Best Dog Breeds for Families
"Family dog" means different things to different households. The breeds below tend to score well on child-friendliness ratings in our dataset, but those scores are general guidance — they do not guarantee that any specific dog will be safe or appropriate with your children. No matter the breed, supervised interaction between dogs and young children is always recommended. Early training, clear household rules, and respectful introductions matter more than the label of any breed.
374 breeds in this category
large Labrador Retriever
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
large Golden Retriever
From Scotland
Affectionate, trustworthy, eager, sociable
large German Shepherd Dog
From Germany
Confident, loyal, alert, hardworking
small French Bulldog
From France
Adaptable, charming, even-tempered
large Poodle (Standard)
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
medium Bulldog
From England
Calm, brave, affectionate, steady
small Beagle
From England
Cheerful, curious, amiable, determined
large Rottweiler
From Germany
Confident, watchful, even-tempered, courageous
medium German Shorthaired Pointer
From Germany
Enthusiastic, cooperative, bold, affectionate
small Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Alert, loyal, outgoing, spirited
medium Australian Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, devoted, work-driven
large Boxer
From Germany
Playful, loyal, alert, spirited
medium Siberian Husky
From Russia
Friendly, mischievous, independent, gentle
giant Great Dane
From Germany
Gentle, dependable, watchful, affectionate
large Doberman Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, fearless, intelligent, energetic
small Miniature Schnauzer
From Germany
Spirited, friendly, smart, alert
toy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
From England
Affectionate, gentle, friendly, patient
toy Shih Tzu
From Tibet
Outgoing, affectionate, alert, charming
small Boston Terrier
From United States
Friendly, bright, amusing, adaptable
large Bernese Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Good-natured, calm, hardworking, loyal
small Havanese
From Cuba
Affectionate, social, playful, clever
small Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
From Scotland
Bright, responsive, loyal, sensitive
medium Brittany
From France
Happy, agile, attentive, eager
medium English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, obedient, gentle
large Cane Corso
From Italy
Protective, confident, reserved with strangers, loyal
giant English Mastiff
From England
Dignified, loyal, protective, gentle
medium Airedale Terrier
From England
Alert, bold, versatile, friendly
medium American Pit Bull Terrier
From United States
Confident, affectionate, driven, tenacious
medium American Staffordshire Terrier
From United States
Loyal, confident, attentive, brave
small Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From England
Clever, courageous, affectionate, bold
large American Bulldog
From United States
Confident, brave, loyal, determined
medium English Cocker Spaniel
From England
Merry, affectionate, responsive, keen
large English Setter
From England
Gentle, friendly, biddable, lively
large Irish Setter
From Ireland
Enthusiastic, affectionate, energetic, eager
giant Irish Wolfhound
From Ireland
Gentle, patient, courageous, dignified
large Scottish Deerhound
From Scotland
Courteous, gentle, easygoing, athletic
large Greyhound
From England
Mild, polite, sensitive, athletic
medium Whippet
From England
Gentle, amiable, quick, affectionate
medium Pharaoh Hound
From Malta
Friendly, alert, intelligent, athletic
medium Ibizan Hound
From Spain
Athletic, sensitive, playful, polite
large Alaskan Malamute
From United States
Steady, affectionate, strong-willed, dignified
medium Samoyed
From Russia
Bright, gentle, alert, social
giant Great Pyrenees
From France
Patient, protective, mellow, strong-willed
giant Newfoundland
From Canada
Sweet, patient, devoted, calm
giant Saint Bernard
From Switzerland
Gentle, friendly, watchful, composed
large Rough Collie
From Scotland
Responsive, devoted, gentle, alert
large Smooth Collie
From Scotland
Smart, affectionate, attentive, agile
large Belgian Tervuren
From Belgium
Energetic, intelligent, protective, devoted
large Belgian Sheepdog
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, loyal, energetic
medium Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler / Queensland Heeler)
From Australia
Alert, tough, loyal, intense
small Bichon Frise
From France
Cheerful, affectionate, sensitive, playful
toy Maltese
From Malta
Gentle, playful, affectionate, alert
small Pug
From China
Charming, mischievous, loving, sturdy
small Cairn Terrier
From Scotland
Cheerful, alert, independent, tough
small West Highland White Terrier
From Scotland
Friendly, confident, spirited, smart
medium Kerry Blue Terrier
From Ireland
Alert, determined, affectionate, bold
medium Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
From Ireland
Cheerful, affectionate, confident, spirited
giant Bullmastiff
From England
Loyal, alert, fearless, reserved
large Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Zimbabwe
Even-tempered, athletic, loyal, independent
medium Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, sensitive, energetic
large Weimaraner
From Germany
Energetic, fearless, headstrong, devoted
large Pointer
From England
Even-tempered, hardworking, affectionate, responsive
large Gordon Setter
From Scotland
Loyal, serious, affectionate, dignified
medium Basset Hound
From France
Easygoing, devoted, patient, stubborn
large Bloodhound
From Belgium
Gentle, persistent, affectionate, independent
small American Cocker Spaniel
From United States
Merry, affectionate, responsive, gentle
large English Foxhound
From England
Genial, active, determined, pack-oriented
large American Foxhound
From United States
Sweet, independent, active, good-natured
medium Norwegian Elkhound
From Norway
Loyal, bold, alert, friendly
giant Kuvasz
From Hungary
Protective, loyal, independent, intelligent
large Anatolian Shepherd Dog
From Turkey
Reserved, loyal, independent, steady
giant Leonberger
From Germany
Gentle, friendly, confident, patient
large Chesapeake Bay Retriever
From United States
Courageous, loyal, tireless, sensible
large Flat-Coated Retriever
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, birdy, eager
large Curly-Coated Retriever
From England
Smart, confident, reserved, hardworking
medium Welsh Springer Spaniel
From Wales
Loyal, affectionate, diligent, steady
medium Field Spaniel
From England
Sweet, thoughtful, active, eager
medium Clumber Spaniel
From England
Mellow, affectionate, determined, dignified
medium Boykin Spaniel
From United States
Friendly, eager, energetic, keen
large Spinone Italiano
From Italy
Patient, docile, resilient, affectionate
medium Lagotto Romagnolo
From Italy
Keen, affectionate, quick, diligent
large Irish Water Spaniel
From Ireland
Smart, spirited, humorous, confident
medium Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
From Netherlands
Loyal, eager, sensitive, outdoorsy
medium German Wirehaired Pointer
From Germany
Driven, loyal, confident, energetic
large German Longhaired Pointer
From Germany
Calm, cooperative, affectionate, driven
large Bracco Italiano
From Italy
Affectionate, docile, diligent, sensitive
small Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
From France
Merry, bold, curious, vocal
medium Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
From France
Cheerful, determined, outgoing, vocal
medium Wirehaired Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, resilient, gentle
large Bergamasco
From Italy
Calm, patient, independent, loyal
large Old English Sheepdog
From England
Comical, adaptable, protective, gentle
large Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Steady, loyal, fearless, confident
medium Entlebucher Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Devoted, determined, alert, energetic
small Swedish Vallhund
From Sweden
Cheerful, watchful, energetic, bold
medium Finnish Lapphund
From Finland
Friendly, alert, docile, eager
small Icelandic Sheepdog
From Iceland
Happy, alert, friendly, energetic
medium Norwegian Buhund
From Norway
Cheerful, alert, energetic, clever
medium Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, independent, protective
medium Polish Lowland Sheepdog
From Poland
Bright, confident, watchful, affectionate
medium Portuguese Water Dog
From Portugal
Loyal, spirited, intelligent, biddable
small American Eskimo Dog
From United States
Bright, alert, playful, affectionate
medium Keeshond
From Netherlands
Alert, friendly, outgoing, intelligent
medium Finnish Spitz
From Finland
Lively, independent, vocal, friendly
medium Kishu Ken
From Japan
Calm, loyal, courageous, reserved
medium Hokkaido
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, hardy
medium Plott Hound
From United States
Bold, loyal, alert, driven
large Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Friendly, determined, vocal, devoted
large Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, affectionate, driven
large Treeing Walker Coonhound
From United States
Active, confident, intelligent, sociable
large Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Easygoing, brave, sociable, determined
large American English Coonhound
From United States
Sociable, athletic, persistent, good-natured
small Norfolk Terrier
From England
Fearless, friendly, alert, energetic
small Norwich Terrier
From England
Affectionate, energetic, fearless, alert
small Sealyham Terrier
From Wales
Calm, brave, inquisitive, humorous
small Welsh Terrier
From Wales
Happy, confident, alert, friendly
small Bedlington Terrier
From England
Gentle, spirited, intelligent, affectionate
small American Hairless Terrier
From United States
Lively, curious, alert, affectionate
small Rat Terrier
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, tenacious
small Australian Terrier
From Australia
Spirited, alert, affectionate, courageous
medium Tibetan Terrier
From Tibet
Affectionate, sensitive, playful, loyal
medium Ainu Dog
From Japan
Courageous, alert, loyal, reserved
medium Airedale
From England
Alert, bold, trainable, friendly
giant Akbash Dog
From Turkey
