Girls reading to their Golden (© LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com)
Bringing a furry friend into a family with children is a decision filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of careful consideration. The right canine companion can become a loyal playmate, a source of comfort, and a valuable teacher of responsibility for kids. However, not all dog breeds are suitable for kids with their energy levels, noise, and sometimes unpredictable nature. The ideal family dog should possess a gentle temperament, patience, and resilience, while also matching the family’s lifestyle and living situation. From the ever-popular Labrador Retriever to the sturdy Bulldog, and the playful Beagle to the protective Collie, numerous breeds have earned reputations as excellent choices for households with kids. In this article, we’ll explore the top dog breeds that have proven to be fantastic family companions, considering factors such as size, energy level, trainability, and overall disposition towards children. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor buddy or a calm indoor snuggler, our guide will help you find the perfect canine addition to your family, ensuring years of wagging tails, wet noses, and unforgettable memories. Don’t see your pal on the list? Let us know in the comments below which breed is your number-one pick!
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Best Dog Breeds for Kids, Ranked
1. Golden Retriever
You probably had some inkling that the Golden Retriever would be on the list of best dog breeds for kids, never mind being number one. “Golden Retrievers make great service dogs and therapy dogs. They are very sensitive and good around babies, kids, and older adults. They are known for being gentle, being a soft-mouthed retrieving breed. They are often tolerant of being crawled on, cuddled, tugged, and loved,” says Pet Helpful.
Due to their kind temperaments and friendly attitudes, this breed is commonly depicted as “the family dog” in many TV shows and films. “Golden Retrievers have bags of energy and adore playing with kids, and have even been known to follow them around, patiently waiting for the next opportunity to play (or cuddle),” states Purina.
Golden retrievers are known for their intellect and loyalty making them the ideal family companions. Daily Paws is another supporter of the Golden’s popularity. “With their gentle nature, shining coats, and charming smiles, they are considered one of the most popular breeds in America.”
2. Labrador Retriever
Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds around, and for good reason. “Labs are affectionate and loyal and can be patient and gentle with children. PetMD does have a word of caution, though: “They require a lot of exercise (they love swimming!), so be sure your family is up for the challenge, and a little extra room for them to run around and play in would be optimal,” says Southern Living.
They also need lots of enrichment and exercise. Good Housekeeping warns that their “sweet demeanor makes them instant BFFs with whomever they meet, but don’t underestimate their high energy levels. This exuberant breed needs daily exercise and can grow up to 80 pounds.”
Even though Labs look large and in charge, they are child-friendly, making them one of the best family dogs. “The Labrador retriever is a reliable family pet. This breed has an insatiable appetite for games and play and is well suited for an active outdoor lifestyle and a child who likes to run, throw balls, and play Frisbee,” advises Reader’s Digest.
3. Beagle
Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, but also happy-go-lucky, funny, and cute. “There are two Beagle varieties: those standing under 13 inches at the shoulder, and those between 13 and 15 inches. Both varieties are sturdy, solid, and ‘big for their inches,’ as dog folks say. They come in such pleasing colors as lemon, red, white, and tricolor. The Beagle’s fortune is in his adorable face, with its big brown or hazel eyes set off by long, houndy ears set low on a broad head,” explains the American Kennel Club.
They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing. “Down to train your dog? When the Beagle is properly trained and has enough opportunities to release their pent-up energy, they can be great family dogs. Without ample training, Hartstein says they can be major howlers,” advises Apartment Therapy.
Beagles need a lot of exercise. They can be trained to perform all sorts of tricks and are generally incredibly sweet-tempered pals. “Their compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat, and intelligence make the Beagle an excellent family dog,” writes Southern Living.
4. Cavalier King Charles
If you’ve ever encountered a Cavalier King Charles, you know they are sweethearts. “Cavalier King Charles are known for being social, patient, playful, affectionate, and easygoing. They have cute, floppy ears and beautiful coats (black and tan, ruby, tri-color), and they are nothing but a forever-puppy. The breed has a life expectancy of 9–14 years. Males and females typically range from 13 to 18 pounds, and they reach around 13 inches in height as an adult,” informs Pet Helpful.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and loving dogs who are not only great with children, but with other pets too. “This small dog breed adores attention and is always up for a good play session with its family members. Additionally, they’re quite easy-going, laid-back dogs which are very forgiving with children. Plus, it’s thought to be very rare for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to show any kind of aggression,” explains Purina.
“The Cavalier King Charles is a gentle, calm dog, who is happy to be combed and brushed. “The Beagle is one of the best dogs for kids and best family dogs, period. This breed is, however, less enthusiastic about games, such as tug of war, and rough-and-tumble play. King Charles Spaniels are a good match for a more urban lifestyle and a sensitive child. Cavs are also one of the cutest dogs with floppy ears,” says Reader’s Digest.
5. Boxer
Boxers are extremely protective of their family, and keep in mind that they are high-energy and require a good amount of exercise. “Boxers require decent training, or else they can be all over the place. Having a short coat, they really don’t need to be groomed. This breed, however, is prone to cancer and knee issues. Make sure you work with a reputable breeder to rule out hereditary health conditions, or you might face heartbreak from a shortened life expectancy,” states Pet Helpful.
“Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America’s most popular dog breeds for a long time. A well-made Boxer in peak condition is an awesome sight. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder; females run smaller. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat. The dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for; smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood,” boasts the American Kennel Club.
They say if you make a boxer part of your family, you will never feel unprotected again. “Fiercely loyal and protective of those who love them, these energetic, medium-sized dogs have calm dispositions but love to play, making them one of the best dogs for kids with high energy. They need lots of exercise, but beware of driving them too hard in hot weather. Like all squish-faced (Brachycephalic) dogs, they tend to overheat,” adds Reader’s Digest.
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I find Scotties and Westies to be excellent family dogs
I’d have to add German shepherd to this list. My 6 year old GSD has been one of the best babysitters ever. He has watched over my son since the day we brought him home from the hospital. I’m amazed at how gentle he is with him despite the size difference. And now that my son is a toddler, he has been so tolerant of him climbing on him, pulling his ears and tail and cuddling up with him to sleep. Not to mention he is also very protective over him, always keeping close enough to keep an eye on him and rushing to his side anytime he gets upset. I’m so impressed at the strong bond I’ve watched them build over the last 2 years. One of my son’s first words was “doggie”. He is truly my son’s best friend and has more intuition and intelligence than I’ve ever seen in any animal.