Toddlers bring endless energy, curiosity, and just a little bit of chaos into a home. They love exploring, pulling things apart, running through the mud, and sometimes turning the living room into their own playground. They’re adventurous, mischievous, and always keeping parents on their toes.
Raising toddlers can feel like a full-time job that takes an entire family or even a village. They’re constantly testing limits, trying new (and sometimes risky) things, and yet, beneath all that mischief, what they need most is patience, love, and gentle guidance.
So, if you have a toddler (or a few!) and are considering adding a dog to your family, it’s important to find the right match. A calm and gentle dog can balance out all that toddler energy and create the perfect mix of fun and harmony. Let’s take a look at some wonderful dog breeds that play gently with little ones.
Dog Breeds That Play Gently With Toddlers
1. Labrador Retriever
These sweet-faced, lovable, high-spirited companions, with a kind glimmer in their eyes and a forever wagging tail, are always ready to make anyone happy. Labrador Retrievers are the most friendly, patient, playful, and endlessly loyal dogs that you’ll ever find.
PetMD says that this popular dog breed is universally loved and respected and has earned a stellar reputation for being one of the best family dogs in the world because of their diverse behavioral traits and adaptable nature. They actively seek lasting bonds and prefer the joyous energy level of kids.
You’ll often find Labrador lying peacefully near a napping child, enjoying quiet reading time, bathing sessions, and movie nights. They love to curl up beside young children, offering silent and peaceful companionship.
Now, you must be curious to know how they fit perfectly in the lives of kids of all ages, from inquisitive toddlers, energetic school-age kids, and growing teens who are navigating through the complexities of adolescence. The bond between Labrador and humans is one of the most successful interspecies partnerships.
These working dogs remain calm under pressure. Moreover, labs also have lower baseline stress hormone levels and more stable fight or flight responses compared to other breeds. These dogs are born ready for handling the unpredictable nature of family life with small children.
The labs are equipped with a remarkably forgiving attitude, whether your children try to tug their floppy ears or try to climb over them, or squeal with joy during an intense cuddle session. These pups will remain unfazed or even amused by your kids’ antics.
They have a supernatural ability to remain unruffled by the noise, sudden movements, and general chaos that naturally accompany children of all ages.
2. Golden Retriever
These pooches are one of the most loving dogs with a selfless and giving, affectionate nature that cannot be rivaled by any other dog breed existing on this planet. Originally built for hunting and retrieving, these dogs eventually rose through the ranks due to their high scores in obedience training and exceptionally gentle temperament.
Petplan says that Golden retrievers are the best dog breed for younger and older kids alike. They love to play outdoors and have a natural instinct to be protective and loving towards small kids. Golden retrievers are everybody’s friends and are quintessential happy-go-lucky dogs that fit perfectly in family activities.
Whether it be an iconic game of fetch, a secret treasure hunt, or anything related to active play, these pooches are always up for it. These pooches have a sweet disposition and friendly nature. They are also known for their trustworthiness and loyalty, and outgoing personalities, making them one of the best family dogs.
Golden retrievers are sturdy, muscular, with a smooth, powerful gait. These dogs are perfect for toddlers who like exploring things in the great outdoors, want to learn swimming, or need a large, fluffy pup for cuddling. These pups with a loving nature don’t mind being fussed over.
3. Beagle
Here comes another sturdy, solid 13-15-inch dog with an adorable face and big hazel eyes. Originally bred to track and hunt with its houndy ears and super-powerful nose, the beagle seems like a godsend for young families. They are fun-loving and easy-going, tolerant and patient with rambunctious kids, and thrive in active families.
PDSA states that Beagles also have boundless energy, just like your toddlers. They are pack-oriented and incredibly loyal pooches that come in wonderful combinations and colors. If your kids like to see Snoopy, then beagles are the perfect fit for your growing family.
These family-friendly dog breeds make excellent companions for adults, seniors, babies, toddlers, and teens alike. They are identically curious like your turbulent and mischievous toddlers and love to learn new tricks every day.
These energetic dogs require plenty of playtime and will not only become great companions but also great accomplices in your toddler’s secret missions. They have so much in common, from their chasing fetish to their unending energy and big personalities.
The beagles and toddlers are a match made in heaven; they are just meant to be. Hence, don’t waste more time and take these pups home.
4. Bulldog
Toddlers are constantly learning and growing each day, and with all the chaos and energy they spread in your home comes their need for power naps, and for which they need their favorite cuddly soft toys to snuggle and sleep with, and that’s exactly where these wrinkly, laid-back dogs come in handy.
