Dogs for families with kids

Patient breeds that are friendly with children.

135 breeds

• Springador 22–40 kg · 10–14 years A springer spaniel and Labrador cross: an energetic, affectionate dog for active families. Crossbreed
• Beagle 6–8 kg · 12–15 years A friendly, moderately active family companion, but noisy and with a strong hunting nose.
• Bearded Collie 19–25 kg · 13–14 years A joyful, active long-haired herding dog that's great with children.
• Bernese Mountain Dog 34–50 kg · 8–11 years A large, gentle family dog with moderate energy, but heavy shedding and high upkeep costs.
• Boxador 22–44 kg · 12–15 years A boxer and Labrador cross: a friendly, energetic, and highly trainable family companion. Crossbreed
• Boxer 30–32 kg · 9–10 years An energetic, family-focused athletic companion with easy grooming and a good fit for kids.
• Cavachon 4–9 kg · 10–12 years A Cavalier King Charles spaniel and bichon cross: a sweet, calm apartment companion. Crossbreed
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 4–8 kg · 10–16 years A gentle family companion that does well in apartments and usually suits first-time owners.
• Cavapoo 5–10 kg · 13–15 years A Cavalier King Charles spaniel and mini poodle cross: an affectionate, clever family companion. Crossbreed
• Finnish Lapphund 15–24 kg · 12–14 years A fluffy Finnish herding spitz: friendly, great with kids, and loves the cold.
• Flat-Coated Retriever 25–36 kg · 12–13 years A cheerful, very friendly retriever with a glossy black coat that stays puppyish for years.
• Goldador 27–36 kg · 10–15 years A golden retriever and Labrador cross: a calm, kind, very trainable family dog. Crossbreed
• Golden Retriever 29–34 kg · 10–12 years A very gentle, family-oriented, highly trainable companion that needs activity and space.
• Goldendoodle 15–40 kg · 10–15 years A golden retriever and standard poodle cross: a friendly, smart, and very family-oriented companion. Crossbreed
• Labradoodle 10–40 kg · 12–15 years A Labrador and poodle cross: a friendly, smart, trainable dog for an active family. Crossbreed
• Labrador Retriever 29–36 kg · 10–12 years A reliable family companion, friendly and very trainable, but needs plenty of activity.
• Newfoundland 54–70 kg · 9–11 years A very large, calm, kind family dog with heavy shedding and costly upkeep.
• Pugalier 4.5–9 kg · 10–12 years A pug and Cavalier King Charles spaniel cross: a good-natured, affectionate, calm home companion. Crossbreed
• Puggle 6–14 kg · 10–15 years A pug and beagle cross: a cheerful, friendly, curious dog that's great with kids. Crossbreed
• Rough Collie 18–30 kg · 12–14 years A large, gentle, highly trainable herding dog that suits a family with children.
• Spanador 14–30 kg · 12–15 years A cocker spaniel and Labrador cross: a friendly, trainable, active family dog. Crossbreed
• Spinone Italiano 34–39 kg · 10–13 years An Italian wire-coated pointing dog: very gentle, calm, and patient with kids.
• German Longhaired Pointer 27–30 kg · 12–14 years A German longhaired pointer: calmer than the shorthair, smart, and very hardy.
• American Cocker Spaniel 11–14 kg · 12–15 years An affectionate, energetic medium-sized spaniel that needs active walks and serious coat care.
• Australian Shepherd 23–29 kg · 13–15 years A very active, highly trainable herding dog for an engaged owner and a busy lifestyle.
• Bergamasco Shepherd 32–38 kg · 13–15 years A large, calm herding dog with a unique felted coat, devoted to family and steady in temperament.
• Cesky Terrier 6–10 kg · 13–15 years The Cesky Terrier is calmer and gentler than most terriers, with a long, soft coat.
• Clumber Spaniel 25–34 kg · 10–12 years The heaviest spaniel: a calm, good-natured, unhurried white dog.
• Cock-A-Chon 7–13 kg · 10–14 years An English cocker spaniel and bichon frise cross: a gentle, affectionate, easygoing companion. Crossbreed
• Cockapoo 5–10 kg · 14–18 years A cocker spaniel and poodle cross: an affectionate, smart, low-shedding family companion. Crossbreed
• Cocker Jack 7–12 kg · 12–15 years A cocker spaniel and Jack Russell terrier cross: a cheerful, active, and clever family dog. Crossbreed
• Coton de Tulear 4–6 kg · 14–15 years A small, gentle apartment companion that barely sheds but needs long-coat care.
• Dalmatian 23–25 kg · 10–13 years An energetic medium-sized dog for an active owner that needs plenty of exercise every day.
