7 Best Small Dogs for Kids No Shedding! (WITH PHOTOS)
Puppies and kids are both great fun – but can require a lot of work! That is why it is essential to pick a kid-friendly low maintenance dog.
Are you looking for a child-friendly, non or low shedding puppy for your kids that may be more sensitive to dander on dog furs?
Things to Consider When Picking a Non-Shedding Small Dog for Kids
Before you check out these charming breeds and decide which one to add to your family, you should first be aware of their temperaments.
Toddlers and babies can be clumsy. They would not readily know if they had done something wrong. And even the older kids can be careless. So a dog’s temperament is something you must check out first.
They’d have to be sweet and tolerant of your little ones. And the best way to determine that is by spending time with the puppies you think might be the ‘one.’ That way, you can also see if their coat type will do well with you and your kids.
Don’t just train your puppy – train your kids!
Another thing to know is that puppies will need early socialization. It’ll be good to expose them to different people and experiences while they’re still young. It’ll help your pups to grow up well. Be sure to consult the dog’s breeder on their history and health before running off with your newly bought puppies!
Also, it’s a good start to teach your children about being respectful and being mindful of their actions towards the animals in the household. Teach your kids to be gentle to these small companions.
Kids should learn what they should and shouldn’t do with (and for) your four-legged friends. It also pays off when they’re all older and more in-charge of tending to the little creatures of the house.
The BEST small non-shedding dogs for kids and families
Now, go take a look at the list below and choose your pick of best small dog for kids with no shedding (or low shedding).
Bichon Poodle (a crossbreed of a Bichon Frise and a Toy Poodle)
The lively Poochon as a Poodle mix has minimal shedding. The coat grooming requires daily brushing, and a trim every two months, perhaps. They can grow to about 14 inches at the shoulder. And weigh up to 12 pounds. Though, of course, they may grow taller depending on the gene mix.
The sensitive Poochons are great companions for the family. They’re accommodating and have a patient nature. And they’re rather friendly dogs who enjoy being around others. They’ll certainly love your kids and even all their noises!
The Poochon possesses a high energy level that can come in sudden bursts of running from here to there. And they can be rather barky. Though this can be curbed a bit by training and playful stimulations.
They also adapt well to different living environments. And they are straightforward to train. Their breed’s eyes have a tendency to moist, which leads to tear stains. When going out, it’d be handy to have a cloth or hanky nearby to wipe any tear stains under their eyes.
Border Terrier
The plucky Border Terrier has a dense and wiry easy-care coat. Its grooming is not demanding.
It is a generally happy dog that can weigh to about 15.5 pounds. Make sure to keep an eye on their diet, though, as they can gain weight quickly. The Border is even-tempered and can be wholly independent. They learn quickly and can adapt well.
While not high-maintenance, they require a bit of your attention. Borders are pretty affectionate. And they want to be around you and the family. They’re very friendly with people, though they can be quite noisy when greeting visitors by the door. And if exposed early to other pets, they can live peacefully with them.
Borders are a somewhat active bunch. And that can make them good playmates for your kids. But with their high energy levels, that can also lead to them being restless. It would not be ideal to leave them unattended long enough for them to get bored.
Borders really like digging, and they also love chasing after other animals like cats and squirrels. Borders should get taken out for a half-hour exercise to tire them out.
Mini Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Miniature Poodle)
This gentle and easy-going breed can be as energetic and friendly as a Labrador, and as quiet and calm as a Poodle. The mini Labradoodle can grow up to about 16 inches and 25 pounds, and their coat type has three different varieties.
Grooming and care varies, depending on the type and length of the coat.
The Labradoodle can take after the Labrador or the Poodle more in character. Though they’re generally loving and devoted to family.
They’re affectionate companions. And they’d be content to be just around you, they’re sweet like that. They’re also pretty playful with children, but like all rowdy dog types, they may accidentally knock them down.
The Labradoodle can be a good start for beginner dog-owners as they’re trainable, eager to please and do well with others.
Just make sure to stimulate their intelligence and burn off their energy. Otherwise, you’ll find chewed up pieces of your things around the house. Luckily a brisk bit of running or walking will tire them out. There are plenty of indoor dog games and activities that will entertain your dog and tire them out.
