Family dogs are dogs that are not bred and kept for work, but as loyal companions. So they are primarily used for entertainment.
The opposite of this are so-called “working dogs”, which are bred for a specific task. [1] Here you can find other categories of family dogs:
In theory, almost all dogs can be trained to get along well with the family. However, for some breeds this can be very time-consuming.
For this reason, it is recommended, especially for first-time owners, that they start straight away with a suitable breed. Below you will learn about 33 small family dogs.
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#1 Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small family dog. Otherwise he is used as a lap dog. Pretty handy considering he doesn't cope well with loneliness.
The white dog lives up to 15 years. When fully grown it only weighs around 3 kg. There are a total of 7 recognized names, but it is also known simply as “Bolo”. [2]
It is also ideal for apartment living. But for this he needs a lot of mental activity. He gets along great with strangers because he is very warm.
Fun fact: Many people confuse the name of this four-legged friend with the Italian pasta dish. But dogs and noodles have little more in common than their origins.
#2 Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is known for its strong hunting instinct. So he also needs a lot of exercise. His character is characterized by intelligence and obedience. [3]
The small family dogs are very easy to train. Another practical thing is that they don't shed a lot. It is also an advantage that they get along well with heat and cold.
This four-legged friend is even suitable for apartment life. Staying alone is absolutely no problem. However, he only tolerates strange dogs sometimes.
Fun fact: Old and wise, that's how this four-legged friend looks. But that's deceptive. Only the beard is white and that changes quite quickly after eating.
#3 Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is the ideal small family dog for first-time owners. Mainly because he is easy to train and only needs a moderate amount of exercise. Unfortunately he barks a lot. [4]
Be careful with the name. The Tibetan Spaniel is not a real spaniel. He also honestly acts more like a cat. It's just that he has trouble staying alone.
This is a very old breed of dog. There is evidence from before 1100 BC. At that time, the animals were never sold among monks, but only given away.
Fun fact: When it comes to grooming and elegance, these dogs really compete with cats. So if you can't decide whether to have a dog or a cat, then with this four-legged friend you have both.
#4 Dachshund
The Dachshund is a playful, small family dog. He particularly enjoys digging. Due to its size and shape it can also climb into a badger's den. [5]
This is a breed of dog that was originally used for badger hunting. There are 9 different types of Dachshunds.
For example, it comes in 3 different sizes. The dachshund, dwarf dachshund and rabbit dachshund. They are also differentiated depending on hair type.
Fun fact: When you see the picture of this four-legged friend, it's hard to believe that he was actually originally bred for hunting.
#5 Bolonka Tswetna
The Bolonka Zwetna is a bearded dog. They are moderately trainable and don't bark much. They are also one of the rather small family dogs. [6]
They live up to 16 years and only weigh between 2-5 kg. Their behavior is particularly playful and trusting. But they also need a lot of attention.
However, they can be very territorial. Just part of their character, as well as their loyalty, intelligence and a healthy dose of curiosity and charm.
Fun fact: You can explore this four-legged friend to your heart's content. In any case, you won't find much on Wikipedia. Just a measly 140 words were written.
#6 Bichon Frize
The Bichon Frisé is a very trainable, small family dog. It has a life expectancy of up to 15 years. In some cases it can even live up to 21 years.
This four-legged friend is often afraid of water. This fact fits in well with the fact that its fur is so soft that it is called cotton.
He also gets along well with dogs and children. It is also suitable for first-time owners. Because he is very cheerful, trusting and gentle. [7]
Fun fact: The character traits of this four-legged friend are so well known that the verb “bichonner” has been officially recognized in French, meaning in German: “to pamper.”
#7 Papillon
The Papillon is very energetic. The small family dog is very trusting with the family and ideal for apartments. However, he has a hard time staying alone.
His homeland is in Belgium and France. It was previously used to drive rats and mice out of the house because of its strong hunting instinct.
Unfortunately, this four-legged friend can become aggressive towards other dogs and people without early social contact. Otherwise he is really friendly. [8]
Fun fact: Small dog, big bark. This four-legged friend can bark along with the big ones.