The Continental Kennel Club says these easy-going pooches are great for a home that needs some highly affectionate and lively couch potatoes. They are sturdy enough for handling the messing around of your naughty bunch of toddlers.
But they are also low-maintenance pooches who don’t need a lot of daily exercise. Hence, lo and behold, the mighty English bulldog is the literal definition of calm amidst chaos.
Moreover, when dog size becomes an important consideration for selecting a family dog, these 14-15 inch British dogs with a low slung body and rolling gait are the best dogs for families with tiny toddlers.
These short, stocky, sourmug-faced dogs can’t tolerate heat because they are brachycephalic. But they are the symbol of courage and tenacity. Bulldogs still occupy a huge space in the hearts of dog lovers and stand among the top-most popular dog breeds. They are great for first-time dog owners and bond well with younger and older children alike.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their patience and protective instincts, especially towards children. They are famously known as “Nanny dogs” and take care of your kids so gently and perfectly that you’ll literally fall in love with them.
Newfoundlands are quite large in size, but they are the dream come true for new parents who are struggling and juggling with their rambunctious toddlers. They have a strong inclination towards kids and younger children, and always want to keep them safe and protected.
Omlet notes these hardworking dogs were originally bred to assist fishermen and were water rescue dogs in Newfoundland, Canada. But they are also perfect saviors and rescue dogs for overwhelmed, overstimulated, and tired parents, who badly need a break from diaper changes, sleepless nights, and messy houses.
Newfoundlands blend in well with the family and become a part of it like crucial family members. They are intelligent dogs who have webbed feet and can swim well despite their size. Moreover, these calm and patient dogs are not prone to zoomies like other high-energy dogs.
Newfoundlands, or Newfies for short, are such loving and affectionate dogs, equipped with sensitive hearts that they cannot bear to be away from their owners and families for a long time. These pooches are prone to separation anxiety, but stand among the best dog breeds for families with toddlers.
6. Pug
These Chinese pooches are easy-going, laid-back, and even-tempered canines that are generally quiet and calm, making them a great option for families with infants and toddlers. Moreover, if you are a young person in your 20s with a remarkable 2 under 2 situation going on. Then pugs will definitely be a reason for your peace, happiness, and joy.
Pawlicy Advisor says that these Pugs are the entertainers and class clowns of the dog world. They are fiercely loyal and low-energy dogs, but also quite silly and funny in their attitude. They make great pets for apartment dwellers and are the perfect dog breed for relaxed families.
According to the AKC, these mischievous, charming, and child-friendly dogs are compact and muscular, with a large, massive, and round head, very large, bold, and prominent eyes holding a solicitous expression, very lustrous and full of fire when excited, and small, soft, and black velvet ears are a sight to behold.
These dog breeds are perfect as family dogs because of their incredible sturdiness, despite their small size. These lovable mugs are more solid than other toy dog breeds and come in three striking colors: silver, apricot-fawn, and complete black.
But why are these pooches the best dog breed for the tantrum-throwing and screaming toddlers?
Pugs are playful yet stable, outgoing, and incredibly affectionate dogs.
These small dogs literally live to love and be loved in return.
They have one thing in common with your toddlers, which is their motto called “multum in parvo,” a lot in a little.
Hence, if all these specialties haven’t got you convinced, we don’t know what will.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These pooches are the cutest little things on earth, and their sweet faces and gentle eyes are enough to make anyone fall in love with them. No doubt King Charles II was a fan of these large and expressive doe-eyed pooches. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are toy dogs wrapped into one adorable, furry package.
Where most other dog breeds are too excitable and can scare small kids, these small toy spaniels are so sweet that they’ll instantly win your little ones’ hearts and be their favorite buddies with whom they will happily play.
VCA Animal Hospitals mentions that Cavaliers are the literal image of gentleness, grace, and affection. They make wonderful emotional support animals and therapy dogs as they are so sociable, happy-go-lucky, and always eager to please. They are the true noblemen of the canine kingdom.
These toy dogs are the ultimate combination of gentle attentiveness and athleticism, which match the vibe of your toddlers perfectly. Cavaliers are versatile pooches that bond well with small children and make equally good pets for active owners and homebodies.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are true aristocrats that are uniquely humble and not always riding on a royal high horse; they expect you to pamper them, but aren’t too demanding. Thus, you can adopt these frolicking bird watchers and enthusiastic followers without any worries.
8. Boxer
If you raise tough kids who have a playful and patient side and don’t take life too seriously, then get this naturally sparring boxer. They will catch your stumbling toddlers before a fall, teach them a lesson on devotion, patience, and help them enjoy life in all its beautiful glory. These upbeat, playful, and calm pooches are protective, vigilant, and goofy at the same time.
