While dogs’ personalities can differ greatly within breeds, breeds do tend to have key traits. When looking for a pet that will get along well with children, look for dogs that are gentle, loyal, friendly and affectionate.
No matter how friendly the dog, however, it is important to teach children to be gentle and treat their pet with respect. Crucially, children and dogs should not be left unattended. You may need to consider how your children will behave toward certain breeds, as some dogs are more fragile than others.
Some of the larger or more energetic dogs on this list may be better suited to older kids, while families with babies or toddlers may want to consider smaller or more laid-back pets.
When looking for a dog, why not consider adopting? There are plenty of kid-friendly dogs in shelters, waiting to meet their forever family. To find out more, contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Shelter Pet Project or your local shelter.
Basset hound
Basset hounds are laid-back and enjoy being around people, including children.
Beagle
Beagles make excellent family pets—they are friendly, playful and great with kids.
Bichon frise
Bichon frises are friendly, sociable dogs that are easily trained.
Bolognese
The Bolognese breed is known for being loyal, sociable and playful—and if trained well, can be very well-behaved.
Border collie
Border collies are intelligent and easily trained. While they make great pets, border collies are working dogs and may not want to be cuddled.
Boston terrier
Boston terriers are small, gentle and affectionate dogs that love children.
Boxer
Boxers make a great, playful pet for older kids, but may not suit a family with toddlers because of their size and energy levels.
Bulldog
Bulldogs have a gentle temperament and are generally good with children, although young bulldogs can be quite rowdy when playing.
Cairn terrier
Cairn terriers are intelligent, sensitive and affectionate dogs that love kids.
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniels love company, including the company of kids, and are extremely playful.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are affectionate and playful, though children need to be taught to be gentle with them as their backs are very fragile.
French bulldog
French bulldogs love the company of people, including children.
German shepherd
A properly trained German shepherd makes a great, loyal and protective family pet.
Golden retriever
Golden retrievers are friendly and easy to train, and are generally gentle. However, as they are playful, their large size may pose some concerns for families with toddlers.
Havanese
Havanese dogs are small, affectionate and love staying close to their owners.
Irish setter
Irish setters are friendly and playful but can be quite raucous, so are perhaps better suited to older children.
Italian greyhound
Italian greyhounds are gentle and playful, but children should be careful around these dogs as they are quite delicate.
Labrador retriever
Labrador retrievers are friendly and laid-back, making them a great pet for a family with children.
Miniature poodle
Miniature poodles make great family pets as they are friendly, gentle and playful.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for having a sweet temperament and being great around kids.
Papillon
Papillons generally get along well with children but kids should be gentle with them and make sure they do not jump from their arms, which may cause injury to the dog.
Poodle
Poodles have a lot of energy, but are gentle and make great family pets.
Portuguese water dog
Portuguese water dogs love being with their family, including kids and other dogs.
Pug
Pugs make great family dogs and are suited to younger kids as they are not as fragile as some other small breeds.
Vizsla
Vizslas get along well with kids but, as they are quite energetic, they may suit older children better than toddlers.
Whippet
Whippets are affectionate and playful, making them a great family pet.
