8 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for Families With Kids

Dogs make wonderful companions for kids. They provide unconditional love and can help children learn about responsibility and cooperation. When picking a dog for your family, it’s essential to consider both your lifestyle and your children’s ages.

Some dog breeds are known for their patience, others love endless play, and some have a natural instinct to protect children. While most dogs benefit from training, kids may also need a bit of guidance to learn how to interact gently and respectfully with their new furry friend.

1. Border Terrier

Fans of the lively and agile Border Terrier appreciate this breed for its reputation as a tough, straightforward working dog. These spirited, happy, and loving dogs are popular pets both in towns and rural areas.

Their wiry coats are low-maintenance, making them easy to care for. Border Terriers typically stand between 11 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder and can be easily identified among other small terriers by their distinctive “otter head.” They also have longer legs compared to many other small terriers. Their coats can come in colors like grizzle and tan, blue and tan, wheaten, or red.

While Border Terriers are known to be “hard as nails” when working, they are affectionate and trainable at home. They enjoy exploring the outdoors and make great playmates for children. Although originally bred as country dogs, Borders adapt well to city living as long as they receive plenty of exercise. They generally get along with other dogs, but their hunting instincts may kick in if they spot cats or squirrels nearby.

2. Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Brave, determined, and smart, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a skilled hunter that easily adapts to various types of game and terrain. But they’re not just great hunters; they also make wonderful companion dogs, full of cheer, intelligence, and a strong desire to please.

This small, stocky dog has a rough coat and is surprisingly energetic and quick for its size. Basset Fauves are friendly with children, making them great family members. However, they do require proper training and socialization to prevent them from getting into trouble.

While they’re not known to be excessive barkers, they will certainly let you know if a rabbit dashes through the yard, showcasing their hunting instincts with a joyful chase. Whether they’re happily running in the field or snuggled up next to the family on the sofa, Basset Fauves bring joy to any home.

3. Beauceron

The Beauceron is a striking and powerful breed, known for its intelligence, energy, and versatility as a herding dog. Picture a Border Collie’s smarts packed into a sturdy 100-pound frame. They are especially popular among women for their charming yet sensitive nature as both companions and protectors.

Beaucerons are muscular and robust, standing up to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, yet they move gracefully and are well-balanced. Their striking black coats have attractive squirrel-red markings, including red feet that earn them the French nickname Bas-Rouge, meaning “red stockings.” They can also come in a black-gray-tan combination. With a long, well-defined head and dark brown eyes that exude confidence, they have an expressive face that breed enthusiasts appreciate.

However, they are not ideal for first-time dog owners, as these strong-willed dogs can easily take charge if not properly trained. When well-trained and socialized, Beaucerons are calm and dependable watchdogs, making them especially good guardians for young children.

4. Beagle

The Beagle is not just a fantastic hunting dog and a loyal friend; it’s also cheerful, funny, and undeniably cute with its pleading expression. Bred to hunt in packs, Beagles love company and are usually quite laid-back.

There are two types of Beagles: those under 13 inches at the shoulder and those between 13 and 15 inches. Both types are sturdy and well-built, often described as “big for their size” by dog enthusiasts. They come in delightful colors like lemon, red and white, and tricolor.

The Beagle’s charm lies in its adorable face, featuring big brown or hazel eyes and long, floppy ears that hang low on a broad head. Known for being “merry,” Beagles are affectionate, joyful, and friendly, making them wonderful family pets. These curious, clever, and energetic hounds need plenty of playtime to stay happy and healthy.

5. Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a spirited and lively little dog full of personality. With their cheeky confidence, these terriers approach life with curiosity and determination.

As one of the smaller, sturdy terriers, the Australian Terrier has a long body and features unique coat furnishings that protect their neck and forequarters, along with a topknot of soft, silky hair that contrasts with their otherwise rough coat. Their elegant neck adds a touch of class, and their dark eyes shine with intelligence. Their coat colors include blue-and-tan, solid red, or sandy shades.

Australian Terriers move gracefully like working dogs and are excellent watchdogs, known for being quick learners during training. They shine in various performance events and, true to their terrier nature, love playing with children and have a strong instinct to chase small critters. Adaptable to different environments, they make loyal companions and fantastic pets.

6. Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz are cheerful little comedians who live to make you smile. Loyal, smart, and affectionate, they’re perfect companions for families and kids. This breed loves adventure, whether it’s a hike, a beach day, or a car ride, and simply enjoys being with its humans.

As a true companion breed, the Japanese Spitz love being part of family life and are eager to learn new things to please their loved ones. They’re known for their happy expressions and beautiful, all-white coats with a mane-like fluff around their necks.

Like other Spitz breeds, they have tails that curl gracefully over their backs. Their foxy face has a pointed black nose, black-rimmed eyes, and erect, triangle-shaped ears that stay alert to everything happening around them, giving them a very aware and attentive personality.

7. Labrador Retriever

The lovable and sweet-natured Labrador Retriever is easygoing, friendly, and full of energy. This breed is a perfect companion for families wanting a medium-to-large dog with plenty of love to share.

Labs are sturdy and well-proportioned, standing between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall and weighing around 55 to 80 pounds, depending on whether they’re male or female. Their dense, tough coat comes in shades of yellow, black, and rich chocolate. With a broad head, warm and friendly eyes, and a thick, tapering “otter tail” that constantly wags with excitement, Labs exude friendliness.

They’re wonderful housemates who bond with the entire family and get along well with neighbors, both human and canine. Despite their easygoing nature, Labs are active and athletic, needing plenty of exercise like swimming or long fetch sessions to stay happy and healthy.

8. Boxer

Boxers are the full doggy package, bringing loyalty, love, smarts, hard work, and charm. These dogs are bright and attentive, sometimes a bit goofy, yet always brave.

Seeing a healthy, well-built Boxer is impressive; males can reach 25 inches at the shoulder, with females being a bit smaller. Beneath their short, snug coat, their muscles ripple, and their dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give them an alert, curious expression. Their coats come in fawn or brindle, often with white markings.

True to their athletic namesake, Boxers move smoothly and powerfully. They’re upbeat and playful, making them wonderful with kids. They are born to protect while having a gentle nature. They’re also known for their loyalty as family watchdogs. Moreover, early socialization with people and other animals helps them thrive and be their best selves.

Several factors can drive up the price of certain dogs, including the rarity of the breed, the number of titles or awards they’ve won, their health status, and their appearance. If you’re curious about the costs of the priciest dog breeds, take a look at the list in this link.