#8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. His homeland is in Great Britain. These extroverted, small family dogs are ideal for first-time owners. [9]
There are different names depending on the coat color. Tricolor represents Prince Charles. Black and brown corresponds to King Charles, completely brown and red is Ruby.
From the beginning, this four-legged friend was just a lap dog. But it is still in the top 20 most popular dogs worldwide. And it is becoming more and more popular.
Fun fact: Here we have a little “Dumbo”, just with more fur. With his big ears, this four-legged friend really competes with the little Disney elephant.
#9 Havanese
The Havanese is happy when the owner is happy. When fully grown, the four-legged friend only weighs around 4-5 kg. He will be between 14 and 16 years old.
We have a lapdog breed here that almost became extinct during the 20th century. These are small family dogs that are very friendly.
They bark little and are very trainable. They love looking down on things from above. In general, they like attention and activity. [10]
Fun fact: Here it is important to be particularly quick with the poop bag. Otherwise this four-legged friend will do it himself. But with his mouth.
#10 Australian Terriers
The Australian Terrier is loyal and courageous. He needs early socialization to get along well with people and other dogs. It is suitable for first-time owners.
He also gets along well with cats and other pets, which are significantly larger. Because this is a small family dog weighing around 6.5 kg.
Unfortunately, he doesn't get along well with other people's dogs. He also needs a strict and dominant master. After all, he can be very stubborn. [11]
Fun Fact: ““Boss Baby” would be nothing compared to this four-legged friend. He plays the boss not only with humans, but also with other dogs. No matter how big.
#11 Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier is very protective of his owner. He is a small family dog with a friendly and lively character. [12]
What is somewhat contradictory is that it was originally bred for dog fighting. It is also the first breed of dog bred in America.
The black and white dog is ideal for apartments and beginners. He is also very playful and therefore the ideal play partner for children or adults.
Fun fact: 9% of the time it's not your fault if that dog doesn't listen. Statistically, 5% of these four-legged friends are deaf on one side and 4% on both sides.
#12 Welsh Corgi Cardigan
The Welsh Corgi Cardigan lives between 12 and 16 years. This small family dog is a great beginner dog for owners. He is also very sweet.
This four-legged friend can also be used as a guard dog. After all, he has a strong hunting instinct and barks a lot. He is also very protective.
The four-legged friend likes to pinch the heels of herd animals and people when he wants something. But luckily the four-legged friend is easy to train and friendly. [13]
Fun fact: Not a guardian, but a protector. These small four-legged friends were not originally used for herding, but rather to drive wild herd animals away from the farmer's property.
#13 Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a non-shedding dog. His home is the city of the same name, which is located in Madagascar. But he is also known simply as “Cotie”.
When fully grown it only weighs between 4 and 5 kg. After all, it is also a small family dog. It is also ideal for apartments. [14]
His favorite pastime is swimming, running and playing. He is very trusting towards the family. But he also gets along well with strange dogs and children.
Fun fact: Here we have a little diamond among four-legged friends. Because this breed of dog is rather rare to find.
#14 Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier needs a lot of mental activity. If this is missing, he tends to bark and gnaw. He also loves to dig, which is often combined with his hunting instinct.
This means that the small family dogs often dig out to hunt. The animals fit perfectly in a backpack as they only weigh around 7 kg when fully grown.
Originally they were farm or hunting dogs. But they were and still are great family companions today. Their life expectancy is up to 18 years. [15]
Fun fact: More effective than any cat. A single one of these terriers can track down and kill 2,500 rats in an old barn within 7 hours.
#15 Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is one of the lazy dogs. Lazy but holy. They were therefore usually given away as gifts and to this day often live with Buddhist monks.
Her character is compared to that of a stubborn child. The small family dogs are playful, energetic, as well as devoted and lively.[16]
They also get along really well with children. But the animals are well suited for first-time owners. They are moderately trainable, need a lot of exercise and shed moderately.
Fun fact: Even without a goatee, the dog breed was given the name “Apso”, i.e. billy goat.
#16 West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier. A four-legged friend who loves digging and barking. He learns very quickly and is one of the most playful and cheerful terrier species.
Unfortunately, the small family dogs have very sensitive skin and therefore get sunburned quickly. They weigh around 7 kg.
Since he has a very strong hunting instinct, he is…