16 Dog Breeds That Are Great With Children
Being a man’s best friend and making us swoon over their cute behavior, dogs are surely the perfect addition to any household. However, choosing the right dog breed for your family is very important. The right breed can make your family happy and create wonderful memories. Some dog breeds are gentle, patient, affectionate, and energetic, which are great with children. Here are the best dog breeds perfect for families with kids.
Bichon Frise
Height: 9-16 inches
Weight: 10-20 pounds
Energy level: Moderate
Coat: Curly and dense
Color: White
Life span: 12-15 years
With its fluffy appearance and cheerful demeanor, the Bichon Frise is a small breed that fits well in most family settings. These dogs are incredibly friendly, gentle with children, and quite playful. Basic care includes regular grooming to maintain their fluffy coat and enough playtime to make sure they get their exercise.
Golden Retriever
Height: 20-32 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Long and luscious golden coat, dense, and water-repellent.
Color: Commonly in golden hue, though the shade can range from light to dark gold.
Life span: 10-12 years
Speaking of friendliness, Golden Retrievers stand out on this trait. Their eager-to-please attitude ensures that they’ll get along superbly with all family members, especially children. This family-friendly breed is always game for playtime and ready to fill your home with love and joy.
French Bulldog
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 16-28 pounds
Energy level: Low to moderate
Coat: Short and smooth
Color: Varies (incl. brindle, fawn, white)
Life span: 10-12 years
The French Bulldog or “Frenchie,” is an affectionate and laid-back breed that’s just the right size for both hugs and play. These charming dogs are easygoing and happy-go-lucky, which makes them a splendid choice for children. They are simple to maintain. They demand less exercise than some other breeds and have a coat that’s easy to groom. Their squashed faces can make them susceptible to overheating, so make sure to keep them cool during the hot months.
Cocker Spaniel
Height: 13.5-22 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Medium length and silky
Color: Black, orange, bicolor, tricolor, and more
Life span: 10-14 years
Warm-hearted and spirited, the Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized breed popular among families for their excellent temperament with children. These dogs are intelligent, making training easier. They also love being part of family games. Their maintenance includes regular exercise and grooming, as their silky coats can tangle if neglected. However, their loving personality and desire to bond strongly with family members make the grooming time a bonding activity to look forward to.
Labrador Retriever
Height: 21.6-24.4 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Thick and water-resistant
Colors: Black, chocolate, or yellow
Life span: 10-12 years
Known as one of the most loyal and all-around family dogs, Labrador Retrievers have an unmatchable blend of patience, friendliness, and energy. These dogs strongly bond with their family, making them great companions for children. Easily trained and full of love, their affectionate nature towards children makes them one of the most child-friendly breeds. Although they require regular exercise and grooming, their high energy and playful nature make all the care worthwhile.
Basset Hound
Height: 9-15 inches
Weight: 50-65 pounds
Energy level: Medium
Coat: Short, smooth
Color: Tri-color (tan, white, black)
Life span: 10-12 years
For a breed that is cuddly and comical, the Basset Hound can’t be beaten. This breed loves the company of children. They’re cheerful, tolerant, and patient. Their short stature and sturdy build can withstand child’s play. A Basset Hound is a low-energy breed requiring moderate exercise to keep them healthy. They only need gentle grooming to maintain their sleek, short coat.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Energy level: Moderate
Coat: Medium-length, silky
Color: Four varieties (Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, ruby)
Life span: 9-14 years
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent companion for children. They’re affectionate, patient, and eager to please. They’re great playmates who love to cuddle. Cavaliers are adaptable dogs that will enjoy an active playtime but also a relaxed evening. Their medium, silky coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Poodle
Height: 9-24 inches (depending on type)
Weight: 4-71 pounds (depending on type)
Energy level: High
Coat: Curly, dense
Color: Apricot, red, silver, black, white, brown and more
Life span: 10-18 years
Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and their fondness for children. They come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, suitable for different family requirements. They’re energetic, and they enjoy regular physical and mental stimulation. Poodles are also hypoallergenic. They don’t shed much, but their curly fur needs grooming and special care.
