Let’s face it, parents of newborns – your life is already a circus of sleep deprivation, mysterious stains, and deciphering cries that all sound suspiciously alike. Why not add a small, furry ringmaster to the mix? Before you question my sanity, some small dog breeds can peacefully coexist with your tiny human without adding to your therapy fund.
In fact, when chosen carefully, the best dog breeds for infants can become gentle companions for your growing family. Let’s explore the best small dog breeds for families with infants – or as I call them, “Assistant Parents: Fur Division.”
Why Consider a Small Dog When You Have an Infant?
You might think, “I already have a creature that demands attention, makes bizarre noises, and occasionally soils the carpet – why would I want another one?” Fair question. But small dogs can actually be wonderful companions for growing families when chosen carefully. The right small breed can:
- Take up less physical space in your already baby-gear-cluttered home
- Be easier to control around your infant
- Cost less to feed (saving more money for the 10,000 diapers you’ll need)
- Teach your child empathy, responsibility, and the valuable life skill of checking shoes before wearing them
Best Dog Breeds for Infants & Tiny Humans
1. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Royal Babysitter
These dogs, one of the best dog breeds for infants, were bred to warm the laps of royalty, making them professional snugglers. With their gentle temperament and seemingly infinite patience, Cavaliers are like the grandparents of the dog world – doting, calm, and only occasionally snoring loudly. Their medium-length coat requires some maintenance, but they’re generally quiet and adaptable – two qualities you’ll appreciate at 3 AM when the baby finally falls asleep.
Fun fact: Cavaliers are so gentle that they’ve been known to let infants use their ears as comfort blankets without complaint, which is more tolerance than most human adults demonstrate.
2. The Bichon Frise: The Hypoallergenic Cotton Ball
If your family has allergies, the Bichon Frise offers a hypoallergenic option that doesn’t shed much. These cheerful little clouds are known for their friendly, adaptable nature and gentle play style. Their perpetually happy demeanor might make you slightly resentful during particularly challenging parenting moments, but their willingness to join your infant for an afternoon nap will redeem them.
Plus, their white coat makes it easy to spot when they’ve been “decorated” by your artistic toddler with pureed carrots.
3. The Havanese: The Velcro Dog With an Off Switch
Nicknamed “velcro dogs” for their tendency to stick close to their owners, Havanese are affectionate without being overly needy – a rare quality that parents of infants can appreciate. They’re playful when it’s time to play, but remarkably content to lounge nearby when you’re engaged in the forty-seventh diaper change of the day. Their non-shedding coat is a bonus, though it does require regular grooming.
These dogs are so adaptable that they’ll adjust to your parenting style, whether that’s “Pinterest-perfect organic baby food maker” or “survival mode with questionable stains on everything you own.”
4. The Maltese: The Mini Guardian
Don’t let their flowing white locks and dainty appearance fool you – Maltese dogs combine gentleness with a surprisingly protective streak. While incredibly patient with children, they won’t hesitate to alert you to potential dangers with their bark. Think of them as tiny security guards in fluffy disguises. Their size makes them less intimidating to small children, but their loyalty is supersized.
The only downside? Their white coat will showcase every single sticky handprint your child leaves behind. Consider it a helpful tracking system for your increasingly mobile infant.
5. The Boston Terrier: The American Gentleman
With their tuxedo-like markings and good-natured temperament, Boston Terriers bring dapper charm and remarkable patience to families with infants. They’re sturdy enough for gentle play yet small enough not to overwhelm tiny humans. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, which is a blessing when your free time has been reduced to four-minute intervals between baby-related emergencies.
Their expressive faces also provide excellent reaction shots for those questionable diaper situations – they’ve been known to look more horrified than first-time parents.
6. The Coton de Tulear: The Hypoallergenic Comedian
These fluffy white dogs combine a non-shedding coat with a clownish personality that can lighten even the most sleep-deprived household. Remarkably patient and adaptable, Cotons are gentle playmates who seem to understand infants’ fragility intuitively. They’re also surprisingly quiet for small dogs, saving their vocalizations for significant announcements like “the baby is eating a dust bunny” or “someone left cheese unattended.”
Their cotton-like coat requires regular grooming, but on the bright side, they can double as dust mop during the crawling stage.
What to Avoid: Small Dogs That Might Need a Rain Check
Not all small breeds are ideal for households with infants. Generally, you might want to think twice about:
- Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers: Often too delicate and sometimes too snippy for unpredictable infant movements
- Jack Russell Terriers: Their high energy and strong prey drive might make them too rambunctious
- Dachshunds: Their long backs are vulnerable to injury from enthusiastic but uncoordinated toddlers
- Shiba Inus: Their independent, sometimes aloof nature might not mesh well with demanding infants
Preparing Your Small Dog for Your Infant’s Arrival
If you already have a small dog and are expecting a baby, here’s some practical advice that won’t make you roll your sleep-deprived eyes:
- Establish boundaries early: Teach your dog which baby items are off-limits before the baby arrives
- Practice with a doll: Allow your dog to get used to you carrying and focusing attention on something else
- Introduce baby sounds and smells: Play recordings of baby noises and let your dog sniff baby products
- Plan for attention division: Arrange for someone to give your dog attention during the early days with your newborn
- Supervised interactions only: No matter how trustworthy your dog, never leave them alone with an infant
The Reality Check: Managing Expectations
Let’s be honest – adding any pet to a household with an infant requires extra work and vigilance. Even the gentlest, most child-friendly dog is still a dog with instincts and boundaries. The perfect scenario doesn’t mean your infant and dog will immediately form a Disney-worthy friendship (though please send videos if they do).
The reality might include:
- Occasional jealousy from your dog
- Learning curves for everyone involved
- New creative challenges in time management
- Finding mysterious alliances forming against you (usually around feeding time)
- Heartwarming moments that make it all worthwhile (usually when both small creatures finally nap simultaneously)
Small Dogs, Big Hearts
The best dog breeds for infants and families combine patience, gentleness, and adaptability – qualities that, ironically, all parents are also desperately trying to develop. When carefully chosen and properly introduced, these small companions can become invaluable family members who grow alongside your children, teaching lessons about empathy, responsibility, and unconditional love.
Plus, they’re handy for cleaning up food dropped from high chairs, providing emergency entertainment during diaper changes, and giving you someone to talk to who won’t judge your parenting choices or tell you to “sleep when the baby sleeps” (possibly the most infuriating advice in human history).
Remember, the perfect small dog for your family with an infant isn’t necessarily the trendiest breed or the one your childless friend recommends – it’s the one whose temperament and needs best match your family’s lifestyle and capacity for care. Choose wisely, introduce carefully, and prepare for your heart to expand in ways you never imagined possible, just like your laundry pile.