There’s nothing quite like the bond between a child and their furry best friend. That tail-wagging, cuddle-loving, snack-stealing partner in crime? Yep, we’re talking about dogs! But when it comes to choosing the best dog breeds for kids under 10, not every pup is the perfect match.
Some dogs are just too bouncy or big for tiny tots, while others may not have the patience for curious little fingers. The good news? There are plenty of kid-friendly breeds that adore children and thrive in a loving family home.
Whether your kiddo wants a playful pal to run around with or a gentle snuggler for quiet afternoons, there’s a perfect pup out there. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 9 dog breeds that are safe, sweet, and oh-so-snuggly for younger kids. So, leash up your curiosity—it’s time to meet the best dog breeds for little humans and big hearts!
Best Dog Breeds for Kids Under 10
1. Beagle
If you’re looking for a dog that matches your kid’s energy and enthusiasm, say hello to the Beagle! Originally bred to hunt in packs, this cheerful pup is a total social butterfly—friendly with other dogs, great with kids, and always up for an adventure. Beagles are playful, outgoing, and packed with personality.
They’re small enough for toddlers to hang out with safely, yet tough and energetic enough to keep up with your little explorers on outdoor adventures. Just be warned—these pups follow their nose everywhere, so a leash is a must during walks.
And yes, they love to bark and howl (they’ve got a lot to say!), so they might not be ideal if your baby needs a nap-friendly house.
Beagles thrive on attention and fun, and when they don’t get enough, they can turn into little troublemakers. With proper training and plenty of play, though, they’re affectionate, loyal, and an absolute blast to have around, states Britannica.
Just keep their short coat brushed and those expressive eyes clean, and you’ve got yourself a four-legged BFF for your child.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If your kiddo dreams of a soft, snuggly sidekick who’s always up for a cuddle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might just be the perfect match. Sweet-natured and irresistibly affectionate, this breed is basically a living, tail-wagging plush toy.
Weighing just 13 to 18 pounds, Cavaliers are the ideal lap dogs—gentle with little hands, friendly with other pets, and wonderful for even the shyest children.
These lovable pups are easygoing and low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. A daily 20-minute walk around the block? Perfect. But don’t be fooled by their laid-back vibe—Cavaliers can absolutely keep pace with a more active family, happily tagging along for outdoor fun or games of fetch in the yard.
What they crave most is you. Cavaliers are total people-pups and don’t do well being left alone for too long. With their calm demeanor, eagerness to please, and love of snuggles, they’re one of the ideal family dog breeds who want a constant (and adorable) companion, according to HillsPet.
Just remember to brush that silky coat weekly and toss it in a bath now and then to keep it looking royal. Because let’s face it—this breed was born to be pampered!
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is basically a walking ray of sunshine—cheerful, friendly, and full of charm. Once the stars of circuses and noble courts in France, these pint-sized fluff balls still love being the centre of attention. Their playful, energetic spirit makes them a hit in lively households, especially those with kids, other pets, or a steady flow of guests.
Bichons adore being around people and want in on all the action. They’re incredibly social and gentle, making them a fantastic choice for families with young children, as long as the little ones are taught to respect their space.
These pups are smart, eager to please, and quick learners, but early training is key, especially since they can be a bit yappy if not properly socialized.
Their hypoallergenic coat is gorgeous but does need regular grooming to stay in tip-top shape. And since Bichons can suffer from separation anxiety, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods. These small dogs are best suited to homes where someone is around most of the day, states Petplan.
With the right care, this happy-go-lucky fluffball makes a sweet, loyal companion who’ll keep your kids laughing and snuggling for years to come.
4. Boxer
Don’t let the tough-sounding name fool you—Boxers are big, goofy sweethearts with energy to spare and a soft spot for kids. These playful pups are happiest when they’re in the thick of family life, especially when that includes running, jumping, and playing all afternoon with their favorite tiny humans. Just keep them out of the pool—Boxers aren’t the best swimmers!
Weighing between 50 to 80 pounds, Boxers are strong and sometimes a bit unaware of their size. They’re best suited for slightly older kids who won’t get bowled over by all that enthusiastic affection.
While their exuberance is part of their charm, early training is key, especially if your house is a hotspot for playdates.
Boxers are loyal, loving, and protective, which makes them fantastic watchdogs without being too intense. Their short coat is easy to groom, though you’ll want to give those adorable facial wrinkles a bit of extra care.
And here’s a fun fact you’ll love: when Boxers get excited (which is basically always), they do a silly little twist called the “kidney bean dance.” Add that to their joy-filled hops and leaps, and you’ve got a four-legged entertainer who’s full of personality and ready to steal your heart—and your backyard.
5. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are the gold standard when it comes to kid-friendly dogs. Loyal to the core, these big-hearted pups form tight bonds with every family member, especially the littlest ones. They’ve got a protective streak, but it’s all love, no attitude. Think of them as gentle bodyguards, always watchful, always kind.
What truly sets Labradors apart is their unshakable patience. Kids can be, well, a little unpredictable—tugging tails, hugging tight, or zooming around like mini tornadoes. But Labs handle it all with zen-like calm. They just get that kids are learning, and their response is always gentle, forgiving, and endlessly tolerant.
These four-legged playmates are bursting with energy and love a good romp in the yard or a splash in a lake. Labs are natural athletes who thrive in active families. Whether it’s fetch, frisbee, dock diving, or just chasing bubbles, they’re always game—and they’ll happily wear your kids out in the best way possible.
Plus, they’re not just fun—they’re smart and eager to please, which makes training a breeze. Labs are great at picking up manners and tricks, and they love showing off for an enthusiastic audience (read: your kids).
Just a heads-up: they do shed, so a bit of brushing will keep your furniture fuzz-free. But with all the joy they bring, it’s a small trade-off.
