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15 Best Dogs for Families & Kids (2026): Gentle, Loyal Breeds

The best dogs for families with kids: gentle, loyal, patient breeds. Compare temperament, size, and care - great first dogs for households with children.

1

Elo

Friendly · Family-oriented · Balanced

Medium · 25-75 lbs · 13-15 yrs

2

Border Terrier

Affectionate · Happy · Plucky

Small · 11-16 lbs · 12-15 yrs

3

English Setter

Gentle · Merry · Willful

Large · 45-80 lbs · 12 yrs

4

Redbone Coonhound

Easygoing · Mellow · Affectionate

Large · 45-70 lbs · 12-15 yrs

5

Puggle

Sweet · Playful · Social

Small · 15-30 lbs · 10-15 yrs

6

Labradoodle

Friendly · Intelligent · Sociable

Medium · 30-65 lbs · 12-14 yrs

7

Finnish Lapphund

Friendly · Alert · Agile

Medium · 33-53 lbs · 12-15 yrs

8

Coton de Tulear

Charming · Happy · Playful

Small · 8-15 lbs · 15-19 yrs

9

Cockapoo

Friendly · Outgoing · Happy

Small · 12-25 lbs · 12-16 yrs

10

Clumber Spaniel

Gentle · Loyal · Amusing

Medium · 55-85 lbs · 10-12 yrs

11

Old English Sheepdog

Adaptable · Gentle · Smart

Large · 60-100 lbs · 10-12 yrs

12

Flat-Coated Retriever

Cheerful · Optimistic · Active

Large · 60-70 lbs · 8-10 yrs

13

Rough Collie

Devoted · Graceful · Proud

Large · 50-75 lbs · 12-14 yrs

14

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Brave · Affectionate · Loyal

Medium · 24-38 lbs · 12-14 yrs

15

Leonberger

Friendly · Gentle · Playful

Large · 90-170 lbs · 9-12 yrs

16

Great Pyrenees

Patient · Calm · Strong-willed

Large · 85-115 lbs · 10-12 yrs

17

Irish Wolfhound

Courageous · Dignified · Calm

Large · 105-120 lbs · 6-8 yrs

18

Keeshond

Friendly · Lively · Outgoing

Medium · 35-45 lbs · 12-15 yrs

19

Bloodhound

Friendly · Independent · Inquisitive

Large · 80-110 lbs · 10-12 yrs

20

Eurasier

Calm · Confident · Reserved

Medium · 40-70 lbs · 12-14 yrs

21

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Intelligent · Outgoing · Affectionate

Medium · 35-50 lbs · 12-14 yrs

22

Stabyhoun

Gentle · Patient · Willing

Medium · 40-60 lbs · 13-15 yrs

23

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Faithful · Alert · Even-tempered

Large · 85-140 lbs · 8-11 yrs

24

White Swiss Shepherd

Alert · Loyal · Gentle

Large · 55-88 lbs · 12-14 yrs

25

Spinone Italiano

Sociable · Docile · Patient

Large · 56-77 lbs · 10-12 yrs

26

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Friendly · Devoted · Trainable

Medium · 50-70 lbs · 12-15 yrs

27

Swedish Vallhund

Friendly · Energetic · Watchful

Small · 20-35 lbs · 12-15 yrs

28

Norwegian Buhund

Agile · Alert · Cheerful

Medium · 26-40 lbs · 12-15 yrs

29

Lowchen

Affectionate · Outgoing · Positive

Small · 15 lbs · 13-15 yrs

30

Harrier

Friendly · Outgoing · Active

Medium · 45-60 lbs · 12-15 yrs

31

Finnish Spitz

Friendly · Lively · Independent

Medium · 20-33 lbs · 13-15 yrs

32

Miniature American Shepherd

Smart · Versatile · Loyal

Small · 20-40 lbs · 12-13 yrs

33

Portuguese Water Dog

Affectionate · Athletic · Adventurous

Medium · 35-60 lbs · 11-13 yrs

34

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Lively · Friendly · Attentive

Small · 15-25 lbs · 11-13 yrs

35

Japanese Spitz

Playful · Loyal · Smart

Small · 10-25 lbs · 12-14 yrs

36

Cavapoo

Gentle · Affectionate · Playful

Small · 9-25 lbs · 12-15 yrs

37

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Faithful · Dependable · Family-oriented

