9 Dog Breeds That Tolerate Kids Pulling Their Ears Playfully

9 Dog Breeds That Tolerate Kids Pulling Their Ears Playfully

Let’s be honest—kids love dogs, but they’re not exactly known for being gentle. Between the enthusiastic hugs, ear tugs, impromptu pony rides, and sticky snacks smeared on fur, it takes a special kind of dog to roll with it all… and still wag their tail.

Luckily, some breeds are total champions at handling the chaos of kid life. These dogs don’t just tolerate playful roughhousing—they embrace it like a part-time job. With their calm demeanor, unshakeable patience, and affectionate personalities, they quickly become every child’s furry best friend and every parent’s peace of mind.

They’ll let a toddler nap on their back, handle tug-of-war with baby socks, and act like having their ears pulled is just another form of bonding. If your home is filled with little feet and big energy, these are the dogs who can keep up—and maybe even teach your kids a thing or two about unconditional love.

So if you’re looking for a dog who won’t flinch when a toddler comes charging in with a crayon in one hand and a snack in the other, you’re in the right place.

Dog Breeds That Tolerate Kids Pulling Their Ears Playfully

1. Irish Setter

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are like the family’s walking sunshine—full of energy, friendliness, and a big, affectionate heart that welcomes kids with open paws.

These stunning red-coated beauties are well known for their playful spirit and gentle nature, making them a top pick for families who want a lively, loving companion who doesn’t mind a bit of ear tugging during playtime.

Irish Setter Profile

With their calm and incredibly friendly demeanor, Irish Setters naturally bond with children and other pets alike. Their social nature means they usually take ear tugs in stride, though they’ll definitely appreciate some gentle reminders from parents to keep it kind and fun.

✅ Affectionate breed and friendly nature with kids and pets

✅ Playful and energetic, perfect for active families

✅ Social butterflies who love making new friends (ears included!)

PDSA noted that early socialization helps these pups grow into confident, well-mannered adults who know exactly how to handle the chaos that comes with a busy household.

Fun fact: Irish Setters can turn even the wildest ear-tugging sessions into a game, usually ending with wagging tails and big doggy grins!

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

If there’s a dog breed that defines “big-hearted,” it’s the Bernese Mountain Dog. These fluffy mountain-sized teddy bears are famous for their calm, patient nature, making them perfect for families where kids think tugging ears is part of the fun.

Their thick, luxurious coats and floppy ears might look delicate, but don’t be fooled: Berners are built tough and love being part of the family chaos, ear-pulls included.

Bernese Mountain Dog Profile

With a temperament as steady as a Swiss clock, these nanny dogs are incredibly tolerant of little hands exploring (and sometimes grabbing) their ears.

✅ Patient as a saint, despite their giant size

✅ Calm, easygoing nature fits well as an excellent family dog

✅ Lovable mountain bears with a heart of gold

They’re slow to anger and quick to forgive, happy to trade a slobbery lick for a moment of playful attention. Plus, their mellow demeanor means they’re just as happy to lounge beside your kids as they are to join a backyard romp.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Meet the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — a regal little pup with an uncanny ability to tolerate kid antics, ear tugs, and all.

These charming dogs have been favorites of nobility for centuries, but their true crown is their patient, gentle disposition with children. Their soft, silky ears are basically made for snuggles, but they’re surprisingly tolerant when those ears get pulled in the name of love (or toddler curiosity).

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Profile

They’re social butterflies who thrive on companionship and rarely get rattled by the occasional roughhousing, though they’ll definitely give a gentle “Hey, watch the ears!” look when needed.

✅ Sweet, gentle, and highly patient with little ones

✅ Social and affectionate — your kid’s best snuggle buddy

✅ Elegant but down-to-earth family dogs

Cavaliers have a way of melting even the crankiest child’s heart and often become lifelong playmates, joining in on games with a wagging tail and endless affection.

4. Poodle

Poodle

When you think of Poodles, you might picture fancy hairdos and show-ring elegance, but behind that regal fluff is a dog who’s surprisingly chill about kids tugging on their ears.

These sensitive and smart dogs have a knack for reading moods, and they usually know when a little human is just being curious rather than mean.

Poodles come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, so whether your kiddo is eye-level or knee-level with their furry friend, there’s a Poodle ready to be the ultimate patient sidekick.

Britannica says Poodles have a remarkable ability to learn complex tasks, which once made them popular circus performers. Today, that same intelligence keeps them at the top in obedience and agility competitions—and they also serve with distinction as service or therapy dogs.

✅ Affectionate and adaptable nature companions

✅ Variety of sizes for any household

✅ Curious and playful, but mostly patient with kids

And while their curly locks might not love the constant tugging, their good-natured personality means they’re generally forgiving — just make sure to keep those ears clean and well-groomed to avoid any fuss.

Bonus tip: If your Poodle ever gives you the “hairdo’s off-limits” look, maybe ease up on the ear tugs — they’re elegant, but not invincible!

5. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

If there’s a fluffier, friendlier little buddy that can handle kids pulling their ears like a champ, it’s the Bichon Frise.

These cheerful, powder-puff pups are basically happiness wrapped in a white, curly coat— and their sunny disposition means they’re as patient as a saint when it comes to kids’ playful antics.

Bichon Frise Profile

Bichons are known for being gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly tough for their small size. They don’t just tolerate ear tugs — they practically invite the fun, seeing it as another way to get attention (which they love).

✅ Fluffy and forgiving with a soft touch

✅ Patient and incredibly loyal

✅ Great with kids thanks to their playful spirit

✅ A hypoallergenic bonus for sensitive families

They have a natural gift for making kids laugh and a knack for bouncing back from even the most enthusiastic toddler wrestling matches with a wagging tail.

