The Perfect Dog Breeds For Families With Little Children – Here’s What You Need To Know
Many people hold dear the memories of growing up with a beloved family dog. Though these loyal companions may sometimes stir up a bit of mischief, children often develop deep, trusting bonds with them—sometimes even stronger than those they share with certain human family members.
This unique connection is a precious gift worth passing down through generations. Picking the right dog breed can offer kids comfort, affection, and mental stimulation they might not find elsewhere. Here are some of the top breeds recommended for nurturing these special relationships.
Basset Hound
The basset hound's droopy, slightly sad-looking face gives it a unique charm, making it just as endearing to kids as it is to devoted adults. While they can be a bit more reserved than some breeds and show stubbornness—especially when it comes to food—their deep affection and loyalty are hard to miss.
Typically easygoing, particularly indoors, basset hounds make fantastic companions for children as well as other dogs.
Bracco Italiano
Known for being "gentle at home and tireless in the field," the Bracco Italiano makes a fantastic family dog, especially for households with children. Although one of the oldest pointing breeds, it only arrived in the United States in the 1990s.
The Bracco Italiano is intelligent, calm, and highly trainable. While it may not be the most openly affectionate breed with kids, it consistently proves to be a reliable and steady companion for them.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Though it boasts an elegant look, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sheds far less than you might expect. That said, regular grooming is essential to keep its coat from matting. Like many terriers, it can be a bit stubborn, but it remains an outstanding family dog.
Renowned for being happy, friendly, affectionate, and fiercely loyal, this breed's loving nature makes it especially great with children, whom it adores.
Basset Fauve De Bretagne
While the Basset Fauve de Bretagne may not be the most well-known breed, it's recognized for its intelligence, cheerful nature, and eagerness to please. Early socialization with people and other dogs is crucial to help curb any unwanted behaviors.
As natural hunting dogs, they have a tendency to chase small animals like rabbits, so keeping them on a leash is recommended. Despite this instinct, they typically get along well with both children and other pets.
Boxer
The Boxer's expressive face often carries a hint of melancholy, which only adds to the charm of its affectionate and cuddly personality. This breed truly thrives when socialized early with both people and other dogs as puppies—without this vital interaction, Boxers may develop aggressive tendencies.
With proper socialization, Boxers become fantastic family pets. They’re well-known for their patience with young children and their strong protective instincts. Courageous and devoted defenders of their loved ones, a balanced Boxer learns to distinguish who to trust rather than viewing everyone as a threat.
Weimaraner
The American Kennel Club describes Weimaraners as embodying sleek elegance and balance—traits that stand out at dog shows but matter less in everyday family life. Luckily, this breed offers plenty of qualities that make them wonderful household companions as well.
While they do require regular exercise and mental challenges, Weimaraners are also easy to train and groom. They're affectionate, eager to please, and especially good with children, thriving on being an active part of the family.
Cesky Terrier
This Czech breed is generally more relaxed and less stubborn compared to other terriers, boasting a fine, silky coat that often shines with a platinum hue. Sadly, they remain quite rare in the United States, with only around 600 believed to live here.
For those fortunate enough to welcome one into their home, they'll find a dog that’s relatively easy to train, eager to please, and fiercely protective of loved ones. These qualities make them attentive watchdogs who are also ready to keep pace with all the kids’ adventures.
Chinook
The biggest challenge in bringing a Chinook into your home is actually finding one, as this rare breed—once nearly extinct according to the American Kennel Club—is quite uncommon.
But for those fortunate enough to welcome a Chinook, they'll discover a smart, patient, and eager-to-please companion. These traits make them great with young children, and they often develop a special affection for the little ones in the family.
Drentsche Patrijshond
Bred as a farm dog for more than 400 years, the Drentsche Patrijshond thrives on lively, varied training to stay engaged. Once properly trained, these versatile dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty.