Large · 85-140 lbs · 8-11 yrs

38

Cocker Spaniel

Gentle · Smart · Happy

Medium · 20-30 lbs · 10-14 yrs

39

Vizsla

Affectionate · Energetic · Gentle

Medium · 44-60 lbs · 12-14 yrs

40

Shetland Sheepdog

Playful · Energetic · Bright

Small · 15-25 lbs · 12-14 yrs

41

German Shorthaired Pointer

Friendly · Smart · Willing

Large · 45-70 lbs · 10-12 yrs

42

Brittany

Bright · Fun-loving · Upbeat

Medium · 30-40 lbs · 12-14 yrs

43

Boston Terrier

Friendly · Bright · Amusing

Small · 12-25 lbs · 11-13 yrs

44

Havanese

Outgoing · Funny · Intelligent

Small · 7-13 lbs · 14-16 yrs

45

English Springer Spaniel

Friendly · Playful · Obedient

Medium · 40-50 lbs · 12-14 yrs

46

Bernese Mountain Dog

Good-natured · Calm · Strong

Large · 70-115 lbs · 7-10 yrs

47

Newfoundland

Sweet · Patient · Devoted

Large · 100-150 lbs · 9-10 yrs

48

Bichon Frise

Playful · Curious · Peppy

Small · 12-18 lbs · 14-15 yrs

49

Samoyed

Adaptable · Friendly · Gentle

Medium · 35-65 lbs · 12-14 yrs

50

Boxer

Fun-loving · Active · Loyal

Large · 50-80 lbs · 10-12 yrs

51

Saint Bernard

Playful · Charming · Inquisitive

Large · 120-180 lbs · 8-10 yrs

52

Pug

Charming · Mischievous · Loving

Small · 14-18 lbs · 13-15 yrs

53

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Gentle · Affectionate · Graceful

Small · 12-18 lbs · 12-15 yrs

54

Basset Hound

Patient · Low-key · Charming

Medium · 40-65 lbs · 12-13 yrs

55

Beagle

Merry · Friendly · Curious

Small · 20-30 lbs · 10-15 yrs

56

Golden Retriever

Friendly · Intelligent · Devoted

Large · 55-75 lbs · 10-12 yrs

57

Irish Setter

Outgoing · Sweet · Active

Large · 60-70 lbs · 12-15 yrs

58

Labrador Retriever

Outgoing · Active · Gentle

Large · 55-80 lbs · 10-14 yrs

59

Pharaoh Hound

Friendly · Smart · Noble

Medium · 45-55 lbs · 12-14 yrs

60

Dutch Shepherd

Loyal · Athletic · Alert

Medium · 42-75 lbs · 12-15 yrs

61

German Shepherd

Loyal · Confident · Courageous

Large · 50-90 lbs · 9-13 yrs

62

Maltipoo

Affectionate · Lively · Smart

Small · 5-20 lbs · 10-15 yrs

63

Sealyham Terrier

Outgoing · Calm · Adaptable

Small · 23-24 lbs · 12-14 yrs

64

Norwich Terrier

Affectionate · Alert · Curious

Small · 12 lbs · 12-15 yrs

65

Lakeland Terrier

Bold · Friendly · Confident

Small · 17 lbs · 12-15 yrs

66

Bolognese

Affectionate · Devoted · Docile

Small · 9-14 lbs · 12-14 yrs

67

Kerry Blue Terrier

Smart · Alert · People-oriented

Medium · 33-40 lbs · 12-15 yrs

68

Bedlington Terrier

Gentle · Loyal · Energetic

Small · 17-23 lbs · 11-16 yrs

69

American Staffordshire Terrier

Confident · Smart · Good-natured

Medium · 40-70 lbs · 12-16 yrs

70

American Eskimo Dog

Playful · Alert · Smart

Small · 6-35 lbs · 13-15 yrs

71

Border Collie

Energetic · Smart · Tenacious

Medium · 30-55 lbs · 12-15 yrs

72

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Loyal · Affectionate · Smart

Small · 25-38 lbs · 12-15 yrs

73

Weimaraner

Friendly · Fearless · Obedient

Large · 55-90 lbs · 10-13 yrs

74

Siberian Husky

Outgoing · Mischievous · Loyal

Medium · 35-60 lbs · 12-14 yrs

75

Shih Tzu

Affectionate · Happy · Outgoing

Small · 9-16 lbs · 10-18 yrs

76

Miniature Schnauzer

Friendly · Smart · Obedient

Small · 11-20 lbs · 12-15 yrs

77

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Gentle · Spirited · Loyal

Small · 32-40 lbs · 10-15 yrs

78

Great Dane

Friendly · Patient · Dependable

Large · 110-175 lbs · 7-10 yrs

79

Black Russian Terrier

Intelligent · Calm · Powerful

Large · 80-130 lbs · 10-12 yrs

80

Bulldog

Calm · Courageous · Friendly

Medium · 40-50 lbs · 8-10 yrs

81

American Hairless Terrier

Curious · Alert · Playful

Small · 12-16 lbs · 14-16 yrs

82

Lagotto Romagnolo

Keen · Loving · Undemanding

Medium · 24-35 lbs · 15-17 yrs

83

Pyrenean Shepherd

Lively · Brave · Devoted

Small · 15-30 lbs · 15-17 yrs

84

Australian Shepherd

Smart · Work-oriented · Exuberant

Medium · 40-65 lbs · 12-15 yrs

85

Poodle (Standard)

