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12 Best Large Dog Breeds For Families With Children

Written by: Adri Sandoval
Adri Sandoval is the Special Projects Manager for iHeartDogs and iHeartCats. Her work has deepened her love for animals, fostering a strong passion for rescue and animal advocacy.Read more
| Published on August 20, 2020

Pretty much all families searching for a dog are looking for a breed that’s known for being good with children and there are certainly plenty to choose from. If you’re on the lookout for which breeds might benefit your family best and you want a larger sized dog, be sure to check out the breeds listed here.

#1 – Bulldog

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The Bulldog, or English Bulldog, is a short but very large breed that may look rather intimidating to some potential owners. However, they are very gentle and lazy dogs that make excellent family companions, particularly for those with children.

#2 – Newfoundland

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The Newfoundland is a giant breed and was originally bred as a water rescue dog. Because of this, it’s known as a gentle giant and has a very soft, docile temperament towards people and children. They are patient and loving and make excellent family companions.

#3 – Golden Retriever

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The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds among families with children and with good reason. They are very gentle while maintaining a playful personality, perfect for active children that want a canine companion to share their time with.

#4 – Labrador Retriever

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The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States and for the same reasons as its Golden Retriever cousin. Labradors are very playful but sweet and even-tempered dogs, making them wonderful companions for families with children.

#5 – Bull Terrier

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Although the bully breeds seem like a bad choice at first, many are wonderful companions for children. The Bull Terrier is playful, energetic and become very attached to their owners. While not recommended for the first-time dog owner, they do make great family companions.

#6 – Boxer

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The Boxer is a clownish, fun-loving and gentle dog that makes an incredible companion for active families. The Boxer breed standard calls for a sweet disposition and great faithfulness to its family, which the breed exhibits even towards children.

#7 – Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are a giant breed that are also known for being abnormally gentle for their size. They are even-tempered and get along well with family, strangers, children and even other pets.

#8 – Collie

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The Rough Collie is one of the most iconic dog breeds when it comes to children, largely due to the Lassie fame. However, the breed is very gentle and loving towards its family and enjoys the company of children.

#9 – Great Dane

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The Great Dane is another gentle giant that gets along well with its family and even small children, although it must be supervised often to prevent overwhelming children by its size. They are a very affectionate breed and make excellent family companions.

#10 – Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are medium to large-sized scenthounds with short legs. Despite their laziness and size, they are very playful and energetic and enjoy the company of children.

#11 – Standard Poodle

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Standard Poodles are very active and intelligent dogs that often get a poor reputation due to their showy appearance. This is unfortunate, because they are extremely social dogs that enjoy the company of all adults and children. This coupled with their low-shedding coats makes them very suitable companions for families with children.

#12 – Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant breed similar to its Bernese cousin, coming from the Swiss Alps. It is also a gentle giant and is very playful and energetic. They become very attached to their families, including to the children, and make wonderful companions for people of all ages.

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