Perfect Family Companions for Homes with Children
These breeds are known for their patience, gentle nature, and love of children, making them ideal family members.
↓ Skip directly to Recommended BreedsEssential Family Dog Traits
- Extreme patience with children
- Gentle, stable temperament
- Sturdy enough for gentle handling
- Playful but not overly energetic
Family Lifestyle Fit
- Adaptable to busy household schedules
- Good with other family pets
- Easy to train for family obedience
Top Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
These breeds consistently rank as excellent family companions due to their gentle nature and love of children.
French Bulldog
Height: 11-13"
Weight: 16-28 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #1
Why Great for Families: Adaptable, affectionate companions that thrive in family environments, incredibly patient with children and low-maintenance.
Ideal For: Apartment living, families wanting a sturdy but gentle companion that fits various lifestyles.
Learn More
Labrador Retriever
Height: 21.5-24.5"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #2
Why Great for Families: America's favorite all-around family dog - gentle, patient, and great with kids.
Ideal For: Active families with yards, homes wanting a versatile family member.
Very high energy
Learn More
Golden Retriever
Height: 21.5-24"
Weight: 55-75 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #3
Why Great for Families: One of the best family dogs - patient, gentle, and loving with children of all ages.
Ideal For: Active households with space, families wanting a classic family companion.
Learn More
Standard Poodle
Height: 18-27"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #5
Why Great for Families: Elegant athletes who adore kids, intelligent and gentle with children.
Ideal For: Allergy sufferers wanting an active family dog, homes committed to grooming.
High grooming needs
Learn More
Beagle
Height: 13-15"
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #7
Why Great for Families: Merry companions for active kids, sturdy enough for gentle play.
Ideal For: Active families with secure yards and plenty of outdoor space.
Prone to wandering; strong scent drive; can be vocal
Learn More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: 12-13"
Weight: 13-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #13
Why Great for Families: Gentle, cuddly companions for all ages, incredibly patient with children.
Ideal For: Families wanting a devoted lap dog that adores children, Novice owners.
Learn More
Boxer
Height: 21-25"
Weight: 50-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #17
Why Great for Families: Goofy guardians for older kids, playful and protective family members.
Ideal For: Homes with older children, active families wanting protection with humor.
Learn More
Bernese Mountain Dog
Height: 23-27.5"
Weight: 70-115 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #19
Why Great for Families: Gentle giants, patient and loving with children of all ages.
Ideal For: Cold climates with space, families wanting a majestic but gentle companion.
Short life-span; prone to cancer
Learn More
Great Dane
Height: 28-34"
Weight: 110-140 | 140-175 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #21
Why Great for Families: Giant lapdogs; loves kids, surprisingly gentle despite size.
Ideal For: Families with adequate space, homes wanting a gentle watchdog.
Short lifespan; size!
Learn More
Boston Terrier
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 12-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #23
Why Great for Families: Friendly, amusing companions that adapt well to family life.
Ideal For: Active families, homes with older children.
Learn More
Havanese
Height: 8.5-11.5"
Weight: 7-13 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #25
Why Great for Families: Cheerful shadows who follow kids everywhere, incredibly affectionate.
Ideal For: Families wanting a small but sturdy companion for children.
High grooming needs
Learn More
Shetland Sheepdog
Height: 13-16"
Weight: 15-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #26
Why Great for Families: Very gentle & loves children, intelligent and eager to please.
Ideal For: Active families, homes wanting a smaller herding breed companion.
High grooming needs, can be vocal, needs mental stimulation
Learn More
Cocker Spaniel
Height: 13.5-15.5"
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #32
Why Great for Families: Gentle, merry companions that are patient with children and eager to please.
Ideal For: Families wanting an affectionate, medium-sized companion that adapts well to family life.
High grooming needs, ear infections common
Learn More
Pug
Height: 10-13"
Weight: 14-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #38
Why Great for Families: Comedic relief with endless affection, patient with children.
Ideal For: Relaxed households, families wanting a low-energy but affectionate pet.
Learn More
Collie
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 50-75 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #39
Why Great for Families: Gentle with children, naturally protective, and patient family members.
Ideal For: Active families, homes wanting a gentle guardian for children.
High grooming needs, can be vocal
Learn More
West Highland White Terrier
Height: 10-11"
Weight: 15-20 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #43
Why Great for Families: Happy, confident, and loyal - sturdy for their size and good with respectful children.
Ideal For: Families with older children who understand gentle handling.
Can be stubborn; requires regular grooming
Learn More
Bichon Frise
Height: 9.5-11.5"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #46
Why Great for Families: Merry disposition; excellent with kids, cheerful playmates.
Ideal For: Allergy-prone households & families wanting a hypoallergenic companion.
High grooming needs
Learn More
Newfoundland
Height: 26-28"
Weight: 100-120 | 130-150 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #47
Why Great for Families: Natural babysitters; love everyone, incredibly gentle with children.
Ideal For: Families with space, waterfront properties, homes wanting a gentle giant.
Drools; high grooming needs; size!
Learn More
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 30-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #52
Why Great for Families: Playful, friendly, and affectionate - less "terrier-like" with a softer temperament perfect for families.
Ideal For: Active families who want an energetic but friendly companion that loves children.
High grooming needs
Learn More