Bringing home a furry addition to a family is always an exciting and joyful time, especially for the kids. In my opinion, dogs make the best pets for both adults and children – and plenty of owners will agree. They don’t call them “man’s best friend” for no reason.
When you bring up a dog in a household with children, the dog-child relationship has a chance to flourish into something truly special. But if you’re a parent, picking the right dog for your kid can be a bit of a concern.
After all, you don’t want to bring in a vicious animal that permanently scars your child, or worse, hurt them in a physical way. That being said, we’ve found the 50 best dog breeds for children – based on science, research, facts and well, logical reasoning.
RECOMMENDED: 57 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs
How We Rank the Best Dog Breeds For Kids
But before we dive in, it’s worth noting that we didn’t come up with this list based completely on our opinion. As a matter of fact, we let the research speak (or in this case, bark) for these dogs.
This list and ranking of kid-friendly dogs is primarily based on a temperament test conducted by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS). Founded in 1977, ATTS is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness of temperaments among dog breeds.
But why is dog temperament so important when picking a breed for your kid? Temperament refers to the canine’s inherent nature. That is, how a dog will react to uncertain stimuli in the real world, such as an intruding stranger, other animals and of course, kids.
While the ATTS has conducted temperament tests on tens of thousands of dog, not all dogs will be the same. In other words, the test results may not always be completely accurate. They may still develop aggressive tendencies from their external environment.
Even so, it’s a great starting point for picking out a kid-friendly dog. Just remember that training and a loving home or environment may be the biggest factor in raising a friendly and kind family dog.
Measuring Dog Temperament
As of 2016, the ATTS has conducted tests on 33,925 individual dogs. It’s not a massive sample size, though that’s also nothing to scoff at. And given the total tested dogs thus far, the average pass rate is 83.4%, though the rate of passing varies by breed.
The ATTS takes into account a number of factors, such as age (minimum 18 months), training, health and temperament. But how exactly are these tests conducted?
The typical temperament test will take roughly 12 minutes. According to ATTS, a dog is placed on a loose leash in an environment with 3 evaluators. They’re then given a variety of stimuli to gauge the reaction of the dog.
If the dog shows any signs of panic, persistent aloofness or unprovoked aggressive behaviors, then the dog fails that segment. It’s a pass/fail test where 2 out of 3 evaluators need to pass or fail the dog to conclude the final result.
Factors to Consider in Dogs for Kids
We’ve taken the best scoring temperaments from the ATTS test, but also combined it with our knowledge of the breeds to rank kid-friendly breeds. With that said, the following criteria was used for this ranking list:
- Dog breed’s temperament – Based on the ATTS tests, how did the breed perform when given stimuli to react to in the environment? Those that had a higher passing rate on the test will see higher ranking on the list. At least 50 tests is needed.
- Dog breed size – We’ve given some consideration to the size of the typical purebred dog. Just because a dog is sweet doesn’t mean he won’t accidentally hurt the child. Likewise, some may be too small and fragile for kids.
- Dog attack cases – Based on reported dog attacks and fatalities from dogsbite.org. Some dogs may score high on the ATTS test, but have a much high probability of attacking humans than other breeds. Though, we analyze the reason case by case.
There is no absolute scientific measurement or criteria to find the perfect dog breed for children. No matter which breed you choose, you can raise a child-loving dog. However, this means that it’s up to you (the owner) to nurture the dog.
Best Dog Breeds For Kids
Again, this list is based on temperament tests with some adjustments based on our knowledge, facts or popular anecdotes regarding the breed. We don’t mean to offend anyone with this list.
There are certainly fantastic child-friendly dog breeds that aren’t on this list as well. So, tell us which kid-friendly dog breed is your favorite!
50. Beagle
Highlights: Curious, Gentle, Even-tempered
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 79 | 63 | 16 | 79.7% |
There’s a reason why Beagles are called the “goldilocks of dogs” – they’re an even-tempered dog breed. Beagles aren’t too friendly, but aren’t too aggressive. They’re not too small nor too large. They won’t be over-welcoming, but not too suspicious.
In other words, Beagles are a fantastic option for kids of all ages. They can be easy-going and laid back in the home. However, Beagles are very vocal dogs (barking, howling, etc.) and don’t mesh well with sensitive babies.
RECOMMENDED: Are Beagles Good With Kids?
49. Samoyed
Highlights: Cheerful, Lively, Friendly
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 294 | 236 | 58 | 80.3% |
Few people, and even fewer kids, can resist the “Sammie Smile.” They’re highly sociable dogs that will get along fine with your children. However, they have a bit of heft and their liveliness can be a risk for smaller children.
But as long as they’re properly trained, a Samoyed will be a fine addition to any household with kids. They love to play and having children around is a dream come true for these dogs. Still, you want to make sure to socialize them early on.
48. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Highlights: Loyal, Intelligent, Affectionate
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 77 | 62 | 15 | 80.5% |
Like the Pembroke cousin, the lesser known Cardigan Corgi is a fan favorite among children all over the world. But according to the ATTS, the Cardigan scored slightly better on the test. With their loving nature and cheerful vibe, it’s easy to see why.
These dogs aren’t too big, so the chances of them seriously injuring a child unintentionally is quite low. At the same time, their herding background brings the energy and enthusiasm that’s perfect for equally active kids.
RECOMMENDED: A Guide to Corgis & Kids
47. Weimaraner
Highlights: Attentive, Intelligent, Energetic
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 224 | 181 | 43 | 80.8% |
The Weimaraner can be one of the best companions for older children. Because they’re agile and strong, we recommend bringing one home during puppyhood. They need to be trained, but will thrive once obedience is in check.
They’ll have the energy to match even the rowdiest of children. Even so, we advise supervision when letting them play with your kids. Other than that, there’s not a single aggressive bone in a Weimaraner! Fantastic option for children
46. Collie
Highlights: Loyal, Friendly, Protective
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 896 | 724 | 172 | 80.8% |
There are few things that can go wrong with a Collie. They’re fluffy yet adorable, and kids seem to love them. But they are herding dogs, after all, and the lively and bright energy will make the Collie better suited for older kids.
It’s worth noting that they’re gentle dogs in the home. Plus, Collies are known to be aloof when it comes to strangers. So, having one around the home would be like a second pair of eyes for the kids. Not a bad thing at all.
45. Belgian Sheepdog
Highlights: Loyal, Affectionate, Active
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 516 | 418 | 98 | 81% |
The Belgian Sheepdogs were once shepherds that looked after sheep. That said, they can be a little protective of the children, but not in a possessive way. Nevertheless, it’s essential that you train and socialize them at an early age.
Although Belgian Sheepdogs are medium-sized dogs, they can be powerful canines. The good news is that they’re fairly gentle, especially with kids. They understand how to act calm in their homes, and when to be active on the field.
44. Belgian Tervuren
Highlights: Protective, Attentive, Devoted
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 521 | 424 | 97 | 81.4% |
If properly socialized and trained, the Belgian Tervuren can be one of the best playmates for the kids of the home. Like many sheepdogs, the Tervuren was also herding dog that also protected the flocks at night. As such, they may do the same for kids.
Always energetic and alert, the Tervuren simply knows how to react to children. Expect them to be gentle and sweet with kids, but also protective. And despite their looks, they’re just medium sized dogs that can withstand the rough play.
43. Italian Greyhound
Highlights: Outgoing, Affectionate, Smart
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 54 | 44 | 10 | 81.5% |
The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound known for an affectionate personality and sociable demeanor. They get along best with calmer children due to their small size. Even so, they are durable enough to handle some roughness.
Overall, Italian Greyhounds will be gentle and docile in the home. They have a mild nature that blends seamlessly into any household with kids. Despite the size, they make good watch dogs. So, expect them to bark at strangers approaching your children.
42. Great Dane
Highlights: Calm, Loyal, Gentle
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 314 | 256 | 58 | 81.5% |
I’ll admit – we’ve omitted a lot of large dogs from this list. Big dogs, especially those as large as the Great Dane, can be a hazard for small children. It’s not that they’re not friendly, but a simple swipe to the face is all it takes to hurt kids.
However, Great Danes are big and gentle dogs, as opposed to large and energetic. It’s why so many of them have a reputation of being great “nanny dogs.” In addition, a Great Dane knows how to be patient around your kids.
RECOMMENDED: Parents’ Guide to Great Danes
41. Keeshond
Highlights: Obedient, Playful, Bright
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 87 | 71 | 16 | 81.6% |
The Keeshond is an amazing companion for children. From the spitz family, they’re very much like their Pomeranian cousin – only bigger. In other words, they retain the charm and affection of the Pom, but have durability to handle kids.
Keeshonds are good-natured dogs with a sweet disposition. Not only will they get along great in a household with kids, but also with other dogs and pets. Along with their playful nature, these dogs tend to fair well with kids of all ages.
40. Briard
Highlights: Faithful, Protective, Obedient
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 382 | 312 | 70 | 81.7% |
The Briard is a large dog with a fearlessness that makes for a great guardian. But what actually makes them ideal playmates for kids is their calm, dignified and obedient nature. They’re very patient dogs that understand the fragility of kids.
Another outstanding trait of the Briard is their protectiveness. Once bred to protect sheep, the Briard has effortlessly transitioned into protecting children. According to owners, it’s not unusual to see a Briard “defend” kids from parents who discipline.