Protective, patient, independent, watchful
large Alano Espanol
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
large Alano Español
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
medium Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
From United States
Loyal, watchful, confident, steady
medium Alaskan Husky
From United States
Athletic, focused, social, driven
small Alopekis
From Greece
Calm, companionable, cooperative, loyal
large American Alsatian
From United States
Calm, devoted, mellow, intelligent
large American Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, mellow, sociable
large American Blue Gascon Hound
From United States
Steady, determined, amicable, focused
medium American Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
small American Bullnese
From United States
Affectionate, playful, easygoing, loyal
medium American Bully
From United States
Confident, affectionate, stable, outgoing
large North American Indian Dog
From United States
Attentive, loyal, sensitive, adaptable
medium American Leopard Hound
From United States
Energetic, determined, even-tempered, eager to please
giant American Mastiff
From United States
Steady, loyal, gentle, watchful
medium American Water Spaniel
From United States
Cheerful, eager, intelligent, hardy
large American White Shepherd
From United States
Intelligent, devoted, alert, sensitive
large Ariege Pointing Dog
From France
Eager, responsive, calm, friendly
medium Ariegeois
From France
Gentle, energetic, amicable, focused
medium Australian Bulldog
From Australia
Friendly, stable, confident, affectionate
medium Australian Cobberdog
From Australia
Gentle, intelligent, sociable, intuitive
medium Australian Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
medium Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher
From Austria
Alert, spirited, protective, good-natured
medium Auvergne Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
medium Barbado da Terceira
From Portugal
Loyal, biddable, energetic, affectionate
medium Barbet
From France
Cheerful, willing, gentle, sociable
small Basset Artésien Normand
From France
Sweet, calm, determined, companionable
small Basset Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Even-tempered, sociable, persistent, calm
small Basset Fauve de Bretagne
From France
Merry, determined, friendly, clever
medium Bearded Collie
From Scotland
Playful, intelligent, exuberant, hardy
large Beauceron
From France
Confident, loyal, watchful, willing
large Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
From Belgium
Energetic, alert, sensitive, loyal
large Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
large Berger Blanc Suisse
From Switzerland
Gentle, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
large Berger Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
small Bichon Havanais
From Cuba
Affectionate, bright, social, playful
toy Biewer Terrier
From Germany
Happy, loyal, confident, playful
medium Black Mouth Cur
From United States
Brave, loyal, energetic, biddable
medium Black Norwegian Elkhound
From Norway
Alert, bold, friendly, independent
medium Blue Picardy Spaniel
From France
Balanced, friendly, steady, willing
large Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Determined, mellow, intelligent, friendly
medium Bedouin Shepherd Dog
From Middle East
Vigilant, loyal, resilient, reserved
small Bench-Legged Feist
From United States
Energetic, keen, loyal, eager
large Bergamasco Sheepdog
From Italy
Calm, patient, intelligent, devoted
large Berger des Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
medium Bernese Hound
From Switzerland
Friendly, determined, calm, sociable
toy Biewer
From Germany
Cheerful, loyal, confident, playful
medium Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
giant Boerboel
From South Africa
Protective, confident, stable, loyal
medium Bohemian Shepherd
From Czech Republic
Friendly, obedient, alert, devoted
small Bohemian Terrier
From Czech Republic
Cheerful, clever, calm, affectionate
toy Bolognese
From Italy
Loving, docile, playful, sensitive
small Border Terrier
From United Kingdom
Plucky, affectionate, game, trainable
large Bosnian-Herzegovinian Sheepdog (Tornjak)
From Bosnia
Loyal, steady, protective, dignified
large Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Confident, loyal, courageous, steady
medium Braque du Bourbonnais
From France
Affectionate, willing, calm, biddable
medium Braque Français Pyrenean
From France
Lively, affectionate, responsive, willing
large Briard
From France
Loyal, fearless, obedient, affectionate
medium Brittany Spaniel
From France
Bright, eager, affectionate, agile
giant Broholmer
From Denmark
Calm, protective, gentle, loyal
giant Bukovina Sheepdog
From Romania
Protective, calm, resilient, devoted
medium Canaan Dog
From Israel
Alert, vigilant, loyal, independent
large Cane Corso Italiano
From Italy
Loyal, intelligent, protective, athletic
small Cardigan Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Loyal, clever, watchful, affectionate
large Carpathian Sheepdog
From Romania
Protective, calm, steadfast, territorial
medium Catalan Sheepdog
From Spain
