There are various dog breeds that can be great companions to babies. Dogs, in general, are quite smart animals to the point that they’re even able to recognize individual human voices and who’s interacting with them. For this reason dogs tend to be quite intelligent when it comes to your little ones. Helping comfort them in times of distress, making great play mates, and even alerting you when somethings off.
However, there are certain dog breeds that are even better than others when it comes to living with young children like babies.
This is our: Top 10 Best Dog Breeds to keep Around Babies
#1 Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers strive in large groups, the more attention the better! Along, with this territory comes patience which another one of their specialties. This patience is what makes Golden Retrievers so fantastic with babies, from tail tugging to fur scratching there’s not much that sets them off. Retrievers are a very intelligent breed, their loyalty, affection, and gentleness is next to none and really excels around little ones.
- Extremely friendly and tolerant attitude.
- Highly intelligent, making them easy to train.
- Loyal and devoted, forming strong bonds with family members.
- Good with children of all ages and very patient.
- Energetic and loves to play, perfect for active families.
#2 Beagle
Beagles are such happy dogs, you’ll be hard pressed to find them in a bad mood. Their overarching positivity bleeds onto all the surrounding them. Their always ready to engage on the next object, most likely due to their nature to work in packs. You’ll find them often very tame and relax, and very tolerant to noise making them great around babies. On the down side they due like to get into mischief, so its a good thing their super cute.
- Small size and gentle nature make them great for families.
- Curious and merry disposition, always ready for play.
- Known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.
- Their energy and sturdiness are great for playing with kids.
- Requires regular exercise to manage their energy levels.
#3 BullDog
Bulldogs, the breed that makes you laugh for no reason! Maybe it’s just how cute and silly they are. Bull dogs are very protective by nature, so they instinctually clasp to the people most often around them. Paired with their gentleness, laziness, and need for comfort they make great companions around babies. They couldn’t be bothered by anyone as long as they’ve got food, a bed, and some love. Well unless their chasing the mailman…
- Known for their gentle disposition and courageous personality.
- Low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise needs.
- Great companions that are loyal and affectionate with children.
- Their laid-back nature makes them good for apartment living.
- Despite their tough appearance, they are quite gentle and friendly.
#4 Newfoundland
Newfoundland dog is the best big dog to have around babies
It may seem ironic, but these big furry beast are big ol’ softies! They are well known for being amazing around children, and honestly, just about anyone else. They love being hugged, and just overall pleasing others. Their extremely intellegent and can sense when something is wrong, often even seeking out help. They are very adaptable and love to be a part of the family. The only thing you’ll have to look out for is they can be a bit clumsy when it comes it remembering how big they really are.
- Known as "nature's babysitter" because of their love for children.
- Extremely patient, gentle, and kind, making them great for families.
- Strong swimmers and have been known to save lives in water.
- Large size but very docile and friendly.
- Their protective instinct makes them excellent guardians for children.
#5 Pugs
This pug is ready to serve and protect. Pug makes the top 10 list as one of the best small dogs to have around babies.
These silly little guys have an internal need to follow and protect. They aren’t happy unless they are protecting you and by your side. These overly affectionate goofballs can be really sweet, and like to really relax and be loved at the end of a hard days work of following their loved one around. Around babies their sweet, and affectionate and quite tolerant.
- Small and sturdy, great for families living in apartments.
- Known for their sociable, cheerful, and friendly nature.
- Very affectionate and thrive on human companionship.
- Require minimal exercise, suitable for less active families.
- Their humorous behavior provides endless entertainment.
#6 Boxer
One of best dogs to have around children. These dogs are loveable goofballs.
Boxers are sweet lovable goofballs, often sliding all over the place on hard floors, even into walls (lol). This is due to their playful nature, they love making friends and are very affectionate and tolerant when it comes to excessive contact, making them amazing around kids. There patience is among the best, and they really are just super loving dogs.
- Energetic and playful, great for active families.
- Protective of their families, especially children.
- Loyal and affectionate, forming strong bonds with family members.
- Intelligent and trainable, though sometimes stubborn.
- Their patience and protective nature make them great with kids.
#7 Vizsla
Vizsla is a breed that is just a bundle of energy if that’s your thing. They are extremely athletic and just love goofing around. Their energy is infectious, and can really spread positivity across the room particularly to your little one’s. Kids often find this breed fun to be around, and at the end of a long day of burning off energy, they love to just kick back and be snuggled.
- Highly affectionate, often referred to as "Velcro" dogs for their desire to be close.
- Extremely intelligent and easy to train.
- Gentle mannered and sensitive, great with children.
- Requires a lot of exercise, perfect for active families.
- Their loyalty and affection make them excellent companions.
#8 Labrador Retriever
Labradors are a very smart compassionate breed. They are great around little ones making them the best medium sized dog around baby's
Labradors are an extremely smart and compassionate breed. They love attention, and just adapting to being one and the same with the rest of the family making them one of the most favorite dog breeds in the world. There isn’t much you can put past a Lab. Their smart, loving, gentle, friendly, cuddly, and can even read the room or a situation which makes them great with babies, and just about everyone.
- Friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited.
- Very intelligent and easy to train, making them great family pets.
- Good with children and other animals.
- Energetic, requiring regular exercise.
- Known for their loyalty and willingness to please.
#9 German Shepherd
German Shepherds are regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. Just like Labradors they have this ability to read a room or situation and even sense danger. This makes them amazing around babies as their instinctual need to protect brings about a calmness and patience that is really unique to the breed.