39. Pharaoh Hound
Highlights: Loving, Trainable, Fun-loving
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 55 | 45 | 10 | 81.8% |
The Pharaoh Hound is not a dog breed you see every day. Though, it doesn’t take away from their great compatibility with kids. These hounds are, for the most part, calm and gentle dogs in the home. But when they’re playing, the energy shines through.
Pharaoh Hounds are also sensitive dogs, known for their patience with children. As long as the kids show the dog respect and love, they’ll protect and cherish them until the end. Though it’s worth noting they may be aggressive with other dogs.
38. Cocker Spaniel
Highlights: Joyful, Outgoing, Even-tempered
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 233 | 191 | 42 | 82% |
Both American and English Cocker Spaniels can make excellent companions for your children. In fact, they have a playful energy that can match any child. While they do love lounging with the adults, they don’t mind romping around with children.
Cocker Spaniels tend to develop strong bonds with their owners, largely because they’re such trusting dogs. They take loyalty to the family and pack very seriously. As such, you can depend on a Cocker Spaniel to take care of the kids.
37. Australian Shepherd
Highlights: Bright, Protective, Good-natured
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 702 | 577 | 125 | 82.2% |
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-built dog that’s inherently good-natured and sweet. Not only are they able to handle the rough play of children, but they equally enjoy the fun play and excitement.
While it’s true that Australian Shepherds tend to be protective of the kids, this could potentially lead to aggression if others approach your children. That said, socialization and obedience is essential. Plus, plenty of exercise to keep them calm.
RECOMMENDED: Are Aussies Good With Kids?
36. Papillon
Highlights: Cheerful, Alert, Friendly
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 96 | 79 | 17 | 82.3% |
Papillons almost didn’t make the cut due to their petite size. Weigh just under 10 pounds and 11 inches tall, they can be fragile with some kids. However, with proper training of the kids, the cheerful Papillon is well suited for life with children.
Unlike other small dog breeds, it’s uncommon for Papillons to snap back because of rough play. But as long as your children are trained to respect and be gentle around these dogs, they’ll be some of the top playmates for them.
35. Border Collie
Highlights: Energetic, Obedient, Hard-working
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 312 | 257 | 55 | 82.4% |
Given their work history, Border Collies are energetic and lively dogs. Even so, they aren’t too big for most children. But what makes them great for kids is their obedience. Border Collies can learn commands quickly and love to show off.
One of the best ways to nurture the child-dog relationship is by including the kids in obedience training. It’ll help establish trust and confidence between the two. And because Border Collies love to work, they’ll respond well to training, even if its with a child.
RECOMMENDED: A Guide to Border Collies & Kids
34. Miniature Pinscher
Highlights: Responsive, Clever, Playful
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 57 | 47 | 10 | 82.5% |
Again, Miniature Pinschers are petite dogs that can get easily injured with rough play. Still, it’s hard to ignore the wonderful personality these little dogs have. As long as you’ve taught your kid to respect them, they’re excellent playmates.
They have the activeness to match a child. Plus, their playfulness means they’re always willing to hang out and romp around. Combine this with their outgoing and sociable personalities, and you have a first-class toy companion for kids.
33. American Eskimo Dog
Highlights: Reserved, Protective, Friendly
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 86 | 71 | 15 | 82.6% |
Also from the spitz family, the American Eskimo dog is a larger version of the Pomeranian. Kids love petting their soft, fluffy coats and their friendliness will mesh with any household. But what makes them best suited for kids is their patience.
American Eskimos are highly alert and vigilant dogs, so they make a good watchdog for kids in your home. It’s worth noting that they love to bark, though. So having small babies in the house may not be the best idea for these dogs.
32. Dalmatian
Highlights: Sensitive, Playful, Friendly
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 359 | 299 | 60 | 83.3% |
The Dalmatian has been a long-time favorite of kids all over the world. It’s not just because of the cult classic, 101 Dalmatians, but also because of their pleasant temperaments. These dogs are affectionate, energetic and playful!
Dalmatians love to participate in family activities. As such, they tend to form strong bonds with all members of the pack, including the kids. If you can provide plenty of play time with the dog and kids, they’ll be best friends in no time.
RECOMMENDED: Raising Dalmatians With Kids
31. Gordon Setter
Highlights: Cheerful, Devoted, Sociable
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 67 | 56 | 11 | 83.6% |
Gordon Setters can be a little on the big side, but they’re not too big for most kids. However, the protective and sweet nature of these dogs far outweigh the risk of unintentional injury. They love to be around kids and their caring personalities prove it.
The best thing about these dogs is their willingness to please. That is, the Gordon Setter will do whatever it takes to put a smile on your child’s face. Despite their sweet disposition, we advise parental supervision during all play sessions.
