The Best Dog Breeds for Infants

Which of these delightful dog breeds will be the perfect furry companion for your little one?

The Best Dog Breeds For Infants

Parents of infants have enough on their minds and on their schedules. The last thing they need to be stressed or worried about is that the dog they add to the family won’t be a perfect match for their energetic and curious little human.

Some families may choose to just avoid getting a dog until the kids are older or may skip having a dog at all, even if they’re big fans of the idea of a canine companion.

But there are studies that suggest children who grow up with dogs can actually reap lots of social and health benefits from having a four-legged friend. And there are plenty of pups who have an absolutely perfect temperament for a toddler.

Of course, every dog has an individual personality and this is by no means an exhaustive list of breeds that are great with children. Plus, children and new pups should always be supervised together just in case one of them steps out of line. But hopefully this list will help as a starting point for your new canine companion search.

Golden Retriever

These majestic beauties have a well-earned reputation for being the ultimate family dog.

Loving and loyal, there’s a reason these dogs were the featured protagonist in the iconic family movie Homeward Bound.

They’re patient, easy-going, and will make great cuddly siblings for little humans.

Beagle

Beagles and their big brown pleading eyes are not only adorable, but great additions to the family.

They’re notoriously relaxed, even if you’re out on a walk. They prefer to take in the smells and sounds rather than go sprinting towards any random squirrel that catches their attention.

They love to play, have a gentle disposition, are pretty adaptable, and love being with their pack.

Collie

There’s a reason these pups consistently get named the smartest of all dog breeds. They're incredibly energetic and delightfully intelligent.

If you give them the job of helping to herd, raise and protect your infant, they’ll take it very seriously and excel at it like they do any task you give them.

As long as you can keep them stimulated and exercised, they’ll be happy and even helpful members of your family.

Bulldog

Though its face may denote some intensity, this dog is as easygoing as any breed in existence.

You won’t find much that bothers these pups, so you typically won’t have to worry about your infant playing with them nonstop. In fact, they love attention and cuddles, so the more play for these guys the better.

Plus, there’s few things cuter than a tiny infant and a big bulldog playing together.

Newfoundland

These gentle giants are some of the generally best behaved in the world. They have an affinity for children and love to hang out with their crew.

They love to run around, exercise, play, and then snuggle in for a good cuddle session.

Because these dogs are so big, they sometimes may not know their size. But, because they’re bigger, little pulls of their hair or pets from toddlers still learning how to pet won’t bother them as much.

Plus, they make excellent huggers — just make sure to have a towel around to dry off all their affectionate drool.

Poodle and Doodle

The poodle is one of the most unique-looking and intelligent breeds you’ll find. They’re highly trainable and will quickly understand boundaries and expectations you place on them.

They are generally pretty easy-going, especially if they’ve been properly exercised and stimulated, so are good with children around them.

There are all sorts of poodle hybrids — called doodles — that have become popular among family members since, like the poodle themselves, they typically don’t shed at the same rate as other dogs (which is especially helpful if you have allergies).

Plus, they usually have all the fun personality and playful traits of the poodle with additional benefits of whatever breed they’re mixed with.

Labrador Retriever

Like golden retrievers, labrador retrievers are pretty common family dogs for a very good reason.

Assuming you do all the right steps to introduce the new family members into the pack — which is true for all dogs — these pups will stick by children like peanut butter sticks by jelly.

They love to play as much as they love to cuddle, so they make perfect companions for your high-energy little ones.

They also love to eat, so be extra careful with attempting to feed.

Pitbull

Because so many have been abused and taken advantage of for their fierce loyalty and muscular bodies, pitbulls have complicated reputations and can invoke fear. But they can be wonderful dogs with children.

Like other strong and protective breeds, they should be monitored with children. And sadly, many pitbulls who wind up in shelters because of abusive situations may not have patience for children because of their past.

But their personalities are generally gentle and aim to please. If you make it clear their job is to protect and play with the baby, a pitbull can do it flawlessly.

Pug

These loud breathers are not only goofy to look at, they can make pretty great additions to any family.

They love to play and run around like young kids do, but also love to take a good, long cuddle break.

You won’t find a more willing and able companion for hours of endless play with a little one than the typical pug.

Just make sure when nap time finally hits, you have your ear plugs readily available.

