Top 20 Dogs
Daddy (Ken Trenholm)
Oct 25
|19:25
Last Updated on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:00
For a quick look at the dog breeds that scored highest in our Best Dogs for Small Kids List, you can look below. Remember that these dogs are recommended for children, with points awarded for being good with strangers, other pets, other dogs, and other related rankings. Please click on breed name for additional information or visit the complete Dog List for other dog breeds. And, remember, once you find a breed on this list that interests you, please remember to research the specific breed with your own 10 - 15 year committment for their needs: exercise, space, grooming, etc.
TOP 20 OVERALL BREEDS
REGARDLESS OF DOG SIZE
POINTS ARE BASED OUT OF 100
| Rank | Breed | Points (100) | DO/OB/AF | Recommended for Small Children | Good with Dogs/Pets/Strangers | Bite Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | English Cocker Spaniel | 92 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Awesome Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Good |
| 002 | Golden Retriever | 90 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Awesome Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Great Bark Over Bite: Poor |
| 002 | Keeshond | 90 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent |
| 004 | Beagle | 89 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Low Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Awesome Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 005 | Bichon Frise | 88 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Fair Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Great Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 006 | Vizsla | 86 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Source 1: Good Source 2: Good | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 007 | Irish Setter | 85 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Good Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Good | Dogs: Great Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 008 | English Setter | 84 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Good Affection: High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Good |
| 009 | Flat-Coated Retriever | 83 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Fair |
| 010 | Newfoundland | 82 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Good Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Great Pets: Awesome Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Terrible |
| 010 | Samoyed | 82 | Dominance: Moderate High Obedience: Good Affection: High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Awesome Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent |
| 012 | Brittany Spaniel | 81 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Good | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Awesome | Dog Bite Free: Great Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 012 | Bloodhound | 81 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Low Affection: Very High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Awesome Strangers: Good | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 012 | English Springer Spaniel | 81 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Source 1: Good Source 2: Good | Dogs: Great Pets: Awesome Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Good |
| 015 | Boston Terrier | 80 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Average Affection: Moderate | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Good | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent |
| 016 | English Fox Hound | 79 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Average Affection: Moderate | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Good Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 016 | American Foxhound | 79 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Average Affection: Moderate | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Good Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great |
| 018 | Beared Collie | 78 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Good Affection: High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Excellent | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Good | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Good |
| 018 | Toy Poodle | 78 | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Recommended for Older Children | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent |
| 020 | Miniature Poodle | 77 | Dominance: Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: High | Source 1: Excellent Source 2: Recommended for Older Children | Dogs: Great Pets: Good Strangers: Great | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent |
View >> Complete Best Dogs for Kids List
TOP 3 RECOMMENDED
VERY SMALL BREEDS OF DOGS
(WE'D LIST 5 BUT THERE IS ONLY 3)
| Very Small Breed Rank | Breed | Family Info | Dominance / Obedience / Affection | Temperament with with Dogs/Pets/Strangers | Care Notes | Biting & Barking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01* | Toy Poodle (Overall Rank: 018 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Recommended for Older Children Home: Good for apartment living. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Fair Grooming: Very High | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 9 out of 10 |
| 02 | Norwich Terrier (Overall Rank: 029 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Good With Kids Rating 2: Good Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Moderate High Obedience: Good Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Good | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 8 out of 10 |
| 03 | Norfolk Terrier (Overall Rank: 055 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Good With Kids Rating 2: Good Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Moderate High Obedience: Fair Affection: Very Low | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Good | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 8 out of 10 |
View >> Complete Very Small Breeds of Dogs with Kids List
TOP 5 RECOMMENDED
SMALL BREEDS OF DOGS
| Small Breed Rank | Breed | Family Info | Dominance / Obedience / Affection | Temperament with with Dogs/Pets/Strangers | Care Notes | Biting & Barking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Beagle (Overall Rank: 004 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Good for apartment living. A small yard is sufficient. Must always be on leash or in a fenced yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Low Affection: Very High | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Awesome Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 10 out of 10 |
| 02 | Bichon Frise (Overall Rank: 005 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Fair Affection: Very High | Dogs: Great Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Fair Grooming: Very High | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 5 out of 10 |
