Breeds · 11 entries

The best dog breeds for families with children

Patient, sociable dogs that usually do well with children — always with supervision.

How we chose: Dog breeds rated 5 out of 5 for being good with children in our profiles.

1

Golden Retriever

Gentle, intelligent, devoted · 25–34 kg (55–75 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Golden Retrievers were developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th century to retrieve shot birds. Today they are loved as family dogs and widely used as assistance and therapy dogs because of their…
The full Golden Retriever profile
2

Labrador Retriever

Friendly, eager to please, food-motivated · 25–36 kg (55–79 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

The Labrador has been one of the most popular dogs in the English-speaking world for decades, and it is easy to see why: they are sociable, adaptable and gentle with children. Bred to retrieve…
The full Labrador Retriever profile
3

Bernese Mountain Dog

Gentle, good-natured, calm · 35–55 kg (77–121 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Berners are big, soft-hearted farm dogs from the Swiss Alps, bred to pull carts and guard the farmyard. They are famously gentle with children and devoted to their families, and their tricolour coat makes…
The full Bernese Mountain Dog profile
4

Bichon Frise

Cheerful, gentle, playful · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

The Bichon’s curly white coat sheds very little, which makes it popular with people who dislike dog hair — though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bichons are sociable and gentle, and generally get on…
The full Bichon Frise profile
5

Boston Terrier

Friendly, lively, gentle · 5–11 kg (11–24 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Nicknamed "the American gentleman" for its tuxedo markings, the Boston Terrier is a cheerful, sociable companion that suits flats and families. They are usually gentle with children and other pets, and most are keen…
The full Boston Terrier profile
6

Boxer

Playful, loyal, boisterous · 25–32 kg (55–71 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Boxers are clowns with a guardian’s heart: bouncy, affectionate and endlessly entertaining, but strong and exuberant enough to knock over a toddler in excitement. They mature slowly and need both physical exercise and games…
The full Boxer profile
7

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Affectionate, gentle, adaptable · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Cavaliers are sweet-natured lap dogs that get on with almost everyone. Sadly the breed is prone to serious inherited heart and neurological disease, so health screening is essential when choosing a puppy.
The full Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile
8

Cocker Spaniel

Merry, gentle, eager · 12–15 kg (26–33 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, sociable family dogs that love to carry things and follow their noses. Working-line cockers are far more energetic than show lines — worth asking about when choosing a puppy.
The full Cocker Spaniel profile
9

Havanese

Playful, affectionate, sociable · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Cuba’s national dog, the Havanese is a cheerful, gentle companion that loves people of all ages and usually gets along with other pets. They are clever and learn tricks quickly, which made them popular…
The full Havanese profile
10

Pug

Charming, sociable, comical · 6–8 kg (13–18 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Pugs were bred purely as companions and excel at it: they follow their people everywhere and love company. Their flat faces cause breathing and eye problems, and they shed more than their short coat…
The full Pug profile
11

Beagle

Merry, curious, nose-led · 9–11 kg (20–24 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Trainability

Beagles were bred to hunt hares in packs, which makes them sociable, cheerful and good with other dogs. Their powerful noses and independent streak can make recall training a challenge.They are generally healthy, tough…
The full Beagle profile

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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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