Intelligent, loyal, lively, affectionate
medium Cesky Fousek
From Czech Republic
Willing, calm, biddable, affectionate
small Cesky Terrier
From Czech Republic
Calm, courageous, pleasant, loyal
medium Chien dArtois
From France
Calm, friendly, determined, sociable
large Chinook
From United States
Gentle, willing, calm, athletic
medium Clumber Spaniel
From England
Gentle, mellow, steady, loyal
large Cao da Serra da Estrela
From Portugal
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
medium Cao da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
giant Cao de Gado Transmontano
From Portugal
Steady, protective, calm, independent
large Collie
From Scotland
Devoted, intelligent, gentle, vigilant
large Collie (Rough and Smooth)
From Scotland
Loyal, responsive, gentle, alert
medium Continental Bulldog
From Switzerland
Friendly, balanced, confident, affectionate
toy Continental Toy Spaniel
From France
Friendly, intelligent, alert, playful
small Coton de Tulear
From Madagascar
Happy, affectionate, witty, sociable
medium Cretan Hound
From Greece
Alert, agile, gentle, independent
medium Croatian Sheepdog
From Croatia
Energetic, biddable, alert, loyal
small Czesky Terrier
From Czech Republic
Calm, brave, friendly, loyal
large Cão da Serra da Estrela
From Portugal
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
medium Cão da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
giant Cão de Gado Transmontano
From Portugal
Steady, protective, calm, independent
medium Dalmatian
From Croatia
Outgoing, smart, active, loyal
small Dandie Dinmont Terrier
From Scotland
Determined, gentle, dignified, friendly
giant Danish Broholmer
From Denmark
Calm, loyal, watchful, friendly
small Danish-Swedish Farmdog
From Denmark
Friendly, lively, attentive, willing
medium Deutscher Wachtelhund
From Germany
Eager, friendly, energetic, biddable
giant Dogue de Bordeaux
From France
Loyal, brave, affectionate, dignified
medium Drentsche Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
medium Drentse Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
large Dutch Shepherd Dog
From Netherlands
Energetic, loyal, responsive, protective
small Dutch Smoushond
From Netherlands
Friendly, lively, affectionate, alert
large East European Shepherd
From Russia
Confident, loyal, alert, resilient
large East Siberian Laika
From Russia
Alert, hardy, independent, devoted
medium Elkhound (see Norwegian Elkhound)
From Norway
Bold, friendly, dependable, alert
medium English Bulldog
From England
Gentle, brave, loyal, easygoing
large English Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, good-natured, energetic
large English Pointer
From England
Friendly, driven, even-tempered, responsive
medium English Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, energetic, biddable
medium English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, attentive, active
medium Entlebucher
From Switzerland
Loyal, determined, alert, smart
medium Entlebucher Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Devoted, agile, vigilant, trainable
large Eskimo Dog
From Arctic
Hardy, alert, social, energetic
medium Estonian Hound
From Estonia
Cheerful, determined, sociable, alert
large Estrela Mountain Dog
From Portugal
Protective, loyal, steady, independent
medium Eurasier
From Germany
Gentle, even-tempered, loyal, observant
medium Finnish Hound
From Finland
Calm, persistent, social, even-tempered
medium French Brittany Spaniel
From France
Eager, affectionate, intelligent, agile
giant French Mastiff
From France
Loyal, brave, affectionate, dignified
medium French Spaniel
From France
Gentle, cooperative, friendly, adaptable
large Galgo Espaol
From Spain
Calm, loyal, sensitive, swift
large Galgo Español
From Spain
Gentle, loyal, quiet, swift
medium Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
From Denmark
Calm, willing, reliable, affectionate
medium German Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, confident
large German Rough-Haired Pointing Dog
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
medium Schafpudel
From Germany
Intelligent, willing, gentle, loyal
medium German Spitz (Giant)
From Germany
Alert, loyal, spirited, confident
small German Spitz (Medium)
From Germany
Lively, attentive, affectionate, bold
small Glen of Imaal Terrier
From Ireland
Spirited, patient, loyal, brave
small Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
From France
Happy, determined, friendly, independent
large Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Faithful, alert, gentle, confident
large Greek Sheepdog
From Greece
Independent, courageous, decisive, loyal
large Groenendael
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
large Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
large Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund (Alt)
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
medium Hamilton Hound
From Sweden
Friendly, eager, steady, confident
medium Hamiltonstovare
From Sweden
Friendly, eager, steady, confident
medium Harrier
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, determined, pack-oriented
medium Hokkaido Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, dignified
