15 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Small Children

Choosing the perfect dog for your family is akin to finding a missing puzzle piece that fits perfectly into your household.

Dogs bring joy, laughter, and comfort to families, especially those with small children.

However, the key to harmonious pet-human relationships lies in selecting a breed that matches your family’s lifestyle.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the 15 best dog breeds for families with small children, ensuring your four-legged friend enriches your life and thrives in your loving home.

15 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Small Children

The ideal dog breed has to be not just a pet, but a companion, a protector, and essentially, an extension of the parental unit, offering comfort, teaching responsibility, and ensuring endless bouts of laughter.

1. Golden Retriever: The Gentle Companion

Golden Retrievers, often featured in films and TV shows, are the quintessential family dog. They’re not just pets but members of the family, known for their devoted and obedient nature.

Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy dogs because of their calming presence.

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, tolerant, and patient nature, which makes them great companions for kids.

They have a gentle temperament and they thrive on companionship and physical contact, making them tolerant of the often clumsy or rough handling of children.

This breed also has an eager-to-please attitude and a high level of intelligence, which means they can adjust their behavior to be gentle with kids.

They enjoy the energy and playfulness of children, and their strong social instincts make them crave the affection and attention that comes from petting.

2. Labrador Retriever: America’s Favorite

Labrador Retrievers aren’t America’s favorite dog without reason. They’re known for their kind nature and loyalty. They’re not just pets; they’re protective guardians ready to defend their loved ones.

• High energy: They require lots of exercise, perfect for keeping up with energetic kids.
• Protective: Their loyalty extends to protecting their family.
• Gentle: They’re known for their good nature and patience, even with the smallest family members.

Fun Fact: Labradors have an ‘otter tail,’ which they use to steer when swimming, one of their favorite activities!

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly, patient, and outgoing nature, which makes them excellent companions for children.

These dogs are incredibly social and they actually crave human interaction and physical contact, which makes them very tolerant of petting, even from small, inquisitive hands.

Labradors are also energetic, playful, and intelligent, and they enjoy the active lifestyle that comes with kids.

Their natural gentleness and patience make them very forgiving of any accidental rough handling by children.

Overall, their love for companionship and their tolerant nature make them a great fit for families with kids.

3. Beagle: The Curious Explorer

Beagles are small-to-medium-sized dogs known for their curiosity and friendly nature. They’re great for families living in smaller spaces.

• Curiosity: They’re natural explorers and love outdoor adventures with kids.
• Size: Their smaller size is less intimidating for children.
• Temperament: They’re known for their stability and cheerful disposition.

Fun Fact: The Beagle’s keen sense of smell and tracking instinct make them excellent detection dogs.

Beagles are known for their friendly, gentle, and merry nature, which makes them wonderful companions for children.

They are social dogs that thrive on companionship and love human interaction, including petting.

Beagles are also very energetic and playful, traits that align well with active kids.

They have a tolerant and forgiving temperament which allows them to handle the exuberant play of children, even when it gets a bit rough.

Their compact size also makes them less likely to accidentally knock over a child during play.

4. Bulldog: The Lovable Lounger

Bulldogs are well-known for their loose, saggy skin and distinctive pushed-in nose. They are very gentle and protective over their family, especially children.

• Sturdy: Their robust build makes them great for play with energetic children.
• Affectionate: They crave human attention and are very loving.
• Low energy: They enjoy a good nap, making them perfect companions for quiet time.

Fun Fact: Bulldogs are one of the few breeds that are native to England, and they’re known as the national dog of Great Britain.

Bulldogs are renowned for their docile, willful, and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for children.

Despite their somewhat stern appearance, Bulldogs are known to be gentle and kind, especially towards kids.

They are social creatures who love human interaction and enjoy being petted. Bulldogs have a sturdy build that can tolerate the unintentional rough play that can sometimes come from children.

Their laid-back nature also means they are likely to patiently endure the attentions of children without getting irritated.

5. Newfoundland: The Gentle Giant

Newfoundlands, known as “gentle giants,” are one of the largest breeds of dog. They’re especially known for their sweet temperament and ability to rescue.

• Protective: They have life-saving instincts, especially in water.
• Gentle: Their nickname, “Nature’s Nannies,” is well-earned because they are so good with children.
• Calm: Their laid-back nature is a good balance for high-energy families.

Fun Fact: Newfoundlands have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.

Newfoundland dogs, often referred to as “Nature’s Babysitter,” are known for their gentle, sweet-natured, and patient temperament which makes them excellent companions for children.

