15 Dogs You’d Never Guess Are Great With Kids

Some dog breeds have a reputation for being tough, wild, or just not the cuddly type—but looks and first impressions can be deceiving. In reality, many of these dogs are gentle giants or patient protectors who thrive in a family setting. Here are 15 dog breeds you might never expect to be great with kids but truly are when given the chance.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers might seem intimidating with their strong build and serious faces, but deep down, they’re incredibly loyal and protective, especially with children. When raised with love and good training, they become calm, patient guardians who treat kids like their own. They enjoy being part of a family, and once they trust you, they’re one of the most dependable and loving dogs a child could grow up with.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are big and powerful, which might make some parents hesitate, but these gentle giants are actually sweet, quiet, and great with kids. They’re calm in the house, very loyal, and known to be natural protectors of their families. Despite their size, they move carefully around little ones and are surprisingly patient. They’re like big furry babysitters—always watching, always loving, but never too rough.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Often grouped unfairly with more aggressive breeds, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is actually known in its home country as the “nanny dog” for its love of children. They are playful, affectionate, and incredibly gentle with kids when raised in a kind environment. These pups bond deeply with their families, and their sturdy build makes them a great match for kids who love to run, play, and cuddle.

Greyhound

Most people picture Greyhounds racing around a track, not curled up with kids—but that’s exactly where they shine. Greyhounds are gentle, sensitive, and surprisingly laid-back. They enjoy a good run, but after that, they’re content to relax by your side. Their calm personality makes them wonderful around children, and their tall, slender frame makes them careful and graceful even in a busy household full of toys and tiny feet.

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs look tough, but they’re big softies at heart. These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective without being aggressive, and they love nothing more than being close to their people. When raised in a family setting, they are affectionate, gentle, and watchful with kids. Their playful side comes out easily, and they’ll often follow children around like a shadow, making sure everything is okay.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans have a reputation for being guard dogs, but with their own families, they’re loving and gentle—especially with children. They’re smart and highly trainable, which means they can quickly learn how to be careful around kids. When a Doberman trusts you, it becomes a loyal protector who forms deep bonds with every family member, and that includes playing gently and watching over the smallest ones with care.

Newfoundland

With their giant size and bear-like appearance, Newfoundlands can look overwhelming—but they’re actually known for their sweet, patient nature. These dogs are calm, incredibly gentle, and very tolerant of children’s energy. Many parents describe them as “nanny dogs” because of how caring and careful they are with kids. They’re the type of dog that lets toddlers crawl all over them and still stays completely calm and loving.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Despite all the bad press, many Pit Bulls are extremely loving, especially with kids. When raised in a stable, kind environment, these dogs are affectionate, goofy, and incredibly loyal. They often become inseparable from the children in their home, always ready to play or snuggle. Their bad reputation comes from mistreatment and poor training—not who they truly are when shown love and respect from the start.

Great Dane

Great Danes might tower over kids, but they’re famously gentle and easygoing. They don’t mind being around loud noises or sudden movements, which makes them ideal for a busy household. While their size needs to be managed with supervision, their calm attitude means they’re rarely clumsy or rough. They’re like friendly giants who just want to be close to their people, including the littlest ones.

Boxer

With their high energy and strong muscles, Boxers can seem like a handful—but they’re actually big kids themselves. Boxers love to play, and they’re incredibly sweet with children. They’re also very patient, often tolerating being climbed on or dressed up during playtime. Their goofy, loving personality and need to be part of the family make them amazing companions for children who are full of energy and joy.

Akita

Akitas are powerful and independent, which makes many assume they don’t do well in family settings—but that’s far from the full story. With their own family, Akitas can be calm, loyal, and very protective of children. They may not be overly social with strangers, but they’re often very affectionate with the people they know best. With structure and love, they can become incredibly reliable around kids.

Shar Pei

With their wrinkled faces and quiet demeanor, Shar Peis don’t always scream “kid-friendly,” but many families find them to be loyal and loving companions. They’re calm, not too excitable, and tend to be patient in family settings. While they might be shy at first, they often form strong, lasting bonds with children and become gentle protectors who keep a watchful eye without being overbearing or loud.

English Bulldog

Bulldogs may look grumpy and sluggish, but they’re actually big sweethearts—especially around kids. Their low energy level makes them easy to manage, and their tough build means they can handle clumsy hugs or wild playtime. They love to be around people and are known for their goofy charm and loyalty. Once a Bulldog bonds with your child, it’s like having a slow-moving, drooling, four-legged best friend.

Alaskan Malamute

Malamutes are strong and built for work, but they also have a playful, gentle side that many don’t expect. They’re great with kids when raised in a loving home and enjoy being part of the family. Their energy makes them fun for active households, and they’re known to be affectionate and loyal. With proper training, they can be wonderful friends for children who enjoy being outdoors and staying active.

Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers are often seen as alert and serious, but they’re also highly devoted to their families. They bond very deeply with their humans and can be both playful and protective when it comes to children. Their intelligence helps them learn boundaries quickly, and they tend to enjoy being around kids once they feel secure. Don’t let their mustache face fool you—they’re full of love and loyalty.