large Hovawart
From Germany
Loyal, watchful, intelligent, confident
large Hungarian Kuvasz
From Hungary
Protective, dignified, loyal, vigilant
small Hungarian Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, vocal, loyal
large Hungarian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog
From Hungary
Gentle, eager, intelligent, trainable
small Indian Spitz
From India
Alert, playful, intelligent, loyal
small Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
From Ireland
Gentle, courageous, patient, game
large Irish Red and White Setter
From Ireland
Affectionate, eager, energetic, friendly
medium Irish Terrier
From Ireland
Bold, affectionate, spirited, loyal
large Italian Spinoni
From Italy
Gentle, affectionate, docile, earnest
large Jamthund (Swedish Elkhound)
From Sweden
Brave, steady, loyal, alert
small Japanese Spitz
From Japan
Lively, affectionate, alert, intelligent
giant Karakachan
From Bulgaria
Self-confident, courageous, intelligent, balanced
medium Kelb tal-Fenek
From Malta
Friendly, playful, athletic, sensitive
medium Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
large Kerry Beagle
From Ireland
Energetic, free-spirited, determined, social
large King Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, confident, intelligent, protective
small Kokoni
From Greece
Lively, cheerful, smart, loyal
small Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, sensitive
medium Koolie
From Australia
Alert, eager, intelligent, loyal
small Kromfohrlander
From Germany
Friendly, lively, affectionate, intelligent
large Kunming Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, confident, intelligent
small Kyi-Leo
From United States
Affectionate, calm, playful, alert
large Labrador
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
small Lancashire Heeler
From United Kingdom
Alert, smart, cheerful, confident
giant Landseer
From Germany
Gentle, loyal, calm, patient
medium Lapinporokoira
From Finland
Loyal, energetic, willing, attentive
medium Lapponian Herder
From Finland
Energetic, responsive, alert, loyal
large Large Münsterländer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, affectionate, steady
large Large Münsterländer (Alt)
From Germany
Gentle, eager, attentive, keen
giant Leonberg
From Germany
Calm, friendly, confident, patient
large Llewellin Setter
From England
Affectionate, eager, athletic, responsive
small Lucas Terrier
From United Kingdom
Friendly, cheerful, steady, affectionate
small Löwchen
From France
Friendly, lively, affectionate, outgoing
small Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)
From France
Happy, affectionate, sociable, playful
small Löwchen (Little Lion Dog, Alt)
From France
Affectionate, playful, alert, friendly
large Malamute
From Alaska
Friendly, strong-willed, loyal, playful
large Maremma Sheepdog
From Italy
Protective, dignified, loyal, independent
small Markiesje
From Netherlands
Friendly, calm, intelligent, alert
medium McNab
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, protective, energetic
toy Mi-Ki
From United States
Sweet, calm, attentive, friendly
small Miniature American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
small Miniature American Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, loyal, biddable
toy Miniature Fox Terrier
From Australia
Fearless, bold, playful, loyal
small Miniature Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
large Mucuchies
From Venezuela
Affectionate, reserved, noble, intelligent
medium Mudi
From Hungary
Lively, intelligent, alert, loyal
small Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, affectionate
medium Nenets Herding Laika
From Russia
Lively, agile, friendly, obedient
large New Zealand Huntaway
From New Zealand
Energetic, vocal, loyal, trainable
small North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
From United States
Energetic, devoted, intelligent, responsive
large Chukotka Sledge Dog
From Russia
Friendly, willing, hardy, enduring
large Northern Inuit Dog
From United Kingdom
Friendly, placid, outgoing, intelligent
medium Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
From Canada
Playful, intelligent, alert, affectionate
medium Old Danish Chicken Dog
From Denmark
Calm, reliable, affectionate, willing
giant Old English Mastiff
From England
Docile, courageous, loyal, dignified
large Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
From England
Affectionate, adaptable, intelligent, boisterous
medium Olde English Bulldogge
From United States
Loyal, confident, stable, affectionate
large Otterhound
From England
Friendly, boisterous, determined, independent
giant Owczarek Podhalanski
From Poland
Protective, composed, loyal, independent
small Pembroke
From Wales
Affectionate, smart, bold, friendly
small Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Outgoing, smart, bold, loyal
large Perdiguero de Burgos
From Spain
Gentle, biddable, steady, affectionate
medium Pachón Navarro
From Spain
Docile, calm, intelligent, sociable
small Perro Ratonero Andaluz
From Spain
Alert, cheerful, agile, affectionate
small Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
