Some parents dream of adding a furry friend to the family, but… the idea of managing a high-energy dog and young children at the same time…
Yeah, that can feel a little overwhelming.
The good thing is, not all dog breeds are bouncing off the walls 24/7. Some dog breeds are naturally calm, patient, and totally equipped to handle the chaos, noise, and drama of family life.
These are the pups who don’t freak out when a toddler accidentally steps on their tail and when snack time gets a little late. And messy.
That is exactly the kind of energy pet parents with small kids need.
That’s why we are talking about 10 such calm dog breeds loved by parents with young kids.
These are the dogs who bring unconditional love, gentle temperament, and a whole lot of patience to homes filled with toys, laughter, and the occasional meltdown.
Calm Dog Breeds Loved by Parents with Young Kids
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the #1 dog that just gets family life.
They are very affectionate, people-oriented, and totally happy to hang out on the couch or follow your kids around the backyard. As noted by PetMD, they make great dogs, a great addition for any home.
Their calm dog energy makes them perfect for houses with young children who are still learning how to interact with pets.
These beautiful dogs are famous for their soft and floppy ears and big, soulful eyes. They are not overly demanding, but they do love to spend time with their people.
Like, all the time!
Separation anxiety can be a thing with this Spaniel dog breed, so Cavaliers do best in homes where someone is around most of the day.
They get along great with other pets, other dogs, and even small kids who might be a little bit rambunctious.
Plus, they do NOT need tons of exercise daily. Just some moderate exercise like short walks and playtime, and they are good to go.
2. Golden Retriever
Okay, so the Golden Retriever is basically the quintessential family dog.
They are famously friendly, patient, and ridiculously good with children of all ages. No matter if it is a toddler learning to walk or older kids running around the house, Goldens are right there. Tail wagging. Ready to join the fun.
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds for families in the U.S., and the reason is pretty obvious.
They are smart, smiley dogs, eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Obedience training? Yeah, they eat it up. Agility training, they are down. Dock diving, sure, why not?
But they are also super gentle and patient. And, all these qualities make them one of the best family dogs. They are great with young children, small children, older kids, honestly… all the kids.
These kid-friendly dogs do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so an active family is a great match. Daily walks, trips to the park, and some mental stimulation will keep them living their best life.
And, yeah, they shed. As per the American Kennel Club, they heavily shed that thick double coat, so regular grooming is a thing with this dog. But, hey, that is just part of the package where you get a dog this loving.
3. French Bulldog
#3 on this list, but French Bulldogs are #1 as the most popular and best dog breeds in U.S. households.
They look like muscular tans, but they are actually some of the most laid-back and quiet dogs. They are not yappy, they are not hyper, and they do not need a marathon run every morning.
French Bulldogs are small dog breeds with big personalities. They are playful with an affectionate nature and are totally content being couch potatoes when the moment calls for it.
And, that moment calls pretty soon and often with this breed.
They are great for families living in apartments or smaller homes, and they are patient enough to handle the unpredictable energy of the small kids.
Plus, they don’t need daily exercise. Or a lot of it. Just some light activity and lots of cuddles.
One thing to note: French Bulldogs can be a little stubborn during training, but with patience and positive reinforcement, they figure it out.
They are also sensitive to extreme heat, so keep them cool during the summer months.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are totally “chill”. For a tracking dog. Yes.
These droopy-faced beauties were originally bred for hunting, but these days, they are more interested in napping than chasing anything.
These dogs are calm, even-tempered, and incredibly patient with young children. That gentle temperament makes Basset Hounds perfect for family life. Gentle, placid dogs, as per PDSA.
They are not going to knock over your toddler or get overexcited when things get loud. They just… exist. Peacefully. With maybe a little snoring.
They do need moderate exercise, like daily walks, to stay healthy, but don’t expect them to be marathon runners. Gone are their days of running in the field. A stroll around the block and some time sniffing the yard is perfect for them.
Bassets get along well with other breeds, other pets, and dogs, and pretty much anyone who gives them a treat. T
They are also super loyal and bond closely with their families.
Just get ready for some serious drool and a nose that NEVER stops sniffing.
5. Saint Bernard
Ultimate gentle giants.
Saint Bernards are massive, but their intimidating size has nothing to do with how famously calm they are. In fact, they are called “nanny dogs” because of how gentle and watchful they are with children.
