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13 Most Patient Dog Breeds For Young Children

Written by: Ejay Camposano
A college graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ejay has a diverse background that combines technical expertise with a passion for pets and is now one of the content writers at IHD. Read more
| Published on July 6, 2024

Choosing the right dog breed for a family with young children requires considering various factors, including temperament, patience, and compatibility with the energetic and sometimes unpredictable nature of kids. Some dog breeds are renowned for their gentle and tolerant nature, making them ideal companions for families. These breeds are typically affectionate, patient, and resilient, able to handle the noise and activity that come with having young children in the household. Their calm demeanor and loving disposition ensure they become cherished members of the family, providing both companionship and a sense of security. This article explores thirteen of the most patient dog breeds for young children, detailing why each breed is particularly suited to family life and what makes them exceptional companions.

13. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their calm and patient nature. They are incredibly affectionate and tolerant, making them excellent companions for families with young children. Newfoundlands are known for their protective instincts and often form strong bonds with their family members. Despite their large size, they are gentle and careful around small children, often acting as a nanny dog. Their patient temperament and loving nature ensure they handle the exuberance of young children with grace, making them an ideal choice for families seeking a loyal and gentle companion.

12. Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs known for their friendly and curious nature. They are very social and enjoy being around people, making them great companions for families with young children. Beagles are patient and tolerant, often enjoying the playful antics of children. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets. Beagles are also known for their loyalty and form strong bonds with their family members. Their playful and energetic demeanor ensures they can keep up with the activity levels of young children while providing a comforting and patient presence.

11. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy dogs known for their calm and gentle nature. They are incredibly patient and affectionate, making them excellent companions for families with young children. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, often forming strong bonds with their family members. Their gentle and tolerant temperament ensures they handle the noise and activity of young children with ease. Despite their size, they are very gentle and careful around small children. Their loving nature and patient disposition make them an ideal choice for families seeking a reliable and affectionate companion.

10. Boxer

Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs known for their playful and energetic nature. They are very social and enjoy being around people, making them great companions for families with young children. Boxers are patient and tolerant, often enjoying the playful antics of children. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets. Boxers are also known for their loyalty and form strong bonds with their family members. Their playful and energetic demeanor ensures they can keep up with the activity levels of young children while providing a comforting and patient presence.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, affectionate dogs known for their friendly and calm demeanor. They thrive on human companionship and are happiest when they are close to their owners, making them perfect for families with young children. Cavaliers are patient and tolerant, often enjoying the playful antics of children. Their gentle and loving nature makes them excellent family pets. Cavaliers are also known for their loyalty and form strong bonds with their family members. Their playful and energetic demeanor ensures they can keep up with the activity levels of young children while providing a comforting and patient presence.

8. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds for families, known for their friendly, outgoing, and loyal nature. Labs are incredibly patient and tolerant, making them excellent companions for families with young children. They are highly trainable and can be taught to behave gently around small children. Labs are also very social and enjoy being around people, often forming strong bonds with their family members. Their playful and energetic nature ensures they can keep up with the activity levels of young children while providing a comforting and patient presence.

7. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle, friendly, and tolerant nature, making them perfect companions for families with young children. They are incredibly patient and often form strong bonds with their family members. Goldens are highly trainable and can be taught to behave gently around small children. Their playful and energetic nature ensures they can keep up with the activity levels of young children while providing a comforting and patient presence. Golden Retrievers are also very social and enjoy being around people, making them excellent family pets.

6. Bulldog

Bulldogs are known for their calm and easygoing nature, making them ideal companions for families with young children. They are very patient and tolerant, often enjoying the playful antics of children. Bulldogs are also very loyal and form strong bonds with their family members. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets. Despite their sturdy appearance, Bulldogs are very gentle and careful around small children. Their low energy levels and relaxed demeanor make them perfect for those who prefer a quiet, home-centered life. Bulldogs are always ready to provide comfort and companionship.

5. Collie

Collies are known for their intelligence, gentle nature, and strong loyalty to their families. They are highly trainable and can be taught to behave gently around small children. Collies are very patient and intuitive, often sensing their owner’s emotional needs and providing comfort. Their calm demeanor can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability for children. Collies are also very social and enjoy being involved in family activities, which can help improve social interactions and physical activity levels for children. Their gentle and loving nature makes them a wonderful choice for families with young children.

4. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are medium to large-sized dogs known for their friendly and playful nature. They are very social and enjoy being around people, making them great companions for families with young children. Irish Setters are patient and tolerant, often enjoying the playful antics of children. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets. Irish Setters are also known for their loyalty and form strong bonds with their family members. Their playful and energetic demeanor ensures they can keep up with the activity levels of young children while providing a comforting and patient presence.

3. Poodle

Poodles, whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, are highly intelligent and affectionate dogs that make excellent companions for families with young children. Their hypoallergenic coat is a bonus for families with allergies. Poodles are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them ideal for providing emotional support. They can be trained to perform specific tasks that can assist children with autism, such as retrieving items or providing comfort during stressful situations. Poodles are also very social and enjoy being around people, which can help improve social interactions for children. Their playful and adaptable nature ensures they can fit well into various family environments, providing consistent companionship and support.

2. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are known for their intelligence and gentle nature. They are very patient and tolerant, making them excellent companions for families with young children. Shelties are highly trainable and can be taught to behave gently around small children. Their affectionate and loyal nature ensures they form strong bonds with their family members. Shelties are also very social and enjoy being involved in family activities, which can help improve social interactions and physical activity levels for children. Their gentle and loving nature makes them a wonderful choice for families seeking a patient and devoted companion.

1. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees are large, gentle dogs known for their calm and patient nature. They are incredibly affectionate and tolerant, making them excellent companions for families with young children. Great Pyrenees are known for their protective instincts and often form strong bonds with their family members. Despite their large size, they are gentle and careful around small children, often acting as a guardian and friend. Their patient temperament and loving nature ensure they handle the exuberance of young children with grace, making them an ideal choice for families seeking a loyal and gentle companion.

Dog Friendly Irving

In conclusion, these thirteen dog breeds are particularly well-suited for families with young children due to their patient, gentle, and tolerant nature. Each breed offers unique characteristics that make them excellent companions and protectors. Their ability to handle the noise and activity of young children, combined with their affectionate and loyal nature, makes them ideal pets for families. Choosing one of these breeds can provide a loving and patient companion that enhances the joy and harmony of family life. Proper training, socialization, and care are essential to ensure these dogs thrive in their role as cherished family members.