Mutts

While it can be really helpful to know your dog’s breed so you can better understand their expectations and the best ways to care for them, it’s not at all a precursor to a happy family dog.

Mutts can often take on all sorts of positive traits from all the funky breeds they're mixed with. And their unique looks will make for great conversation pieces.

Always evaluate the general temperament of any dog before you introduce it to your little one. But there’s no need to stick with one specific type of breed.

Boxer

These lovable goofballs will provide endless hours of playtime and entertainment for both you and your young children.

Even more than other dogs, they love to be around humans and have a particular affinity for little ones. And their bigger size means they’ll be able (generally) to withstand all sorts of hands grabbing and playing with them in any situation.

As long as they’re getting attention, these dogs are happy.

Mastiff

Don’t let its big bones intimidate you. This big buddy is a true little lovebug.

This breed has a tendency to bond quickly to its humans and will easily protect them once bonded.

They’ll enjoy playtime, but you can also rest assured that they’ll keep a threat at bay if they feel their pack is at all in danger.

Dalmatian

There may be 101 reasons to love these dogs thanks to some popular Disney movies. They’re playful, fun-loving and downright beautiful dogs.

Like many other kid-friendly breeds, they’re happy to run during the day and cuddle up at night.

And, if you happen to live on a farm, these dogs have a particular affection for horses, so you won’t have to worry about them not getting along with all your farm family members.

Bichon Frise

Don’t let their adorable faces fool you, there’s a lot going on in those fluffy little minds.

The Bichon frise loves to own the spotlight and will make pretty much anyone they interact with fall in love with them, too. The pup will happily share the spotlight, though, with a child bestie.

They also learn and adapt to new situations quickly, so nothing you throw their way will throw them off their charm-game too easily.

Australian Shepherd

These beauties are by nature extremely energetic and, like the collie, love to have a job to do. They want and need to get out their high energy with daily exercise, so running around with a little one can be the perfect thing.

They’re incredibly loyal to their pack, and they may not love the idea of introducing other people into it. That can work well if you want them to be protective of their human sibling, but will mean they need a little bit of time adjusting to any new pack member.

But, because they’re so smart, they’re easy to train and pick up on new skills quickly. These goofy little mischief makers love to be stimulated and will love playing with their human people every day.

Bull Terrier

This breed has been featured in all sorts of marketing campaigns over the years, from beer to department stores.

Their semi-famous long-nose faces pop up all over the place because they’re notoriously friendly and very trainable.

When playing, they can become a little intense at times, but for babies and little ones who will be just sharing space with them generally, they’ll be cuddly, loving, and protective.

Vizsla

If you have a backyard that this pup can run around in, they’ll be happiest burning off some steam then coming back in to cuddle with their favorite little baby.

This gentle and athletic breed will be just as happy entertaining infants with their seemingly endless energy supply as they will snuggling up for afternoon naps.

Irish Setter

This elegant and beautiful dog loves to hang with others and doesn’t like to be alone.

So they’ll be happy as a clam to have an excuse for you (or a caretaker) and your baby to stay home with them and play all the time.

Plus, they’re generally pretty happy pups, making it easy to keep them satisfied.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed, like infants, loves to cuddle up in a little ball and spend all day just hanging out with you.

These guys have been renowned for years as one of the gentlest and sweetest dogs you can find.

They’re not as easily trained as other breeds. But, they don’t need too much training to be gentle and caring to their human baby siblings, since that will come pretty naturally to them.

Basset Hound

This hound dog is easy going and loves to hang out and explore. Well known to be patient and pretty chill, these big-eared fur babies have a big heart.

They’re happy just lazily hanging around the house, so they won’t add more maintenance to an already busy schedule.

Boston Terrier

These hearty and energetic little dogs love to hang with their humans and play, play, play!

They have a ton of energy that they’ll want to put to good use regularly.

But when they’re not chasing a ball or running after squirrels, they’ll cuddle up and gently play with their favorite people.

Chow Chow

Though they can be somewhat standoffish and shy, these pups are really loyal and loving to their people.

They should never be mistaken for your infant’s favorite teddy bear – even if they look like it – as these guys will set up clear boundaries for themselves.

But they are also happy members of a pack that will very much enjoy hanging and cuddling with their little human friends.

