Dogs Good with Children

We believe this information to be accurate and obtained from reliable sources.  However, a simple yes or no answer may not always be the correct answer. For example, when a particular dog is judged to be not so good with children, there may be instances where a breeder has taken exceptional measures to socialize the puppy with his or her children which would change the answer. 

The most common mistake parents make when buying a family dog is choosing a dog which is cute or the right size rather than considering breed and temperament. When picking a breed or mix, it is important to consider the children who will be with the dog. Dogs should be solidly built—able to take roughhousing by children—and patient and gentle by nature. Although many breeds are good with children, the dogs listed below are most often recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers and animal behaviorists—professionals who handle dogs every day. This list was compiled based on the information from "The Dogs' Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Historic Hounds, Professional Pooches, and Canine Oddities" By Alexandra Powe Allred.

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Airedale Terrier & Children Airedales can make wonderful pals for considerate children. They are active, playful and not particularly delicate. They are strong and forceful, however, and play sessions should by supervised by an adult. Airedales may not be ideal playmates for toddlers as their rough-and-tumble play may result in the child's being knocked over off his feet, but with adult supervision an Airedale can be the child's best buddy.

American Staffordshire Terrier & Children An extremely family-oriented dog who doesn't scare easily, the AmStaff does well with children. He is affable and protective. A child's play rarely envoke even a defensive nip from the dog. Good sense says always to supervise small children and dogs. A dog of ever-lasting patience and understanding, the Amstaff will endure the teasing of children without response, and because this breed has such a high threshold for pain, the dog may be seriously injured. Teach your children to play lovingly with your pet.

Bolognese & Children Families with children will truly enjoy the playful ways of this breed. If taught how to properly interact with each other, children and Bolognese can be great friends, though he is not the best breed for families with small children who are too young to grasp the concept of how to handle a relatively fragile animal like Bolognese.

Boxer & Children His temperament is fundamentally playful, yet stoical and patient with children. Female Boxers are thought to be gentler with kids. He senses that smaller children need gentler play, he is forgiving about tail and ear pulling and if a child accidentally falls on him. However, children should not pet a sleeping dog and should wake him by calling his name first; they should not pester an eating dog or bother him while he is in his crate. These are general rules that should be followed around any dog, though.

Black Russian Terrier & Children As a pet, the Black Russian Terrier is wondefully devoted to his family and is usually good with children, but small children must always be supervised around the dog of this size. This is a substantially built dog, and it is always possible that an accident may happen, if only by way of the dog's acidentally bowling over a child. The Black Russian Terrier may decide to protect the child if he thinks the child to be in danger of any sort, especially when approached by someone with whom the dog is not familiar. There have been occasions when the BRT has "herded" up a group of children.

Bulldogs & Children Children and Bulldogs can become fast friends if the children are taught how to handle their new pet. The Bulldog will tolerate the poking and prodding from a small child, but if the child gets too rough, the Bulldog will simply leave. However, generally, an 8-week old Bulldog and a child under 3 years of age are not good companions.

Malamutes & Children The Alaskan Malamute is fiercely loyal to its "pack," loves the children of its own family, and gets along with other animals if socialized with them early. However, in mixing Malamutes and children, thought should be given to Mal's independent nature, his dominance level in the pack and his hunting instincts. Care must be taken by the parents to ensure that the child is the dominant partner in the relationship and the child respects the dog. Dominance discipline administered by an adult dog to an infant can be fatal. An infant crying seems particularly disturbing to some Malamutes and may activate a prey response. A Malamute is likely to endure only so much ear-pulling, climbing, squeezing before expressing his annoyance. Few will accept outright abuse, especially from children who do not "belong" to them. Therefore, you should not stake out a Malamute where children might tease or torment him.

American Eskimo Dog & Children The Eskie is a legendary lover of children. It has been known not only to defend children from would-be attackers and kidnappers, but even from parents who attempt to discipline their offspring. As with any dog, however, young children should never be left alone even with the most trustworthy, affectionate Eskie.

