Top 15 Family-Friendly Dog Breeds for Households with Children

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Are you considering getting a dog for your family but worried about finding the right breed for young children?

Here’s our list of the top 15 dog breeds that are perfect for families with young children!

Let us get to know them here!

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is often considered a top pick for families with young kids. That's because Labs are known for being friendly and gentle, which makes them perfect companions for children.

Labrador Retrievers are easy to train, so they don’t get out of control around your little ones.

Labs are very patient dogs and can handle a lot of commotion and activity without getting too excited or annoyed. This makes them an excellent choice for families with young children who tend to be loud and energetic.

On top of all that, Labs are fiercely loyal and affectionate towards their families. This makes them excellent family pets who are always eager to please and provide love and comfort.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are an excellent choice for families with young children because of their friendly and gentle nature. They are also known for being patient and calm.

Golden Retrievers are super social and love being around people, so they'll fit in with your family's daily routine.

These pups are also brilliant and respond well to training, which is super helpful for families who want a dog that's easy to manage. On top of that, they're super loyal and always eager to please, making them the ultimate family companions.

And last but not least, Golden Retrievers are super active and love playing and going on walks, which is perfect for families with young children who have lots of energy to burn off.

Beagle

Beagles are an adorable breed of hound dog that originally came from England. With their friendly, curious, and playful personalities, Beagles make fantastic companions for kids.

Beagles are also smart pups, but they have a bit of a stubborn streak and can sometimes be pretty independent. That being said, it's important to consistently train and socialize them from a young age to ensure they develop good manners and behavior.

Boxer

Boxers are a fun and energetic breed that loves to play and be active. They are perfect for families with active children because these dogs can run around and play for hours without getting too tired.

Boxers are also known to protect their families, which can reassure parents. They make good watchdogs and will always have their family's backs.

Boxers are generally friendly and loving towards their families, although they can be slightly reserved around strangers. With proper training and socialization, Boxers can make great family pets for households with young children.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are known for their wrinkled face and short, smooth coat in various colors like fawn, brindle, and white.

But what makes Bulldogs an excellent choice for families with young kids is their calm and gentle nature. They're patient and tolerant of children and don't easily get provoked.

Bulldogs love attention and affection and enjoy spending time with their families.

While Bulldogs are gentle, they can also be protective of their families, making them good watchdogs. They don't require a lot of exercises and are content with a daily walk and some playtime indoors. They're also easy to groom and don't shed much.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a super sweet and gentle dog that is an excellent option for families with young children.

These furry friends have a playful and friendly personality and love nothing more than being around people. They're actual cuddle bugs and will seek out attention from their owners.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also known for being:

pretty intelligent
easy to train and manage
and adaptable to different living situations.

They're also not big on chasing after small animals or kiddos, which is a huge plus if you have other pets at home.

Collie

The Collie is one of those dog breeds that has always been a fan favorite, mainly due to their loyalty and gentle personality. They are fantastic family dogs, especially with kids around.

Collies are protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs. They are always on guard to keep their loved ones safe. However, they are also incredibly patient with children and are popular family dogs.

In addition, Collies have a playful and energetic nature, making them perfect companions for kids who love to run around, walk in the park, and play a game of fetch.

Another great thing about Collies is how intelligent they are. They are easy to train and can quickly follow commands and learn tricks.

Irish Setter

If you're looking for an energetic, playful, and great dog breed with children, you might want to consider the Irish Setter. These medium to large dogs have long, silky red coats that require regular grooming, but their loyal, affectionate, and intelligent nature makes them worthwhile.

Irish Setters need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They have a gentle nature and are patient with children, which makes them great companions for families with young kids.

They also love to:

to be part of the family
play games such as fetch and hide-and-seek
keep your little ones entertained.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are one of those dogs breeds that instantly win hearts with their friendly nature. They are huge; hence they are often referred to as "gentle giants," but don't be intimidated by their size because they have a temperament as gentle as a feather.

Newfoundlands are just fantastic family dogs and are particularly great with children. They are patient, protective, and have the instinct to watch over their family.

Besides their gentle nature, Newfoundlands are famous for their incredible swimming abilities.

Newfoundlands are often used as water rescue dogs due to their thick, waterproof coat. It helps them stay warm in cold water. Their large and webbed paws also make them excellent swimmers.

Poodle

Poodles are often used as service dogs, including guide dogs for the visually impaired, and they are also commonly seen in dog shows.

Poodles are known to be:

affectionate in nature
social and love to be around people
loyal and protective
great with children of all ages
hypoallergenic breeds

Poodles are good for people with allergies because they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Pug

Pugs are the perfect small dog breed for families with young children. They're known to be:

playful and affectionate
friendly
loving their family.
loyal
easy-going
great with children
patient
tolerant
friendly with other pets
and adaptable to different living situations

They can be as happy living in apartments as in larger homes as long as they get plenty of love, attention, and exercise.

And while Pugs can be a little stubborn sometimes, they're generally easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Plus, their short coats mean they're low-maintenance in grooming.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are a small breed of dog that was first bred in China as companion animals. These pups have a friendly and loving personalities and are great with kids, which makes them an excellent choice for families. They're also pretty easy to train and are usually indoor pets.

But one thing to remember is their long hair, which means they need regular grooming. You'll have to brush their coat daily to prevent matting, and you'll need to take them to a professional groomer for haircuts.

Because of their short snouts, Shih Tzus can have trouble breathing. They are also prone to eye problems and must be taken to the vet regularly.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are working dogs that were originally bred to pull sleds, meaning they have a ton of energy and require lots of exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. They're known for their playful and enthusiastic nature, making them an excellent match for families with active children.

On top of being energetic, Huskies are also intelligent and quick learners, so training them is usually a breeze. They're loyal and affectionate with their families, but they can be a bit distant around strangers.

They're typically well-behaved and gentle but can be sneaky and enjoy exploring their surroundings.

Vizsla

Have you heard of Vizslas?

They're a breed of sporting dogs initially bred for hunting and retrieving game birds.

Vizlas are known for their friendly and affectionate nature towards children, making them great companions for families with young children.

Vizslas are very social dogs that love to be around people and thrive on attention and affection from their owners. They often want to snuggle up with their family members.

They're also very active dogs and have a lot of energy to burn. This makes them great for families with active children who love to play and go on outdoor adventures.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners are excellent dogs from Germany, famous for their loyalty and protectiveness toward their family. They are great with kids, so if you're looking for a pup that'll get along with your little ones, a Weimaraner might be a great fit!

These pups are super bright and are usually easy to train and listen to your commands. So, a Weimaraner might be just what you need.

They're full of energy and love exercise, so a Weimaraner could be the perfect companion for your active kiddos if your family is always on the go.

Weimaraners have a strong prey drive. If you have other small animals at home, l it's probably best not to bring a Weimaraner into the mix.

Conclusion

A dog can be a wonderful addition to families, especially when you have kids. But, It's vital to consider the dog's personality, energy level, and size in finding the perfect breed that fits your family's lifestyle. You can expect your children to have a faithful and loving friend for many happy years when you find the right one!