Choosing the right dog breed for a family with young children is an important decision. The ideal dog for a home with children under the age of 5 should be gentle, patient, and tolerant. They should also be friendly, easy to train, and able to handle the occasional rough play by children. While many dogs are good with children, some breeds are particularly well-suited to families with young children due to their temperament, size, and energy level. In this article, we’ll explore the 12 best dog breeds for children under 5, highlighting why each breed fits into this category and what makes them great companions for young children.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate breed known for its gentle and patient nature. These dogs are incredibly friendly and are often described as “velcro dogs” because they love to stick close to their owners. Cavaliers are great with young children due to their calm nature and loving disposition. They are playful yet gentle, which makes them ideal for families with young children who have not yet figured out how to be gentle with animals. Their small size also makes them less likely to accidentally drop a small child. Cavaliers are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living environments, which makes them an ideal choice for families with young children.
11. Beagle
Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs that are known for their friendly and sociable personalities. They are social animals that get along well with children and other pets. Beagles are known for their patience and tolerance, which makes them great companions for young children who can be a little rough when playing. They are also energetic and love to play, making them great for being around active children. Beagles are intelligent and easy to train, which helps teach them how to interact appropriately with young children. Their affectionate nature and love of family make beagles a great choice for families with children under the age of 5.
10. Pug
Pugs are small, sturdy dogs that are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They get along very well with children due to their calm demeanor and loving personality. Pugs are known for being incredibly tolerant, which makes them ideal for families with young children who haven’t yet figured out how to gently handle a dog. Their small size makes them less intimidating for young children, and their playful nature means they love participating in games and activities with the family. Pugs are also known for their loyalty and love of companionship, which makes them great pets for families looking for a loving and patient dog that can thrive in a home with young children.
9. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. Bichons are gentle dogs that get along very well with children, making them a great choice for families with children under the age of 5. They are known for being playful and energetic, making them a great choice for active children. Bichons are also hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for families with children who may have allergies. Their small size and gentle nature make them less likely to accidentally hurt a young child, and their love of companionship ensures that they form strong bonds with their human family members.
8. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small, friendly dogs that are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They get along very well with children because of their gentle nature and love of family. Boston Terriers are known for being patient and tolerant, which makes them ideal for homes with young children who are learning to interact with dogs. They are also energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children. Boston Terriers are easy to train and eager to please, which helps teach them how to behave with young children. Their small size and friendly nature make the Boston Terrier a great choice for families with young children.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, sturdy dogs that are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with children due to their calm demeanor and love of companionship. Shih Tzus are patient and tolerant, making them ideal for homes with young children who may be learning to handle a dog gently. Their small size makes them less intimidating for young children, and their playful nature means they love to take part in family activities. Shih Tzus are also known for forming strong bonds with their human family members, being loyal and loving. Their gentle nature and adaptability make Shih Tzus a great choice for families with children under the age of 5.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. They are known for their friendly, gentle, and patient nature, which makes them great companions for families with young children. Labs are large dogs, but they are incredibly gentle with children, often forming strong bonds with their human family members. They are also highly energetic and love to play, making them great for living with active children. Labs are intelligent and easy to train, which helps teach them how to interact appropriately with young children. Their loving and loyal nature makes Labrador Retrievers an ideal choice for families with children under the age of 5.
5. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with children because of their gentle nature and love of companionship. Cocker Spaniels are patient and tolerant, making them ideal for homes with young children who are learning to interact with dogs. They are also energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children. Cocker Spaniels are easy to train and eager to please, which helps teach them how to behave with young children. Their loving and loyal nature makes Cocker Spaniels a great choice for families with children under the age of 5.
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small to medium-sized dogs known for their friendly and sociable personalities. They get along very well with children due to their gentle nature and love of family. Corgis are known for being patient and tolerant, making them ideal for homes with young children who are learning to handle a dog gently. They are also energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children. Corgis are intelligent and easy to train, which helps when teaching them to interact appropriately with young children. Their affectionate nature and strong bond with their human family members makes Corgis a great choice for families with young children.
3. Havanese
Havanese are small, cheerful dogs that are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with children due to their gentle nature and love of companionship. Havanese are patient and tolerant, making them ideal for homes with young children who are learning to interact with dogs. They are also energetic and love to play, which makes them great companions for active children. Havanese are known for being hypoallergenic, which makes them a good choice for families with children with allergies. Their small size and gentle nature make them less likely to accidentally hurt a young child, and their love of family ensures that they form strong bonds with their human family members.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle giants that are known for their friendly and patient nature. Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly gentle with children and are known for their calm demeanor. They are great with young children due to their tolerance and love of family. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for being protective, which makes them great companions for families with young children. They are patient and tolerant, which makes them ideal for homes with young children who are learning to interact with dogs. Their loving and loyal nature, combined with their gentle temperament, makes the Bernese Mountain Dog a great choice for families with children under the age of 5.
1. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs or “Shelties” are medium-sized dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature. Because of their patient and loving nature, Shelties do very well with children. They are highly trainable and eager to please, making them easy to teach to behave around young children. Shelties also protect their family members, making them excellent companions for homes with young children. They love to play and participate in family activities, but they are also content to relax and cuddle with their loved ones. Shelties are known for their strong bond with their family, making them a great choice for families with children under the age of 5.
Best Dog Breeds for Small Children
Choosing the right breed of dog for a family with young children is important to ensure a harmonious and safe environment. The 12 breeds listed in this article are known for their gentle, patient, and loving nature, making them ideal companions for children under the age of 5. Whether you are looking for a small, affectionate dog like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a large, protective breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog, these breeds offer the perfect balance of playfulness and tolerance. By choosing a breed that matches your family’s lifestyle and needs, you can ensure a positive and enriching experience for both your children and your new canine companion.