Airedale Terrier

These personality-packed pups love to have a job. With little ones around, they’re gentle and protective.

They want to make you happy and are highly trainable, so they can be taught all sorts of boundaries and expectations with a young child, which is really helpful as they grow.

Bloodhound

Like other hound dogs, this breed is pretty calm and very chill. They love to use their nose to explore the world around them and will be plenty happy hanging out all day with an infant.

Since they’re often trained and put to work in all sorts of professional scenarios, they can easily be trained to be put to work in regular homes, too.

Bolognese

Cousins with the popular bichon frise, this all-white pup is similar in many ways.

They can be rather shy, preferring the company of their family (especially the one special person they tend to attach to the most).

But whoever they decide is their special person will get nothing but sweet, gentle, patient affection and a whole bunch of cuddles.

Corgi

A favorite breed of the Queen, corgis have a special place in many people’s hearts. They’re playful and fun-loving, they love to hang with their family members.

Though they like to be in charge, they know how to respect a family pecking order and will be happiest if they can just cuddle and be the center of attention — along with, of course, their infant subjects.

Afghan Hound

These distinct and gorgeous-looking creatures are as gentle as they are beautiful.

Though they may not be the friendliest with outsiders (they tend to just prefer their family over any stranger who enters their space), they are completely loving and loyal to those they love the most.

They have a bit of a stubborn streak, so they may not want to please you on the same levels that other dogs do. But they are generally gentle and mean really well, plus they’ve got an amazingly beautiful coat that will make you easily forgive their stubborn quirks.

American Foxhound

Any child who’s ever seen "The Fox and the Hound" may want an American foxhound.

Like other hound dogs, it’s happiest when it has a task (ideally one that involves its nose).

And also like other hound dogs, it tends to be calm, easy-going, and plenty content just hanging around the house with its family members.

Chinese Crested

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unique-looking dog than the Chinese crested.

Their little bodies make them ideal for all sorts of living situations and their unique fluffy and often hairless coats make them unforgettable to look at.

These social critters bond to their pack and tend to not be as interested in others outside of it. But, if you’re in with them, they are gentle, sweet, cuddly and really fun family companions.

Scottish Terrier

There is a lot of personality packed into a small package with these stubby pups.

On the one hand, they love their family intensely. On the other, you’ll need to be careful that they get too protective of their family unit.

They tend to be opinionated and more serious. But for years, they’ve been affectionate and loyal companions for families with young children and for very good reasons – they’re loving and loyal pups.

Tibetan Mastiff

These big fur babies may seem like they like to roam around outdoors, but they very much prefer to be inside with the rest of the family.

They can be quiet and easy going companions who can easily learn the quirks of a young child by growing up with them.

They’re easy going like other mastiffs, not to mention they can get really big, but they do tend to need a bit more socialization to tolerate all the craziness young kiddos can offer.

Weimaraner

Having a young weimaraner and a young child might be putting a little too much on your plate, as this breed has tons of energy and needs to let out its steam regularly.

But, older dogs can relax a lot more and, once they get their exercise in, are generally happy-go-lucky and easy-going pets.

Plus, as you kid grows up, they’ll have a playmate that will happily chase them around the house.

Whippet

Like the weimaraner, these dogs have a ton of athletic ability and energy that they need to burn off daily.

But once they’ve gotten their fix in, they’re perfectly content cuddling with their favorite people and gently playing with any little ones around.

Plus, because they require spurts of energy, they’ll give you a great excuse to continue exercising even with a busy schedule.

Rottweiler

Sadly, these powerful dogs have garnered a bad reputation. And there’s no denying that they are very strong and strong-willed animals. But the only reason they are aggressive is because people have trained them to be that way.

The breed is actually extremely loyal and protective. They’ll patiently watch over their infant friends with intensity to make sure they stay safe and then happily cuddle with whoever might be around.

Havanese

These little dogs have absolutely beautiful coats and even more beautiful personalities to match them. They make great buddies with young kids mostly because they’re generally gentle and they are not all that interested in them.

They pick a person who they want to be around and everyone else is sort of secondary in terms of interest to them.

So if you want a dog that sticks by you for companionship that you don’t have to worry about losing its temper with your little ones, the Havanese is a great choice.