Australian Cattle Dog & Children. If you have small children and you decide to bring an adult Australian Cattle Dog, consider the factor that the dog may have never been exposed to or interact with small children. The first sight of these "miniature people" can be very perplexing to the unexperienced dog, especially loud and very active children. When children run and play, the herding and heeling instinct in the dog may be aroused; perhaps leading to nipping at the children's feet and ankles. It may take considerable time and patience to overcome this inborn instinct. In yards when groups of children play, the Australian Cattle dog will push them into a tight circle. There are many stories about these dogs saving toddlers from running into traffic, or from straying away from the family property by gently herding them back home. This is an intelligent breed that will constantly try to increase their status in your family "pack." Care must be taken to be sure that the children maintain their status above the family dog. Some dogs will perceive roughhousing as a threat.

Basenji & Children. In general, Basneji is rather reserved with strangers and isnot recommended as pet for kids. Basenjis can take the rigors of child's play if they are raised with children, but if improperly socialized, Basenjis tend to nip at children. Some owners recognize that these dogs can be difficult to handle on a leash.

Bergamasco & Children. The pet Bergamasco will adopt the children of his fmily as charges in his herd. Generally, these dogs make excellent companions for youngsters.

Beagle & Children. Beagles get along well with children and arguments are rare. Gentle, playful, and even-tempered, Beagles and children are almost inseparable, they truly adore children.

Dogue de Bordeaux & Children. Dogue de Bordeaux is good with children for two reasons. First, he loves to be around humans - a family cannot be big enough. Second, this breed has a lot of patience and will deal with typical teasing, tail pulling and other annoyances in which exuberant children tend to engage. These dogs are happy to comply with the silliest of children's games, such as wearing hats and "dress up."

English Setter & Children. This breed is always happy to join in a game and is very trustworthy with kids. English setters are quite tolerant of a small child's poking and pulling, although it is always wise to provide supervision when small children and dogs are spending time together, because dogs prone to displaying dominant behavior often cannot be completely trusted around children of any age.

English Springer Spaniel & Children. Springers are great with children, but they are very exuberant as puppies and adults, both the dog and children must be supervised. Puppies perceive children on their level; their actions around small children are different from their actions around their adult masters.

German Shorthaired Pointer & Children. Shorthairs have a propensity to jump up on people. This could be disastrous when young children are involved. Dog obedience classes should be undertaken as soon as possible to try and prevent this habit. Keep in mind the the GSP attains most of his adult size by the time he is 6 months of age. By that time, he is fullly capable of knocking over both children and adults. It is probably better to wait for your children to be of school age before you get a GSP. The breeder should assist you in selecting a pup of even temperament, one that is not made uneasy by noise and commotion, as well as the presence of young children.

Gordon Setter & Children. Gordons are generally good with children, although they should be introduced to youngsters at an early age. Most tend to be protective of young family members. They will seldom growl or menace if children treat them harshly, preferring instead to simply withdraw from the offending child. However, all children should be taught that Gordons, like any breed, should be treated with respect.

Great Pyrenees & Children. Some Pyrs can become nervous when creeping and crawling infants are moving toward them and sometimes they growl, but most move away from the infant. Until the age of about two, Pyrs are rather boisterous. Puppies (in general) will also nip at children because they consider them similar to their littermates.

Keeshond & Children. This dog has been a guard dog for centuries. So comfortable is the Keeshond in this capacity that he will automatically have a protective interest in the family children without having to be trained for this purpose. This alert, defensive nature is imbedded in his personality.

Mastiff & Children. These dogs have a strong protective territorial nature. Strangers who approach their family members, especially children, will be met with deep ferocious woofs. He often acts a peacemaker, stepping in to prevent children from being spanked. Both sexes are equally fond of children and will take it upon themselves to acts as guardian and surrogate parent. Despite its size, the Mastiff is gentle and patient with children.

Newfoundland & Children. The Newfoundland's gentle disposition make him an excellent companion for children. His size and amiability make him immune to the unintended roughness of small children. Babies tumble over and around him, secure in the knowledge that no snap or growl will mar their play. When he becomes tire, he simply moves away, though his watchful eyes remain alert to the safety of the kids. Should danger threaten, a busy highway, a deep pool, a suspicious stranger, he is there, shielding his charges with his great strength, nudging them to safety.

Papillon & Children. While Papillons are generally good with children, their fragile structure makes them ill-suited for living with small children. Roughhouse activity and kids do not mix well. He enjoys the company of children especially if he's raised with them. A feisty, independent pup will do well in a home with older children and adults, while quite, shy puppies will thrive in homes with minimal noise and distractions.

