Dogs are great pets for families with children; they are loyal and protective and can provide hours of fun and amusement. But not all dogs are suitable for families with kids, and some breeds are too high-energy or excitable, while others may be too aggressive or independent.
What are the characteristics of a kid-friendly dog breed?
When choosing a family dog, you must consider the needs of your children and your pet. The best dog breeds are gentle, patient, and good-natured.
Here, we’ve compiled a list to help you find your forever pet your kids will love!
19 Best Dog Breeds For Families with Kids
1. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are some of the most loyal and fun-loving dog breeds for kids. They’re considered guard dogs because they are big and protective of their family, and wary of strangers. They are often careful around small children, especially toddlers, and eager to please their owners by happily doing their bidding. This breed is highly trainable and excels in training because of its intelligence.
They make good companions for kids, from fun activities such as playing fetch to dressing up as superheroes. These playful dogs are also gentle around more minor children and would often be calm around them even if the play gets a bit rough. They’re also easy to groom, so owners won’t have to worry about frequent grooming.
2. Beagle
Beagles will easily top this list because of their calm and gentle natures. They make great family dogs and get along well with kids. They’re friendly, loyal, and fun animals who like being around people. Furthermore, they make great companions for small and older kids and can adapt well to any environment. They don’t require extensive grooming maintenance since their fur is short. Beagles don’t have many health issues, so owners don’t have to constantly think about costly vet visits.
They might not be a fit for those living in smaller environments like apartments in busy cities. This is because Beagles are highly active creatures and require exercise, among other physical activities, now and then. Swimming is a Beagle’s ideal exercise, so having a lake or pool nearby would be a great venue.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are renowned for their discipline and high work ethics. These dog breeds are incredibly bright and task-oriented, and commonly used for herding on farms. They are highly protective of their owners, including small children, and would often see strangers as a danger.
These medium-sized dogs make good family dogs with older kids who live active lifestyles. They need plenty of activities and training to keep them preoccupied and prevent the formation of any destructive behaviors from inactivity. Remember that these are herding dogs, so having older kids who won’t chase pets would be ideal. Border collies require some space to roam and play. Owners who live in spacious areas or farms might be a perfect setting for this pet.
4. Boston Terrier
These small and playful pets get along with most children. They’re cheerful, bright, and easy to train. They’re also protective of their owners and would often protect smaller children from strangers. These active dogs love to fetch, so they’re best with kids who love to play outdoors.
Though generally relaxed in nature, they can get quite temperamental when it comes to children who mistreat them. But once owners earn their trust, they can be the most loyal family dogs and make great companions.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weighing in at about 18 lbs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle breed ideal for small homes. They are great with kids and other dogs because of their warm, relaxed and sweet nature. They can be playful and love cuddles now and then.
They’re easily adaptable around kids with varying energy levels. Because of their elegance, they are head turners and often garner the admiration of those around them. However, you need to maintain their soft coats by grooming them. Use 100% natural products for their grooming needs.
6. Cocker Spaniel
These gentle, kind, and kid-friendly dogs love their owner’s companionship, especially young children. They’re most popular for their friendly dispositions and relaxed temperament, making them loyal pets to have around more minor children.
They’re easily adaptable from relaxed to active environments. However, they tend to be quite busy on most days and require a good sniff around their space. With enough mental activity, cocker spaniels won’t become unruly even in smaller areas. But be warned: cocker spaniels shed a lot. So anticipate frequent grooming to keep their coats beautiful and mat-free.
7. Collie
Collies, just like border collies, are also herding pets. They’re bright, energetic, and loyal to their owners. Collies are also very responsive to order and will be quick to act. Families with larger spaces would find this breed an ideal family dog.
However, they will require supervision to avoid unruly behavior if you plan to introduce another pet or dog to the pack. Occasional grooming is needed to keep their coat nice and smooth. This dog can get vocal, so expect a lot of barking around the house.
8. Corgi
Corgis are affectionate dogs, making them ideal pets for families with smaller kids. They make great companions for toddlers and adults alike because of their lovable and friendly nature. For families looking to own a dog for the first time, corgis make a great option.
This dog breed is generally patient among children and can easily handle the chaos. These traits are essential for the safety of everyone in the household. Corgis are highly responsive to training and can be taught a trick or two by your kids.
9. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are some of the best dog breeds to own for families with kids. They’re intelligent, loyal, and kind dogs to have around as companions. They’re neither aggressive nor timid and often exude calm energy your kids will love.
These big dogs will need a lot of exercises to avoid boredom. They love to play Frisbees and other retrieving games such as fetch. They’re also friendly animals and get along with rowdy children. This affectionate dog will require some grooming, so getting your kids involved with weekly brushes will help them bond with their pets.
10. Havanese
Considered Cuba’s national dog, Havanese are bright, well-mannered, and great family pets. These small dog breeds have relaxed personalities, making them excellent playmates for older children. A Havanese tends to get unruly and will require socialization and training to tame this behavior. Despite their spunky nature, they make great companion pets for your kids, teaching them a trick or two and ensuring a positive bond.
They are also affectionate and love attention from their owners. They’re not generally aggressive and tend to do well in situations when active children are around.
11. Irish Setter
Notable for their red coats, Irish Setters are playful and bright pets for families with children. They love socializing with owners and new dogs. They also tend to be energetic, so frequent exercise and training are essential to prevent the development of bad behavior.
These intelligent dogs make quite a match for families with active kids. It’s a plus if owners have ample space for kids and their pets to play around. However, Irish setters require frequent grooming, so having your kids participate in their care would significantly strengthen their bond.
12. Labradoodle
Labradoodle features are enough to make anyone instantly fall in love with them. Labradoodles are affectionate pets and love attention from their owners. They love to be petted and often prefer to play around, so having active children around the house would help diffuse their vibrant energy.
Though docile and fun-loving, these dogs can be easily trained and taught various tricks. They might need frequent grooming to keep their fur mat-free and shiny.
13. Labrador Retriever
Considered one of the most popular breeds—and for good reasons, Labrador retrievers have everything from outgoing nature to reliable companions for people of all ages. Labs generally train and won’t hesitate to take on new tasks. They’re active dogs, so lots of exercises are needed to prevent bad behavior at home.
Labrador Retriever colors are either chocolate, black, or yellow but all share the same traits and energy fit for owners with kids who love to play and have fun.
14. Mutts
Mutts are a cross of different dog breeds. They are adorable creatures who can adapt to most family lifestyles. They come in various sizes and shapes, but their endearing personalities remain the same!
These mixed-breed dogs won’t require constant maintenance and are highly sociable creatures that get along with active kids, fellow dogs, and other pets. They are loyal creatures and will go to lengths to protect their owners.
15. Newfoundland
Consider Newfoundlands as a ‘huge babysitter’ for kids. They are intelligent, caring, task-oriented, and well-mannered pets for smaller kids. Don’t let their big size fool you. They’re gentle among smaller kids and don’t easily get angered when playing with energetic kids making them one of the best family dogs. They love big open spaces and like to roam around when they have the opportunity to go outside. It’s important to groom them frequently to keep their coats from matting.
16. Poodle
With such distinctive haircuts, poodles make excellent pet dogs for families with kids. They’re intelligent and gentle dogs with elegant features. They seldom get annoyed, so having kids play with them won’t be a problem.
Poodles come in a toy or mixed with other breeds so that you can choose according to your living environment. Since they don’t shed as much, these are ideal pets for owners with allergies.
17. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers are loyal and fun-loving ‘teddy bears’. They make ideal family dogs because of their gentle nature, making them generally safe around owners with smaller kids. They are often relaxed in temperament and don’t mind getting along with others pets in the household.
18. Vizsla
These breeds are commonly found in several households because of their energetic personas. Great for active families, this dog thrives in stimulating activities like exercising and training. They’re confident and obedient creatures and don’t mind playing around with kids in a spacious yard.
19. Weimaraner
Weimaraners exude bright and excellent hunting abilities, making them one of the best dogs for active families. They’re energetic and jump at every opportunity to go hunting, exercising, or training to keep them from boredom. Overall, they make good companions for families with older kids.
Bottom Line
Dogs are the best pets for kids because of their loyalty, protective nature, and ability to provide hours of fun and amusement. When choosing a dog breed for your family, it is vital to consider the needs of your children and your pet. You may also get your pet insurance to prepare for any health emergency in the future.