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When it comes to choosing a family dog, many people think of well-known kid-friendly breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labradors. However, several other breeds might surprise you with their gentle, affectionate, and playful nature around children. These dogs can provide the same level of companionship, loyalty, and joy as the more popular breeds, but often come with the bonus of being unique and unexpected choices. Here are ten unexpectedly kid-friendly dog breeds that will melt your heart, listed in descending order from the highest number to the lowest.
Whippet
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Whippets, often known for their speed and sleek appearance, are surprisingly gentle and affectionate dogs. They have a calm demeanor and are known for being patient with children. Whippets enjoy playing but are also content to relax and cuddle with their human family members. They are generally low-maintenance and adaptable, making them a great choice for families with kids. Their friendly and loving nature, combined with their unique look, makes them a wonderful addition to any household.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, elegant dogs known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They are true lap dogs, always eager to be close to their owners, including children. Cavaliers are gentle and patient, making them ideal companions for kids. They enjoy playtime but are equally content to snuggle on the couch. Their loving disposition and ability to form strong bonds with their human family members make them unexpectedly perfect for families with children.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands, often referred to as “Newfies,” are large, gentle giants known for their sweet and patient nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle with children and are often referred to as “nanny dogs.” Newfoundlands are protective and watchful, making them great companions for families. They enjoy playing in water and have a natural affinity for swimming, which can be a fun activity for kids. Their calm demeanor and affectionate nature make them an unexpectedly perfect choice for families with children.
Beagle
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Beagles are small hounds known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are energetic and playful, making them great companions for active children. Beagles are known for their curiosity and love of exploration, which can be a source of fun for kids. They are also very social and enjoy being part of family activities. Beagles’ affectionate and loyal nature, combined with their playful spirit, makes them a surprisingly great choice for families with children.
Bull Terrier
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Bull Terriers, with their distinctive egg-shaped heads and muscular build, may not be the first breed that comes to mind when thinking of kid-friendly dogs. However, they are known for their playful and affectionate nature. Bull Terriers are energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active children. They are also very loyal and protective of their families. Their unique appearance and loving personality make them an unexpectedly perfect choice for families with kids.
Collie
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Collies, often associated with the classic TV show “Lassie,” are known for their intelligence and gentle nature. They are highly trainable and make excellent family dogs. Collies are patient and protective, making them great companions for children. They enjoy playing and are known for their affectionate nature. Collies’ calm demeanor and ability to form strong bonds with their human family members make them an unexpectedly perfect choice for families with kids.
Irish Setter
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Irish Setters are large, energetic dogs known for their beautiful red coats and friendly personalities. They are very playful and enjoy being active, making them great companions for energetic children. Irish Setters are also very affectionate and love spending time with their families. Their playful and loving nature, combined with their unique look, makes them a wonderful addition to any household. Irish Setters are an unexpectedly great choice for families with children due to their gentle and friendly disposition.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are small, regal-looking dogs known for their luxurious coats and affectionate nature. They are true lap dogs, always eager to snuggle up to their owners, including children. Shih Tzus are gentle and patient, making them ideal companions for kids. They enjoy playtime but are equally content to snuggle on the couch. Their loving disposition and ability to form strong bonds with their human family members make them unexpectedly perfect for families with children.
Boxer
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Boxers are energetic and playful dogs known for their boundless enthusiasm and affection for their families. They form strong bonds with their owners and are often described as “people-oriented.” Boxers are protective and loyal, making them excellent family pets and watchdogs. They are known for their patience and gentleness with children, often becoming their playful and devoted companions. Boxers’ loyalty and protective nature, combined with their loving and affectionate disposition, make them an unexpectedly perfect choice for families with kids.
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
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Poodles, regardless of their size, are known for their intelligence and friendly nature. They are highly trainable and make excellent family dogs. Poodles are very social and enjoy being part of family activities. They are also very affectionate and form strong bonds with their human family members. Poodles’ gentle and loving nature, combined with their playful spirit, makes them an unexpectedly perfect choice for families with children. Their hypoallergenic coats are a bonus for families with allergies.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a lesser-known breed that’s surprisingly wonderful with kids. Despite their small size, these dogs are tough and sturdy, making them a great match for active children. They are gentle, patient, and have a naturally friendly disposition. The Basset Fauve loves spending time with family, and their playful nature makes them a perfect playmate for kids. They are easy to train and get along well with other pets. Their affectionate and loyal nature makes them an unexpectedly delightful addition to any family with young children.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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Often misunderstood due to their muscular build, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are actually incredibly affectionate and kid-friendly. Known as “nanny dogs” in their native England, they are gentle and patient with children. Their loyalty and protective nature make them excellent companions for families, while their playful energy ensures they can keep up with active kids. Despite their strength, they are very gentle when interacting with children and love being part of a family. Their affectionate, sweet-natured temperament makes them a wonderful and unexpected choice for families with kids.
