Choosing the right dog breed for a family with children is an important decision, one that can bring immeasurable joy and companionship. While some breeds are famed for their patience and playfulness, others might surprisingly excel in family settings due to their gentle nature and protective instincts. Discovering these hidden gems in the canine world can be a rewarding experience, offering your family a loyal friend and guardian. In exploring these seven dog breeds, you’ll learn how their unique temperaments make them unexpectedly great with kids, fostering a safe and loving environment for your little ones to grow alongside their furry companions.
Raising kids is like living in a never-ending circus—complete with messes, loud noises, and questionable snack choices. Now, add a dog to the mix, and congratulations! You’ve just upgraded to a full-blown, reality-show-level madhouse. But here’s the thing: the right dog can help manage the chaos (or at least distract from it).
Most people assume only the usual suspects—Labs, Goldens, and the occasional mutt—are good with kids. But what if I told you some of the best family-friendly dogs are the ones you’d never expect? Spoiler alert: One of them takes up more space on your couch than an entire toddler sleepover.
A study by the American Kennel Club (AKC) found that kids who grow up with dogs are more social, less anxious, and even have stronger immune systems. So yes, your kid eating dog hair off the floor might be… character-building.
Get ready to meet seven unexpected dog breeds that will love your kids, protect them, and possibly steal their snacks. Let’s dive in!
7 Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Great with Kids
1. Newfoundland Dog
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Affectionate, Loyal, Protective |
Gentle Giant, Patient, Devoted |
Easy to train but needs consistency |
Newfoundlands are the Labradors of the giant dog world—except bigger, droolier, and somehow even more loving. Weighing up to 150 lbs, this fluffy behemoth is often called a nanny dog for a reason: They naturally look after small kids like a doting grandparent who sneaks them extra cookies.
Britannica claims that surprisingly, despite their size, they’re incredibly gentle and calm around little ones. No wild zoomies, just big, soft snuggles. But be warned—your couch is now theirs. Forever.
Training a Newfoundland is easy, thanks to their eager-to-please attitude, but their stubborn streak means obedience training should start early. Otherwise, you might find yourself being walked by a 150-lb freight train.
Regular grooming is a must, as their thick coats shed everywhere. But for pet parents who don’t mind a little fur, drool, and a whole lot of love, this gentle giant is the perfect family pet.
2. Collie
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Intelligent, Loyal, Protective |
Gentle, Affectionate, Highly Social |
Extremely trainable, quick learner |
If you’ve ever watched Lassie, you already know Collies are furry superheroes. Weighing 50-75 lbs, these herding dogs take their job of “herding kids” very seriously—meaning they’ll keep your little ones in line better than you can.
Collies are incredibly loyal, fiercely protective, and incredibly patient, making them one of the best dog breeds for families. They’ll happily join in on outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, running, or just chasing kids around the backyard.
Training? A breeze. Collies are one of the most intelligent purebred dogs out there, picking up obedience training faster than your kid learns to ask, “Are we there yet?” Socialization is key, though, to avoid them becoming overly cautious of strangers.
Regular grooming is needed to keep their luscious coats looking show-ready. But their affectionate nature, gentle demeanor, and love for their human pack make them an excellent companion for active households.
3. Boxer
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Playful, Energetic, Loyal |
Fun-loving, Protective, Great with Kids |
Highly trainable but stubborn |
If dogs had a “class clown” award, Boxers would win it every time. These high-energy dogs, weighing 55-70 lbs, have endless enthusiasm for life—and by life, we mean playing with your kids until they both pass out on the floor.
PetMD reports that Boxers form strong bonds with family members and are incredibly patient with small children. Their goofy, fun-loving personalities make them the perfect playmates, but they’re also fiercely loyal protectors when needed. Think of them as the best friend who’s always down for an adventure but won’t hesitate to step in if things get sketchy.
Training a Boxer is fun but requires patience. They’re smart but a little stubborn, so consistency and positive reinforcement are key. If you give them structure, they’ll happily obey—when they’re not busy clowning around.
Their short coat is easy to maintain, and while they don’t have the long, luxurious locks of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, their boundless energy and affectionate dog personality more than makeup for it.
4. Shih Tzu
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Affectionate, Friendly, Easygoing |
Laid-back, Playful, Loves Attention |
Moderate—stubborn but eager to please |
Think big personality in a tiny, fluffy package. The Shih Tzu, weighing just 9-16 lbs, is the epitome of a small dog breed with a heart bigger than its body. These little furballs adore their family and are happiest when they’re being doted on like royalty.
Despite their regal history, Shih Tzus are down for some rough-and-tumble playtime with little kids. They don’t need tons of space or exercise, making them great companions for families in smaller living environments. But beware—they expect to be the center of attention at all times.
Training can be a little tricky due to their independent streak, but they respond well to positive reinforcement (read: treats and ridiculous amounts of praise). They’re small but incredibly loyal and will follow their favorite humans everywhere.
