So the kids are nagging you to get a puppy, but what sort of dog is going to be a good fit long term for your young family? Choosing the right four-legged friend to join a bustling household with kids can be a task as serious as a dog’s passion for belly rubs. There are countless family-friendly dog breeds but we have narrowed down the focus to just eight. Eight of the best dog breeds for families with kids. These pups will seamlessly blend into the chaotic, laughter-filled family life. Get ready for an endless supply of love, affection and licks.
1. Labrador
First up, of course, is the Labrador – a fun-loving pup with a heart as big as your toddler’s imagination. Famous for their good nature and boundless energy, these gentle canines are an obvious choice for families with kids.
Picture this: your backyard transformed into a laughter-filled playground, tiny feet racing alongside a furry tornado – that’s the magic a Labrador brings to a home with kids.
Labs are generally super patient and happy to play along with any game your little ones can come up with. And if one of those games happens to involve a slobbery tennis ball they will love you forever.
There’s a reason Labs are the top pick for guide dogs. Despite their dopy demeanour sometimes Labradors can be very smart and take to training quite well.
Part of what makes them easy to train is their food-focused mentality. This does mean older dogs can struggle with obesity if not fed an appropriate diet and given enough exercise.
If you’re living in a small apartment or home without a yard, a Labrador may not be your ideal choice due to their size and boundless energy. They do also require a high amount of exercise with ideally at least 80 minutes of exercise daily. This includes walks and playtime.
All in all Labradors are living, breathing definitions of unconditional love and the perfect choice for family-friendly living.
Quick facts about Labradors
Adv. Adult Height 57cm – 60cm / 22.5in – 23.6in
Adv. Adult Weight 29kg – 36kg / 63lbs – 79lbs
Coat Dense coat with heavy shedding
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Super friendly, loving, high energy
Exercise Needs High – Minimum 80 minutes of high quality exercise
Find out more about Labradors with these helpful articles and videos.
Video – Labrador Retriever: The Pros & Cons of Owning One / Animal Insider
Article – Is a Labrador right for your family – Greencross Vets
Article – Are Labradors good with kids
2. Beagle
Beagles, with their soulful eyes and perpetually wagging tails, make excellent companions for kids. Renowned for their friendly and gentle disposition, Beagles are social butterflies that thrive on human interaction. Their compact size and sturdy build make them well-suited for family-friendly playtime, and their energy levels ensure they can keep up with energetic kids.
Beagles are known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them relatively easy to train and integrate into family life.
Their friendly demeanour and loyalty create a bond that goes beyond the title of “pet” – they become genuine playmates and lifelong friends for kids, fostering a relationship filled with joy, laughter, and unwavering companionship.
Quick facts about Beagles
Adv. Adult Height 33cm – 38cm / 13in -15in
Adv. Adult Weight 9kg – 11kg / 20lbs – 24lbs
Coat Short and smooth
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Happy and affection-loving
Exercise Needs Medium-High – Minimum 60 minutes a day
Find out more about Beagles with these helpful articles.
Are Beagles good family dogs – Canna-Pet
Are Beagles good with kids – Smart Canine
Dog Breads – Beagle – PetBarn
3. Bulldog
Bulldogs, with their charming wrinkles and signature underbites, are like the four-legged teddy bears of the dog world, making them fantastic companions for children.
If your family vibe is more chill and laid-back, the Bulldog might just be your perfect match.
Despite their muscular build, Bulldogs are known for their calm and patient demeanour, making them gentle giants in family settings. Their laid-back attitude and affectionate nature create a harmonious relationship with kids, offering a sense of security and warmth. Bulldogs are not only sturdy playmates but also remarkably adaptable, fitting seamlessly into the chaotic rhythm of family life. Their loyalty and love make them more than just pets; they become beloved family members, providing children with a source of comfort, endless cuddles, and a friend who will stand by their side through thick and thin.
Quick facts about Bulldogs
Adv. Adult Height 30cm – 38cm / 11.8in – 15in
Adv. Adult Weight 22kg – 25kg / 50lbs – 55lbs
Coat Short and fine – light to average shedding
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Friendly, Gentle and Stubborn
Exercise Needs Low – 20-40 minutes a day.
Find out more about Bulldogs with these helpful articles.
Are Bulldogs Good With Kids? – PawsGeek
English Bulldogs Facts and Advice. – PetPlan
Bulldogs With Children: A Good Mix? – Bulldogs World
4. Golden Retriever
So of course we had to include the Golden Retriever in our best dog breeds for families with kids. Bit of a no brainer here…
These large furballs of joy are not only photogenic but also incredibly tolerant, patient and gentle, making them an ideal choice for family-friendly fun.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, allowing for easy integration into family routines compared with other breeds.
Renowned for their friendly and patient nature and wagging tails, Golden Retrievers are like furry therapists, always ready to offer a comforting presence to kids. Whether engaging in spirited play or offering gentle cuddles, these dogs seem to have an innate understanding of children’s emotions. Known for their tolerance and adaptability, Golden Retrievers create a bond that goes beyond the typical pet-owner relationship, becoming cherished playmates and confidantes in the journey of growing up.
Quick Facts about Golden Retriever
Adv. Adult Height 56cm – 60cm / 22in – 24in
Adv. Adult Weight 29kg – 34kg / 64lbs – 75lbs
Coat Double coat. High shedding
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Eager to please, faithful and friendly
Exercise Needs Medium-High – Minimum 60 minutes a day
Find out more about Golden Retrievers with these helpful articles.
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? – Snowy Pines.
Benefits of Choosing a Golden Retriever for Children – Golden Medows Retrievers.
A Complete Breed Guide for Golden Retriever Dogs – PetCircle.