From France
Merry, bold, friendly, curious
medium Petit Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Calm, sociable, determined, gentle
medium Picardy Spaniel
From France
Calm, friendly, willing, affectionate
medium Polish Hound
From Poland
Calm, friendly, persistent, social
giant Polish Tatra Sheepdog
From Poland
Protective, composed, loyal, independent
large Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
small Poodle (Miniature)
From France
Intelligent, eager, lively, affectionate
toy Poodle (Toy)
From France
Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful
medium Porcelaine
From France
Gentle, sociable, determined, calm
medium Portuguese Podengo
From Portugal
Lively, alert, friendly, independent
small Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
From Portugal
Playful, alert, friendly, hardy
medium Portuguese Pointer
From Portugal
Gentle, eager, sociable, steady
medium Portuguese Sheepdog
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
medium Posavac Hound
From Croatia
Calm, sociable, persistent, gentle
toy Prazsky Krysavik
From Czech Republic
Cheerful, alert, friendly, brave
small Puli (Pulik)
From Hungary
Lively, smart, loyal, vocal
medium Pumi
From Hungary
Energetic, intelligent, alert, bold
giant Pyrenean Mastiff
From Spain
Protective, gentle, calm, loyal
giant Pyrenean Mountain Dog
From France
Gentle, vigilant, patient, independent
large Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, friendly, determined
giant Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
From Romania
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
small Russian Spaniel
From USSR, Russia
Hard-working, enduring, intelligent, contact-seeking
toy Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
From Russia
Affectionate, lively, well-balanced, sweet
medium Sabueso Español
From Spain
Calm, persistent, friendly, vocal
medium Sabueso Español (Alt)
From Spain
Calm, persistent, friendly, vocal
medium Sapsari
From South Korea
Gentle, loyal, obedient, watchful
medium Schapendoes
From Netherlands
Cheerful, smart, active, affectionate
medium Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
large Scotch Collie
From Scotland
Loyal, intelligent, sensitive, friendly
large Shiloh Shepherd
From United States
Calm, courageous, self-confident, intelligent
medium Silken Windhound
From United States
Gentle, friendly, intelligent, athletic
large Slovensky Cuvac
From Slovakia
Protective, calm, loyal, independent
large Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac (Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer / Rough-Haired Pointer)
From Slovakia
Steady, obedient, intelligent, gentle
medium Small Munsterlander
From Germany
Intelligent, biddable, lively, loving
medium Spaniel de Pont Audemer
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, friendly
medium Spanish Water Dog
From Spain
Faithful, obedient, lively, hard working
large St Germain Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
medium Stabyhoun
From Netherlands
Gentle, loyal, intelligent, patient
medium Standard American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
large Standard Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
medium Standard Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
medium Stephens Stock Mountain Cur
From United States
Energetic, brave, loyal, focused
large Stichelhaar
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
small Sussex Spaniel
From England
Happy, gentle, steady, affectionate
medium Swedish Lapphund
From Sweden
Friendly, alert, affectionate, lively
medium Swiss Hound (Swiss Laufhund)
From Switzerland
Sociable, calm, persistent, gentle
small Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
From United States
Lively, loyal, smart, playful
small Tenterfield Terrier
From Australia
Cheerful, alert, affectionate, bold
large Tornjak
From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia
Protective, steady, loyal, patient
toy Toy Fox Terrier
From United States
Intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal
toy Toy Poodle
From France
Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful
medium Treeing Tennessee Brindle
From United States
Friendly, courageous, intelligent, eager
medium Victorian Bulldog
From United Kingdom
Loyal, gentle, confident, affectionate
small Volpino Italiano
From Italy
Lively, affectionate, alert, playful
large White Swiss Shepherd
From Switzerland
Lively, balanced, friendly, discreet
medium Yakutian Laika
From Russia
Bold, lively, friendly, sociable
How we choose breeds for this list
Children-friendly rating ≥ 4.
Frequently asked questions
Is any breed guaranteed safe with children? +
No. Every dog is an individual. The breeds here are often well-tolerated in family settings, but supervision, training, and teaching children how to interact with dogs are non-negotiable regardless of breed.
What age is right to bring home a family dog? +
There is no single right answer. Some families do well introducing a dog when children are older and dog-savvy; others raise puppy and child together successfully. Honest self-assessment matters more than age alone.