Choosing the right dog breed for a family with young children is an important decision that can provide many years of companionship and joy. The best breeds for children under 10 are gentle, patient and playful, with temperaments that match the energy and curiosity of young children. These dogs are generally easy to train, friendly and adaptable, making them great companions in a family environment. In this article, we’ll explore 12 dog breeds that are particularly suitable for families with children under 10, offering a mix of popular and lesser-known breeds that excel in patience, loyalty and playfulness.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate breed known for its gentle and friendly nature. These dogs do very well with children, as they are patient, easygoing, and love to be a part of family activities. Cavaliers adapt to different living environments, making them a great choice for families living in houses and apartments. Their affectionate nature ensures that they form strong bonds with their young human companions, and their playful yet calm demeanor makes them perfect for children under the age of 10. Cavaliers are also known for their ease of training, which is ideal for families who are bringing home a pet for the first time.
11. Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel is an energetic and affectionate breed that thrives in an active family environment. These dogs are known for their playful nature and boundless energy, making them great companions for children who love to run and play outside. Brittany Spaniels are also incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are patient and gentle with children, making them a safe and loving choice for families with young children. Their intelligence and eagerness to please also make them easy to train, ensuring that they fit well into the family dynamic. With their friendly and energetic nature, Brittany Spaniels are a great choice for families with active children.
10. Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized breed known for its friendly and curious nature. These dogs are great with children due to their playful and patient nature. Beagles are known for their boundless energy, which makes them the perfect companion for children who love to play outside. They are also highly social and love to be a part of family activities. Beagles are relatively easy to train, although their curious nature may lead them to follow interesting scents, so supervision is necessary during outdoor play. Their sturdy build and friendly demeanor make the Beagle a great choice for families with young children.
9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy breed known for its intelligence and playful nature. These dogs do very well with children due to their friendly and sociable personality. Corgis are very energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children. Despite their small size, Corgis are sturdy and can handle the rough and tumble play that occurs with young children. They are also highly trainable and eager to please, making them a good choice for families looking for an obedient and loving pet. Corgis are known for their affectionate nature and will quickly become a beloved family member.
8. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a small, energetic breed known for its affectionate and friendly nature. These dogs do very well with children due to their playful and gentle nature. Norfolk Terriers are highly social and love to be involved in family activities, making them excellent companions for children under the age of 10. They are also known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them easy to train. Despite their small size, Norfolk Terriers are sturdy and can handle the energetic play that occurs with young children. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make them an ideal choice for families looking for a loving and playful pet.
7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed known for its friendly and playful nature. These dogs get along very well with children due to their gentle and patient nature. Wheatens are very energetic and love to play, which makes them great companions for active children. They are also highly social and love to be a part of family activities. Wheatens are known for their loyalty and quickly form strong bonds with their families. Their gentle nature and affectionate behavior make them an ideal choice for families with young children. Wheatens are also relatively easy to train, ensuring that they fit well into the family dynamic.
6. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a large, gentle breed known for its calm and affectionate nature. These dogs do very well with children due to their patient and easygoing nature. Clumbers are very loyal and form strong bonds with their family, making them excellent companions for children under the age of 10. They are not very energetic, but love playtime and being involved in family activities. Clumbers are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for families looking for a well-behaved and loving pet. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes the Clumber Spaniel an ideal choice for families with young children.
5. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. These dogs do very well with children due to their gentle and playful nature. Havanese dogs are highly social and love to be involved in family activities, making them excellent companions for children under the age of 10. They are also known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them easy to train. Despite their small size, Havanese are sturdy and can handle the energetic play that young children often do. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make them an ideal choice for families looking for a loving and playful pet.
4. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a medium-sized breed known for its affectionate and energetic nature. These dogs get along very well with children due to their gentle and playful nature. Vizslas are very energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children. They are also highly social and love to be a part of family activities. Vizslas are known for their loyalty and quickly form strong bonds with their families. Their gentle nature and affectionate behavior make them an ideal choice for families with young children. Vizslas are also relatively easy to train, ensuring that they fit well into the family dynamic.
3. The Pug
The Pug is a small breed known for its affectionate and playful nature. These dogs do very well with children due to their gentle and patient nature. Pugs are highly social and thrive on human companionship, making them excellent family pets. They are sturdy little dogs that can handle the energetic play that often occurs with small children. Pugs are also known for their sense of humor and love to be the center of attention, which can be very entertaining for children. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them an ideal choice for families who are looking for a small dog that loves to be around children.
2. Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. These dogs get along very well with children due to their gentle and playful nature. Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly social and love to be involved in family activities, making them great companions for children under the age of 10. They are also known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them easy to train. Despite their medium size, Icelandic Sheepdogs are sturdy and can handle the energetic play that young children often engage in. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make them an ideal choice for families looking for a loving and playful pet.
1. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized breed known for its friendly and energetic nature. These dogs get along very well with children due to their playful and patient nature. Bearded Collies are highly social and love to be involved in family activities, making them great companions for children under the age of 10. They are also known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them easy to train. Their friendly nature and loyalty make them an ideal choice for families looking for a loving and playful pet. Bearded Collies are also highly energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children.
Ideal family companion
These 12 dog breeds are some of the best choices for families with children under the age of 10. Whether you are looking for a dog that is gentle and patient or one that is energetic and playful, these breeds offer the perfect combination of temperament, loyalty, and adaptability. By choosing a breed that fits well with your family’s lifestyle and the energy level of your children, you can ensure a happy and harmonious home for everyone involved.