Best Kid Friendly Dogs: 7 Amazing Reasons Maltese Are Perfect for Children

Discover 7 amazing reasons why Maltese are among the best kid friendly dogs. Learn how they bond with children, offer comfort, and create lasting family joy.

When families consider adopting a new pet, one of the top questions is: What are the best kid friendly dogs? The Maltese, with their affectionate personality, gentle demeanor, and playful spirit, often top the list.

These small yet mighty companions are more than just lapdogs—they’re loyal, adaptable, and deeply bonded with their families. In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 amazing reasons why Maltese are considered among the best kid friendly dogs, backed by real experiences, expert advice, and research.

By the end, you’ll know exactly why this elegant toy breed might just be the perfect addition to your family.

1. Maltese Have a Gentle and Loving Temperament

One of the top qualities that makes Maltese stand out as one of the best kid friendly dogs is their temperament. These dogs are known for being affectionate, calm, and eager to please.

They enjoy being close to family members.
Their small size makes them less intimidating for young children.
They rarely show aggression, even in stressful situations.

This gentle nature helps them thrive in households with kids who need a patient and loving companion.

2. Small Size Makes Them Perfect for Children

Unlike larger breeds, the Maltese is a toy breed, usually weighing under 7 pounds. Their size plays a huge role in why they’re among the best kid friendly dogs.

Kids can hold, carry, or play with them without fear.
They require less space, making them perfect for families in apartments.
Their tiny frames allow children to safely engage in playtime.

Their size also makes Maltese less intimidating for kids who might be nervous around bigger dogs.

3. Playful Personalities Keep Kids Engaged

Children often want dogs that can match their energy and enthusiasm. The Maltese doesn’t disappoint. Their playful, joyful nature makes them one of the best kid friendly dogs for active households.

They love fetch, hide-and-seek, and puzzle toys.
Their energy level pairs perfectly with younger children.
They thrive on interaction and attention.

This bond through play creates long-lasting memories for kids while strengthening the family unit.

4. Maltese Are Low-Shedding and Hypoallergenic

Many parents worry about allergies when choosing a family dog. Luckily, Maltese are considered one of the best kid friendly dogs for families with sensitivities.

Their silky white coats shed minimally.
They produce less dander compared to many other breeds.
Families often find them easier to live with than heavy-shedding breeds.

This makes the Maltese not just great playmates but also easier to keep in a clean, healthy home.

5. Strong Bonding and Emotional Support

The Maltese is deeply people-oriented. This makes them one of the best kid friendly dogs when it comes to emotional bonding.

They provide comfort during stressful times.
Their loyalty gives kids a sense of security.
They can be especially helpful for children who struggle with anxiety or need extra emotional support.

Research has shown that dogs like the Maltese can improve children’s mental well-being by offering unconditional love and companionship.

6. Easy to Train with Gentle Guidance

Training is essential when bringing a dog into a household with kids. The Maltese ranks high on the list of the best kid friendly dogs because they are intelligent and responsive.

They thrive on positive reinforcement.
They quickly learn commands and routines.
Their eagerness to please makes training enjoyable.

Kids can even participate in training, which builds responsibility and deepens the bond between child and dog.

7. Long Lifespan Means Years of Companionship

Maltese are among the longest-living toy breeds, with lifespans averaging 12–15 years. This longevity makes them one of the best kid friendly dogs because they can grow alongside children for many years.

Kids develop lifelong bonds.
Families enjoy consistency with a loyal companion.
Their long lives make the emotional investment even more rewarding.

Tips for Families Considering a Maltese

While Maltese are truly one of the best kid friendly dogs, families should keep a few things in mind:

Supervision is key – Because of their small size, they can be easily injured if play gets too rough.
Regular grooming is required – Their long coats need brushing to stay healthy and clean.
They need companionship – Maltese don’t do well when left alone for long periods.

With the right environment, they thrive as playful, loving members of the family.

Additional Resources

To learn more about Maltese care and why they rank among the best kid friendly dogs, check out these helpful resources:

Conclusion

When families ask about the best kid friendly dogs, the Maltese deserves a spot near the top. Their loving personality, playful energy, and loyalty make them an ideal companion for children. From offering emotional comfort to creating lasting bonds, Maltese bring joy and stability to households everywhere.

If you’re looking for a dog that will grow alongside your children, provide comfort during tough times, and bring laughter into your home, the Maltese may just be the perfect choice.

The Maltese Homestead