Top 20
Dog breeds for families with children
For a family, choose a patient, sociable dog breed. These breeds are often recommended for homes with children: see temperament, training and breeders on each profile.
- 1
Australian Shepherd
A brilliant, athletic herding dog and very close to its family.
Children: 5/5Medium United States
- 2
Golden Retriever
A gentle, intelligent family dog, always ready to share everyday life.
Children: 5/5Large United Kingdom
- 3
French Bulldog
Small companion dog very attached to its family, the French Bulldog combines tenderness, good humor and true adaptation to city life.
Children: 5/5Small France
- 4
Cavalier King Charles
A small elegant, graceful and very gentle dog, deeply attached to its family.
Children: 5/5Small United Kingdom
- 5
Labrador Retriever
A large retriever that is gentle, playful and very cooperative, ideal for an active family life.
Children: 5/5Large United Kingdom
- 6
Miniature American Shepherd
Small, lively and versatile shepherd, it combines the drive of a herding dog with a more compact size.
Children: 5/5Medium United States
- 7
Brittany Spaniel
A small French pointing dog, affectionate, athletic and always willing.
Children: 5/5Medium France
- 8
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle Swiss giant, affectionate, loyal and deeply attached to its family.
Children: 5/5Giant Switzerland
- 9
- 10
Shetland Sheepdog
A small, elegant, intelligent shepherd dog, deeply attached to its family.
Children: 5/5Small United Kingdom
- 11
Border Collie
A brilliant, intense and tireless herding dog, made to work and learn.
Children: 5/5Medium United Kingdom
- 12
Pug
Small companion dog with a wrinkled face, the Pug charms with its gentleness, its cheerfulness and its affectionate presence.
Children: 5/5Small China
- 13
Newfoundland
A gentle giant, powerful and naturally gifted for water rescue.
Children: 5/5Giant Canada
- 14
Beagle
British scent hound with an exceptional nose, the Beagle combines cheerfulness, sociability and fine endurance.
Children: 5/5Medium United Kingdom
- 15
Dogue de Bordeaux
A powerful French mastiff, calm and very attached to its family.
Children: 5/5Giant France
- 16
- 17
English Pointer
A large elegant pointing dog, hardy and very attached to its family.
Children: 5/5Large United Kingdom
- 18
Weimaraner
Also called Weimaraner, this athletic German pointing dog combines energy, scenting ability and attachment to its family.
Children: 5/5Large Germany
- 19
Maltese
A small elegant, affectionate and lively companion with a long silky white coat.
Children: 5/5Small Italy
- 20
Saint Bernard
A gentle and protective giant, famous for its calm and its rescue instinct.
Children: 5/5Giant Switzerland
This ranking is based on scores from 1 to 5 assigned to each dog breed in our listings. In a tie, breeds with more breeders in France rank higher.
Other dog breed rankings
- Dog breeds suited to apartment living
- Dog breeds for first-time owners
- Most affectionate dog breeds
- Dog breeds that get along with other pets
- Easy-to-train dog breeds
- Dog breeds that bark less
- Guard dog breeds
- Calm, low-energy dog breeds
- Dog breeds that shed less
- Dog breeds that drool less
- Low-maintenance dog breeds
- Most intelligent dog breeds
- Hardiest dog breeds
- Dog breeds that need little exercise
- So-called hypoallergenic dog breeds
- Small dog breeds
- More affordable dog breeds