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier 8–11 kg · 13–15 years A long, short-legged terrier with a fluffy topknot: calm, affectionate, and independent.
• English Cocker Spaniel 13–14 kg · 11–12 years An active, affectionate family spaniel that needs regular walks and ongoing coat care.
• English Foxhound 29–34 kg · 13–14 years An English pack hound: hardy and friendly to people and dogs, but not for apartments.
• English Mastiff 65–100 kg · 9–11 years One of the world's heaviest dogs: a very calm, gentle, loyal giant for a spacious home.
• English Setter 23–30 kg · 12–14 years An elegant, gentle, very friendly pointing dog that needs long walks and space.
• English Springer Spaniel 21–24 kg · 13–15 years An energetic, very friendly spaniel for an active family that loves work, water and play.
• Eurasier 18–32 kg · 12–14 years A calm, even-tempered, family-attached medium-sized spitz that is quiet at home.
• Field Spaniel 18–25 kg · 10–13 years A rare British spaniel: affectionate, calmer than a Cocker, and very attached to family.
• Basset Bleu de Gascogne 15–18 kg · 12–14 years A good-natured, short-legged hound with an excellent nose and a loud voice.
• Finnish Spitz 7–13 kg · 12–15 years A fox-like red Finnish hunting dog: lively, good with kids, and very vocal.
• Bichon Frise 3–5 kg · 12–15 years A compact, friendly, low-shedding apartment companion if you're ready for regular grooming.
• French Bulldog 8–14 kg · 10–14 years A popular apartment companion: compact, calm, and not too demanding about exercise.
• Airedale Terrier 23–29 kg · 11–12 years The largest terrier: brave, cheerful, and good with kids, but stubborn and needs to stay busy.
• German Shepherd 30–40 kg · 9–13 years A strong, highly trainable working dog that needs an experienced and engaged owner.
• Black and Tan Coonhound 30–32 kg · 11–13 years An American coonhound: good-natured, calm at home, and with a very loud voice.
• Bloodhound 40–54 kg · 9–11 years A very large, good-natured hound with an unmatched nose, a loud voice, and a strong urge to track.
• Bolognese 3–4 kg · 14–17 years A small white bichon from Bologna: calm, affectionate and barely sheds.
• Gordon Setter 25–30 kg · 12–14 years A large black-and-tan setter: hardy, loyal and a bit more serious than its Irish cousin.
• Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen 18–20 kg · 12–14 years A cheerful, shaggy hound that is sociable and full of stamina.
• Grand Bleu de Gascogne 32–35 kg · 10–12 years A large bluish-coated French hound: good-natured, hardy, and very vocal.
• Great Dane 55–90 kg · 8–10 years A giant but calm, affectionate dog that needs space and a big budget.
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 45–65 kg · 11–12 years The largest of the Swiss mountain dogs: a calm, good-natured, strong family dog.
• Hamiltonstovare 23–27 kg · 10–13 years A Swedish tricolor hound: friendly, calm at home and tireless in the field.
• Harrier 18–29 kg · 12–15 years A medium-sized English pack hound: cheerful, sociable, and full of stamina.
• Havanese 3–6 kg · 13–15 years A small, gentle, trainable apartment companion that needs constant contact with people.
• Hovawart 30–40 kg · 12–13 years A large German watchdog: balanced, devoted to family, and easy to train.
• Huntaway 30–40 kg · 12–14 years A New Zealand herding dog that moves sheep with its voice: hardy, smart, and loud.
• Huskamute 25–45 kg · 12–15 years A husky and malamute cross: a big, tireless sled dog that sheds heavily and is tough for beginners. Crossbreed
• Ibizan Hound 20–29 kg · 12–14 years A tall, bouncy sighthound from Ibiza: friendly, playful, and very fast.
• Irish Setter 25–32 kg · 12–14 years A large, very active, friendly pointer that needs long walks and lots of attention.
• Irish Terrier 11–13 kg · 13–15 years A bold, loyal, energetic red terrier, good with kids but scrappy with other dogs.
• Irish Wolfhound 41–61 kg · 6–8 years The world's tallest dog: a calm, gentle, patient giant for a spacious home.
• Jack Tzu 6–10 kg · 13–16 years A Jack Russell and shih tzu cross: a lively yet balanced apartment companion. Crossbreed
• Jackachon 4–8 kg · 12–16 years A Jack Russell terrier and bichon frise cross: a cheerful, playful, compact family companion. Crossbreed
• Jackapoo 5–11 kg · 12–15 years A Jack Russell and miniature poodle cross: a smart, energetic, low-shedding companion. Crossbreed
• Japanese Spitz 6–7 kg · 12–15 years A small snow-white spitz: cheerful, affectionate, and quieter than its cousins, good for apartments.