They tend to bark when visitors arrive and may be reserved around strangers, but they feel completely at ease with their own families. In fact, being a devoted family companion—especially with children—is at the heart of this breed's character.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter's elegant appearance and graceful movement make it a strong contender at dog shows, but its personality offers even more practical reasons to love the breed. In fact, it’s hard to find a better breed for families.
Affectionate with both humans and other dogs, they typically have a sweet temperament. Their energy makes them not only fun but also reliable companions for young children.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds worldwide, and for good reason. When it comes to companionship, they truly offer the complete package. Energetic and friendly, their warmth extends to everyone, from other dogs to young children.
Kids who share a similar energy level with a Labrador will quickly bond with the breed, though it's important to note that they require a fair amount of exercise. Nevertheless, in most situations, it's tough to find a more family-friendly dog breed.
Golden Retriever
This photo captures the cuteness of golden retriever puppies, but it doesn't take long for them to grow into dogs trusted worldwide with important responsibilities. They also play a significant role in many families, and this dependable breed rises to the occasion.
While they require plenty of daily exercise, golden retrievers are friendly, reliable, easy to train, and eager to please those they love most. These qualities make them excellent companions for families with young children.
Beagle
Beagles are cherished for their playful, funny, and affectionate nature, and this is especially true for families with young children. Their loving demeanor and cheerful, curious energy make them a hit with kids.
The American Kennel Club also recognizes beagles as outstanding family dogs, noting their excellent compatibility with young children and their impressive ability to get along with them.
Australian Terrier
Australian terriers may be small and cute, but their charm goes beyond their appearance. With a spunky, energetic confidence packed into their tiny frame, they make an excellent playmate for young children.
Although they aren't the most intimidating breed, Australian terriers are also alert and protective, making them solid watchdogs. They're quick learners as well, making training a breeze.
Newfoundland
Although Newfoundlands are large dogs, their personalities are every bit as adorable as their fluffy coats make them look. Their sweet temperament is a defining trait for the breed and they're also trusting and pretty easily trainable to those offering gentle guidance.
As for how they get along with kids, it's considered one of their specialties. Not only are they known to love young children dearly but they have a reputation as patient and attentive "nanny dogs" for them.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Although many of the best companion dogs for children are repurposed hunting or herding dogs, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka achieved its sterling reputation after being bred for apartment living. It's a breed associated with intelligence and its sweet, loving, nature without aggression.
That not only makes them the ultimate house pet but also makes them an ideal companion for young children. Their energy and sweetness will make any little one happy to see them.
Keeshond
These Dutch spitz dogs are known for their voluminous coats and unique facial features that make them look a little like they're wearing glasses. Yet, while a child will likely find this breed adorably fluffy and cute, that's not the only reason why it can be a great family dog.
These dogs are smart and very trainable but their friendliness is definitely the most treasured benefit of owning one. Whether they're meeting new people, other dogs, or young children, keeshonds are known to be very affectionate.
Border Terrier
Although border terriers are often described as tough to the point of being "hard as nails," this can be a little misleading in describing the kinds of companions they are. They may be sturdy and hard-working but they're also sweet-natured, affectionate, and quite trainable.
This means they're very affectionate with young children. Although they're primarily rural dogs, they can adapt to urban environments as long as they get a lot of exercise throughout the day.
Segugio Italiano
The Segugio Italiano is a very respected breed due to its sleek appearance and elegant way of moving but it's just as lovable to people who aren't dog show judges. It works hard to please its family, it's an intelligent breed, and it's famous for its gentle, loving nature.
Naturally, this makes it an ideal family dog and the American Kennel Club recognized its appeal as suitable for all ages. It's not an aggressive dog but it is a courageous and cautious one, which makes it a great watchdog as well.
Collie
Collies are considered an incredibly reliable and intelligent dog breed but one of their most celebrated attributes concerns how good they are with young children.
The American Kennel Club rates dog breeds on their suitably with young children and collies have earned the highest possible marks in their grading system. As the organization's website put it, "Collies are famously fond of children and make wonderful family pets."
