The 27 Best Dogs for Kids

Labrador retrievers often rank as America’s most popular dog breed. They are happy, fairly easy to train, and always ready to play, especially swim. Vets say these dogs can thrive in a range of environments — from smaller apartments to houses with big yards, as long as they get a lot of exercise.

One of the golden retriever’s best qualities is its patience, which is why the breed is a perfect match for children. This dog, however, will not protect your home from thieves. Golden retrievers are gentle and really love everyone around them.

These hunting dogs are known for their happy temperament and loyalty. They thrive when they live indoors with the rest of the family. They are very curious and need a lot of playtime outdoors, which they love. That makes them a perfect companion for energetic kids.

Boxers make good family companions because they are active, loyal, and affectionate. They love to participate in all kinds of dog activities, such as flyball and agility courses. Despite popular belief, boxers are not aggressive and don’t like to fight. They do make great watchdogs, but they are playful and patient with kids.

This breed has been popular since the days of King Charles II. It is small for a spaniel and goes through its puppy stage slowly, staying frisky even when older. It also has big eyes and a big heart.

This dog is a relatively old breed with a young heart. Nicknamed “The American Gentleman,” it’s compact and classy. It excels at canine sports and is eager to please and so is popular as a therapy dog.

This breed originated in the Swiss Alps, where it was used as a working dog. It has a muscular build and can haul loads as heavy as 1,000 pounds. The Bernese is good for families — it is gentle with children but may become attached to one person in particular.

These are active dogs that need to be around their human families. In fact, they would love nothing more than to spend the whole day being active — whether it’s playing canine games, hunting, or just running around.

They learn quickly and are easy to train. They also love to please everyone around them, as well as care for people in the family with whom they form a great bond. Collies tend to get bored with the same routine, which can make them a great partner for kids who love to play a lot and different games.

You can’t go wrong with a dog whose nickname is “nature’s babysitter.” Another popular nickname for Newfoundlands is “nanny dog” because they are sweet, patient, and good companions. Newfs may be some of the world’s biggest dogs, but they are also among the most affectionate towards kids and are very protective of them.

This sturdy terrier originated in Ireland, where it was used as an all-round farm dog. It has a soft coat that comes in various wheat-like shades and a lot of facial hair.

The Bull terrier is another dog breed that has been branded as aggressive in popular culture, but that could not be farther from the truth. They were bred to be companion dogs and are very friendly and love people — adults and children alike. They can also tolerate pain and are well suited to high-spirited kids who might play a bit rough.

The Alaskan malamute, the official dog of the nation’s largest state, is named after the Mahlemut people of Alaska, a native Inuit tribe whose remoteness helped preserve the purity of this ancient dog breed. Malamutes are true working dogs and have been used to pull sleds, hunt seals, and protect people from bears. They are also friendly, loyal, and make great pets.

The Cardigan Welsh corgi looks a lot like its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh corgi, but doesn’t have a tail. It is fond of children and gets on well with other pets. The Cardigan Welsh corgi does require some special care as it can get overweight easily.

Often described as “tireless,” Irish setters are very energetic and need a lot of exercise, making them an ideal match for active children, especially older ones. They love to be among people and play with kids and keep their puppy persona until they are about three years old.

The Boykin spaniel became the official state animal of South Carolina in 1985. Named after L.W. “Whit” Boykin, it was first bred in the early 1900s to hunt ducks and wild turkeys in the state’s swampy terrain.

Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs with a fox-like face and markings and shadings around the eyes that resemble spectacles. They are cute, friendly, and excel as therapy dogs.

The border terrier is a very active and tough breed with a weather-resistant coat. It adapts well to city life as long as it gets lots of exercise.

The English setter’s name says it all — it was bred in England by country gentlemen who crossed spaniels and pointers to create a breed that would “set” — or crouch low — after finding game birds. English setters have a unique speckled coat pattern that can include such colors as orange, lemon and blue.

Beaucerons are described as gentle giants. Sometimes weighing over 100 pounds, these powerful dogs are also faithful and obedient. These dogs are known to be sensitive and protective of their owners.

Australian terriers are energetic dogs that will want to play with you and for you to play only with them. These Aussies were bred to hunt, as well as to be watchdogs and companions. The small terriers follow their owners’ lead, even when it comes to mood. They are calm if their owners are sad, and playful if they are happy.

The official state dog of New Hampshire, the chinook was developed as a sled dog by polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden in the early 1900s. One of the pups in the first litter was named Chinook, and today all of the members of this rare breed are descended from him.

The Cesky terrier was first bred in 1949 by a Czech geneticist, who started with Scottish and Sealyham terriers. This little hunting dog has a long body and short legs. The Cesky terrier comes in two colors: blue-gray and light brown.

Fauves are affectionate dogs that are a good match for children, but they need training and socializing. They love to play, and will do so with almost anything, but they also love to snuggle. Originally hunting dogs, Fauves can easily adapt to any environment.

Known in English as the Italian ponting dogs or Italian pointers, these hunting dogs are very sweet family companions. They have endless energy, especially when in the field, making them a perfect match for active kids.

The Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, also known simply as the bolonka, is a member of the bichon family. The breed’s coat, which is hypoallergenic, was developed in response to the scarcity of grooming products in Russia.

Two of the best qualities that make Spanish mastiffs wonderful for children are being very protective and affectionate. These powerful and muscular dogs, which can weigh around 200 pounds, are guard dogs. They are, however, not recommended for small places, such as apartments, because of their size. They tend to be inactive indoors.