Best dog breeds for children and family
Scored on family-friendliness, patience and tolerance of boisterous play. A high score = the dog gets on reliably with children.
Labrador Retriever
Family 5.0
Energy 4.5
Training 5.0
5.0
2
White Swiss Shepherd
Family 5.0
Energy 4.5
Training 4.5
5.0
3
Harrier
Family 5.0
Energy 4.5
Training 3.0
5.0
4
Golden Retriever
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 5.0
5.0
5
Labradoodle
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 4.5
5.0
6
Wäller
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 4.5
5.0
7
Blue Picardy Spaniel
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 4.0
5.0
8
Beagle
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 2.5
5.0
9
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Family 5.0
Energy 3.0
Training 4.0
5.0
10
Bernese Mountain Dog
Family 5.0
Energy 3.0
Training 3.5
5.0
11
Leonberger
Family 5.0
Energy 3.0
Training 3.5
5.0
12
Pug
Family 5.0
Energy 2.5
Training 2.5
5.0
13
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Family 4.5
Energy 4.0
Training 3.5
5.0
14
Panda German Shepherd
Family 5.0
Energy 4.5
Training 5.0
4.5
15
American Pit Bull Terrier
Family 5.0
Energy 4.5
Training 4.0
4.5
16
English Shepherd
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 4.5
4.5
17
Rat Terrier
Family 5.0
Energy 4.0
Training 4.5
4.5
18
Lucas Terrier
Family 5.0
Energy 3.5
Training 4.0
4.5
19
Odis
Family 5.0
Energy 3.5
Training 4.0
4.5
20
Cavapoo
Family 5.0
Energy 3.0
Training 4.0
4.5
order: Kids → Family → Energy → Training → breed · list composition as on the site, order by this rule
FAQ
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.