Intelligent · Active · Elegant

Medium · 40-70 lbs · 10-18 yrs

86

French Bulldog

Playful · Adaptable · Alert

Small · 16-28 lbs · 10-12 yrs

87

Petit Brabancon

Alert · Curious · Affectionate

Small · 8-12 lbs · 12-15 yrs

88

Kooikerhondje

Friendly · Alert · Lively

Small · 20-30 lbs · 12-15 yrs

89

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Smart · Brave · Sensible

Large · 50-70 lbs · 12-13 yrs

90

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Affectionate · Bright · Sensitive

Large · 55-80 lbs · 10-13 yrs

91

Bluetick Coonhound

Friendly · Intelligent · Devoted

Large · 45-80 lbs · 11-12 yrs

92

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Lively · Reliable · Fearless

Medium · 48-70 lbs · 12-15 yrs

93

Briard

Loyal · Confident · Smart

Large · 55-100 lbs · 12-14 yrs

94

Schipperke

Curious · Confident · Faithful

Small · 10-16 lbs · 12-14 yrs

95

Bouvier des Flandres

Affectionate · Courageous · Strong-willed

Large · 70-110 lbs · 10-12 yrs

96

Plott Hound

Bold · Loyal · Alert

Large · 40-60 lbs · 12-14 yrs

97

Greyhound

Gentle · Noble · Independent

Large · 60-70 lbs · 10-13 yrs

98

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Dignified · Affectionate · Even-tempered

Large · 70-85 lbs · 10-12 yrs

99

Whippet

Calm · Affectionate · Playful

Medium · 25-40 lbs · 12-15 yrs

100

Bull Terrier

Playful · Charming · Mischievous

Medium · 50-70 lbs · 12-13 yrs

101

Norwegian Elkhound

Bold · Loyal · Playful

Medium · 48-55 lbs · 12-15 yrs

102

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Happy · Friendly · Devoted

Medium · 30-45 lbs · 12-14 yrs

103

Papillon

Friendly · Alert · Happy

Small · 5-10 lbs · 14-16 yrs

104

Mastiff

Courageous · Dignified · Good-natured

Large · 120-230 lbs · 6-10 yrs

105

Airedale Terrier

Courageous · Clever · Friendly

Medium · 50-70 lbs · 11-14 yrs

106

West Highland White Terrier

Friendly · Happy · Entertaining

Small · 15-20 lbs · 13-15 yrs

107

Cairn Terrier

Alert · Cheerful · Busy

Small · 13-14 lbs · 13-15 yrs

108

Alaskan Malamute

Affectionate · Loyal · Playful

Large · 75-100 lbs · 10-14 yrs

109

Irish Water Spaniel

Playful · Brave · Hardworking

Large · 45-68 lbs · 12-13 yrs

110

Sussex Spaniel

Friendly · Calm · Cheerful

Medium · 35-45 lbs · 13-15 yrs

111

Spanish Water Dog

Playful · Loyal · Hardworking

Medium · 31-49 lbs · 12-14 yrs

112

Belgian Tervuren

Courageous · Alert · Devoted

Large · 45-75 lbs · 12-14 yrs

113

Welsh Terrier

Friendly · Spirited · Game

Small · 20 lbs · 12-15 yrs

114

Tibetan Terrier

Affectionate · Sensitive · Clever

Medium · 20-24 lbs · 15-16 yrs

115

Norfolk Terrier

Fearless · Alert · Fun-loving

Small · 11-12 lbs · 12-16 yrs

116

Irish Terrier

Bold · Spirited · Tender

Medium · 25-27 lbs · 13-15 yrs

117

Gordon Setter

Bold · Confident · Loyal

Large · 45-80 lbs · 12-13 yrs

118

Giant Schnauzer

Loyal · Alert · Trainable

Large · 55-85 lbs · 12-15 yrs

119

Curly-Coated Retriever

Confident · Proud · Wickedly Smart

Large · 60-95 lbs · 10-12 yrs

120

American Pit Bull Terrier

Loyal · Confident · Affectionate

Medium · 30-65 lbs · 12-16 yrs

121

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Bold · Affectionate · Smart

Small · 25-30 lbs · 12-13 yrs

122

Otterhound

Amiable · Boisterous · Even-tempered

Large · 80-115 lbs · 10-13 yrs

123

English Mastiff

Dignified · Good-natured · Courageous

Large · 120-230 lbs · 6-10 yrs

124

Ibizan Hound

Clownish · Family-oriented · Athletic

Large · 45-50 lbs · 11-14 yrs

125

Belgian Sheepdog

Versatile · Bright · Watchful

Large · 45-75 lbs · 12-14 yrs

126

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Loyal · Smart · Enthusiastic

Medium · 40-65 lbs · 11-13 yrs

127

Scottish Deerhound

Gentle · Dignified · Polite

Large · 75-110 lbs · 8-11 yrs

128

Coonhound

Easygoing · Alert · Loyal

Large · 45-65 lbs · 10-12 yrs

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