7 Best Dog Breeds for Families With Kids

Choosing a Family Dog

The AKC's family-dog recommendations offer starting points, not safety guarantees. Your dog's history, observed behavior with children, and care needs matter more than a breed label. Look at shelters and breed rescues, including their mixed-breed dogs.

This list starts with active larger companions, then covers more specific size and care considerations. It is not a safety ranking. Individual dogs vary, and young children always need active adult supervision.

1. Labrador Retriever

An outgoing adult Lab may suit a family that enjoys daily walks and play. Expect shedding, and ask whether the dog can settle indoors: jumping can knock over small children.

Ask about behavior around food and toys. Adults should choose durable toys sized so the dog cannot swallow them and supervise play. Never expect children to take toys from the dog.

2. Golden Retriever

Goldens are often sociable and responsive to training, but they need daily exercise and frequent brushing. Shedding comes with the package.

A calm adult with observed experience around children may be easier to manage than a puppy. Ask shelters or Golden rescues about jumping and mouthy play. You can also decide between an adult dog and a puppy before searching.

3. Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are active, often responsive companions for families willing to train and exercise them. The AKC's Standard Poodle profile highlights their substantial grooming needs.

Lower shedding does not mean allergy-free or low maintenance. Budget for regular grooming, ask about reactions to noise and sudden movement, and compare dog breeds by exercise needs against your actual schedule.

4. Collie

Rough and smooth Collies can suit families that enjoy walks and reward-based training. Rough coats need more brushing; smooth coats still shed.

Some Collies bark or try to chase and herd running children. Ask the rescue what happens around active kids, rather than relying on the breed's family-friendly reputation. Adults must interrupt chasing and provide separate spaces when needed.

5. Beagle

A sturdy, often sociable Beagle may fit a family that enjoys sniffing walks. Their noses can lead them away, so use a leash and check fencing for escape routes.

Expect potentially loud barking or baying, and keep snacks and trash out of reach. Smaller size does not automatically mean easier care or safer interactions with toddlers.

6. Bichon Frise

A Bichon may suit children who respect a dog's space and handle it gently. This is not a dog for carrying around or rough play.

Plan for daily activity and frequent brushing and regular grooming. Ask about comfort with children and time alone. No breed is guaranteed not to trigger allergies.

7. Newfoundland

Some Newfoundlands are gentle family companions, but no dog is a nanny. Their giant size can cause accidental collisions even when they are calm.

Expect drool, substantial coat care, and higher food and care costs than with a small dog. Make sure adults can safely handle the dog on leash and keep young children clear of crowded doorways.

Finding the Right Shelter Dog for Your Kids

When you find shelters and rescues near you, include adult mixed-breed dogs. Ask staff:

• Has this dog lived with children your kids' ages?
• Has anyone observed food or toy guarding, jumping, or difficulty settling?
• How does the dog react to noise and running?
• Is there a known bite history, and what history is unknown?

Arrange a staff-guided family meeting, but one calm visit cannot guarantee behavior at home. Following AVMA bite-prevention guidance, supervise actively and separate children and dogs when adults cannot watch. No hugging, climbing on dogs, or disturbing them while eating or sleeping.