- Intelligent and versatile, excelling in various roles including family pet.
- Loyal and protective, making them great guardians for families.
- Active and enjoys being part of family activities.
- Strong bond with family members, especially children when socialized early.
- Requires regular mental and physical stimulation.
#10 Mastiff
These big droolers may look like a meanie, but they are far from it. Mastiffs are just another big ol’ softy! They love building friendships and bonding with their loved ones and exert a certain unique calmness to them. Around children, mastiffs just like to chill and be loved, and return love, they love living life in a simple fashion.
- Gentle giants, known for their calm and docile temperament.
- Protective and loyal to their family, making them great guardians.
- Despite their size, they are known for being good with children.
- Low energy levels but requires space to accommodate their size.
- Their affectionate nature makes them great companions.
Each of these breeds brings unique qualities to a family setting, especially those with babies. It's important to consider the specific needs and temperament of each breed to ensure they match well with your family's lifestyle.
Our Top Picks for the Ideal Dog Breeds for Families with Babies
If you’re the type to go for bigger dog breeds, then it’s highly recommended that you go for a Newfoundlander or Golden Retriever. These dogs are very gentle and affectionate. They are very playful with children, but also have a strong sense of responsibility around them so your baby will be safe in their company.
If you’re the type to go for medium dog breeds, then it’s recommended you go for a Labrador. These dogs are extremely intelligent and full of energy. They will be good play mates for your little one as they love to play with people. They also have a strong sense of responsibility which makes them great around babies as they’re the type not to jump on them, but will keep an eye out and alert you if something goes wrong.
If you’re the type to go for smaller dog breeds, then it’s recommended that you go for a Bulldog. These dogs are great around children, especially babies. They’re not very energetic but they do love some attention. Just what your baby needs to keep them on their toes!
That concludes our list! If your choice breed isn’t on our list, all you need to do is keep in mind the main qualities that make a dog great around young children like babies, is their sense of responsibility and energy levels. As long as they have these two things, your baby will be in good hands with any type of dog.
Additional Dog Breeds Great for Families with Babies
Collie
- Known for their gentle and predictable nature, perfect for children.
- Extremely loyal and easy to train, making them excellent family pets.
- Their herding instincts make them attentive and protective of children.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Affectionate and adaptable, thriving in various living situations.
- Their gentle demeanor makes them great companions for young children.
- Small size but robust enough to handle playtime with kids.
Shetland Sheepdog
- Intelligent and playful, enjoys engaging in family activities.
- Very loyal and has a gentle nature, suitable for families with babies.
- Known for their herding behavior, they're protective and gentle with children.
Irish Setter
- Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, great with kids.
- Energetic and loves to play, making them perfect for active families.
- Their patience and affectionate demeanor make them great companions for children.
Cocker Spaniel
- Friendly and affectionate, enjoys being part of the family.
- Their size and energy level are well-suited for families with children.
- Known for their gentle nature, making them great companions for babies.
Bichon Frise
- Cheerful and gentle, great for families with allergies due to their hypoallergenic coat.
- Loves attention and is great with kids, often very playful and affectionate.
- Small size makes them easy to manage, yet they're sturdy enough for play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog to have around a baby?
Some of the best dog breeds for families with babies include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Beagle
- Pug
- Collie
What is the safest dog for babies?
The Newfoundland breed stands out as one of the safest dogs for babies. Often referred to as "nature's babysitter," Newfoundlands are renowned for their exceptionally gentle and patient nature. These large dogs are surprisingly careful around small children and have a natural protective instinct. Their calm demeanor and high tolerance for noise and activity make them well-suited to households with babies and young children.
What is the most kid-friendly dog?
The Golden Retriever is widely regarded as one of the most kid-friendly dog breeds. They possess a winning combination of playfulness, patience, and a gentle nature that makes them ideal companions for children of all ages. Golden Retrievers are known for their high energy levels, which matches well with active kids, but they're also patient enough to handle the sometimes clumsy interactions of younger children. Their innate desire to please makes them easy to train and generally well-behaved around kids.
What makes a dog breed good for babies?
Dogs can indeed be beneficial for newborn babies, but proper introduction and supervision are crucial. Early exposure to dogs can help boost a baby's immune system and potentially reduce the risk of allergies later in life. As the baby grows, having a dog can teach valuable lessons about empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals. However, it's important to gradually introduce the dog to the baby, always supervise their interactions, and maintain the dog's routine to prevent jealousy or anxiety. With proper training and socialization of the dog before the baby's arrival, canine companions can provide a sense of security and become a cherished part of a child's early years.
Are larger dog breeds safe around babies?
Yes, many larger dog breeds like Golden Retrievers and Newfoundlands are known for their gentle behavior and protective instincts, making them safe and loving companions for babies.
How do I introduce my baby to my dog?
Introduce them slowly and in a controlled environment. Ensure your dog is calm and on a leash if necessary. Always supervise interactions and teach your baby to be gentle with the dog.
Can dogs get jealous of babies?
Dogs can exhibit jealousy if they feel their relationship with their owners is threatened. Ensure your dog still receives attention and care after the baby arrives to mitigate jealousy.
What should I do if my dog shows aggression towards my baby?
Consult with a professional animal behaviorist immediately. Aggression can be a sign of stress, fear, or discomfort, and it's crucial to address these issues promptly and safely.
How can I prepare my dog for the arrival of a baby?
Gradually introduce your dog to new experiences, smells, and sounds associated with babies. Train your dog to follow commands reliably and consider setting up baby gates to manage their movement.