Pro tip: Keep those curls groomed and teach kids to be gentle, and your Bichon will happily star in your family’s “ear-tug tolerance” championship!

6. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are the ultimate all-star when it comes to tolerating kids — and that definitely includes those “ear tug” moments.

Their iconic golden coats and puppy-dog eyes come with a built-in superpower: endless patience. This breed is basically the poster child for family-friendly dogs who love being at the center of kid chaos, even when that chaos involves little hands grabbing at their ears like it’s playtime on a jungle gym.

Golden Retriever Profile

Known for their calm and friendly demeanor, these popular dog breeds are incredibly forgiving and loving. They’re big enough to take a bit of roughhousing but gentle enough to never retaliate.

✅ Patience level: Olympic gold medalist

✅ Super gentle giants with a heart of pure gold

✅ Great playmates who forgive and forget fast

✅ Loves to be involved in every family activity, ear-tugs included

Dogtime states thanks to their patient and gentle nature, Goldies make wonderful companions for children. Their adaptable personality also means they can thrive in a variety of living environments—from suburban homes to families who enjoy active, outdoor lifestyles.

Heads up: Golden Retrievers might forgive ear tugs, but they’ll appreciate a little ear rub after—think of it as their “thank you” handshake.

7. Beagle

Beagle

Beagles might be famous for their nose and that charming howl, but they also come equipped with a heart big enough to handle the chaos that kids bring—ears included.

This merry little hound is like the kid-friendly neighbor who’s always up for a game, a cuddle, or the occasional ear tug (though they might give you a questioning look afterward).

Beagle Profile

Known for their cheerful and easygoing nature, Beagles are surprisingly patient with playful hands, especially when those hands belong to little humans who see dog ears as irresistible grab handles.

Their social, affectionate personality means they’ll happily tolerate kids learning boundaries, sometimes even joining in on the fun.

✅ Naturally playful and good-natured

✅ Loves family time and social fun

✅ Knows how to forgive and forget (especially with treats involved)

Their floppy ears might get the occasional tug, but Beagles tend to shrug it off and focus on what really matters: snacks, sniffing adventures, and belly rubs.

Just keep in mind that Beagles are a bit mischievous and vocal, so while they may let the ear tugging slide, they’ll probably howl their approval or ask for a treat to seal the deal.

8. Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Don’t let this fluffball’s pint-sized stature fool you—Pomeranians pack a big heart and an even bigger tolerance for playful kid antics.

These little dynamos are like the pocket-sized superheroes of the dog world: cute, lively, and surprisingly tough when it comes to handling the occasional ear pull from a curious toddler.

Pomeranian Profile

Sure, their ears are small and perky, but Pom pups have learned to roll with the punches. Maybe it’s their confident, “I’m the boss here” attitude or their love for all things attention, but they usually tolerate those gentle (and not-so-gentle) ear tugs with remarkable patience.

What makes Poms a perfect family pet for kids? Their affectionate nature mixed with their playful spark means they’ll happily join in on games, cuddles, and even those questionable hair-pulling experiments kids love.

✅ Loves attention (even if it means some ear grabbing)

✅ Playful and affectionate with family

✅ Bold enough to tell kids, “Watch it!” in adorable barks

Just don’t expect them to stay quiet—they’ll probably voice their opinion with a tiny bark, like “Hey, that’s my ear, human!”

Pro tip: Keep those ears clean and watch for signs of irritation—but otherwise, your Pom’s got this ear-tugging game covered like a pro.

9. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

If parenting had a four-legged MVP award, the Labrador Retriever would already have a trophy shelf full of ‘em.

Known for their easy-going charm, unshakable patience, and tail-wagging optimism, Labs are basically the golden retrievers of emotional support—even if they’re technically not Golden Retrievers. Whether your toddler thinks dog ears are monkey bars or decides the living room is now a rodeo, this medium-sized dog will probably just roll with it.

Labrador Retriever Profile

Labs are famously tolerant and incredibly forgiving. They’ll let kids pull, poke, and even accidentally sit on them, and their response? Usually a goofy grin, a slobbery lick, and a silent “I forgive you” in dog language.

Their deep bond with humans makes them one of the most trustworthy dogs for families with small children who haven’t exactly mastered the concept of “gentle touches.”

Plus, their playful nature means they actually enjoy hanging out with kids. Fetch? Yes. Hide and seek? Even better. Impromptu tea party with fake cupcakes? They’re RSVP’ing with tail wags.

✅ Patience level: Zen monk in a fur coat

✅ Energy level matches energetic kids

✅ Highly social and forgiving

Bonus: Their ears are pretty floppy, but they’d appreciate it if we treated them more like ears and less like bungee cords.

Conclusion

Dog breeds originally bred as companion dogs for dog owners—like the mild-mannered Irish Setter, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog—are smart, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal, making them great dogs for families with older children. Smaller dogs rarely get overly energetic or aggressive, happily following their human companions and responding well to proper training.

They tolerate playful ear pulling and gentle teasing better than most, showing patience even with special needs kids or smaller animals around. Choosing the right dog means finding one naturally gentle and good with kids, so everyone avoids big trouble and enjoys a lifelong bond.

Ellis
Ellis Brooke is a writer and experienced dog trainer with more than a decade of hands-on work with dogs. Her journey began in college when she took a job as a community coordinator at a local animal shelter — a role that quickly sparked her passion for dog care and training. Since then, Ellis has dedicated herself to learning about canine behavior and sharing helpful advice through her writing. She lives with her playful rescue dog, Miso, who reminds her every day of the power of patience and second chances. Whether she’s researching new pet products or planning a dog’s care routine, Ellis is always focused on one goal: making sure pets get the love and care they deserve.