These dogs have a natural affinity for kids and are incredibly tolerant of the noise and commotion that can come with them.

They are sociable dogs who enjoy human interaction and love being petted. Despite their large size, they are known to be very gentle and careful around children.

Their protective nature also adds to their suitability as a family pet. In short, their love for companionship, patience, and their protective instinct make them an ideal choice for families with kids.

6. Collie: The Family Protector

Collies are a symbol of loyalty and protection. They’re not just pets but also vigilant protectors, always keeping a watchful eye on their family members.

• Intelligent: They’re quick learners and easy to train.
• Gentle: Known for their predictable and easy-going nature with family.
• Alert: They’re natural herders and often take a protective role.

Fun Fact: The famous Lassie was a Collie, known for her intelligence and heroism.

Collies are known for their friendly and protective nature, making them excellent companions for children.

They are intelligent, gentle, and very patient, traits that align well with the energy and unpredictability of kids.

Collies are social creatures who thrive on human interaction, including children.

They enjoy being petted and have a high tolerance for the enthusiastic affection that kids often display.

Their instinctive herding behavior also makes them protective of family members, particularly younger ones.

7. Poodle: The Hypoallergenic Helper

Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, all known for their sharp minds and elegant demeanor. They’re great for families with allergies.

• Hypoallergenic: Their unique coat is perfect for allergy sufferers.
• Intelligent: Ranked second most intelligent dog breed.
• Friendly: They’re sociable and love being around people.

Fun Fact: Despite their fancy appearance, Poodles are originally bred as water retrievers.

Poodles are known for their intelligence, gentle nature, and their love for human companionship, making them an excellent choice for families with children.

They are patient and tolerant, which allows them to interact well with the energetic and unpredictable nature of kids.

Poodles enjoy being petted and are not easily irritated by the enthusiastic affection that children often display.

Their high intelligence also means they can quickly learn to adapt to the needs and behavior of children. Additionally, Poodles are hypoallergenic, which is beneficial for kids who have allergies.

8. Irish Setter: The Energetic Entertainer

Irish Setters are known for their red coat and playful disposition. They’re perfect for an active family with a spacious backyard.

• Playful: They love interactive games like fetch and hide-and-seek.
• Energetic: They require lots of exercise and are great jogging companions.
• Sociable: They love meeting new people and pets.

Fun Fact: Irish Setters are known for their “rollicking” personality, meaning they’re always up for fun.

Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them great companions for children.

They are energetic, playful, and love to be the center of attention, which aligns well with the energy and enthusiasm of kids.

Irish Setters enjoy being petted and have a high tolerance for the affectionate and often boisterous behavior that children display.

Their patient and loving character makes them protective and caring towards family members, especially younger ones.

In addition, their intelligence allows them to quickly adapt to the behavior and needs of children.

9. Vizsla: The Velcro Dog

Vizslas are affectionate to the point where they’re often referred to as “velcro” dogs because they stick to their owners like velcro. Their gentle manner and loyalty make them excellent family pets.

• Affectionate: They thrive on human interaction and physical contact.
• Gentle: They’re known for their reserved nature with strangers but are gentle with family.
• Active: They have high energy levels and love to play.

Fun Fact: Vizslas were bred as hunting dogs and have an excellent sense of smell.

Vizslas, often referred to as “Velcro dogs”, are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them excellent companions for children.

They have high energy levels and love to play, aligning well with the energetic and playful nature of kids.

Vizslas enjoy being petted and can handle the enthusiastic affection that children often display. Their patient and loving character makes them protective and caring towards family members, especially younger ones.

These dogs are also intelligent and quick learners, allowing them to adapt to the behaviors and needs of children.

10. Boxer: The Kid’s Best Pal

Boxers are playful and energetic, making them perfect for families with children. They’re not just pets but also guardians who take the safety of their family seriously.

• Energetic: They love to play and need plenty of exercise.
• Protective: They’re wary of strangers and protective of their family.
• Patient: They’re known for their tolerance with children.

Fun Fact: Despite their name, Boxers aren’t fighters. The name comes from their playful habit of using their front paws in a boxing motion.

Boxers are known for their energetic, friendly, and protective nature, which makes them excellent companions for children.

They are playful and patient with kids, often engaging in games and activities that keep the children entertained.

Boxers enjoy being petted and can handle the enthusiastic and sometimes rough affection that kids often display.

Despite their large size, they are gentle with family members, especially children, and their protective instinct ensures they keep a watchful eye over younger ones.