Pug
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Short, double-layered
Color: Fawn, black
Life span: 12-15 years
Pugs are lovable and gentle companions that can instantly become friends with children. This breed is playful and protective. Plus, they’re always up for games. They love being the center of attention and are known to be couch potatoes, which means they only need low exercise. Although they have short hair, Pugs shed a lot, so they need regular brushing.
Irish Setter
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 53-70 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Long and silky
Color: Mahogany or chestnut red
Life span: 12-15 years
An Irish Setter is a large, lively breed, with a distinct red coat. Known for their energy and enthusiasm, they make cheerful playmates for children. They love outdoor activities and make great family dogs. Caring for an Irish Setter involves regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. You also need to groom their long coat to keep them looking their best.
Bulldog
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Energy level: Low
Coat: Short and sleek
Color: Variety
Life span: 8-10 years
Bulldogs have a peaceful and composed personality that is perfect for children. They are protective and loyal, making them excellent family pets. With their minimal exercise needs and love for lazing around, they are low-maintenance dogs. However, owners need to take them regularly to the vet for check-ups due to their potential health issues.
Brussels Griffon
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Energy level: Medium
Coat: Rough or smooth
Color: Black, red, or tan
Life span: 10-15 years
A Brussels Griffon is a small breed with a big personality. They are known for their expressive faces and friendliness with children. They are quite active and enjoy playtime. This breed needs regular haircuts and vet visits.
Collie
Height: 22-32 inches
Weight: 50-75 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Long, dense, and harsh-textured double coat
Color: Sable and white, blue merle, or tricolour
Life span: 10-15 years
This highly intelligent breed is exceptionally good with kids, always ready to play yet protective when needed. Collies are energetic and love outdoor activities. They are also faithful and affectionate. This breed requires regular exercise to keep it mentally and physically fit. With a thick double coat, Collies need regular brushing to keep their fur in good condition.
Beagle
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 18-35 pounds
Energy level: High
Coat: Short-haired
Color: Tricolor or white in combination with black, tan, or brown
Life span: 10-15 years
Known for being soft-hearted, cheerful, and friendly, Beagles are superb companions for kids. This breed is a small to medium-sized hound with a great sense of smell and tracking instincts. They’re easy to train, and they also stay playful and curious even as they get older. Because of their active nature, they need regular exercise, or they might get into mischief.
Havanese
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 6-13 pounds
Energy level: Moderate
Coat: Long and silky
Color: Black, white, fawn, mahogany, red, brindle, and more
Life span: 14-16 years
Small in size but big in personality, the Havanese breed suits a family with children perfectly. These lapdogs are very affectionate, intelligent, and eager to learn. Their temperament is often playful, and they enjoy the company of children. Havanese require a moderate amount of exercise, and their coats require quite a bit of grooming to stay healthy.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Height: 25-30 inches
Weight: 70–115 pounds
Coat: Thick, moderately long
Energy level: Low
Color: Tricolor (black, white, and rust)
Life span: 6-8 years
A Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and powerful breed. Aside from that, they’re gentle and very family-oriented. They are also intelligent, easy to train, and calm and patient around children. Despite their size, they love to join in family activities. These dogs require moderate exercise and have a thick coat that needs regular grooming.
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About the Author
Meet Jacqueline, a seasoned writer at Animaloverse who has spent over a decade exploring the fascinating world of animals. Her love for animals, which also fuels her writing, is drawn from her personal experiences with all kinds of pets. The animal kingdom continues to ignite her curiosity as she discovers new insights every day. She also finds joy and personal growth through sports. In winter, she enjoys skiing, embracing the thrill of invigorating cold weather activities. When summer arrives, she sets out on hiking trails, exploring the beauty of nature. Among all her passions, her dog Bailey holds a special place in her heart as together, they go on exciting adventures. The happiness she experiences with Bailey often serves as inspiration for her writing.