Poodles & Children. The Standard (large) poodle is very good with children and is not overly excitable. The Miniature poodle is the most affectionate. The Toy poodle is not generally considered to be as suitable a family pet as the Standard and Miniature because of its higher rankings on snapping at children.

Pug & Children. The Pug is very tolerant of children. Older children will find the Pug particularly attractive. Pugs consider children as siblings and will wait patiently until the homework is finished. When it is time to go out and play, the Pug responds eagerly. Children must be mature enough to understand that Pugs do not like to be disturbed when they are eating or sleeping. This is why parents with toddlers should wait to buy a dog or a puppy until their children are at least four years old and seek breeders whose puppies have been raised with youngsters underfoot.

Samoyed & Children. These dogs are completely trustworthy with well-behaved children of all ages. But although Samoyeds can stand a fair amount of pummelling, children should be trained to respect them. Children should be preferably at least four years old. Samoyeds raised with children seem to have a distinct advantage in socialization: the two seem to understand each other.

Scottish Deerhound & Children. Scottish Deerhounds are tolerant animals and most of them enjoy the company of children, especially if they have been sensibly introduced while the dog is still young. Children can often engage dogs in their dogs, encouraging them to become unruly and overly-excited and the dog of this size would undoubtedly do damage to a small child in error or in play.

Siberian Husky & Children. Although siberian Huskies are generally loving toward children, some do not adapt well to the rough treatment children can inflict.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier & Children. Wheatens are easy-going and generally get along with considerate children. Wheatens are known to jump up on people and may, in their enthusiasm, knock down small children. Wheatens that are poorly socialized or poorly bred may behave unpredictably. Young children should be taught not to pull on Wheaten's rather appealing long coat.

Weimaraner & Children. Weims are generally good family dogs. They love children and are content to play with them for hors. But because they are a large breed, they should be taught to interact properly with children. Children younger than mid-teens are less capable of handling a large dog like Weimaraner. The intense energy of a young Weim may make him unsuited for a home with small children. It can be also dangerous when an adult Weim jumps on a child. Weimaraners can be very good with children after they get through their adolescent clumsy stage.

Whippet & Children. If mutual respect is established, Whippets will get along with children. Children are readily accepted into a game, as these dogs love to play. Small children can play with these dogs without the risk of being knocked over. Whippets and their human "siblings" make a very strong bond.

1. LABRADOR RETRIEVER Members of the retriever family are the most sought after dogs in the world for companionship. Their good reputation with small children and small animals is known around the world. This recommendation includes the Golden retriever, curly and flat-coated retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay retriever.
2. STANDARD SCHNAUZER and BEAGLE Many breeds in the hound family are very good with children. They are good-natured and have a very positive outlook on life, but they can be quite stubborn. It is their stubborness that makes them very frustrating for children who want to teach their dogs to fetch or come. Getting a beagle to do something is a test of patience and persistence.
3. COLLIE FAMILY This group includes the border collie, briard and collie. These dogs are very docile with children and full of energy. They are very patient, but they will take charge of a situation that gets out of hand—key qualities in working with livestock and playing with a roomful of children. Border Collies, however, will try and "herd" small children and will nip at running, screaming, playing toddlers. Border Collies are recommended for older kids, but not for very young children.
4. JACK RUSSEL TERRIER and SPRINGER SPANIEL Members of the spaniel family are extremely playful and friendly. The popularity of the cocker spaniel in 1970s and 1980s caused a great deal of inbreeding and biting became a problem. But the springer spaniel never reached the popularity of the cocker, steering clear of the inbreeding problems. Despite all of this, spaniels have been traditionally wonderful family dogs (Ears can be sensitive to pulling!)
5. MOUNTAIN DOGS This category includes Great Pyreness, Saint Bernard, Great Swiss mountain dog and Akbash. These dogs are ferocious fighters in defending their flock, but are extremely loving and patient with their families. Even today many of these dogs are "put to work" in the wintertime, pulling children on sleds for hours on end.
6. WEIMARANER and OTHER GUNDOGS Like many other hunting dogs, Weimaraners can be willful and stubborn, but is a wonderful companion, always ready to play or cuddle for a good nap.
7. POODLE It's always a surprise breed. Although toy poodles are not recommended for children, the poodle is a wonderful breed for them, particularly the standard poodle. The standard is a surprise watchdog of the canine world—powerfully built, fearless and faithful, and always ready for a romp.

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