Child-friendly dogs have many things in common. Both in terms of their character, as well as their size and appearance:
- Character: Gentle and trusting by nature.
- Tolerance: They also tolerate clumsy behavior and are patient.
- Size: Mostly medium sized to be sturdy enough for children.
- Energy level: Your activity level is limited.
In theory, almost any breed can be trained and socialized to get along with children. However, by making the right choice you can definitely save yourself some work.
Below you will learn about the 33 best dogs for children. You will also learn about their properties, special features and what purposes they are best suited for.
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#1 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the ideal dog for children. Because in addition to the fact that he is a particularly sweet dog, he is also very patient, friendly and obedient.
Furthermore, this four-legged friend is very playful. He has a high tolerance threshold when playing. Despite the urge to play, this dog tends to be overweight.
If a burglar or, alternatively, the unhappy postman should enter the property, the dog's barking will put him in his place.
Fun fact: Although this four-legged friend barks at unwanted guests, he is far too friendly to attack. A typical case of: “Dogs that bark don’t bite.”
#2 American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is such an ideal dog for children because it is super trusting. His playful nature and openness are also optimal.
This spaniel breed is generally very trusting with the family. However, without socialization they are often nervous around people. They then pee with joy.
He is rather unsuitable as a guard dog. He is too friendly towards strangers for that. But he is a really good swimmer who is often used in films.
Fun fact: Even though we have a good swimmer here, one thing throws a spanner in the works: this four-legged friend often gets ear infections.
#3 English Setters
The English Setter is an intelligent and hard-working dog. He is very people-oriented and that is exactly why he is a great dog breed for children.
The appearance of this four-legged friend is reminiscent of a Dalmatian with too long fur. It also gains mass relatively quickly.
A strong hunting instinct and lots of exercise. You should be aware of this with this four-legged friend. Long walks and lots of running are a must.
Fun fact: In addition to plenty of exercise, you should also plan for one new chew toy per week. Maybe you can ask about a volume discount at your local pet store?
#4 Poodle
The Poodle is naturally super friendly and social. That's exactly what makes him a great family dog. The child-friendly dogs also make great play partners.
The poodle has its home in Germany, but its name comes from French. It is one of the 7th most popular dog breeds in the world.
By the way, this water dog used to be shaved bald. Not because the fashion of the time demanded it, but simply so that he could swim better.
Fun fact: Turner beware! Here you have the perfect practice partner who can learn the “Flickflack” together with you. No fun.
#5 German boxer
The German Boxer is a protection dog breed. Are you looking for a dog for children? Then you've come to the right place! This four-legged friend is protective, playful and always behaves in a friendly manner.
In general, this four-legged friend is also very trusting towards the family. However, a family member should always be present because he has difficulty staying alone.
He doesn't cope particularly well with heat and cold. Despite the fact that it needs a lot of exercise, it is suitable for apartments. His trainability is also good.
Fun fact: A boxer named “Brandy” holds the record for the longest tongue in the world at 43 cm. In comparison, the longest human tongue is only 10.1 cm.
#6 Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is a particularly intelligent and friendly four-legged friend. If you are looking for a dog breed for children, then you have definitely come to the right place.
One reason for this is that he is incredibly people-oriented and very companionable. He is also very trainable.
By the way, this breed has only been around for around 100 years. It is one of 28 spaniel species. They are always brown, but they do come in different shades of brown.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend is not only ideal for children, but also has his very own inner child. He will never stop loving birthday and Christmas. Or the secret attention that comes with it.
#7 Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever. One of the most famous four-legged friends. But did you know that it has a high probability of detecting cancer?
He is also the ideal playing partner. This makes him the perfect dog for children. A playing partner with a very loyal and patient character.
Cats or other pets in no way disturb this sociable four-legged friend. Just like other dogs. He is also an ideal family dog.
Fun fact: Swimming and bathing, not a big difference? Puppy cake! For this four-legged friend, swimming is the greatest joy, but bathing… The bathtub is clearly the enemy.
#8 Beagles
The Beagle can be found in two different sizes. Once weighing 8 kg and once twice as heavy. Nevertheless, both of these weight classes tend to be overweight.
