Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids

Getting the perfect dog for you or your family is no simple matter. 

There are so many factors to consider, such as where you live, the size of your house or apartment, your activity level, your lifestyle, your budget and much, much more.

All those factors multiply when you have kids, too! On top of having a healthy dog that you can handle, your dog must be able to get along with kids of all ages, activity levels and personality. 

Luckily, though, we’ve gathered some of the best need-to-know info out there so that you can start your dog-seeking journey as prepared as possible. We’ll go over the characteristics common in kid-friendly dogs, some training tips and, of course, some popular breeds that have been identified as child-friendly pets. 

Let’s dive right in!

Characteristics that make for kid-friendly dogs

Let’s start with some general characteristics that typically come with certain breeds of dogs. This is not to say that all dogs in a breed are exactly the same, but these characteristics are usually more prevalent in certain breeds over others. If anything, it will give you a good starting point. 

• Gentleness: Kid-friendly dogs are typically gentle with children, even when they are being playful. They are not likely to snap or bite, even if they are startled or hurt.
• Patience: Kid-friendly dogs are patient with children, even when they are pulling their tails or ears. They are not likely to get upset or aggressive, even if they are being handled roughly.
• Playfulness: Kid-friendly dogs love to play with children. They are always up for a game of fetch or tag, and they will happily chase after a ball or frisbee.
• Trainability: Kid-friendly dogs are typically easy to train. They are eager to please their owners, and they are quick to learn new commands.
• Loyalty: Kid-friendly dogs are loyal to their families. They will protect their children from harm, and they will always be there to greet them at the door.

In addition to the breed-specific characteristics, here are some additional tips for choosing a kid-friendly dog to join your family.

Consider your lifestyle and the ages of the kids that the dog will interact with. If you have young children, you will want to choose a dog that is patient and gentle. You may also want to choose a dog that is not too high-energy, as this can be overwhelming for young children. Older kids may be able to provide the exercise that a larger dog might require, especially if you have the space for the dog to run and play.

Do your research! There are many resources available to help you research different dog breeds, such as the American Kennel Club or your local community of dog-owners. You can also talk to your veterinarian, visit a local animal shelter or read online reviews and testimonials.

Before you bring a dog home, always meet your potential dog in person. This will give you a chance to see how the dog interacts with children and whether its unique personality (apart from its breed’s characteristics) is a good fit for your family.

Start training your dog early and supervise them closely. Your dog will naturally try to understand how your family operates, so it's important to set the boundaries and rules early. By starting training early, you can help your dog (and children) understand what is and is not okay to do. Keep a close eye on both your children and your dog to make sure they are adjusting well!

All that being said, let’s get into the specific dog breeds that are good with kids!

12 child-friendly dog breeds

Beagle

Beagles are small, friendly dogs that are known for their gentle nature. They are also very curious and love to explore, which can be a lot of fun for kids. However, Beagles are also known to have a stubborn streak in their genes, so it is important to start training them early.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants that are very patient with children. They are also very good at cuddling, which makes them great lap dogs, and their thick winter coats are great for playing in the snow and colder temperatures.

However, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn and may not be as easy to train as some other breeds. If you’re up for the challenge, though, you’ll never want another dog again!

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are small, white dogs that are known for their friendly and playful personalities. They are also very easy to train, making them a good choice for families with young children. The one down side to this sweet breed is that Bichon Frises do require a lot of grooming, so they may not be a good fit for families with limited time.

Border Collie

Border Collies are intelligent and active dogs that are great for families with older children. They love to play fetch and go for walks, and they are very protective of their families (thanks to their herding ancestry).

However, Border Collies can be high-energy, so they may not be a good fit for families with young children. They need plenty of mental and physical exercise, otherwise they get antsy or hyperactive. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gorgeous, small, friendly dogs that are known for their gentle nature and sweet temperaments. They are also very good with children, and they make great companions to kids of all ages. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be prone to health problems, so it is important to do your research before bringing one home.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs that are known for their friendly and playful personalities. They’re good with children and are loyal companions to their families.

Be prepared to groom and brush Cocker Spaniels often, as their long fur can get tangles and their floppy ears can be prone to ear infections. 

Corgi

Corgis are stubborn dogs that are hard to train, but if you put in the time and train your Corgi well, then you’ll be set! These small, sturdy dogs are known for their friendly and playful personalities and can be great companions for young children.

German Shepherd

The treasure trove of beloved children’s movies have proved that German Shepherds are great family dogs. They’re large, intelligent dogs that are very loyal and protective of their families and homes. They are high-energy dogs, though, so they’re better suited to older kids who can run, play and jump around parks and backyards with them.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle temperaments, making them great companions for children of all ages. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, which is important if you have young children who may not be as gentle as older children.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are incredibly loyal, very intelligent and fairly easy to train, making them a great fit for families with kids since they strive to please and to learn. They are patient, too, so they can bear a decent amount of playing without getting snappy or irritated. 

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are another popular breed that is good with children. They are just as friendly and gentle as Golden Retrievers, and they also have a lot of energy, which is great for older kids who are more active.

Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. All three sizes are good with children, but standard Poodles are the best choice for families with active kids. They are very intelligent and love to play fetch and go for walks.

Finding the perfect dog for your family is no simple matter, but hopefully you have the information you need to make the search a little easier. 

Good luck!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/lindsrw