Regular grooming is a must to keep their long coats looking fabulous, but for pet parents who love snuggly, loving dogs, the Shih Tzu is a great family pet that brings tons of joy to family life.
5. Vizsla
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Affectionate, Energetic, Velcro Dog |
Loyal, Gentle, Highly Social |
Highly trainable, eager to please |
If golden retrievers are the “gold standard” for family dogs, then Vizslas are the underrated gem. These sleek, athletic dogs, weighing 45-60 lbs, are a dream for active families who love outdoor adventures and endless playtime. They’re known as “Velcro dogs” because they’ll stick to your side like glue—privacy is not an option.
Their loving nature and even behavior make them one of the best dog breeds for kids. They crave human interaction and thrive in homes where they’re part of the whole family’s daily chaos. If left alone too long, though, their playful energy can turn into mischief.
WebMD notes that training a Vizsla is a breeze thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They pick up obedience training faster than your kid learns to say, “Can we get a snack?” Early socialization is key to ensure they get along well with other pets and people.
While they don’t have the thick coat of larger dogs like a Bernese Mountain Dog, Vizslas require minimal grooming. However, they do need plenty of exercise—long walks, active play, and space to run. Perfect for families who love an on-the-go lifestyle!
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
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Gentle, Loyal, Family-Oriented |
Affectionate, Protective, Patient |
Smart but can be a little stubborn |
Imagine a giant teddy bear that can walk, drool, and adorably take up half your bed—that’s the Bernese Mountain Dog. Weighing 80-115 lbs, this gentle giant is one of the best dog breeds for kids, offering both protection and cuddles in equal measure.
Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a soft, loving nature, making them a good family dog for young kids. They’re incredibly patient and form strong bonds with their human pack, watching over the whole family like a fluffy, four-legged guardian. Their wagging tails alone could knock over a small child, but it’s all love!
Training should start early because these big goofballs can be a little stubborn. With consistent training, they’ll learn quickly, especially if treats and praise are involved. They get along well with other pets, but their protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs, too.
Their thick coat requires regular grooming, and they’re prone to health concerns common in larger dogs. But for families who want a loyal, loving companion with a heart as big as their paws, the Bernese is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for some serious shedding!
7. Whippet
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Fast, Gentle, Independent |
Quiet, Sweet, Playful |
Smart but requires patience |
At first glance, Whippets look like they belong in a doggy track meet rather than a cozy family home. But don’t let their sleek, speedy build fool you—these dogs are absolute cuddle champions. Weighing 25-40 lbs, they’re great companions for families who want a dog that’s both energetic and lazy.
Purina adds that Whippets are perfect for active kids who love to run, but they also have an off-switch. Unlike high-energy dogs, Whippets are content to sprint for a few minutes, then nap for hours. They fit into many different living environments, from houses with big yards to smaller homes.
Training a Whippet is easy if you make it fun. They’re intelligent, but their independent nature means they won’t do something just because you said so. With patience and positive reinforcement, they’ll happily join in on family life and become wonderful family dogs.
Their short coat requires almost no maintenance, making them a great choice for families who want a dog without the hassle of constant grooming. With their affectionate dog personality and fun-loving spirit, Whippets make great family pets—just don’t be surprised if they suddenly disappear at lightning speed during a game of tag!
Conclusion
Finding the perfect family dog isn’t about sticking to a list of so-called “kid-friendly” breeds—it’s about finding a pup that fits your family’s lifestyle. Whether you want a large dog breed that doubles as a protector, like a Newfoundland, or a smaller, affectionate dog like a Bichon Frise, personality matters more than pedigree. Even a mixed-breed dog from a shelter could be the best decision you ever make!
Many great family dogs, like Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs, are already well-loved, but several breeds with a bad reputation—like American Staffordshire Terriers—are loving and loyal with the right training. Mixed breeds can also be fantastic companions, often blending the best traits of multiple breeds into one perfect playmate.
At the end of the day, a dog’s temperament is more important than its breed label. A male dog might be more laid-back, a high-energy pup might be ideal for active kids, and a calm couch potato could be perfect for quieter households. It all comes down to people’s focus—your dog should love your family as much as you love them!
And let’s be honest—dogs and kids are pretty much the same. Both are messy, loud, full of energy, and constantly getting into things they shouldn’t. But at the end of the day, they’re also the best companions you could ever ask for.
In conclusion, while not all dog breeds are traditionally associated with being family-friendly, some breeds surpass expectations with their gentle and protective nature towards children. Breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, and Newfoundlands often surprise families with their patience, playful demeanor, and affectionate behavior. These dogs tend to form strong bonds with kids, providing companionship and a sense of security. Each breed offers unique traits that can complement a family dynamic, making them great additions to households with young children. It’s essential to conduct thorough research to match the right breed to a family’s lifestyle and needs, ensuring a harmonious and loving environment.