Additionally, their intelligence and trainability allow them to adapt to the behaviors and needs of children.

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Regal Companion

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, affectionate, and eager to please, making them great companions for families with children and other pets.

• Affectionate: They thrive on human companionship and don’t like being alone.
• Size: Their small size makes them great for cuddling and they’re not intimidating for children.
• Temperament: They’re known for their friendly and sociable nature.

Fun Fact: These dogs were named after King Charles II of England because of his affection for the breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, which makes them excellent companions for children.

They are typically friendly, patient, and enjoy spending time with kids, engaging in play and cuddling.

These dogs love being petted and can handle the enthusiastic affection that children often display.

Despite their small size, they are sturdy enough to interact well with children and their adaptable and sociable nature makes them fit into family life seamlessly.

Their loving character and eagerness to please make them protective and caring towards all family members, especially younger ones.

12. Bichon Frise: The Cheerful Charmer

Bichon Frises are small, with a black-eyed inquisitive look and a tail curled over the back. They’re known for their playful disposition and fit well in families with children.

• Hypoallergenic: Their coat doesn’t shed much, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
• Temperament: They’re known for their adaptability and cheerful disposition.
• Size: Their small size makes them perfect for indoor play.

Fun Fact: “Bichon Frise” literally means “curly lap dog” in French.

Bichon Frises are known for their friendly and gentle nature, which makes them excellent companions for children.

They are small but sturdy, and have an energetic and playful disposition that aligns well with the lively nature of kids.

Bichon Frises enjoy being petted and can handle the enthusiastic affection that children often display.

Their sociable nature and love for play make them a great choice for families, as they can spend hours playing games or simply cuddling with the children.

Despite their size, they are resilient and can tolerate the sometimes boisterous play of kids.

Also, their intelligence and quick learning ability allow them to adapt to the behaviors and needs of children.

13. Shetland Sheepdog: The Miniature Watchdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, or “Shelties,” are known for their intelligence, vocal nature, and affectionate demeanor. They’re excellent family pets and natural protectors.

• Intelligent: They’re ranked among the top smartest dog breeds.
• Size: They’re small to medium-sized, perfect for any home.
• Alert: Their vocal nature makes them excellent watchdogs.

Fun Fact: Despite their resemblance, Shelties are not miniature Collies.

Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are known for their intelligence, playful nature, and affectionate demeanor, all of which make them excellent companions for children.

They are sturdy dogs with a lot of energy, and they enjoy spending time playing and engaging with kids.

Shelties love being petted and can handle the enthusiastic affection that children often display. They are gentle dogs and can tolerate the sometimes boisterous play of children.

Being intelligent and trainable, they can easily adapt to the behaviors and needs of kids.

14. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: The Happy Go Lucky

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their enthusiastic and friendly nature. They’re great for families and get along well with children.

• Energetic: They love to play and need regular exercise.
• Friendly: They’re known for their happy, friendly nature.
• Temperament: They maintain their puppy-like energy well into adulthood.

Fun Fact: Unlike other terriers, Wheatens are less prone to digging.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, affectionately known as Wheatens, are known for their friendly, outgoing, and playful demeanor which makes them great companions for children.

They are energetic dogs that love to play, making them a good match for the energy levels of kids.

Wheatens are also known for their tolerance and patience. They don’t mind being petted and can handle the enthusiastic and sometimes rough affection that children often display.

Their soft, fluffy coat is inviting for children who love to cuddle and pet them.

Their intelligent and adaptable nature allows them to easily adjust to the behaviors and needs of children.

Moreover, Wheatens are known for their devoted and protective nature, making them not just playmates but also watchful companions for kids.

15. Boston Terrier: The American Gentleman

Boston Terriers are small, well-mannered, and affectionate, making them great family pets. They’re good with children and adapt well to various living situations according to Wikipedia.

• Size: Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living.
• Temperament: They’re known for their friendly, adaptable nature.
• Intelligent: They’re smart and easy to train.

Fun Fact: Boston Terriers are not actually terriers. They were named after their city of origin, Boston.

Boston Terriers, often referred to as the “American Gentleman,” are known for their friendly and sociable nature, which makes them excellent companions for children.

They are small but energetic dogs that love to play, aligning well with the active nature of kids.

Boston Terriers love being petted and can handle the enthusiastic affection that children often display. Their short, smooth coat is easy for little hands to stroke.

They’re generally patient, and can tolerate the sometimes boisterous play of children.