Finding a dog that’s great with kids is key to creating a happy, safe home. The best family-friendly dog breeds for kids are gentle, patient, and playful, making them perfect for families with young children. This guide covers 20 breeds, their traits, and tips to ensure a joyful bond between your kids and their new furry friend.
Why Choose a Family-Friendly Dog Breed?
Family-friendly dogs are patient, tolerant, and love playtime, making them ideal for homes with children. They adapt to busy households, are often easy to train, and thrive on family activities. These breeds also teach kids responsibility and empathy through pet care.
Factors to Consider for Families with Kids
Look for breeds with gentle temperaments, moderate energy levels, and good trainability. Consider size, grooming needs, and compatibility with other pets or small spaces. Safety is key, so choose dogs known for their calm, non-aggressive nature.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Dog Breeds for Kids
Labrador Retriever
- Characteristics: Medium-to-large, athletic build.
- Temperament: Friendly, gentle, and outgoing.
- Grooming Needs: Low; weekly brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of daily activity.
- Why It’s Great: Labs are patient and love kids’ energy. Buy a Labrador Retriever puppy.
Golden Retriever
- Characteristics: Long, golden coat; sturdy build.
- Temperament: Intelligent, gentle, and playful.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Goldens are loyal and great with kids. Adopt a Golden Retriever puppy.
Beagle
- Characteristics: Compact, smooth coat.
- Temperament: Friendly, curious, and social.
- Grooming Needs: Low; weekly brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 45–60 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Beagles are playful and gentle with kids. Buy a Beagle puppy.
Pug
- Characteristics: Wrinkled face, small size.
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and calm.
- Grooming Needs: Low; weekly brushing and wrinkle cleaning.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of play.
- Why It’s Great: Pugs are gentle and love snuggling with kids. Adopt a Pug puppy.
Bichon Frise
- Characteristics: Fluffy white coat, small size.
- Temperament: Cheerful, gentle, and social.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular brushing and grooming.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Bichons are patient and kid-friendly. Buy a Bichon Frise puppy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Characteristics: Silky coat, small frame.
- Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, and sociable.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–45 minutes of walks or play.
- Why It’s Great: Cavaliers are calm and love kids. Adopt a Cavalier puppy.
Shih Tzu
- Characteristics: Long or short coat, small size.
- Temperament: Friendly, calm, and affectionate.
- Grooming Needs: High; daily brushing for long coats.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of light activity.
- Why It’s Great: Shih Tzus are gentle and great for young kids. Buy a Shih Tzu puppy.
Boxer
- Characteristics: Muscular, short coat.
- Temperament: Playful, loyal, and protective.
- Grooming Needs: Low; weekly brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Boxers are energetic and patient with kids. Adopt a Boxer puppy.
English Bulldog
- Characteristics: Wrinkled face, stocky build.
- Temperament: Calm, loyal, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; clean wrinkles regularly.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of walks.
- Why It’s Great: Bulldogs are low-energy and kid-friendly. Buy an English Bulldog puppy.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Characteristics: Soft, wavy coat; medium size.
- Temperament: Friendly, energetic, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular brushing and trimming.
- Exercise Requirements: 45–60 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Wheatens are playful and safe for kids. Adopt a Wheaten Terrier puppy.
11–20 Family-Friendly Dog Breeds for Kids
Havanese
- Characteristics: Silky coat, small size.
- Temperament: Sociable, gentle, and playful.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Havanese are patient and love kids. Buy a Havanese puppy.
Newfoundland
- Characteristics: Thick fur, large size.
- Temperament: Gentle, patient, and protective.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 45–60 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Newfoundlands are gentle giants for families. Adopt a Newfoundland puppy.
Collie
- Characteristics: Long or short coat, elegant build.
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Collies are patient and great with kids. Buy a Collie puppy.
Boston Terrier
- Characteristics: Sleek coat, compact build.
- Temperament: Friendly, playful, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: Low; occasional brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of walks or play.
- Why It’s Great: Boston Terriers are calm and kid-friendly. Adopt a Boston Terrier puppy.
Irish Setter
- Characteristics: Red coat, athletic build.
- Temperament: Energetic, friendly, and affectionate.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Irish Setters are playful and safe for kids. Buy an Irish Setter puppy.
