Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Having a dog isn't just a benefit for pet parents, who have a loving furry companion to share in the ups and downs of life. Dogs can also support young children's healthy physical activity, independence, and social-emotional development. If you're hoping to bring a pup into the family, chances are you're curious about the best dog breeds for kids.

Learn about what makes a good dog for children, the best breeds to bring home to young kids, and how to prep your space for your new four-legged friend.

Traits of kid-friendly dogs

The best dogs for families with kids will have:

• A gentle temperament
• Patience and tolerance for noise and activity (and perhaps the grabbing of their fur by tiny hands)
• Adaptability to a busy or high-energy household
• Trainability and socialization

Kid-friendly dogs don't necessarily have to be only high-energy or only calm, as both traits can benefit a family household. The most important factors to look for are gentleness, patience, and trainability. It may be best to avoid anxious dog breeds or those that may have a tendency to become aggressive.

10 family-friendly dog breeds

Discover some of the best dog breeds for kids, from young children to teens. While this is by no means a complete list, with many other dog breeds, including mixed breeds, showing family-friendly traits.

If you have a favorite dog breed in mind, be sure to do your research ahead of time to learn more about its typical personality, temperament, and trainability — but remember that every dog is unique and might not reflect all of the general traits of their breed. Breeders and animal shelters can also help match your family with a specific dog, so don't be afraid to tell them what kind of pup you're looking for.

Golden Retriever

This large, fluffy breed takes the number 3 spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC) list of most popular dogs — and for good reason. Golden Retrievers make for a wonderful family dog: They're affectionate, eager to please, highly adaptable to different environments, and even quite goofy. While they might not be the best guard dogs, Golden Retrievers can be some of the best furry pals for families.

• Energy level: Medium; they need ample exercise but then can easily cuddle up on the couch
• Grooming needs: Frequent grooming due their long double coats
• Playtime compatibility: They'll likely instigate playtime, always eager to play fetch and get silly

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are great additions to energetic households, where they can have various outlets for all that lovable Lab energy. Labs are large pups with personalities to match. They're enthusiastic about nearly any activity, person (strangers included), and, of course, mealtime. Labs are highly trainable and eager to please.

• Energy level: High
• Grooming needs: Frequent brushing due to high shedding
• Playtime compatibility: Labs love to play but are gentle and easy-going

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies," were originally bred as companion dogs, and they take their job seriously. They have a lot of love to give their family, showing ample amounts of affection to both adults and kids. The Frenchie just wants to be your little buddy, and that eager-to-please attitude makes them fun to train and helps them handle any child-initiated roughhousing with ease. It takes the top spot on the AKC's most popular dogs.

• Energy level: Medium; be careful not to overdo exercise, as French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic dog breed, so they can overheat and have breathing difficulties
• Grooming needs: Low
• Playtime compatibility: Playing with their human companions is their favorite pastime

Beagle

The Beagle's adorable face matches its personality. This breed is made for companionship, with Beagles always wanting to be with their humans. They're affectionate, happy-go-lucky, and a good dog for kids and other pets. While they love to play, Beagles don't require as much activity as, say, a Labrador Retriever.

• Energy level: Medium
• Grooming needs: Low
• Playtime compatibility: Very playful with kids

Boxer

This athletic breed is a great choice for active families with rambunctious kids. Boxers' sturdy build allows them to tolerate physical handling of young children, plus their near-endless energy keeps them going until the kids tire out. When Boxers aren't on the go, they'll likely cuddle up next to their current favorite human.

• Energy level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Playtime compatibility: High, just be careful with toddlers, who might be knocked down by rambunctious, strong Boxers

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

With the vigor of a sporting Spaniel and a penchant for the finer things in life — common with toy breeds — the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can fit into just about any household. This small breed can match the activity levels of children and teens, but it can also nuzzle up on a cozy blanket for a day of lounging. The Cavalier's soulful eyes will win over every heart.

• Energy level: Medium
• Grooming needs: Medium; semi-frequent brushing and grooming of their silky, wavy coats
• Playtime compatibility: They're up for playtime and naptime

Bichon Frise

Affectionate, playful, and people-friendly are some of the words that pet parents of Bichon Frise use to describe their amiable dog. One of the best dogs for kids, these small bundles of fur always want to show off their new tricks and won't say no to a playtime invitation from children or other pets. The Bichon Frise breed is also hypoallergenic, making it a nice option for sensitive households.

• Energy level: Medium
• Grooming needs: High, due to their curly double coat
• Playtime compatibility: They're always up for playtime

Collie

With striking coats and expressive eyes, there's no doubt that Collies are a gorgeous dog breed. However, they're more than just their elegant looks; Collies have big hearts for their family members, young and old. This gentle dog breed for kids is patient, loyal, and thrives on companionship.

• Energy level: Medium
• Grooming needs: High
• Playtime compatibility: Collies can play beautifully with kids

Newfoundland

These gentle giants are known to be extremely affectionate, easy-going, and friendly with anyone — humans and other pets included. While a very large breed (they can weigh up to 150 pounds!), Newfoundlands aren't imposing in nature. They're patient, gentle, and watchful over their little human companions.

• Energy level: Low to medium
• Grooming needs: Medium
• Playtime compatibility: Playful, but due to their differences in size, monitor playtime with Newfoundlands and young children

Basset Hound

Often considered one of the laziest dog breeds, the Basset Hound might not necessarily jump at the chance to play, but they are highly amiable and tolerant of children around them. They are known to have short bursts of energetic playtime where they can show off their goofy selves. Basset Hounds aren't overly affectionate, but they are loving and loyal to their family.

• Energy level: Low
• Grooming needs: Low
• Playtime compatibility: Not super playful, but they're very loving and tolerant of kids

How to prepare for a dog

Preparing to bring home a pup can be overwhelming, but with this list of simple reminders, you can get your home ready for your new furry family member with minimal stress.

• Pet-proof your home. Set up baby gates where necessary, establish a secure zone for your pup, protect your furniture, move small decor items out of reach, and so on.
• Purchase dog gear ahead of time. Get set up with the crate, dog bed, dog toys, food, poop bags — basically, anything you'll need when your pup arrives.
• Talk with your kids. Prepare them for a new routine and teach them about the importance of respecting a dog's space. To get your older kids motivated to help, you could even create a star chart, where they earn rewards for taking the dog on walks, training them, feeding them, etc.
• Get ready to supervise. Babies and young children should never be left alone unsupervised with a pet, so you'll have to be on high alert when you bring your dog home.
• Find a veterinarian. It's important to get your new pup on a wellness checkup schedule and develop a relationship with a trusted vet. Ask friends and family for recommendations or search highly rated veterinarians in your area.

It's also recommended that you sign up for pet insurance as soon as you bring your furry little pal home. Even the best dog breeds for kids can have injuries or develop medical conditions that need extra treatment. Trupanion dog insurance helps protect your pup's covered issues and safeguards your budget from out-of-pocket costs.