30. Boxer
Highlights: Confident, Calm, Loyal
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 472 | 396 | 76 | 83.9% |
Boxers tend to need a decent amount of socialization to thrive in a household with kids. But if they do, their silly personality and playful nature will be a huge hit with children. In many ways, Boxers are just like goofy kids.
You can also count on a Boxer to be a great second pair of eyes on children. They’re loyal to the bone, and their courageousness makes them superb canine guardians. If they sense a threat to the kids, expect them to be there for them.
RECOMMENDED: Are Boxers Good with Kids?
29. Saint Bernard
Highlights: Gentle, Docile, Watchful
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 53 | 45 | 8 | 84.9% |
Make no mistake, Saint Bernards are massive dogs that can weigh well over 200 pounds. Even so, they’re famously revered as excellent dogs for children. They’re one of the few “nanny dogs” that are dependable, reliable and friendly.
What makes this work is their calm and gentle demeanor. They’re not overly active and won’t try to jump on your kids, especially with proper training. Saint Bernards are also patient dogs who understand how to navigate the chaotic nature of rowdy kids.
28. Great Pyrenees
Highlights: Affectionate, Patient, Gentle
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 152 | 129 | 23 | 84.9% |
The Great Pyrenees is a wonderful large companion to have in a household with children. They are calm and gentle dogs, who knows how to behave around kids. The best part is the loyalty that they develop towards all members of the pack.
Always trustworthy and dependable, the Great Pyrenees will not hesitate to defend your kids in the presence of danger. After all, they were originally bred to look after and take care of sheep. You can expect them to do the same for your family.
27. Vizsla
Highlights: Gentle, Energetic, Loving
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 54 | 46 | 8 | 85.2% |
Due to the high energy levels and activeness of the Vizsla, they’re better suited for homes with older kids. However, they’re dogs that thrive on human interaction and can be very affectionate with children in your home.
The Vizsla can be both active or gentle, depending on the situation. They’re intelligent dogs that understand when they should play hard and when they need to calm down. But in order to turn them into kid-friendly dogs, socializing is essential.
26. English Springer Spaniel
Highlights: Bright, Attentive, Affectionate
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 162 | 138 | 24 | 85.2% |
The English Springer Spaniels, despite being hunting companions, are great with children and other pets of the family. Few dog breeds are as affectionate and sweet with kids. In fact, they’re always eager to join your kids in some family-friendly activites.
For the most part, Springer Spaniels have a good sense of humor. They love to have fun and are always willing to please people. I’d recommend getting your children involved with training the Springer. They’ll love building this bond with your kids.
25. German Shepherd
Highlights: Loyal, Confident, Courageous
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 3383 | 2885 | 498 | 85.3% |
I was a little hesitant putting in the German Shepherd due to their sheer size and strength. And while it’s true they can potentially hurt a small child, their upside as family dogs is too high to ignore. That said, socialization and training is a must with GSDs.
When properly trained, a German Shepherd is both calm and patient around kids. Though it’s essential you train the kids on how to respect these massive dogs. They’re certainly intelligent enough to understand how to handle children, though.
RECOMMENDED: Raising German Shepherds & Kids
24. Bouvier des Flandres
Highlights: Protective, Gentle, Devoted
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 925 | 790 | 135 | 85.4% |
Don’t let the big black dog syndrome scare you, the Bouvier des Flanders is an excellent option for households with children. In fact, they’re known to be calm and docile dogs with a positive vibe that’s perfect for nearly any family.
As long as you raise your Bouvier with your kid, you can expect them to be lifelong friends and companions. However, it’s worth noting that Bouviers tend to be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs and strangers. So, socializing these dogs are a must.
23. Cavalier King Charles
Highlights: Adaptable, Outgoing, Playful
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 62 | 53 | 9 | 85.5% |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has quickly become one of the best toy companions in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Known for being playful and charming, the spaniel dog has the ability to connect with children with little ease.
They’re generally calm and mindful dogs, especially when there are babies around the home. In contrast, they also know how to play with the older energetic kids. Cavalier Spaniels can be the perfect family dog as long as your kids understand their fragility.
22. Jack Russell Terrier
Highlights: Intelligent, Energetic, Playful
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 69 | 59 | 10 | 85.5% |
The Jack Russell Terrier brings out all the best qualities from the terrier breeds. They’re spirited and fun-loving, but also affectionate and intelligent. In other words, the Jack Russell will make a great playmate, though better suited for older kids.
Jack Russell Terriers need to be around children that can respect them. They’re known to snap back at being rough handled, so the unpredictability of small children is not ideal for them. But with older kids, the relationship will be a beautiful thing.
21. Golden Retriever
Highlights: Loving, Friendly, Dependable
| Tested | Passed | Failed | Pass Rate |
| 813 | 696 | 117 | 85.6% |
The Golden Retri