In short The best breeds for children are patient, gentle and unfazed by commotion. Topping family-friendliness are the Labrador, Golden Retriever and Beagle: kind, playful and rarely aggressive.
How we rated
Scored on family-friendliness, patience and tolerance of boisterous play. A high score = the dog gets on reliably with children.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1
LabradoodleFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 4.55.02
WällerFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 4.55.03
PugFamily 5.0Energy 2.5Training 2.55.04
Cavalier King Charles SpanielFamily 5.0Energy 3.0Training 4.05.05
Blue Picardy SpanielFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 4.05.06
Staffordshire Bull TerrierFamily 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.55.07
BeagleFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 2.55.08
HarrierFamily 5.0Energy 4.5Training 3.05.09
Bernese Mountain DogFamily 5.0Energy 3.0Training 3.55.010
NewfoundlandFamily 5.0Energy 2.5Training 3.55.011
LandseerFamily 5.0Energy 3.0Training 3.55.012
LeonbergerFamily 5.0Energy 3.0Training 3.55.013
Labrador RetrieverFamily 5.0Energy 4.5Training 5.05.014
Golden RetrieverFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 5.05.015
White Swiss Shepherd DogFamily 5.0Energy 4.5Training 4.55.016
American Pit Bull TerrierFamily 5.0Energy 4.5Training 4.04.517
English FoxhoundFamily 4.5Energy 5.0Training 3.04.518
Rat TerrierFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 4.54.519
Estonian HoundFamily 4.5Energy 4.5Training 3.04.520
Slovak CuvacFamily 4.5Energy 3.0Training 3.04.521
OdisFamily 5.0Energy 3.5Training 4.04.522
Lucas TerrierFamily 5.0Energy 3.5Training 4.04.523
Panda German ShepherdFamily 5.0Energy 4.5Training 5.04.524
Hertha PointerFamily 4.5Energy 4.5Training 4.04.525
CavapooFamily 5.0Energy 3.0Training 4.04.526
English ShepherdFamily 5.0Energy 4.0Training 4.54.527
AlopekisFamily 5.0Energy 3.5Training 4.04.528
EurasierFamily 5.0Energy 3.0Training 3.54.529
Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu)Family 5.0Energy 3.5Training 3.54.530
Irish Red and White SetterFamily 5.0Energy 4.5Training 3.54.5FAQ
Which breed is safest for a small child?
The Labrador and Golden Retriever are traditionally among the most patient and child-friendly breeds.
From what age can a child have a dog?
From about 5–6 years is usually advised, once the child understands boundaries with an animal; any contact between a toddler and a dog should be supervised by adults.
Are small breeds suitable for children?
Small breeds are more delicate and can be hurt by rough handling — for small children, sturdy medium breeds are often a safer bet.