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