Dog Breeds You Can Trust With Your Kids

I’m sure many of you out there have experienced this: your kids ask you, innocently, “can we get a dog?” Parenting comes with enough unpredictability. Can you really add a dog to the daily circus of packed lunches, tantrums, and Lego landmines?

But we also know what a good dog can bring. A steady presence when the world feels too big. A companion who listens without interrupting. A furry playmate who doesn’t mind tea parties or backyard adventures.

For many mums, the thought of bringing a dog into the family sparks both excitement and hesitation. Is it safe? Will the dog be gentle? What if the kids get too rough?

These questions matter. The best family dogs are more than pets. They become protectors, playmates, and four-legged therapists. They teach children kindness, patience, and empathy in ways that an iPad never could.

But not every dog suits the whirlwind of family life. We’ll explore what makes a dog trustworthy around children, share mum-approved breeds, and offer tips for raising kids and dogs in harmony. 

What Makes a Dog Trustworthy Around Kids

Choosing a dog for your kids is about finding a temperament that fits. As parents, we look for qualities in dogs that mirror what we hope to foster in our children: patience, calm, resilience, and a gentle heart.

Key Traits to Look For

Here’s what to keep in mind when you look for your family dog: 

• Gentleness: A trustworthy dog doesn’t nip when startled or growl over toys. They stay calm when things get messy (and let’s face it, family homes are almost never quiet).
  Patience: Children don’t always know boundaries. The best family dogs tolerate clumsy pats, long hugs, and sudden shrieks without flinching.
• Adaptability: From early school drop-offs to lazy Sunday cuddles, family life shifts constantly. Dogs that roll with routine changes tend to thrive in households full of children.
• Lower Prey Drive: Especially important if you’ve got toddlers or other pets. Dogs with a calm response to fast movement are less likely to chase or play too rough.
• Emotional Intelligence: Some dogs seem to know when your child needs comfort. They’ll curl up next to a kid after a hard day, acting like their own quiet counsellor.

Why Socialisation and Training Matter

Even the gentlest breed needs the right start. A dog that’s exposed to different people, sounds, and situations early on learns not to panic when your child drops spaghetti on its back or brings home a group of loud friends.

Obedience training doesn’t mean military-style drills, it just helps a dog understand the household rules. Simple commands like stay, leave it, and gentle can go a long way when kids are involved.

Breed vs. Personality

Breed gives you a roadmap, not a guarantee. While some breeds carry stronger reputations for being kid-friendly, every dog has its own personality. That’s why it’s wise to meet the dog, ask questions, and trust your gut.

Mum-Approved Dog Breeds That Love Children

If you’re looking for a dog who’ll be able to fit well into family life, these breeds have proven their worth in homes full of sticky fingers and noisy backyards. While every dog needs training, love, and time to adjust, these breeds tend to come with the kind of temperament that puts parents at ease.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A little dog with a big heart. Cavaliers thrive on cuddles and will happily snooze beside a child during story time. Their gentle nature makes them a favourite for families with younger kids or smaller homes.

Labrador Retriever

The ultimate all-rounder. Labs carry a golden blend of playfulness and patience. They’re easy to train, love being part of the pack, and will fetch a ball or cuddle up with equal enthusiasm.

Beagle

Curious and merry, beagles love company and can handle a bit of rough-and-tumble play. Their sturdy little bodies match well with energetic kids, though their noses often lead them into cheeky adventures.

Golden Retriever

Kindness on four legs. Golden retrievers carry an almost magical tolerance for chaos. They’re gentle, affectionate, and calm, making them perfect companions for school-aged children and beyond.

British Bulldog

Don’t be fooled by the stocky build and serious face—bulldogs are laid-back sweethearts. They prefer a quiet snore on the sofa to a sprint in the park and tend to stay unfazed in loud, busy households.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Affectionate, strong, and loyal, Staffies often surprise people with their love for kids. In Australia, they’ve earned the nickname “nanny dog” for good reason. With the right upbringing, they become shadow-like companions to children. While there may be different types like the Blue Staffy, they’re all just Staffies at heart. 

Poodle (Mini or Standard)

Poodles are brainy, calm, and often a win for allergy-prone families thanks to their low-shedding coats. Standard Poodles tend to be gentler giants, while Miniature Poodles strike a nice balance of size and smarts.

Newfoundland

A bear-sized marshmallow of a dog. Newfoundlands are famously gentle and protective. They may drool on everything, but they’ll also lean into your child’s side when comfort is needed most.

Every breed listed here offers a different flavour of family life: some are more active, others more mellow. But they share a common thread: kindness, tolerance, and a deep desire to belong.

Raising Dogs and Children Together

Bringing a dog into a family isn’t just about finding the right breed. It’s about building a bond. Just like siblings, dogs and children need help learning how to live together, respect each other, and create their own kind of friendship.

Teaching Kids the Basics

Before your dog sets paw in the door, sit down with your little ones. Talk about gentle hands, quiet voices, and giving space. Even the friendliest dog can feel overwhelmed if a toddler climbs on its back or pokes its ears.

A few golden rules for children:

• Don’t disturb a dog while it’s eating or sleeping
  
• Let the dog come to you for cuddles
  
• Use calm movements—no tugging tails or chasing games indoors
  

Turn these rules into a family mantra. Repetition works wonders when toddlers are involved (ask me how many times I’ve said “gentle touch” in one day).

Supervision Isn’t Optional

No matter how trustworthy your dog is, always supervise interactions with small children. Not because you expect something to go wrong, but because prevention is easier than patching things up.

Where to Start If You’re Ready for a Family Dog

So, you’ve read the traits, skimmed the breeds, and your heart’s leaning toward yes. But where do you begin? With so many paths to pet ownership, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Consider Adoption First

Many wonderful dogs wait in shelters for families just like yours. Rescue organisations often assess a dog’s temperament before rehoming, so you might find a pup who already knows how to behave around children. Plus, adopting teaches kids compassion from day one.

Ask your local shelter if they have dogs that have lived with children, or better yet, bring your family to meet a few. Watch how the dogs interact. You’ll know when you see the one.

Or Find an Ethical Breeder

If you’re set on a specific breed, make sure you choose a responsible breeder. Look for someone who:

• Raises puppies in a home environment
• Socialises the litter with people and everyday sounds
• Shares health clearances for both parents
• Lets you visit or video call before purchase

Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t be afraid to walk away, even if your kids insist that they want this dog, right now. You’re there to be the voice of reason and to ensure that both your kids and the dog have the best lives possible. 

Bringing a dog into your family means being there for every stage of their life. From the first muddy pawprints to old age. When the time eventually comes to say goodbye, it can hit hard, especially for kids who’ve grown up with their furry friend. Talking about what happens when dogs pass away can help children understand and cope with that loss in a gentle way.

For families who want to say farewell with care and dignity, dog cremation offers a thoughtful way to honour the love and memories your pet brought into your home with an everlasting urn and memorial you keep with you forever.