If you make the kids sit peacefully at the dinner table, you deserve a pat on the back. But if your fur baby is also sitting beside the little humans, you deserve an even bigger pat because keeping these two calm during meal times surely took you some work.
However, some dogs have a calm demeanor, and their urge to stay close makes them excellent family pets. You don’t have to stress much about them adjusting to your family’s lifestyle because their gentle nature has got you covered.
This list looks at ideal family dogs that sit by small children and have a laid-back aura, which lets you relax.
Dog Breeds That Sit by Kids During Family Dinners
1. Bulldog
Bulldogs are among the most popular dogs because they can be part of your active family life without needing much training. These are slow-walking, no-drama legends of the dog world. According to the AKC, these dogs were originally bred in England for bull-baiting.
But today’s Bulldogs are a complete contrast to their past selves. They’ve retired from that inherent aggression mode and embraced a good-dog life because of the endless love they receive for their warm nature.
They sit with kids during family dinners because they’re homebodies. They don’t have a hyper need to roam, bark, or create chaos; the perfect definition of a family pet.
This dog’s loyalty runs deep, and it just wants to be around its people. But more than that, these friendly dogs have a soft spot for kids, and they plop down by the children’s chairs like it’s their full-time job.
2. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant with a heart as vast as the sea. Calm, affectionate, and incredibly patient, they’re known for their love of water and instinct to protect. Britannica calls the Newfoundland the ‘nanny dog’.
This gentle giant was bred to work with fishermen in icy water and pull carts in the 18th century, as noted by Purina. With time, it became known as one of the best dog breeds for families because it naturally sticks close to people and has a life-saving instinct.
This companion dog is protective and naturally bonded to the family, so naturally it feels secure when everyone is together. Since this dog’s nature is not loud or pushy, it’s one of the most loved therapy dogs as well.
Also, this dog doesn’t have much pent-up energy, so it doesn’t need much exercise or mental stimulation to be calm. After proper training, the low-maintenance Newfie will follow house rules without fuss.
3. Collie
The Collie is the picture of loyalty and devotion. They carry a calm confidence that comforts everyone around them. They were bred in Scotland and England as herding dogs, as per PetMD. This great companion is still wired to keep an eye on everything and everyone in its pack.
These pups are alert but gentle, so they naturally fall into routines that involve their people. Whether keeping watch or cuddling close, a Collie brings a steady, loving presence that feels like home.
It’s common to see a Collie sitting next to your kids during dinner because it feels responsible to keep an eye on the little human, or else, it might get away. What makes this one of the best dog breeds for families is its trainability. Collies are smart, and teaching them to behave at the table is not a challenge.
These pet dogs make excellent companions because of their fun-loving nature and boundless energy that keeps young and older kids engaged alike.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retrievers didn’t become one of America’s favorite dogs for nothing. These most popular service dogs were bred to retrieve fishing nets and game, so they have always worked closely with humans.
Today, this big dog brings the same people-pleasing nature to the dinner table and loves being where the family is. This dog doesn’t stick close for food scraps (although it would never say no to food); it’s there to watch over its precious family.
These working dogs naturally treat children as their pack mates. Add some training and meet its exercise needs to release some of its high energy, and it’s the right dog for your family without a doubt.
Labs also thrive on structure, like all service dogs, so teaching them when to sit, stay, or be a part of the group activity will have a big payoff. This highly intelligent dog shows joy like no other pet. Even when just sitting quietly next to your kid, it’ll be all smiles and sparkles.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Make way for royalty, please. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was born to be a companion and do nothing else; you can still see that in its unbothered attitude. Royals in 17th-century England kept these Spaniels around as lapdogs, and not much has changed even today.
This breed wants your company, so during family dinners, it’ll pick a spot by your kid and be there, exuding an unmatched aura. The Cavalier won’t try to secure leftovers because it’s used to being served, but it’ll be on the dinner table to feel secure and connected.
These are highly trainable dogs that respond fast to routines and are well-suited for your family life, no matter how quiet or loud your dinner times get.
6. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is pure sunshine with four paws; friendly, playful, and full of heart. They greet everyone like a long-lost friend, always ready with a wagging tail and a joyful spirit. Golden Retrievers were bred as water dogs to retrieve game during hunts back in the day.
But today, this one is the poster dog for family life for being friendly and devoted; no wonder it lets the owners have dinner in peace.
Its behavior is a mix of pack loyalty and people bonding, so your Golden will thrive in human connection. It doesn’t want to miss out and will stick close, whether you’re eating or taking a dip in the pool.
Like most other good dogs, this one is also easy to train and needs just a few rules to know how to behave at home.
7. Poodle
Poodles were originally bred as duck retrievers in Germany, but with time, they became full-blown family companions. It’s one of the calm dogs that are just there to give company, not distract you or increase your workload.
Poodles are also among the smartest dog breeds, and that’s one of the reasons they can adjust their behaviour to match the vibe around. They get your tone, habits, and rhythm. That’s why they sit like perfect angels next to your kid without you even having to ask.
Their demeanor is a combo of their people-loving nature and crazy trainability. This breed watches, learns, and adapts at an impressively fast rate. A Poodle can make sure there’s no jumping, barking, or drama when the family sits down to eat, provided there is enough training.
Conclusion
Your kid(s) and puppy getting along enough to sit at the dinner table is a big win. It shows how much they love each other and the efforts you have put into refining their habits.
If you want a companion that makes your dinnertime filled with love and light, all these breeds are safe choices. Get any of these pets, and it’ll quickly grow into your routine enough to not make mealtimes another chaos you have to deal with.
