As a parent, you know that bringing a dog into your home is a big decision. You want a pup that’s not only adorable but also patient, friendly, and ready to join in on all the family fun. But with so many breeds out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best fit for your crew.
We’ve done the research and put together a list of the most kid-friendly canines around. From the classic Golden Retriever to the playful Pug, there’s a breed for every family’s lifestyle and personality.
So, whether you’re looking for a gentle giant to keep your little ones company or a small and spunky sidekick to join in on all your adventures, we’ve got the inside scoop on the breeds that will steal your heart and become an integral part of your family.
Golden Retriever
Goldens are known for their gentle nature and love of playtime. They’re also incredibly smart and easy to train.
Golden retrievers have a beautiful, flowing coat that requires regular grooming, but it’s worth it for their loyal and loving personality. They’re great with kids of all ages and have the patience of a saint, even when little ones are tugging on their ears or tails.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are the quintessential family dog. They’re friendly, patient, and always up for a game of fetch. I’ve had two Labs in my life, and they were both amazing with my kids.
They have an incredibly gentle nature and are always eager to please, making them easy to train. Labs are also known for their love of water, so if your family enjoys swimming or boating, a Lab might be the perfect fit.
Pug
Don’t let their small size fool you – Pugs are full of personality! They’re great for families who live in apartments or have limited space, and they love to cuddle.
Pugs have a unique, wrinkly face that’s impossible not to love, and they’re known for their comical expressions and snorting. They’re also low-maintenance in terms of grooming, which is a plus for busy families.
Beagle
Beagles are curious, energetic, and great with kids. They have a strong sense of smell, which can lead to some interesting adventures on walks, so make sure you keep them on a leash!
Beagles are also known for their distinctive howl, which can be amusing or annoying depending on your perspective. They’re a medium-sized breed that doesn’t require a ton of space, making them a good fit for families who live in smaller homes.
Collie
Collies are incredibly loyal and make great companions for kids. They’re also easy to train and love to be a part of family activities. Collies come in two varieties – rough and smooth – and both have a beautiful, thick coat that requires regular grooming.
They’re a larger breed, so they do best in homes with plenty of space to run and play.
Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), so you can find the perfect fit for your family. They’re also hypoallergenic, which is great for families with allergies.
Poodles are incredibly smart and easy to train, and they have a playful, energetic personality that makes them great with kids. They do require regular grooming to maintain their curly coat, but many families find it’s worth the effort.
Bulldog
Bulldogs may look tough, but they’re actually big softies. They’re great with kids and love to lounge around the house.
Bulldogs have a distinct, wrinkly face and a stocky build, which can make them prone to overheating, so it’s important to keep them cool in hot weather. They’re also known for their goofy, laid-back personality, which makes them a hit with kids.
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful, making them great companions for active families. They’re also fiercely loyal and protective of their loved ones. Boxers have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to maintain, and they’re known for their goofy, expressive face.
They’re a larger breed that requires plenty of exercise, so they’re best suited for families with a big backyard or access to a dog park.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These little guys are known for their gentle nature and adaptability. They’re great for families who live in apartments or have kids with allergies. Cavaliers have a beautiful, silky coat that requires regular grooming, but they’re generally a low-maintenance breed.
They’re also incredibly affectionate and love nothing more than snuggling up with their favorite humans.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are beautiful, friendly, and full of energy. They love to run and play, so they’re perfect for families with big backyards. Irish Setters have a stunning, red coat that requires regular grooming, but it’s worth it for their outgoing, eager-to-please personality.
They’re also known for their goofy, playful nature, which makes them a hit with kids.
Wheaten Terrier
Wheatens are known for their soft, silky coats and playful personalities. They’re great with kids and love to participate in family activities.
With a medium-sized build and plenty of energy, they do best in homes with a backyard or regular walks. They’re also known for their mischievous streak, which can lead to some amusing (and sometimes frustrating) antics.
Bichon Frise
These fluffy little dogs are hypoallergenic and great for families with allergies. They’re also incredibly friendly and love to be the center of attention.
Bichons have a curly, white coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but they’re generally a low-maintenance breed. They’re also great with kids and have a playful, energetic personality.
Bernese Mountain Dog
These gentle giants are known for their calm, laid-back personality and love of cuddles. They’re great with kids and have plenty of patience for little ones who want to climb all over them.
Berners have a thick, tri-colored coat that requires regular grooming, and they’re a larger breed that needs plenty of space to stretch out.
Brittany
Brittanys are energetic, athletic dogs that love to run and play. They’re great for active families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or camping.
Brittanys have a beautiful, feathered coat that requires regular grooming, and they’re known for their eager-to-please personality and love of learning new tricks.
Pomeranian
These tiny, fluffy dogs are full of personality and spunk. They’re great for families who live in apartments or have limited space, and they love to be the center of attention.
Pomeranians have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming, but they’re generally a low-maintenance breed. They’re also known for their playful, curious nature and love of adventure.
English Springer Spaniel
These friendly, energetic dogs are great with kids and love to be a part of family activities. They have a beautiful, feathered coat that requires regular grooming, and they’re known for their eager-to-please personality and love of learning new tricks.
Springers are a medium-sized breed that needs plenty of exercise, so they’re best suited for active families.
Vizsla
These sleek, athletic dogs are known for their gentle nature and love of cuddles. They’re great with kids and have plenty of energy for playtime, but they also love to snuggle up on the couch at the end of the day.
Vizslas have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to maintain, and they’re a medium-sized breed that needs plenty of exercise.
Papillon
These tiny, elegant dogs are known for their beautiful, butterfly-like ears and playful personality. They’re great for families who live in apartments or have limited space, and they’re incredibly smart and easy to train.
Papillons have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming, but they’re generally a low-maintenance breed.
Newfoundland
These massive, gentle dogs are known for their calm, patient nature and love of children. They’re great for families with plenty of space, as they’re one of the largest dog breeds around.
Newfoundlands have a thick, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming, and they’re known for their love of water and swimming.
Basset Hound
These droopy, lovable dogs are known for their gentle nature and patience with children. They have a distinct, long body and short legs, which can make them prone to back problems, so it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight.
Bassets have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to maintain, and they’re a medium-sized breed that doesn’t require a ton of exercise.
Corgi
These short, stubby dogs are known for their playful, energetic personality and love of playtime. They’re great for families with kids, as they have a gentle nature and plenty of patience for little ones.
Corgis come in two varieties – Pembroke and Cardigan – and both have a thick, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming.
I hope this list has given you a good starting point for finding the perfect furry friend for your family.
Remember, every dog is unique, and it’s important to do your research and find a breed that fits your family’s lifestyle and personality. And of course, don’t forget about adoption – there are plenty of amazing dogs in shelters and rescue organizations that would love to join your family.