These large dogs are actually very loving dogs with a gentle demeanor that makes them one of the best dog breeds for families with small kids.
But they do need regular exercise. Daily walks and some playtime will do the trick. But, they are not the type to demand constant action. They are more than happy to spend time lounging.
Because of their size, they do well in houses with a bit more space. Apartment living is not ideal. But, if you have got a yard and some room to move, a Saint Bernard can be an amazing addition to the family life.
And, yes, they drool. A lot. But, totally worth it.
6. Pug
Pugs, the wrinkly dogs, are playful, affectionate, and love being the center of attention.
But unlike some small dog breeds, they are not yappy or overly energetic. They are actually pretty happy being lap dogs and hanging out with their people.
Pugs are great dogs for families with young children because they have immense patience and they are plain fun.
They are happy-go-lucky dogs that don’t take life too seriously, and that’s why they are perfect companions for kids who want a buddy to play with.
They don’t need a ton of exercise and just some short daily walks and a bit of playtime. Mental stimulation is good for them, too. Like puzzle toys and training games. But they are not going to get destructive if you miss a day.
Pugs are people-oriented, so they thrive in homes with active pet parents. But, they can have breathing issues, as Pugs are a brachycephalic dog breed with flat faces, so keep an eye on them during hot weather or intense activity.
7. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is another gentle giant dog breed that is absolutely adored by families with young children.
These massive and large dogs are calm, patient, and protective in the sweetest way possible. Seriously, these dogs are so good with kids (nanny dog alert!!) with a sweet temperament.
Newfoundland dogs were specifically bred as working dogs to help fishermen, so they are strong, smart, and loyal dogs.
But they are also gentle and sweet-natured. One of the best family dog breeds you can ever meet.
They are great with young kids, older kids, other dogs, and other pets because of their affectionate nature and sweet temperament.
Newfoundland dogs do need regular exercise, but they are not high-energy dogs. Daily walks, some swimming (they love water, basically the water dogs!), and time to explore will keep them happy. Just make sure you have space for them. They are big pups.
They also shed quite a bit and need regular grooming to keep that fluffy coat healthy.
8. Whippet
Small versions of Greyhound, Whippets might be an active breed when they are out running, but indoors, they are total couch potatoes.
These dogs are calm, gentle, and well-suited for families with young kids.
Whippets are quiet dogs that don’t bark much, as noted by Purina. It is a HUGE bonus for pet parents who don’t want constant noise.
They are affectionate, patient, and totally fine with a laid-back lifestyle at home.
Whippets do enjoy a good run or sprint when given the chance, so an active family that likes trips to the park will be a great match. But they are also happy to curl up on the couch for long periods and just chill.
These are sensitive dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They are not stubborn or difficult dogs; they just want to please their people. They are also great with young children, though supervision is always a good idea with any dog breed.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs just radiate warmth and love.
They are calm, gentle, and devoted to their families. And, yes, they are SERIOUSLY good with small children.
With a gentle temperament and sweet nature, these dogs are perfect for family life. They are patient, loyal dogs that just love to be a part of everything you do.
They do need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, so daily walks and playtime are important. But they are not high-energy dogs that need constant action. More like “let’s go for a hike and then nap for three hours” type.
Bernese Mountain dogs are large dogs, so they need space. They are not great for apartment living, but if you have a house with a yard, these muscular dogs will be happy.
They also shed quite a bit and do need regular grooming, but their affectionate nature and calm demeanor make it all worthwhile.
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are one of the most popular small dog breeds for families. They are calm, affectionate, and have a gentle nature that makes them perfect for young children, as they have a kind of mischievous side as well.
This Asian dog breed was bred to be companion dogs, and they take that job seriously. They love spending time with their people, be it the kids or just hanging out on the couch.
They are not demanding in terms of exercise.
Moderate exercise, like short daily walks, is enough. They are also adaptable to new surroundings, which makes them great for families who move or travel.
Shih Tzus are people-oriented and don’t do well being left alone for long periods. They can develop separation anxiety if they are isolated that much. So, they are the best dog breeds for houses where someone is usually around.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog fora family with young kids is not always easy.
But these calm dog breeds loved by parents with young kids make it a whole lot easier for both the dog and the parents.
No matter if you want a small dog or a large dog, these dogs will fit your family like a button.
They bring patience, love, and calmness to a happy home.
And, right match, positive training, and a little patience will help these pups become pets, and even more so… family members.
