Whether full of energy or naturally calm, some dog breeds are known for being especially gentle, patient, and affectionate; qualities that make them the best family dogs. These dogs tend to form strong, lasting bonds with children of all ages, showing remarkable tolerance, playfulness, and kindness.
Many of them also serve as therapy or service dogs, thanks to their calm temperaments and intuitive ability to provide comfort and support. They thrive when included in family activities and are happiest when surrounded by their loved ones.
Of course, even the gentlest breeds still need proper care, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and routine veterinary visits to stay healthy and happy. It’s also important to consider your family’s lifestyle so you can choose a breed that fits well with your household’s daily rhythm.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most gentle dog breeds that make excellent companions for families with very young children.
Gentle Dog Breeds For Families With Kids
1. Labarador Retriever
All dog breeds move aside as the highly popularized right dog for your family is making an entry. The Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle in temperament, and energetic, all wrapped into one solid black, yellow, or luscious chocolate furry body.
But how does this coveted Mr. Perfect make an ideal family dog?
VCA Animal Hospitals states this member of the sporting group doesn’t have a dramatic streak; you won’t find the Labrador getting cranky, moody, or tired, which makes these pups ideal for families with energetic younger and older children.
But more importantly, these athletic and exuberant, eager-to-please, affectionate dogs are also patient and easygoing, which is a necessity for dealing with kids. These timeless and tireless dogs will play a bazillion games of fetch without any complaints.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are the best dog breed to ever grace the planet. These strong social butterflies and rays of sunshine need daily exercise, a lot of daily brushing to maintain their lustrous golden coat. But they love to spend time with other pets and humans, especially children.
This Golden retriever will be your good luck charm and a sign that there is no fault in your stars
Hill’s Pet US notes that these well-rounded Scottish gun dogs are possibly a great fit for every home in America because these sweet and gentle dogs adapt wonderfully to every environment. These search, rescue, and guide dogs were born to be retrievers and hunting assistants.
But their temperament and cool persona have gained them accolades in the show rings, working scenarios, and households with young children. According to the American Kennel Club, golden retrievers make great, wise leaders who have high levels of dedication, care, and devotion in their golden hearts.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is the calmest and sweetest family dog ever, who has velcro tendencies but is a soothing presence in the household, who doesn’t get loud or too boisterous for your newborns, toddlers, and young children.
Ditch the canine mind readers for these telepathic icons of grace who can sense your heartbreak and love before you know it
When gentleness and fluffy bounciness come together, it forms the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you have small children or toddlers or are simply planning to grow your family, these small pups are the ideal fit for you.
Cavaliers are sensitive, graceful, and popular therapy dogs who sense feelings and perceive emotions of their owners in a matter of seconds.
They tend to be agreeable and don’t have explosive energy levels. If a friendly disposition and playful personality are your goals and uncompromising objectives, then these easy-to-train pooches and coveted “comforters” of the canine world adapt flawlessly to active owners and home bodies.
4. Newfoundland
Finding the safest dog breed for families? Your search ends here with this nanny dog, who is affectionate towards your children with a sweet, gentle nature.
Are you ready for it? Warning!! You won’t be able to give up this Savior of your Sanity, cause Newfoundland transports parents into a dreamworld of restful sleep and balanced life
PetMD says do not worry, Newfie comes in highly recommended for small children and also has a five-star rating by the AKC.
These calm and serene dogs can provide a significant amount of relief to new or experienced parents because these burly guys have a natural instinct to fix and help when things go wrong (and we know how much they can go wrong in a house full of kids!!)
Hence, if you are starting your parenting journey or have too many babies to handle, just find this furry sidekick and constant helpline, who is a literal gentle giant. But that’s not it, Newfies are also loving, people-oriented, and extremely social, patient, easy-going, and kind.
P.S. This cute dog will not only help you in raising your kids, but it will also be your constant calm in the face of the storm called parenting.
