Dog breeds good with kids
Breeds rated "Very Good" or "Excellent" for kid-friendliness in our database. Individual dogs vary; breed tendencies are general guides, not guarantees.
Airedale Terrier
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo (Miniature)
American Eskimo (Standard)
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Shepherd
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Hound
Beagle (13 inch)
Beagle (15 inch)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bichon Frisé
Bloodhound
Border Terrier
Boston Terrier
Bouvier des Flandres
Boxer
Brittany
Bulldog
Cairn Terrier
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Cocker Spaniel (American)
Cocker Spaniel (English)
Collie (Rough)
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
Flat-Coated Retriever
French Bulldog
German Shepherd
German Shorthaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greyhound
Havanese
Irish Setter
Irish Wolfhound
Keeshond
Labrador Retriever
Leonberger
Mastiff
Miniature Schnauzer
Newfoundland
Norwich Terrier
Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Plott Hound
Pointer
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Standard)
Portuguese Water Dog
Pug
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Saint Bernard
Samoyed
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Vizsla
West Highland White Terrier
Whippet
Wire Fox Terrier
Choosing a family dog
Kid-friendliness ratings reflect breed tendencies toward patience, gentleness, and tolerance of the unpredictable behavior young children often display (sudden movements, loud noises, grabbing). High-energy breeds paired with active families often make the best matches. Low-energy breeds suit calmer households.
No matter the breed, always supervise interactions between dogs and young children. Teach children how to approach, pet, and respect a dog's space. For help matching your family's lifestyle to a breed, try our breed finder quiz.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026