Purina UK says that boxers enjoy spending time playing outside with their family and are an exceptionally versatile and strong dog breed. You would be shocked to know that these pooches were once used for hunting and dog fighting. But have now grown out of their old habits and transformed into the most lovable, affectionate, and sweet dogs.
Boxers are named for their natural fighting style, which resembles a great degree to human boxers. They are unique and might need a lot of mental and physical stimulation due to their high energy levels.
But they are also incredibly sensitive and emotionally perceptive. Boxers are extroverted and love to garner attention and will do anything to make their owners laugh. They are famous for their unique and funny vocalizations and are famous for their alert and territorial behavior, which makes them great guard dogs and watchdogs.
Hence, these pooches are the perfect combination of a personal bodyguard and playmate who’ll keep your kids safe and will run, laugh, and play with them, with so much enthusiasm. You won’t need to get them any other pets.
9. French Bulldog
These small bat-eared pooches were once fashion icons and status symbols in the French countryside and Parisian streets. These tiny bulldogs were the favorites of upper-class and elite women. Frenchies have always been charmers due to their lively, lovable, and playful attitude and travel-friendly size.
These playful clowns lack a lot of energy and are mostly content when cuddling their owners on the couch. These small dogs fit perfectly in small homes, condos, and apartments.
Hill’s Pet US says that Frenchies are the best urban pets; they are great city dwellers. But what makes them the right choice for families with toddlers is their irresistible yet even disposition. Where child-friendly dog breeds should match the family’s lifestyle, the Frenchies fit well in many places without any issue.
They are dogs of few words and don’t bark much, which is another plus for parents who need silent champions for enjoying some movie nights when the toddlers are asleep. They are quite manageable dogs and don’t require a lot of outdoor exercise, and fit in the lives of lonely singles, seniors, or hustling couples and families equally well.
10. Bichon Frise
These pups were born and bred to be lap dogs, hence if you are craving the need to hold your toddlers in your arms but can’t because they walk all over your desires, then this sweet cloud-like fur baby is the answer to your dreams.
Orvis notes this peppy, playful, and curious dog is a hypoallergenic, resilient, long living, healthy, charming, and intelligent dog. It might look small, but it is truly a sturdy plush cushion with a rounded head, beady dark eyes, and an alert temperament.
The motto of these pristine snow white curly lap dogs is to love, cause wars are overrated. Bichons are sociable, dignified, and happy-go-lucky dogs that draw smiles and hugs wherever they go.
They love to perform for their loved ones and will keep your toddlers engaged at all times, to prevent mischief and trouble. Bichons are irresistible comedians of dogdom, and they stand among the best dog breeds for families with small kids.
These living stuffed animals are the perfect companion for your babies who’ll grow along with them from their newborn stage to toddlerhood, tweens to the scary teenage years, and will give a constant fur buddy with whom they can play and rely on.
Moreover, a dog should not be mismatched with a family’s needs to prevent the act of relinquishing to shelters, and Bichon’s versatility and adaptable nature make it really hard to abandon them. Hence, adopt this cotton-like fur ball today to make your kids’ childhood memorable.
Conclusion
Toddlerhood is a world full of tantrums, emotional meltdowns, picky eating, late nights, a lot of screaming, and difficulty in sharing. Which all young parents grapple with, and nobody wants a hyperactive dog with abundant physical and mental stimulation needs added to this chaotic and messy phase of life.
You are already struggling to provide your small child with a long list of needs, why add a bit rambunctious big dog with a big personality to your barely surviving small home? You don’t need a drama queen, but a serene, gentle giant or a tiny, calm, and sweet sidekick. That will take some pressure off your shoulders and give you sweet kisses, hugs, and a lot of therapy to uplift your mood.
Raising kids in this highly unsafe, unprotected, climate-changing, hustling mess of a world is already a big challenge. But raising toddlers amidst epidemics, war zones, bizarre tech innovations, natural disasters, and global warming is another feat that new parents have to deal with. Hence, why not bring in a sweet furry sidekick that gently rolls with your babies? Who amplifies their infectious laughs and giggles, explores the great outdoors with them, and protects them from all harm while being patient and gentle?
Your young kids deserve their childhood to be filled with great, memorable moments. Hence, adopt these lovable pooches out of the diverse and interesting dog world and make your younger kids happier. Moreover, if you are looking for some other special options for getting the right dog, then the Golden Doodles are friendly, playful, and gentle enough to be around younger kids, making them great for families. Also, the Shih Tzus do not require a lot of exercise, making them ideal for younger families living in small apartments.
