates potential challenges in households with young or active children.
