“Can I trust my dog around my kids?” If you’re a parent and a pet owner, this question might have crossed your mind more than once. While no dog should ever replace adult supervision, some breeds are naturally gentle, patient, and protective, making them wonderful family companions for households with children.
Dogs can bring many benefits to kids. They encourage play, teach responsibility and empathy, and, according to a 2015 study, children who grow up with dogs may experience lower levels of anxiety.
That said, safety always comes first. Even the friendliest dogs should be supervised when interacting with young children.
But if you’re looking for a loyal family pet that enjoys spending time with kids and thrives in a family setting, here are 9 breeds known for their loving and kid-friendly nature.
Dog Breeds that Babysit Your Kids
1. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are dogs with a childlike personality and make a great addition to a family with little kids. These fuzzballs are a lively but gentle breed belonging to the Barbichon family and keep their little humans happy with their personality quirks.
Cute Facts:
Bichons are 9.5-11.5 inches tall. Their weight ranges from 12-18 pounds.
They’re hypoallergenic dogs, great for allergy sufferers.
Bichon Frise has alert little doggo minds, and they will watch over your little person. They’re not fierce dogs, though. They’re all about bouncing around and love making new friends. They’re awesome indoor pets and stay happy playing games within the available space.
2. Pug
Pugs originated in China and were loved by the Chinese Emperors while they enjoyed a life of luxury in the royal palaces. These happy-go-lucky dogs make great family pets and loving playmates for children.
Cute facts:
This toy breed is 10-13 inches tall. They weigh between 14-18 pounds.
Due to their flat faces, these pups can face breathing difficulty, especially during hot and humid weather.
With their compact but muscular physique, curled tail, and short muzzle, Pugs have a cuddle-worthy appearance. Their clownish but playful nature makes them amazing playmates and babysitters for your kids.
This endearing breed can adapt to busy households as it’s quite low maintenance. As easygoing dogs, Pugs won’t run off and are suitable for toddlers who enjoy playing calmly.
3. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are large to medium-sized dogs, immediately recognizable due to their lustrous, silky red or copper coats. They’re excellent family dogs, especially for homes with children due to their affectionate nature.
Cute facts:
Irish Setters are 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 60-70 pounds.
They were used in Ireland to help bird hunters who have keen hunting instincts.
Irish Setters adore kids of all ages and will keep them occupied with their playful attitude and antics. They have high energy levels and need adequate exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. These versatile babysitters will not only help your kid stay active but will also gently cuddle with them.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dog breeds known for their bouncy nature and adorable little characters. They love playing games and make excellent dogs for children as they totally adore the little humans.
Cute facts:
This toy breed stands 12-13 inches tall and weighs between 13-18 pounds.
They make excellent therapy dogs due to their compassionate nature and emotional IQ.
These multipurpose pooches make for easygoing dogs that are easy to maintain. This lively but gentle breed adapts perfectly to both active owners and those who chill indoors. They don’t need a lot of vigorous exercise, which makes them amazing for apartment living.
5. Newfoundland
Some people might have concerns about keeping big dogs in a home with kids. It’s true that large dogs should be watched around children, but many such breeds are actually muffins when it comes to personality. Newfoundlands are large dogs called gentle giants for their loving personalities.
Cute facts:
Newfies stand 26-28 inches tall and have majestic weights of 100-150 pounds.
They’re great swimmers with their powerful build, webbed feet, huge lung capacity, and oily coats, as per Britannica.
If a dog’s literally called “nanny dog“, then it’s bound to be good with children. This is our Newfie! Watching over kids second to its instinct, and it loves to both protect and spend time with them. It tends to be rather calm in nature and gets along well with almost everyone.
Newfoundlands have a relatively short life expectancy of 9-10 years. These big dogs are suitable for larger homes, but don’t need a lot of physical exercise.
6. Beagle
Having a Beagle around is like having a little kid with a curious and adorable personality. If you have kids at home and are looking for a new family dog, this friendly pup might be the ideal choice for you.
Cute facts:
Beagles have two size varieties; one up to and under 13, the other is 13-15 inches tall. The weight range for the first type is under 20 pounds, and for the second, 20-30 pounds.
Beagles were originally bred to hunt and worked in packs.
Their pack mindset makes them very family-oriented. Their cute faces always look quizzical as they notice the world around them and their human families with curiosity. This small dog breed can match a toddler’s love for playtime and hugs.
These dogs do need a fair share of daily activity. They hate being left alone and will happily follow their little humans around, seeking their attention. American Kennel Club recommends having at least a five-foot tall fence if they’re playing in a yard, as these gremlins are pretty good escape artists.
7. Boxer
Boxers bring in the responsible adult personality for families with children while also offering a playful companionship. They handle kids with gentle patience and adore them, especially if they grow up together with the children.
Cute facts:
These large to medium-sized breeds have a height range of 21.5-25 inches, and weights between 50-80 pounds.
They have a hunting dog background and were used to assist hunting big game like wild boar and deer, etc.
Despite their hunting history, these gentle giants have adapted amazingly to family life and make one of the most dedicated and loving pets. Boxer puppies are too cute to handle, and allowing them to grow up together with your kids with make them the perfect companions and besties.
These smart dogs don’t like monotony and require some creative thinking in their training. They’re better suited for older kids, as their energy can tire out the younger ones. Giving them interactive toys is a great way to engage their sharp minds.
8. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have earned their reputation as one of the best family dogs and great companion dogs over the years. But are they the right dogs for families with children? Due to being highly trainable and gentle pups, they get along amazingly with kids of all ages.
Cute facts:
Labs can be 22.5-23.5 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds.
They were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters.
Labs thrive on pleasing their humans and getting the job done. These famous police and therapy dogs can adapt to different kinds of living situations and families. They offer a gentle protective companionship to your children while happily playing fetch and other games with them.
If you have other dogs at home, your Lab will get along quite well with them as well.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dog is a fluffy giant breed known for its affectionate and playful nature. They can get along well with almost everyone, though, as strong dogs, they should be watched around kids.
Berners are working dogs and originated in Switzerland; they were widely used to herd and protect cattle.
They can be 23-27.5 inches tall. This breed weighs between 70-115 pounds, as per PetMD.
Berners are the perfect breed for you if you have a large home, fit for their size, and a transport that can carry them. They have moderate energy levels and will lounge next to their small humans and enjoy calm moments together.
Conclusion
While many dogs make amazing family pets for households with kids, knowing your four-legged friend’s individual temperament is important. Talk to your local animal shelter or a reputable breeder to find the perfect breed for your family.