• Jug 5–7 kg · 12–15 years A Jack Russell and pug cross: a cheerful, playful dog that likes to bark and sheds. Crossbreed
• Keeshond 18–25 kg · 12–14 years A fluffy, cheerful medium-sized spitz, deeply attached to family and a good watchdog.
• King Charles Spaniel 3–6 kg · 10–16 years A small, very calm, affectionate flat-faced spaniel for a quiet apartment.
• Kromfohrlander 9–16 kg · 10–15 years A wire-coated German companion: affectionate, attached, and great for families.
• Border Collie 14–20 kg · 10–14 years A very smart working dog that needs a high level of activity and engagement.
• Bordoodle 13–28 kg · 12–15 years A border collie and poodle cross: a very smart, high-energy dog for an active family. Crossbreed
• Lakeland Terrier 7–8 kg · 9–15 years A small, bold, mischievous terrier with a wiry coat, good with kids and barely sheds.
• Large Munsterlander 25–32 kg · 11–13 years A black-and-white German pointing dog: friendly, smart, and a good family dog.
• Leonberger 50–75 kg · 9–11 years A huge, calm, gentle companion with a lion-like mane for a roomy home and family.
• Lhasapoo 5–9 kg · 10–15 years A Lhasa apso and mini poodle cross: a calm, loyal, low-shedding companion for apartment life. Crossbreed
• Lowchen 5–8 kg · 12–14 years The "little lion": a cheerful, friendly, easy-to-train long-haired companion.
• Malshi 2–6 kg · 12–14 years A Maltese and shih tzu cross: a tiny, very calm, and affectionate companion for home life. Crossbreed
• Miniature Poodle 5–6 kg · 14–16 years A very trainable apartment companion with minimal shedding, but demanding grooming needs.
• Bouvier des Flandres 36–54 kg · 10–12 years A large, strong, steady herding dog with a thick coat and beard, a reliable family protector.
• Norwegian Elkhound 22–25 kg · 12–15 years A sturdy northern spitz with a thick coat: hardy, friendly with family, and vocal.
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 17–23 kg · 12–14 years The smallest retriever: red, very energetic and smart, bred to work near water.
• Old English Sheepdog 28–32 kg · 11–13 years A large, cheerful, good-natured herding dog with a very full coat, for an active family.
• Otterhound 35–45 kg · 10–13 years A large shaggy otter-hunting hound: good-natured, cheerful, and loud.
• Picardy Spaniel 20–25 kg · 10–13 years A French spaniel from Picardy: an affectionate, obedient and hardy pointing dog.
• Pointer 25–34 kg · 12–14 years The English Pointer: a tireless bird dog, gentle with kids and calm at home after exercise.
• Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 23–27 kg · 10–12 years Korthals' wire-coated pointing dog: friendly, trainable, and tireless in the field.
• Portuguese Sheepdog 17–27 kg · 14–15 years A shaggy Portuguese "monkey" sheepdog: smart, lively, and devoted to family.
• Portuguese Water Dog 16–25 kg · 13–15 years An energetic, smart, low-shedding swimmer that's great for active families.
• Pug 6–8 kg · 12–14 years A compact, good-natured apartment companion, but sensitive to heat and exercise, and sheds a lot.
• Basset Fauve de Bretagne 16–18 kg · 11–14 years A red-coated Breton basset: a cheerful, affectionate, active hound that's good with kids.
• Pugapoo 4.5–11 kg · 12–14 years A pug and toy poodle cross: a calm, affectionate companion for apartments and families. Crossbreed
• Basset Hound 22–32 kg · 10–12 years A calm, family-friendly hound with a great nose, but stubborn to train and fairly vocal.
• Pugzu 3.5–10 kg · 9–14 years A pug and shih tzu cross: a very calm, affectionate apartment companion that does shed. Crossbreed
• Puli 13–15 kg · 9–15 years A small Hungarian herding dog with a corded coat: lively, alert and devoted to its family.
• Pyrenean Mastiff 81–100 kg · 8–13 years A giant Spanish mastiff guardian: calm, gentle with family, and self-assured.
• Pyrenean Mountain Dog 50–54 kg · 10–12 years A huge white guard dog: calm, gentle with family and independent at work.
• Romanian Mioritic Shepherd 45–58 kg · 12–14 years A huge, shaggy Romanian guardian: calm, loyal, and good with the family's kids.