5. Poodle
Poodles, with their elegant curls and keen intelligence, are a delightful addition to families with children. Beyond their stylish appearance, Poodles are known for their friendly and playful demeanour, making them one of the best dog breeds for families with kids of all ages. Their intelligence and trainability mean they not only adapt quickly to family routines but can also actively participate in them. Poodles are generally gentle by nature and their love for socialising means they can effortlessly transition from energetic playmates to affectionate cuddle buddies.
If you have kids with allergies and hypoallergenic is on your list of must-haves for a family pooch then a poodle is a great choice.
Poodles are generally broken down into three size groups. Standard, Miniature and Toy each with similar temperament but very different measurements and exercise needs. Standard Poodles are large dogs that need up to 2 hours of exercise daily whereas toy and miniature poodles are on the small side who can often be happy with 1 hour of exercise a day.
Quick Facts about Poodles
Adv. Adult Height for a standard poodle 45cm – 60cm / 18in – 24in
Adv. Adult Weight for a standard poodle 22kg – 31cm / 50lbs – 70lbs
Coat Often curly and low shedding
Hypoallergenic Yes
Temperament Fun loving and intelligent
Exercise Needs Medium / High depending on the size. Between 1-2 hours on average.
Find out more about Poodles with these helpful articles.
Your Guide to the 3 Types of Poodles – Daily Paws.
Are Poodles Good With Kids – The Smart Canine.
Are Poodles Good Family Pets – Hepper.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies, with their striking intelligence and boundless energy, are one of the best dog breeds for families with kids.
Originally bred for herding livestock, these dogs possess an instinctual desire to protect and nurture, making them naturally attuned to the needs of a family unit. Their remarkable intelligence and agility not only allow them to excel in training but also make them engaging playmates for children.
Their affectionate nature and loyalty create a sense of security, and their high energy levels ensure that there’s never a dull moment in a household with a Border Collie.
They thrive on physical and mental stimulation, so they are one of the best dog breeds for families with kids and active lifestyles. If you don’t have access to physical space or the lifestyle that allows for their required physical and mental stimulation a Border Collie might not be the best choice for your family. These pups are best suited to homes with large land and country style living.
Quick Facts about Border Collies
Adv. Adult Height 46cm – 56cm / 18in – 22in
Adv. Adult Weight 13kg – 25kg / 30lbs – 55lbs
Coat Can be rough or smooth coated. Shedding.
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Highly intelligent, Energetic and loyal.
Exercise Needs High. – Minimum two hours of high quality exercise a day.
Find out more about Border Collies with these helpful articles.
Are Border Collies Good With Kids – The Smart Canine.
Is a Border Collie Right For Your Family – Greencross Vets.
Are Border Collies Good With Kids – The Puppy Mag.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a great family-friendly dog breed due to their gentle and friendly nature. Bred originally as companion dogs for royalty, these Spaniels have a rich history of being affectionate and sociable. They love cuddles with their people more than anything else.
Their adaptable temperament makes them wonderful playmates for children, forming strong bonds through their patient and loving demeanour.
While Cavaliers are not overly demanding in terms of exercise, they do appreciate daily walks and playtime, making them a perfect fit for busy families looking for a balance between active outdoor moments and cozy indoor companionship.
Their moderate size and tolerant disposition contribute to a harmonious family dynamic, as they thrive on human interaction and readily become integral members of the household, bringing joy and warmth to family life.
Quick facts about Cavaliers
Adv. Adult Height 30cm / 12 inches
Adv. Adult Weight 4.5-9kg / 10 – 19 lbs
Coat Long and silky. Moderate shedding. High Maintenance.
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Gentle and Adaptable
Exercise Needs Moderate – 40-60 minutes a day
Find out more about Cavaliers with these helpful articles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Your Pure Bred Puppy.
Are Cavaliers Good With Kids – I Heart Dogs.
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a Good Family Dog? – My Cavvy.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, with their striking intelligence and boundless enthusiasm, are an excellent choice for families with kids. Originating from the Shetland Islands, these herding dogs were historically employed to manage livestock in challenging conditions. Today, Shelties make fantastic family pets due to their affectionate and gentle nature. Their inherent herding instincts often translate into a watchful and protective demeanour around children.
While they are not overly demanding in terms of exercise, Shetland Sheepdogs enjoy regular walks and playtime, ensuring a healthy outlet for their energy.
They love nothing more than to please their humans making them easily trainable, fostering strong bonds with children and creating a harmonious family environment.
Quick facts about Shetland Sheepdogs
Adv. Adult Height 46cm – 53cm / 18in – 21in
Adv. Adult Weight 5kg – 10kg / 11lbs – 24lbs
Coat High maintenance. Long straight fur. Shedding.
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Gentle, affectionate, playful
Exercise Needs Moderate. Approx. 1 hour a day.
Find out more about Shetland Sheepdogs with these helpful articles.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) Good With Kids? – Hepper.
Shetland Sheepdogs: What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em – Your Purebred Puppy.
Shetland Sheepdog Breed Guide – PetBarn.
So there you have it. Eight different family-friendly doggos to consider adding to your clan.
What an exciting time for you and your crew. You’re about to enter a new era of your family’s life!
Although we have suggested these pups as family friendly we of course have to mention that every dog is different. While we have mentioned their stereotypical temperaments and personality traits every dog is different and there are no guarantee the pup you get will be exactly as outlined in these points. If buying from a breeder ensure to ask all the questions. Find out about the parents of the litter. Ask about their size and temperaments as these traits will often flow through to their pups.
Once you’ve picked your pooch you might be interested in our article about how to prepare for a new puppy.