French Bulldog
- Characteristics: Short coat, compact size.
- Temperament: Calm, affectionate, and social.
- Grooming Needs: Low; weekly brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: French Bulldogs are gentle with kids. Adopt a French Bulldog puppy.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Characteristics: Thick coat, large size.
- Temperament: Gentle, loyal, and patient.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 45–60 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Berners are calm and great with kids. Buy a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.
Miniature Schnauzer
- Characteristics: Wiry coat, small-to-medium size.
- Temperament: Alert, friendly, and trainable.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular trimming.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–45 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Schnauzers are playful and safe for kids. Adopt a Miniature Schnauzer puppy.
Vizsla
- Characteristics: Sleek coat, athletic build.
- Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: Low; minimal brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Vizslas are loyal and great with active kids. Buy a Vizsla puppy.
Cocker Spaniel
- Characteristics: Silky coat, expressive eyes.
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular grooming.
- Exercise Requirements: 45 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Cocker Spaniels are patient and kid-friendly. Adopt a Cocker Spaniel puppy.
Tips for Families with Kids and Dogs
- Teaching Kids to Interact Safely: Show kids how to pet gently, avoid pulling tails, and respect the dog’s space. Supervise interactions with young children to ensure safety. Visit ASPCA.org for kid-pet safety tips.
- Training for a Happy Home: Use positive reinforcement to teach commands like “sit” or “stay.” Involve kids in training to build responsibility and strengthen the dog-kid bond. Start training early for best results.
- Managing Energy Levels: Match your dog’s energy to your kids’ activity level. High-energy breeds like Boxers suit active families, while Pugs are great for calmer homes. Daily playtime keeps everyone happy.
- Essential Supplies: Get a sturdy leash, a crate, food and water bowls, and kid-safe toys. A comfy dog bed and grooming tools are also must-haves for a family-friendly home.
FAQ: Common Questions About Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
- What are the best family-friendly dog breeds for kids?
The best family-friendly dog breeds for kids include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Pugs for their gentle nature. Buy a Labrador Retriever puppy for a great family pet. - Are family-friendly dogs safe for young children?
Yes, breeds like Shih Tzus and Bichon Frise are gentle and safe with proper supervision. Always teach kids to interact respectfully. - Which family-friendly dog is easiest to train?
Golden Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers are highly trainable and great for families. Adopt a Golden Retriever puppy for a smart pet. - What family-friendly dogs are good for apartments?
Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus are small and apartment-friendly. Buy a Pug puppy for a compact companion. - Which family-friendly dog needs the least grooming?
Pugs and Boston Terriers require minimal grooming, just weekly brushing. Adopt a Boston Terrier puppy for low maintenance. - How much exercise do family-friendly dogs need?
Most family-friendly breeds need 20–60 minutes of daily exercise. Labs and Boxers need more, while Pugs require less. - What is the most gentle family-friendly dog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzus are among the most gentle breeds for kids. Buy a Cavalier puppy for a calm pet. - How do you choose a family-friendly dog?
Consider temperament, size, and energy level. Choose a gentle, trainable breed like a Beagle to suit your family’s lifestyle. - Are family-friendly dogs good with other pets?
Breeds like Havanese and Golden Retrievers are social and get along with other pets. Adopt a Havanese puppy for a pet-friendly dog. - Can family-friendly dogs be left alone with kids?
Always supervise dogs with young children, but breeds like English Bulldogs are calm and safe. Buy an English Bulldog puppy for a gentle companion.
Conclusion
The best family-friendly dog breeds for kids, like Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, bring joy and love to any household. With the right breed, your kids will gain a loyal playmate and learn valuable life lessons. Ready to welcome a family dog? Check out our puppies for sale today!
AUTHOR
Ash Perera
For Ash, it has always been about helping people. After earning her masters degree, she worked as a special education teacher in NYC public schools for five years prior to diving in to Central Park Puppies full-time. For more than 8 years now, Ash has been helping families find the perfect puppy for their homes. She serves as a co-founder and chief marketing officer of the online platform Central Park Puppies, a company committed to ethical breeding and a genuine love for all things canine. When she's not busy helping families connect with their dream pups, she is often embarking on adventures with her two daughters, husband, her beloved chihuahua and spunky schnauzer.