This child-friendly dog is considered to be particularly sensitive. He has an incredibly trusting character and a very calm demeanor.
Unfortunately, he is unsuitable as a guard dog. But it is able to detect bed bugs, among other things. After all, he has one of the best noses among dogs.
Fun fact: Nobody likes bed bugs… But a live Snoopy in bed is something to think about.
#9 Wolfspitz
The Wolfspitz sheds a lot. So it's not worth putting a carpet in the children's room. Because you don't want to deny any child this playful and friendly four-legged friend.
He is the perfect dog for children. Not only because of his very playful nature, but also because of his high tolerance. You can cope with a Barbie shoe on your face.
This family dog breed is suitable for young and old. But nothing should be left lying around, as this four-legged friend loves to gnaw on things. So be careful with your slippers.
Fun fact: Beware of the earthy fur ball. This four-legged friend simply digs a hole in the garden to cool off. Maybe it's better to warn the seedlings…
#10 French Bulldog
According to studies, the French bulldog is one of the stupidest dogs in the world. They are very sociable and sociable and are the ideal dog breed for children.
Due to its size, it is more suitable for children aged 8 and over. He's also a pretty short-legged dog. He is also often unable to reproduce on his own.
This dog has bat-like ears and, according to surveys, is one of the cutest dogs in the world. But he can also be a real stubborn person at times.
Fun fact: “Master has given Dobby a sock, Dobby is free!” – This four-legged friend has bat ears, just like the well-known house elf from Harry Potter.
#11 Irish Red Setters
The Irish Red Setter is trusting and loving. These characteristics and the fact that he is a good play partner make him a child-friendly dog.
In general he gets along very well with people. But it takes a relatively long time to mature. This means he behaves like a young puppy for up to 2 years.
The four-legged friend has particularly long hair on the tail, legs and chest. He also always has red-brown fur. His homeland is Ireland.
Fun fact: Why have a bed when you can have shoes? This four-legged friend overcomes loneliness by taking a nap on your clothes and shoes.
#12 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is literally a bundle of love wrapped in fur. A bundle of fur that, among other things, also makes a great dog for children.
It is also ideal for first-time owners. Finally, he is very patient and adaptable. His trainability is mediocre and he barks little.
By the way, it has different names depending on the color of its fur. 3 colors means Prince Charles, black and brown stands for King Charles and completely brown and red for Ruby.
Fun fact: “Blenheim.” – “The place where we buy the dog?” – «No. This refers to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the coat color white and chestnut.”
#13 Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog gets very heavy. It can reach up to 50 kg. But he is still the ideal dog for children. He is very gentle and protective.
Suitable for children: This four-legged friend matures relatively slowly. At least slower than other dogs and therefore seems a bit immature even when fully grown.
Plus, with all that hair, a good vacuum cleaner is a must. As well as a place to dig in the garden. Because this four-legged friend loves to dig and gnaw.
Fun fact: The hair of this four-legged friend leaves so many traces of fur that you would think that this four-legged friend would become bald within a short period of time.
#14 Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier is very trusting with the family. Because of this and his very attentive nature, he is the perfect dog breed for children. By the way, he is a house dog.
It is suitable for apartment life and also for beginners. What's also practical here is that it's easy to train and doesn't shed. He is also very friendly.
This four-legged friend loves attention from others. He enjoys playing the clown in front of a group of people. Drooling is also a part of it, as is flatulence.
Fun fact: Better than a cat! This dog is excellent for getting rid of rats.
#15 Vizsla
The Vizsla is gentle, loyal and trusting, making it the ideal dog for children. A great playmate with long floppy ears and brown fur.
This four-legged friend also makes an excellent hunting dog because it is very versatile. However, he has a rather weak hunting instinct. He also needs a lot of exercise.
A large garden or long walks are mandatory. But don't worry, he is very good-natured and easy to train. He runs up to 64 km/h.
Fun fact: Once this four-legged friend sees you as his master, you will have a cute, hairy burr attached to you forever.
#16 Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier greets his family particularly enthusiastically. He often jumps up to lick the face – the “Wheaten greeting”.
But that's just one of many…