5. Pug
The lovable Pug is one of the most gentle dogs with kids, and although this royal pup has some health issues because of its smooshed up flat face or brachycephalic syndrome. It is the best dog breed for children of all ages.
Be prepared for a Squishy Noisy affair – Meet the Lovable Royal Prince Featuring the Pug
But let us warn you ahead of time, these pooches are known for being extremely loud snorers that might bring in buckets of love into your household, but if you prefer some peace and quiet at night. This puggo is not the right breed for you.
Orvis says this silly and sweet waddling Pug is so comical and interesting that they have become one of the biggest stars of Instagram, and we can tell that you are feeling all warm and gooey just by seeing the prominent sweet eyes of this pup, too.
They offer a lot of dog in a little package, according to the AKC, which says their motto is multum in parvo. Pugs are famous for their tough mastiff endurance and bear the picking and prodding of children with patience and passivity.
6. Beagle
We have good news for the peanut fans. Snoopy has made it to the list of gentle pooches (hurray!). These curious and active food-motivated pooches have an abundant energy level and will not tire out by playing with your kids. Move over, doggos, the happy spirit and good-natured celebrity is making an entry.
Smaller than your ex doggos, but he’s such a cool boi
You won’t have to worry about the constant “Mom, I’m bored!” situation when these scent hounds are around. Because they make everything a lot more fun and enjoyable. These compact, small dogs and loyal companions are wonderful at brainstorming new, unique ideas for adventure. They are always merry and are one of the greatest family dogs.
This relatively low-maintenance entertainer is a combination of sweet and stubborn with a dash of constant curiosity that gets them into trouble. Imagine the coincidence or serendipity of the situation because beagles were literally bred to hunt in packs, hence they are the best dog breed that fits like Cinderella’s glass slipper in a large family.
7. Collie
Who’ll be a better pet than the most iconic family dog that portrayed the character of Lassie? This protective, fluffy cloud does your favorite job of hovering over your teenager’s activities with even more enthusiasm and might even be helpful in bringing them out of their shell, aka their privacy bubble, by motivating them toward agility and physical exercise.
The real Lassie who won’t ever let you relinquish your fun-loving, innocent side
Hence, even though mentioned as the last option, collies are certainly not the least in attributes and qualities that make them good with children.
Not to mention, these pooches are also a great option for your older and younger babies because they don’t have a short lifespan, which is a great welcome attribute that separates them from other dogs.
Did you know? The word collie means sheepdog in the Scottish dialect and is an umbrella term used to describe a wide variety of sheepdogs. But if you are already in love with collies, let us warn you that these family pets cannot tolerate heat well.
Hence, you should also research and know more about your new dog before it steps into your home. Also, before you get enthusiastic about getting a pooch for your toddlers and tweens, it is necessary that you evaluate the lifestyle, temperament, and personalities of your babies and future fur babies side by side. Just think in depth about what common things they bond on and what things might be a non-negotiable for both your kids.
Ask yourself when you’re observing your kids, do they really love spending time outside in the sun, or spend a considerable amount of the days being glued to their laptops, tablets, or phones?
If the former is true, then get your babies a playful pup with lots of energy and steam, and if the latter is the case, then get your kids a less excitable toy-sized puppy who loves to lounge and stay in their laps all day.
Conclusion
Although there are many breeds of dogs available on this planet, these highly intelligent dogs are the right choice for your children because these dogs are non-aggressive, fun-loving, and exponentially kind.
Their friendly disposition and gentle attitude towards kids of all ages, especially small children, and their calm and stable temperaments that are always adjusting and adaptable make them the right breed for your laid-back or active households.
Now, whether you just became a parent or are going to have a newborn in your house. You can trust these furry sidekicks, along with other dogs like the bichon frise, Irish setter, Great Dane, German shepherds, or Poodles, who also make excellent family dogs and guard dogs for your growing home.
