15 Best Family Dogs for Every Bustling Household Find a Child-Friendly Dog By Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 08/13/25 Credit: The Spruce / Elnora Turner Key Takeaways Look for dog breeds that are intelligent, trainable, and non-aggressive, with a good temperament and moderate energy level.Consider the specific needs of your household when choosing a dog breed, such as the age of your children, the space available, and the activity level of your family.Certain breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles are highlighted as excellent choices for families with kids. The best family dogs get along with children, and have a gentle, patient, and affectionate demeanor that’s suitable for kids of all ages. In theory, almost any dog has the potential to get along great with children, and factors such as obedience training, age, size, and breed type can all affect your chances of finding a good family dog. In addition to considering breed characteristics, think about the ages and activity levels of your children. Toddlers can be knocked over by an awkward, gangly puppy that does not know their size. Bigger kids could crush a small dog if they are not always careful. Here are 15 of the best family dogs that have a history of good behavior around children. Tip You can speculate about which dog breeds are best for kids, but you just never know how each individual dog will turn out. Seek out your local dog rescue group and ask about foster dogs. Foster "parents" want the dogs to go to the right homes and tend to be honest about the dogs' personalities and temperaments. If you decide on a breeder, spend time talking about the temperament and socialization history of the pups. An experienced, responsible breeder will know the pups and parents and should share information freely. No matter what breed you get, teach your children how to act around dogs too. Breed Characteristics Many dog breeds are known to get along well with children. Families with kids typically need an intelligent, trainable dog with a calm temperament and moderate energy. It's essential for a dog to have a soft mouth, or bite inhibition. Breeds like golden retrievers and Labradors have a naturally gentle mouth from their history as retrievers, trained to not bite down on game. Child-friendly dogs should be non-aggressive and tolerant of some hair pulling and plenty of hugs. 01 of 15 Boxer Boxers are an at-risk breed for polymyositis. Credit: James F. Dean / Getty Images Boxers are playful and enjoy having children as playmates. They are lively dogs that match the endless energy of kids and love the outdoors. With a goofy, childlike personality, children find them endearing. However, they can be clumsy and may accidentally knock over young children, so supervise them around toddlers. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 20 to 24 inchesWeight: 55 to 70 poundsCoat and Color: Short coat with fawn and brindle as standard colors, standard markings include a black mask, black mask with white markings, and white markingsLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 02 of 15 Labrador Retriever Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Labradors are loyal family dogs with an even temperament, making them one of the least likely breeds to show aggression. They are outgoing, kind, gentle, and intelligent. Labradors get along well with children and other household animals and tolerate being hugged, patted, or prodded by kids. Their relaxed demeanor is ideal for families with young children. Labradors need plenty of space, preferably a backyard, as they require daily exercise. Breed Overview Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 21 to 24 inchesWeight: 55 to 80 poundsCoat and Color: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellowLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 03 of 15 Golden Retriever Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Golden retrievers are similar to Labrador retrievers, but with longer hair. They share the same gentle, laid-back, tolerant, and non-aggressive temperament. They can become hyperactive and unmanageable without a constructive outlet for their energy. This playful and intelligent breed is an excellent companion for school-aged children, as they enjoy games like fetch. Breed Overview Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 21 to 24 inchesWeight: 55 to 75 poundsCoat and Color: Medium-length lustrous light to dark gold double coatLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 04 of 15 Poodle Credit:  Carol Howell / Getty Images Poodles are extremely intelligent and have excellent temperaments. Their high energy often matches that of children. Poodles are loving, cuddly, gentle, and patient. They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The standard poodle is the best choice for families with children, as it is the sturdiest and withstands roughhousing better than smaller varieties. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: Standard: over 15 inches; Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: 10 inches and underWeight: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds, Miniature: 15 to 18 pounds, Toy: 5 to 9 poundsCoat and Color: Curly, dense single coat; may be one of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, grey, brown, and apricotLife Expectancy: 10 to 18 years Continue to 5 of 15 below 05 of 15 Bichon Frise Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris This small, cotton-ball-like dog loves to play and is usually not too hyper. Bichon Frises are affectionate, charming, and have the energy to match a child's endless spirit. As a smaller dog, they don't intimidate or overwhelm young children. However, if a child is overly rambunctious or rough, the dog might give a warning snap to indicate its limits. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 9 to 12 inchesWeight: 7 to 12 poundsCoat and Color: Fluffy and curly white hair (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream), resembles a cotton ball or powder puffLife Expectancy: 14 to 15 years 06 of 15 Beagle Credit: @Hans Surfer / Getty Images Beagles, the breed popularized by "Snoopy," are friendly, clever, and a manageable size, making them suitable for kids. Although some can be high-strung, they usually respond well to training. Beagles are social dogs that enjoy being around people, including children. They are loyal and easily bond with kids. A distinctive baying cry makes them effective guard dogs, alerting you when someone approaches. However, being vocal, they might not suit homes with babies or toddlers sensitive to noise. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: 13 to 15 inchesWeight: 20 to 25 poundsCoat and Color: Short coats in all hound colors, including but not limited to tri-color (tan, black, and white), red and white, and lemon and whiteLife Expectancy: 10 to 15 years 07 of 15 Cairn Terrier Cairn Terrier color shades can change as they mature. This pup looks like a wheaten color. Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images These active little dogs naturally gravitate towards kids. Made popular by "Toto" from The Wizard of Oz, they enjoy keeping up with children and tolerate a lot. Cairn terriers are affectionate and gentle, especially with children. While many small dogs struggle with rough play from kids, Cairn terriers seem to thrive on it. Breed Overview Group: Terrier (AKC)Height: 9 to 10 inchesWeight: 13 to 14 poundsCoat and Color: Scruffy-looking double coat with a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat; coat comes in many colors, including red, brindle, black, sand, and grayLife Expectancy: 12 to 15 years 08 of 15 German Shepherd Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris This breed is extremely loyal and protective but must be well-trained. German shepherds have a playful side, especially at a younger age. They can be sweet and gentle with their family but are wary of strangers. An intelligent breed, they can be taught to do almost anything. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 22 to 26 inchesWeight: 60 to 100 poundsCoat and Color: Double coat, comprised of a thick undercoat and a dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat with tan and black or red and black coloringLife Expectancy: 7 to 10 years Continue to 9 of 15 below 09 of 15 Shetland Sheepdog Credit: Yvonne Van der Horst / Getty Images Shetland sheepdogs, or Shelties, resemble collies, like the famous "Lassie" dog. They are calm, gentle, and tolerant dogs, often doing well with children of all ages and sizes. Shelties enjoy human companionship. They are playful and well-behaved with children but need training to curb their natural tendency to nip or herd. Overly active children might overwhelm Shelties, so monitor their interactions to ensure they get along well. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 13 to 16 inchesWeight: 15 to 25 poundsCoat and Color: Double-coated with long, harsh outer coat and short, dense undercoat; ; black, sable, and blue merle, with white markingsLife Expectancy: 12 to 14 years 10 of 15 Pug Credit: LexiTheMonster / Getty Images Pugs are playful, enjoying interactions with children. As a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced), they can overheat easily, so they need short play sessions followed by rest and snuggles with their human companions. Pugs' lower energy level makes them ideal for families seeking a lap dog or cuddly companion. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 10 to 13 inchesWeight: 14 to 18 poundsCoat and Color: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or blackLife Expectancy: 13 to 15 years 11 of 15 Irish Setter Credit: Julian Popov / EyeEm / Getty Images Irish setters are full of bounding energy and perhaps a little rambunctious for the littlest of children, but they are the perfect play companion for older children. This dog loves to fetch and accompany families on hikes. It's more of an active dog, so it would do best in a home that plans plenty of activities that include the family pooch. Breed Overview Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 25 to 27 inchesWeight: 60 to 70 poundsCoat and Color: Medium length with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail; red coatLife Expectancy: 12 to 15 years 12 of 15 Boston Terrier Credit: JoeChristensen / Getty Images Boston terriers are small to medium-sized dogs, weighing about 25 pounds, and adapt well to city living, including apartments. Non-aggressive in nature, they enjoy games and playtime with children. While they can get overly excited and might accidentally knock over a toddler, they mean no harm. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 15 to 17 yearsWeight: 15 to 25 poundsCoat and Color: Smooth, short coat. All Boston terriers have a white muzzle and chest. The rest of their body will be either black, seal, or brindleLife Expectancy: 12 to 14 years Continue to 13 of 15 below 13 of 15 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images Cavalier King Charles spaniels are friendly, small toy-sized dogs that get along with most people, including children and other dogs. They are spirited and love to play but can also enjoy warm cuddles. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 12 to 13 inchesWeight: around 13 to 18 poundsCoat and Color: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail; four color varieties: tricolor, Blenheim, ruby, and black and tanLife Expectancy: 12 to 14 years 14 of 15 Bulldog Credit: Iryna Melnyk / Getty Images Bulldogs, like pugs and boxers, are brachycephalic breeds that should avoid excessive activity, especially in warm weather. They enjoy brief romps or play sessions but often need rest afterward. With a sweet disposition, bulldogs can tolerate some roughhousing with children. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 14 to 15 inchesWeight: 40 to 50 poundsCoat and Color: Straight, short, fine-textured, smooth, and glossy; red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colors, with or without such patterns and markings as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tippingLife Expectancy: 8 to 10 years 15 of 15 Mixed-Breed Dogs Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Mixed-breed dogs, or mutts, can be well-balanced and intelligent. There are truly amazing dogs among mixed-breeds, which come in a wide range of sizes and coat types. Mixed breeds often have better physical health than purebreds and may be less high-strung. Additionally, adopting a mixed-breed dog helps save lives, taking them out of shelters and, at times, preventing euthanasia. Breeds to Avoid Some dogs do not adapt well to households with young kids. The children may not be respectful of boundaries; some kids may stare, move quickly, or like to scream or squeal with high-pitched voices. Generally, the breeds that might not be the most amenable to a child in the household include spitz breeds like Akitas, chows, huskies, or malamutes—these intelligent breeds tend to be more aloof. Also, a few smaller attention-hog breeds with big attitudes may not be the best fit, such as Chihuahuas, Pekingese, or shih tzus. How to Train Your Dog to Safely Interact With Kids Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds Companion Dog Breeds