15 Dog Breeds That Are Good With Babies (With Pictures)

Bringing home a new puppy can be great for your family, but it can be a safety concern if you have a baby. Many dog breeds do well with older children, while other breeds do best with no children. Thankfully, some dog breeds not only do great with kids of all sizes, but they have a gentle side that makes them great for families with babies. Here are 15 of the best dogs for babies:

The 15 Best Dog Breeds for Babies

1. Bullmastiff

Despite their serious look and large size, Bullmastiffs are one of the best dog breeds for children and babies. Their strong sense of loyalty and easygoing disposition makes them excellent dogs for families with children of all ages, while also providing your home with an imposing watchdog. Except for some puppy energy in their early years, Bullmastiffs are surprisingly gentle enough to look after babies and smaller kids.

2. Golden Retriever

Once considered America’s favorite breed, Golden Retrievers are a true family dog in many aspects. These popular dogs love nothing more than to spend time with their family yet are calm and sensible enough around babies. Goldens are also incredibly athletic, so they’ll keep up with active families that enjoy the outdoors.

3. English Mastiff

English Mastiffs are considered the heaviest dog breed in the world, weighing around 150 pounds on average. While their size can be a major deterrent to families with babies, English Mastiffs are one of the best family dog breeds due to their affectionate personality and guarding instincts. They love to cuddle and take multiple naps like Bullmastiffs do, too.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

Originally brought to the Swiss Alps by the Romans as hardworking farming dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs have all the best qualities of a family dog. They’re relatively calm and very patient, making them great for families with babies and children. Bernese Mountain Dogs remain loyal to their families, often found watching the kids play and keeping a watchful eye on the property.

5. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs have always been a family favorite breed since they don’t require as many hours of exercise compared to others on this list. Bred solely for companionship today, English Bulldogs crave affection and attention but are fairly easygoing dogs to own. Even though they have a serious mug, Bulldogs have a nurturing side that makes them particularly great with babies.

6. Standard Poodle

Unlike Toy and Miniature Poodles, Standard sized Poodles are sturdy and patient enough to handle households with children of all ages. Their impressive obedience and intelligence make them easy to train and adapt to most environments, including a new baby on the way. These curly-haired canines are agile and gentle, so they’re excellent for families with younger children as well.

7. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are known for being people-oriented, thriving off of human interaction, and bonding close to their families. These clownish dogs have great personalities and can bring joy to many households, but they’re quiet enough to do well for apartment living. French Bulldogs, aka “Frenchies”, are great for babies, too, since they’re not too big or hyperactive.

8. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are always on the list of dog breeds for families because of their loving and kind disposition. Though they’ll require the time and space to run, Labs enjoy bonding particularly with children as they age. These happy-go-lucky dogs are also gentle around babies and smaller children, which is important when looking for a dog.

9. Havanese Dog

While lapdogs are often disregarded as good family dogs due to their fragile bodies, Havanese dogs are famous for doing exceptionally well with children and babies. These small dogs rarely suffer from aggressive behaviors that come with other small dog breeds and have proven time and time again that little dogs can play, too. Havanese dogs are also naturally friendly, so they get along with family friends easily.

10. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are lapdogs in giant bodies, known for their happy and spirited temperaments. Though they’ll occasionally forget their size, these fluffy dogs are naturally sweet and polite with everyone around them. Their loyalty and gentle mannerisms make them suitable for families with babies, as long as their exercise needs are met.

11. Boxer

Boxers are clever dogs full of personality and they love nothing more than to spend the day with their family. Their serious faces are far from their goofiness, but they have a sense of duty when it comes to guarding the household. Boxers are rambunctious as puppies and require moderate exercise, but they have a gentle side around babies and little children that make them a potential option.

12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have been companion dogs for centuries, so it’s no surprise that they can be great as family pets as well. Cavaliers are simply happy dogs that are friendly with everyone, but they’re active and playful enough to be around children. These little spaniels are naturally gentle, so they can be an excellent choice for families with newborns and young babies.

13. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are compact little dogs that have well-balanced personalities, which is how they’ve gotten the “American Gentleman” nickname. These small dogs have impeccable manners and can adapt to almost any environment, as well as handling the natural chaos of a new baby. Boston Terriers don’t require a lot of exercises, but they do need a good deal of companionship to keep them happy.

14. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Often confused with Bernese Mountain Dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are a potential choice for the families with space for these big dogs. They’re naturally great and patient with children, but they may forget their size from time to time. GSMDs are playful when they’re young and grow into their role as guardians of the homestead, which they take up with pride.

15. Corgi

There are two types of Corgis: Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. While both variations have clear differences, both Corgi varieties are outgoing, friendly dogs. These small herding dogs enjoy playing with children but will need to be trained and well-socialized to prevent herding tendencies. Inquisitive and curious by nature, Corgis are entertaining and love to bond with their families.

Related Read: Are German Shepherds Good with Babies? What You Need to Know!

Feature Image Credit: SarahRichterArt, Pixabay