Which dog should I get with children?
The most suitable dog breeds for children are the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Cavalier King Charles, French Bulldog, and Australian Shepherd. These dogs are known for their tolerance, emotional balance, and ability to coexist with young children. Dog-child coexistence also relies on the education of the dog... and the child. The Tomojo team explains everything!
Best dog for a family with children: summary
- Active family with large space: Golden Retriever or Labrador.
- Apartment family with young children: Cavalier King Charles or French Bulldog.
- Very sporty family: Australian Shepherd.
- Allergic family: Poodle or Maltipoo.
- Beginner family: Golden Retriever or adult dog adopted from a shelter.
How to choose a dog for children?
A dog suitable for children generally has the following qualities:
- tolerant to clumsy gestures
- accustomed to ambient noise
- accepts agitation
- easy to train
These qualities depend on the dog's breed, but also on the individual and their upbringing.
TOP 5 dog breeds for families with children
Here are the 5 dog breeds most suitable for children, chosen for their temperament, tolerance, and ease of training:
1. The Golden Retriever
Originally from Scotland, the Golden Retriever is the quintessential family dog breed. Playful, patient, and very affectionate, it is particularly tolerant of young children's clumsy gestures.
- Size: 55 to 60 cm
- Weight: 25 to 35 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: sheds a lot, needs at least 1 hour of daily exercise, can knock over a young child out of enthusiasm.
This is a choice reserved for active families with outdoor space.
2. The Labrador Retriever
A close cousin of the Golden, the Labrador Retriever shares the same assets and is regularly among the most adopted breeds in France. Robust, easy to train, and very playful, it adapts well to households with children.
- Size: 55 to 57 cm
- Weight: 25 to 36 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: very developed appetite, risk of overweight if the ration is not controlled, tendency to pull on the leash in young dogs.
3. The Cavalier King Charles
The Cavalier King Charles is the ideal calm dog for children. Gentle, not very fearful, and very attached to its owners, it does not require long outings and adapts very well to apartment living.
- Size: 30 to 33 cm
- Weight: 5.5 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy: 9 to 14 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: cardiomyopathy, regular veterinary follow-up recommended after 5 years.
4. The French Bulldog
One of the most popular dog breeds in France, the French Bulldog is patient, placid, and very attached to its family. Its moderate energy level suits families who cannot devote a lot of time to long walks.
- Size: 27 to 35 cm
- Weight: 8 to 14 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: brachycephalic breed (short snout), breathing difficulties, sensitivity to heat.
5. The Australian Shepherd
Intelligent, athletic, and very playful, the Australian Shepherd needs a lot of physical and mental activity daily. It is reserved for active families with children.
- Size: 46 to 58 cm
- Weight: 16 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: needs at least 2 hours of activity per day, can jostle young children by herding instinct, possible destructive behaviors without sufficient stimulation.
Dog breeds for families: comparative table
| Breed | Size | Weight | Energy Level | Apartment Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Retriever | Large | 25-35 kg | High | No |
| Labrador Retriever | Large | 25-36 kg | High | No |
| Cavalier King Charles | Small | 5.5-8 kg | Low to Medium | Yes |
| French Bulldog | Small | 8-14 kg | Low | Yes |
| Australian Shepherd | Medium | 16-32 kg | Very High | No |
| Boxer | Medium | 25-32 kg | High | No |
| Cocker Spaniel | Small-Medium | 12-15 kg | Medium | Possible |
| Poodle | Medium | 20-30 kg | Medium-High | Yes (if exercised) |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Large | 36-50 kg | Medium | No |
| Basset Hound | Medium | 18-27 kg | Low | Possible |
Small dog for children: what breeds to choose?
If you are looking for a small dog for your child, here is a selection of dog breeds that stay small:
- The Cocker Spaniel (12 to 15 kg) is affectionate and balanced.
- The Poodle is hypoallergenic, lively, and easy to train.
- The Boston Terrier (7 to 10 kg) is compact, affectionate, and accessible even for children who are starting to take on responsibilities.
Dog breeds to avoid with children
Some dog breeds should be avoided with children because they have high physical and mental needs and/or retain a strong instinct:
- Border Collie
- Belgian Malinois
- Husky
- Rottweiler
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Cane Corso, etc.
These breeds can be more difficult to manage in the presence of young children.
Puppy or adult dog when you have children?
A puppy requires a lot of learning time during its first few months:
- potty training
- nipping
- learning life rules, etc.
This is a time investment that can be difficult to reconcile between your professional life and the pace imposed by your family life with young children.
An adult dog aged 3 to 5 years adopted from a shelter has the advantage of having an established character. You evaluate its behavior with children even before adoption. Shelter volunteers know the animals well and can guide you towards the most compatible profiles.
Dog and child coexistence: the golden rules
Never leave a child alone with a dog
Regardless of the breed, an adult must always supervise interactions between the dog and children, especially if they are under 6 years old. According to data published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 77% of dog bites occur in the family setting during unsupervised interactions.
Teach children to respect the dog
A dog signals its discomfort before reacting: rigid body, growling, curled lips. Children must learn to read these signals. Here are the rules to teach from a young age:
- Never disturb the dog during its meal or in its bed.
- Do not pull on its ears, tail, or paws.
- Always ask permission before touching an unfamiliar dog.
Give the dog personal space
The dog must have a quiet corner of its own, where children are not allowed to go. It is its refuge when it is tired or stressed. Respecting this avoids daily tensions.
Take care of your furry friend's diet
A well-fed dog is a balanced dog. Food formulated by veterinarians and adapted to your dog's age contributes to its good health and stability.
Tomojo insect-based kibbles, made in France from organic ingredients, meet your furry friend's nutritional needs. Our range of kibbles accompanies your dog throughout its life:
Frequently asked questions about dogs with children
What is the calmest dog with children?
The Cavalier King Charles and the French Bulldog are among the calmest breeds for families. Their moderate energy level and attachment to humans make them stable companions. The Basset Hound is also a serious option for families looking for a gentle and calm dog with children.
What large dog is good with children?
The Labrador, Golden Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog are renowned for their gentleness with families. The Newfoundland is also often cited for its patience, but its size (up to 70 kg) requires appropriate organization.
Can a shelter dog be suitable for children?
Yes. The essential thing is to evaluate the dog's individual behavior with children before adoption. Shelter volunteers know the animals well and can guide you towards the most compatible profiles for your family.
Which dog for a beginner family with children?
The Golden Retriever, Labrador, and Cavalier King Charles are the most reliable choices for first-time adopters. Easy to train, tolerant, and well-documented, they are more forgiving of novice training mistakes (and yours too!).
From what age can a child take care of a dog?
A child can participate in care (filling the bowl, calling it back) from 6 to 8 years old, with supervision. Full responsibility (walking the dog alone) is possible from 12 to 14 years old, depending on the dog's size and the child's maturity.