Coton De Tulear
The charming and witty little Coton De Tulear has a white cotton-soft coat. While young, these puppies will require extra grooming until their adult coats grow.
Then they would only need the occasional fur brushing and the weekly bathing. Coton’s can grow to about 11-12 inches at the shoulder and 11-13 pounds.
The Coton would make the best small dog for kids with no shedding. They’re very friendly and adore children. They get along with everyone, and they love to engage with people by vocalizing their little grunts and growls.
These sweet-natured pups strive for your attention and would trail after you all around the house. They form tight bonds with the family.
These happy-go-lucky Cotons are born bred companions. The Coton is also quite smart and intelligent, picking up on things quickly. They’re very obedient and aim to please. They adapt well to your needs and are pretty flexible travelers.
Cockapoo (a crossbreed of a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle)
Photo by Ray Larabie /CC BY
Big floppy ears and the BIGGEST sloppy kisses
The outgoing Cockapoos are grown in four different sizes. They range between 10-15 inches and 6-19 pounds. Their curly coats won’t need the level of grooming that Poodle coats do. However, they will still need occasional trimming and regular brushing.
The adorable breed of Cockapoos is very playful and active. They’ll require a daily stimulating exercise. They’re a pleased bunch, and not that hard to please. These fun-loving little pups thrive on your attention.
Though as all mixed breeds, their character may depend on the parents’ temperament. Still, they’re generally knowledgeable and easy to train, with a sweet personality.
And they can become very obedient with great patience and positive reinforcement. Which is really an excellent way to train dogs.
Be mindful of the energetic temperament that a poorly trained Cockapoo can have. Early and consistent positive training will overcome most of the possible bad things about Cockapoo temperaments.
Havanese – a little bundle of Joy
The clever Havanese can grow up to 11 inches and 13 pounds. Most people would have the Havanese coat cut short of making it easier to take care of. Some let it grow long, though that might be a pain for the less patient to care for.
This companionable breed is quite friendly and affectionate with everyone, especially with their families. They may bark a lot, depending on how many times a stranger passes through your windows, but they’d make good watch-dogs.
They’re also a house dog through and through, and would rather spend their time around the family.
That doesn’t mean they say no to active fun outside, though.
Like most dogs, there’s a significant amount of energy on these small-sized pups. Nothing a useful exercise can help with. They’re intelligent and quickly pick up on training, and they adapt very well to different types of abodes.
They can gain weight fast, so that’s something you need to watch out for, especially if you’re weak for puppy eyes. (Remember that pet obesity affects over 50% of dogs in the USA)
No more than 10% of the daily calorie intake should be from snacks! Consider healthy alternatives like low-calorie snacks or even some carrots or bell peppers as treats.
Pomapoo (a mixed breed of a Pomeranian and a Toy Poodle)
This unique cross is one of the rarer Poodle mix-breed dogs
The loyal Pomapoo can grow up to 10 inches at the shoulder and 15 pounds. Their coat type varies on which parental gene prevails, in which case you may need to invest in a bit of grooming. Generally, they only require occasional brushing and trimming.
The attentive Pomapoos can be very loving to young children if they know how to mind their actions with care towards this small dog. Otherwise, it’d be best not to leave them alone together.
They don’t have high energy, their level is moderate, so they don’t require vigorous exercise. A simple walk once a day would be enough.
The Pomapoos are not usually shy, though they may be quiet and reserved to strangers if they take after their Pomeranian parents. They’re actually pretty friendly and affectionate. And they do well with companionship and more dogs. They should not be left unattended for a long time.
Visit your local shelters and meet a small new friend!
Just remember that most of these puppies would do more good being around others. And if you don’t find any of these breeds appealing however impossible that is, don’t worry! More small dogs are child friendly and low to non-shedding besides this list of suggestions.
So what are the best small dogs for kids no shedding?
It really is up to you! I like Poodle mixes and a Miniature Labradoodle, Cockapoo or even the super cute Cavapoo might be perfect for your family. Always looks to adopt first – and best of luck finding your new family member!