| 03 | Boston Terrier (Overall Rank: 015 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Good for apartment living. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Average Affection: Moderate | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Good | Exercise Required: Very Low Jogging Companion: Fair Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 8 out of 10 |
| 04 | Pug (Overall Rank: 021 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Good for apartment living. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Fair Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Not Good | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Poor Grooming: Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 7 out of 10 |
| 05* | Miniature Poodle (Overall Rank: 020 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Recommended for Older Children Home: Good for apartment living. Does all right without a yard. | Dominance: Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: High | Dogs: Great Pets: Good Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Fair Grooming: Very High | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 9 out of 10 |
View >> Complete Small Breeds of Dogs with Kids List
TOP 5 RECOMMENDED
MEDIUM BREEDS OF DOGS
| Medium Breed Rank | Breed | Family Info | Dominance / Obedience / Affection | Temperament with with Dogs/Pets/Strangers | Care Notes | Biting & Barking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | English Cocker Spaniel (Overall Rank: 001 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Best with at least an average-size yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Awesome Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Good Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 3 out of 10 |
| 02 | Keeshond (Overall Rank: 002 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Best with at least an average-size yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 5 out of 10 |
| 03 | Vizsla (Overall Rank: 006 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Good With Kids Rating 2: Good Home: Not recommended for apartments. Best with at least an average-size yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 3 out of 10 |
| 04 | Samoyed (Overall Rank: 010 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. A small yard is sufficient. | Dominance: Moderate High Obedience: Good Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Awesome Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Excellent Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 6 out of 10 |
| 05 | Brittany Spaniel (Overall Rank: 012 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Good Home: Not recommended for apartments. Best with acreage. | Dominance: Low Obedience: Great Affection: Very High | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: Vigorous Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Great Bark Over Bite: Great Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 4 out of 10 |
View >> Complete Medium Breeds of Dogs with Kids List
TOP 5 RECOMMENDED
LARGE BREEDS OF DOGS
| Large Breed Rank | Breed | Family Info | Dominance / Obedience / Affection | Temperament with with Dogs/Pets/Strangers | Care Notes | Biting & Barking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Golden Retriever (Overall Rank: 002 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Best with a large yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: Very High | Dogs: Awesome Pets: Awesome Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Great Bark Over Bite: Poor Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 1 out of 10 |
| 02 | Irish Setter (Overall Rank: 007 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Good Home: Not recommended for apartments. Best with a large yard. | Dominance: Low Obedience: Good Affection: Very High | Dogs: Great Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: High Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 8 out of 10 |
| 03 | English Setter (Overall Rank: 008 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Not recommended for apartments. Best with at least an average-size yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Good Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: High Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Good Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 8 out of 10 |
| 04 | Flat-Coated Retriever (Overall Rank: 009 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Not recommended for apartments. Best with at least an average-size yard. | Dominance: Low Obedience: Awesome Affection: Very High | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Fair Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 5 out of 10 |
| 05 | Bloodhound (Overall Rank: 012 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Best with at least an average-size yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Low Affection: Very High | Dogs: Good Pets: Awesome Strangers: Good | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Great Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 8 out of 10 |
TOP 5 RECOMMENDED
VERY LARGE BREEDS OF DOGS
| Very Large Breed Rank | Breed | Family Info | Dominance / Obedience / Affection | Temperament with with Dogs/Pets/Strangers | Care Notes | Biting & Barking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newfoundland (Overall Rank: 010 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. A small yard is sufficient | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Good Affection: Very High | Dogs: Great Pets: Awesome Strangers: Awesome | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Terrible Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 1 out of 10 |
| 2 | Irish Wolfhound (Overall Rank: 033 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Not recommended for apartments. Best with a large yard. | Dominance: Very Low Obedience: Average Affection: Moderate | Dogs: Good Pets: Good Strangers: Good | Exercise Required: Moderate Jogging Companion: Excellent Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Poor Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 5 out of 10 |
| 3 | Saint Bernard (Overall Rank: 041 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. A small yard is sufficient. | Dominance: Low Obedience: Fair Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Good | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Moderate | Dog Bite Free: Great Bark Over Bite: Poor Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 3 out of 10 |
| 4 | Mastiff (Overall Rank: 052 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. A small yard is sufficient. | Dominance: Moderate High Obedience: Low Affection: High | Dogs: Good Pets: Great Strangers: Not Good | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Excellent Bark Over Bite: Poor Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 2 out of 10 |
| 5 | Great Dane (Overall Rank: 066 out of 136) | With Kids Rating 1: Excellent With Kids Rating 2: Excellent Home: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Best with a large yard. | Dominance: Low Obedience: Average Affection: High | Dogs: Not Good Pets: Not Good Strangers: Great | Exercise Required: Low Jogging Companion: Good Grooming: Very Low | Dog Bite Free: Terrible Bark Over Bite: Poor Likelihood to Bark for No Reason: 2 out of 10 |