• Bracco Italiano 25–40 kg · 12–14 years An Italian pointing dog with droopy ears: gentle, calm at home, and tireless in the field.
• Russian Black Terrier 45–65 kg · 11–12 years A very large, steady, reliable working dog, devoted to family and wary of strangers.
• Saint Bernard 60–90 kg · 9–11 years A very large, calm, gentle family dog with heavy shedding and high upkeep costs.
• Samoyed 23–30 kg · 12–13 years A large, friendly, fluffy spitz for active families, but it sheds heavily and is loud.
• Schnoodle 2.5–4.5 kg · 10–15 years A miniature schnauzer and mini poodle cross: a smart, loyal companion that barely sheds. Crossbreed
• Scottish Deerhound 36–45 kg · 9–10 years A giant Scottish sighthound with a wiry coat: gentle, calm, and quiet at home.
• Shepadoodle 27–36 kg · 12–15 years A German shepherd and poodle cross: a large, smart, highly trainable dog for an active family. Crossbreed
• Shichon 4–7 kg · 15–18 years A shih tzu and bichon frise cross: a small, very calm, affectionate companion that looks like a teddy bear. Crossbreed
• Shih Tzu 4–7 kg · 10–16 years A small home companion for a relaxed lifestyle, especially good in apartments.
• Shihpoo 3–9 kg · 12–15 years A shih tzu and toy poodle cross: a small, calm, low-shedding apartment companion. Crossbreed
• Siberian Husky 15–28 kg · 12–13 years A hardy northern breed for a very active lifestyle, but hard for beginners and a heavy shedder.
• Smooth Collie 20–30 kg · 12–14 years A short-coated collie: smart, gentle, very trainable family dog with easy care.
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 14–20 kg · 12–15 years A cheerful, sociable terrier with a soft coat that barely sheds and loves its family.
• Braque d'Auvergne 22–28 kg · 12–14 years A French pointer with a bluish coat: affectionate, obedient and very hardy.
• Spanish Water Dog 14–22 kg · 12–14 years A curly-coated Spanish herding dog: energetic, smart, and almost non-shedding.
• Brittany 20–23 kg · 12–13 years The Brittany is an energetic, smart, and affectionate medium-sized pointing dog.
• Sporting Lucas Terrier 6–9 kg · 10–15 years A small British companion terrier: calmer than working terriers and good with kids.
• Catalan Sheepdog 20–25 kg · 12–14 years A shaggy Catalan herding dog: smart, lively, and devoted to family.
• Sprocker 14–20 kg · 10–14 years A springer and cocker spaniel cross: a tireless, loving, trainable dog for an active family. Crossbreed
• Sprollie 18–25 kg · 10–17 years A springer spaniel and border collie cross: a very smart, tireless dog for truly active people. Crossbreed
• Sproodle 22–31 kg · 10–15 years A springer spaniel and miniature poodle cross: a smart, active, low-shedding family dog. Crossbreed
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier 11–17 kg · 12–13 years A sturdy, very people-oriented medium terrier, great with family but tricky with animals.
• Standard Poodle 20–32 kg · 12–15 years A large, smart, almost non-shedding companion that needs activity, exercise, and regular haircuts.
• Standard Schnauzer 14–20 kg · 13–15 years An energetic, smart, alert mid-sized schnauzer, a good watchdog and family companion.
• Sussex Spaniel 23–25 kg · 10–12 years A low-set golden-liver spaniel: calm, affectionate and vocal.
• Swedish Lapphund 19–21 kg · 9–15 years A fluffy Swedish herding spitz: affectionate, smart, and good with kids, but vocal.
• Utonagan 32–50 kg · 10–15 years A wolf-like British dog: a calm, friendly and smart family dog.
• Welsh Springer Spaniel 16–20 kg · 13–15 years An active, affectionate red-and-white spaniel, a bit more reserved than the English Springer.
• Welsh Terrier 9–9.5 kg · 13–15 years A small, energetic wire-coated terrier: cheerful, good with kids, and almost non-shedding.
• West Highland White Terrier 6–9 kg · 12–16 years A small, confident family terrier with a white coat that needs care and a fairly loud bark.
• Westiepoo 11–15 kg · 13–15 years A West Highland white terrier and mini poodle cross: a lively, friendly, low-shedding companion. Crossbreed
• Whippet 9–14 kg · 12–14 years Calm at home, moderately active and easy to care for.
• White Swiss Shepherd 25–40 kg · 12–13 years A large white shepherd: gentler and calmer than a German Shepherd, very trainable and loyal.
• Poochon 2–8 kg · 12–15 years A bichon frise and toy poodle cross: a small, affectionate, barely shedding companion. Crossbreed