Leonberger
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Leonbergers are gentle giants with a surprisingly soft side, especially when it comes to children. Despite their large size, they are known for their patience and calm demeanor around kids. Leonbergers are affectionate, loyal, and protective, making them excellent family dogs. They enjoy spending time with their families and are very tolerant of children’s playful behavior. Their gentle nature, combined with their willingness to please, makes them a great fit for families looking for a large but loving dog that’s kid-friendly and protective.
Keeshond
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The Keeshond is a fluffy, cheerful breed that is highly affectionate and gets along wonderfully with children. Known for their friendly and playful personality, Keeshonds love being part of a family and thrive in environments where they can be included in activities. They are gentle with kids, enjoy playtime, and are always eager to please their owners. Keeshonds are also very intelligent, making them easy to train, and they form strong bonds with family members. Their loving nature and playful demeanor make them a fantastic, kid-friendly breed that often surprises families.
Australian Cattle Dog
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Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their intelligence and energy, but they’re also unexpectedly kid-friendly. While they are a working breed, their loyalty and protective instincts make them wonderful companions for children. They are playful, quick learners, and enjoy being involved in family activities. Australian Cattle Dogs thrive on physical activity, making them great for families with active kids who love to play outdoors. Despite their energy, they are gentle and patient with children, making them a surprisingly great fit for families looking for fun and engaging pets.
English Mastiff
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English Mastiffs may be large and powerful, but they are gentle giants when it comes to interacting with children. Known for their calm and laid-back nature, English Mastiffs are very patient and tolerant of kids’ playful behavior. They form strong bonds with their families and are protective without being aggressive. Despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate, often preferring to relax by their owner’s side. Their nurturing instincts and calm demeanor make them an unexpectedly kid-friendly breed that will melt your heart.
Papillon
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The Papillon, with its butterfly-like ears and delicate appearance, might not seem like an obvious choice for a kid-friendly dog, but they are incredibly playful and affectionate. Despite their small size, Papillons are sturdy and energetic, making them great companions for active children. They love interacting with their families and are known for being quick learners, which makes them easy to train. Papillons are gentle, friendly, and enjoy spending time with kids, making them an unexpectedly perfect match for families looking for a small, kid-friendly dog with a big heart.
Saint Bernard
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While Saint Bernards are famously known for their rescue work in the mountains, they are also incredibly gentle and affectionate with children. Despite their large size, they are patient and calm, often forming deep bonds with the kids in their family. Saint Bernards are protective and nurturing, always looking out for their loved ones. Their easygoing nature allows them to handle the energy and playfulness of children with ease. Their combination of gentleness, loyalty, and affection makes them an unexpectedly kid-friendly breed that’s sure to win over any family.
Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels are gentle, affectionate dogs that are known for their friendly and easygoing nature. They are incredibly patient with children and enjoy being part of a family. Cocker Spaniels love playtime but are also content with relaxing by their owner’s side. Their small to medium size makes them manageable for kids, and their loyal temperament ensures they form strong bonds with family members. Cocker Spaniels are easy to train, making them a great choice for families looking for a well-behaved and loving companion that’s surprisingly kid-friendly.
Tibetan Terrier
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Despite their name, Tibetan Terriers aren’t true terriers and are known for their friendly and easygoing nature. Tibetan Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable, making them great companions for families with children. They are playful but not overly energetic, making them a perfect match for kids who enjoy both playtime and quiet time. Tibetan Terriers are known for their strong bond with family members, and they are gentle with children. Their loving personality and calm demeanor make them an unexpectedly kid-friendly breed that thrives in a family environment.
Vizsla
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The Vizsla is known for its high energy and athleticism, but they also have a loving, gentle side that makes them great companions for children. Vizslas are incredibly affectionate and thrive on human interaction, making them loyal and devoted family dogs. They enjoy playing with kids and are patient with their energetic behavior. Despite their need for physical activity, they are also content with snuggling up with their family at the end of the day. Their affectionate nature and eagerness to bond with family members make them a wonderful, kid-friendly breed.
Norwegian Elkhound
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The Norwegian Elkhound is a playful and affectionate breed that bonds closely with its family, making it a great choice for families with children. Despite their history as a hunting breed, Norwegian Elkhounds are gentle and patient with kids, enjoying playtime and outdoor activities. They are protective of their loved ones but not aggressive, making them excellent family companions. Norwegian Elkhounds are intelligent, easy to train, and form strong bonds with their families. Their loyalty, combined with their gentle and playful nature, makes them an unexpectedly kid-friendly breed that families will adore.
Loving Dogs for Kid-Filled Homes
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These ten unexpectedly kid-friendly dog breeds are perfect for families looking for a loyal, affectionate, and playful companion. Each of these breeds offers a unique combination of traits that make them well-suited for family life. Whether it’s the gentle giant nature of the Newfoundland, the playful spirit of the Beagle, or the affectionate personality of the Poodle, these breeds are sure to provide endless love and companionship. Their ability to form strong bonds with their human family members and their gentle disposition make them wonderful additions to any household.
Toledo, United States.
