20 Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Choosing the right dog for a family, especially with kids, requires finding a breed that is gentle, patient, and playful. Some breeds are naturally suited to family life, and some are not. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy playmate or a calm, snuggly friend, there’s a perfect breed for every family dynamic. Here are 20 best dog breeds for families with kids!

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are among the best dog breeds for kids due to their friendly, outgoing nature. Labs are patient, energetic, and intelligent, making them great playmates for children. They adapt well to different households and enjoy family activities, like hiking or playing fetch in the backyard.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their loyalty and patience, ideal traits for family dogs. They are gentle, intelligent, and exceptionally trainable, making them great for kids of all ages. Goldens have a playful spirit and tend to be patient and calm, even with young children. Their friendly disposition and natural love for people make them one of the most popular family pets, especially suitable for active families with kids.

Beagle

Beagles are affectionate, curious, and friendly, making them wonderful family dogs. Known for their small to medium size, they are easy to handle and adapt well to family life. Beagles are energetic and love playing with children. Their gentle, even-tempered personality and strong sense of loyalty make them a good choice for families with kids.

Boxer

Boxers are energetic, playful, and affectionate, known for their loyalty to family. They get along well with kids, and their protective nature makes them excellent guardians. Boxers need a lot of exercise, which aligns well with children’s energy levels. Despite their strong build, they are gentle and patient with younger family members.

Pug

Pugs are small, affectionate, and great with children, known for their playful and gentle nature. They are also relatively low-energy, so they don’t need excessive exercise and are suitable for families with young kids. This breed’s loyalty makes them perfect for families looking for a loving, easygoing pup.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, friendly, and love being close to people, especially kids. Their calm and affectionate nature makes them ideal for families looking for a smaller breed. Cavaliers are easy to train, adapt well to various living environments, and enjoy snuggling just as much as playtime.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are small, friendly, and playful, ideal for families with kids. They’re hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for families with allergies. Bichons are social and love playtime and cuddling. They are also easy to handle and will give unconditional love to children and their parents.

Collie

Collies are intelligent and naturally protective, making them great for families with children. Their calm, patient nature helps them adapt well to family life, and their herding instincts give them a strong sense of responsibility. Collies are also highly trainable, making them an ideal choice for families looking for a smart, gentle family dog.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are especially protective of children, earning them the nickname “nanny dog.” Newfoundlands are patient and gentle, with a natural love for people. Their calm nature makes them good with kids, especially younger ones. Despite their size, they are easygoing and adapt well to family life, becoming reliable protectors and loving companions for children.

Border Collie

Border Collies are energetic, intelligent, and great for families with active children. Known for their trainability and loyalty, they need families that can provide mental and physical stimulation. Border Collies are also very alert and protective. While they need regular exercise, they excel in obedience and agility, making them a fun, engaging companion for children who enjoy outdoor activities and play.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are calm, loyal, and incredibly affectionate, making them a great choice for families. Despite their sturdy build, they are known for their gentle nature, especially with kids. Bulldogs are relatively low-energy, so they don’t require intense exercise, which suits families with younger children. Their patience and adaptability make them excellent companions, happily participating in family activities or relaxing at home, providing a calm, reliable presence.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are friendly, energetic, and fantastic for families with active kids. Known for their stunning red coats, they are outgoing and playful. Their affectionate and loyal nature, combined with their love for socializing, makes them an ideal choice for families who enjoy an active lifestyle with kids.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are well-suited for families with young children. Known for their playful and calm nature, they adapt well to family life. Shih Tzus like both playtime and relaxation, fitting well into a family with varied routines. Their small size and low exercise needs make them easy to take care of.

Vizsla

Vizslas are loyal, energetic, and known for their affectionate nature, making them ideal for families with active kids. They enjoy family activities like hiking or running. Vizslas are good with children, often showing a protective side as well. However, their high energy levels require regular activity.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are small, energetic, and known for their unique personalities, making them a fun choice for families with children. They’re affectionate and playful, often entertaining kids with their curious, adventurous spirit. Dachshunds are loyal and adapt well to family life, though they may need supervision with very young children due to their small size.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic, and known for their loyalty, making them great for families with older, active kids. They’re highly trainable and enjoy mentally stimulating activities. While they do need regular exercise, their protective and affectionate nature makes them a perfect family pet for those with active lifestyles.

Poodle

Poodles are smart, hypoallergenic, and come in different sizes. Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for family pets, and they like mental and physical activities. Poodles are friendly, loyal, and adaptable to family life, making them great for households with children. Their hypoallergenic coats also make them a good option for families with allergy concerns, offering both fun and comfort.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and known for their love of family. Their friendly disposition makes them well-suited for children, and they adapt easily to family routines. Cocker Spaniels are small to medium-sized, and they like both playtime and relaxation.

Great Dane

Great Danes, despite their large size, are kind, patient, and affectionate. Their relaxed, loyal nature makes them a wonderful choice for families seeking a big-hearted, dependable pet who fits comfortably into family dynamics.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, loyal, and great with children. They are known for their agility and trainability, and they enjoy mentally stimulating activities. Shelties are gentle, patient, and protective, excelling in obedience and often becoming guardians for children.