In short? Lab is one of the most popular dog breeds, loving, loyal, endlessly playful, and practically made for family life. If your household is full of giggles, games, and go-go-go energy, a Lab will fit right in—and then some.
6. Newfoundland
If you’re looking for a dog that’s basically a living, breathing teddy bear, meet the Newfoundland—affectionately called the Newfie. These sweet-natured giants are famously patient, highly affectionate, and downright devoted to children, which is exactly why they’ve earned the nickname “nanny dog.” Yes, like Nana from Peter Pan—and no, it’s not just a fairytale.
Newfies have an incredible instinct to nurture and protect, making them a dream companion for families with young kids. Their calm demeanour and a deep sense of loyalty mean they’re always close by, quietly watching over the little ones like a fluffy guardian angel.
While they’re big (100–150 pounds big!), they’re all heart and have a surprising softness about them. That said, young Newfies can be a bit clumsy, so teaching them early how to move gently around toddlers is key.
As noted by WebMD, Newfies are exceptionally good-natured. They thrive on companionship and love nothing more than being part of the family action. While they’re naturally reserved with strangers, they’re quick to warm up if you give the okay.
And although they’re not the most high-energy breed, they enjoy a daily walk, a good splash in the water (they’re champion swimmers, after all), and then? Cuddle time. Lots of it.
7. Pug
Don’t let their small size fool you—Pugs are packed with personality and love nothing more than being right in the middle of family life. These goofy little charmers are known for their friendly, silly nature, making them an ideal match for kids who love constant companionship.
Whether it’s a tea party in the living room or a movie marathon on the couch, your Pug will be there, tail wagging and eyes full of mischief.
Originally bred as lap dogs, Pugs thrive on human attention and are fiercely loyal to their families. They’re natural-born snugglers who adore being around people, especially children. Their solid, sturdy build makes them a good fit for little hands. Plus, their easygoing vibe means they’re a perfect fit for apartments, houses, or anywhere their humans are.
While they’re playful and always up for a game of tag, Pugs aren’t hyper. In fact, they prefer short walks and lots of chill time—perfect for families who want a lower-energy pup that still brings the fun. Just be mindful in hot weather; their adorable, squishy faces make them prone to overheating.
Pugs are generally quiet dogs, which makes them a great option for homes with babies or toddlers. But fair warning—they’re not fans of being left out.
Shower them with attention, and they’ll reward you with loyalty, laughs, and snuggles galore. Their short coat is easy to maintain, though they do shed, so regular brushing will help keep the fur flurries under control.
8. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the epitome of friendly and fun. Known for their outgoing personalities and eager-to-please attitude, these dogs thrive when they’re part of the family action. Whether it’s a romp in the backyard or a splash in the lake, Goldens are always game to join in and keep up with kids of all ages.
What makes Goldens stand out as one of the best dogs for kids? Their playful spirit combined with a gentle, patient nature. They’re just as happy lounging calmly with toddlers as they are roughhousing with older kids. This adaptability makes them a top choice for families juggling a range of ages and energy levels.
Golden Retrievers love to learn but can get easily distracted during those early training days—think of them as playful detectives, curious about everything around them. With consistent training, though, they become obedient champs who listen even from a distance. That energy and intelligence also mean they’re happiest with plenty of playtime and mental challenges.
If your family loves the outdoors, you’ll appreciate a Golden’s natural love of water. Bred to retrieve waterfowl, these fun-loving dogs can spend hours swimming or playing fetch by the river or beach. Just bring along a favorite toy and watch your Golden happily dive in again and again.
While Goldens are fairly good watchdogs, their friendly temperament and they’re more likely to greet strangers with a wagging tail than with a bark. That gentle heart makes them wonderful family companions, but not the best choice if you need a guard dog.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs, or “Berners,” look like aristocrats with their striking tricolor coats and impressive size, but don’t let that fool you—they’re some of the sweetest, most devoted family dogs out there. These big, lovable furballs thrive in homes where they’re included in every family moment, especially with kids.
Berners have a natural knack for being patient and gentle around children. They’re affectionate protectors who will happily cart the kids around the neighbourhood like a trusty alpine carriage.
Just be mindful of their size—these gentle giants can accidentally knock over little ones if they’re not watched closely. They’re calm by nature but always ready to spring into playtime, making them perfect companions for active families who enjoy both fun and downtime.
These dogs are total social butterflies who thrive around people and other pets—just make sure to introduce them early. Berners might bark to announce guests, but quickly return to their chill vibe. Their thick, double coat means regular brushing is a must, especially during heavy shedding seasons—get ready for some extra fluff around the house.
As a cold-weather-loving breed, Berners are happiest in cooler climates and don’t do well in the heat. They enjoy lounging but still need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Whether it’s a long stroll or agility play, they love being active with their favorite humans.
The AKC gives Berners top scores for being loving and great with children, and it’s easy to see why. With their soulful eyes, gentle nature, and playful heart, Berners are the kind of family dog that brings comfort, joy, and a whole lot of unconditional love.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog for kids comes down to more than just cuteness—it’s about finding a well-mannered, kid-friendly companion that fits your family’s lifestyle. From active breeds like the Irish Setter that love to run and play, to smaller, adaptable pups like Border Terriers, there’s a perfect match for every home.
Whether you’re introducing a new dog to small children or looking for a breed that gets along with older children too, it’s important to consider factors like energy levels, size, and temperament. Many of the best family dogs thrive when they can spend time with the whole family, including Collies and other gentle Terriers that are known for their loyalty and patience.
Some breeds require lots of exercise and attention, while others are more low-key and content just being near you. No matter which breed you choose, doing your research and understanding these important factors will help ensure a happy match, so you can worry less and enjoy more tail wags and cuddles.
