15 Best Nanny Dog Breeds (Perfect Companions for Kids)

While all dogs love and adore their human companions, not all of them are good around kids.

The term ‘nanny dog’ is thrown a lot in canine circles. It simply refers to a kid-friendly pooch. This is a patient, protective, high-energy, gentle, and affectionate canine.

From tucking your kid to bed to playing with them in the yard to protecting them from harm, a nanny dog can do it all.

He should not lose his temper and bite your baby or topple her over.

The issue of being a good nanny dog is not dependent on the breed. It’s more of a personality issue.

However, some dog breeds have temperaments that make them excellent around kids.

If you are shopping for one, consider making your selection from the list below.

1. Labrador Retriever

There is a reason the Labrador retriever is America’s favorite dog. He has clinched the position for years, thanks to his unbeatable affection towards the entire family.

No matter your family setup, the lab has enough love to give to every single member, including pets.

His sweet demeanor scores many points for him with your children.

He is also very active and will keep your kid’s energy up always.

2. Golden Retriever

Playful, sweet, soft, and gentle, the Golden retriever is the true definition of a nanny dog.

When he is around babies and toddlers, he is very calm and gentle.

If your older kid invites him to play outside, he will show his somewhat rough and playful side.

Either way, your kid will be thoroughly entertained. Most importantly, they will be safe around the dog.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The third nanny dog on this list is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Also known as the ‘ultimate lap dog’, this breed loves lounging and cuddling with his human companions.

When he’s not lounging with your kid, he doesn’t mind taking a walk with him or playing in the yard.

Thanks to his gentle nature, he can safely play with curious toddlers and babies without hurting them.

He is never known to be aggressive towards kids. Plus, his cuteness will blow your kids’ minds, always.

4. Beagle

Next, we have the beautiful and sweet Beagle. Ask any Beagle parent why they chose him and they will probably tell you it is because he is a terrific family dog.

No doubt the Beagle loves a house full of people because it means he will never run out of companions.

He is very friendly and playful—the two things that make him a perfect nanny dog.

With a calm outlook, trust him to not hurt your kids during play.

5. Boxer

From being very active to having a friendly temperament, the Boxer is a good dog for families with kids.

Whether your kid wants to play in the yard, go swimming, or watch a movie, your dog will be happy to accompany her.

The boxer thrives in human friendships, especially those with children.

He is gentle and sweet around them—always looking for ways of pleasing them.

6. Pug

Pugs and kids are like two peas in one pod. Put a pug and a kid in one room and they will create a connection instantly.

Just look at that wrinkled face, flat snoot, and large expressive eyes and you’ll know that this is a loveable pet.

He is a small affectionate breed with an innate love for cuddling. Your child will enjoy giving and receiving cuddles from the pug.

Although he is playful, the breed is also known to love his sleep. Don’t be shocked if your pug sleeps for 14 hours in a day. It’s in his nature.

If you have a newborn or toddler at home, this is a great dog to have.

He doesn’t bark much which means he can live in apartments.

Gentle, laid-back, playful, friendly, and affectionate, the pug is a remarkable nanny dog breed.

7. Bichon Frise

If for nothing else, your kids will love the Bichon Frise simply because of his incredible beauty.

With a big, fluffy, white teddy bear look, this huge ball of fur is a true showstopper.

The good thing is that his coat is hypoallergenic, so your kids will be safe with him.

In addition to beauty, the Bichon Frise loves to run and play with children. He will ensure that they get entertained and stimulated in his company.

Plus, he is very gentle and patient with children of all ages.

8. Standard Poodle

If you love the standard poodle and have kids, you’ll be happy to know that this breed is good with them.

He scores very high in the smarts department. Count on him to learn commands, tricks, and mannerisms to help him have good manners around your child.

Intelligence also helps the dog better understand your kid and know how to please them.

A standard poodle is also a low-shedder, meaning he is great around hypoallergenic kids.

9. Vizsla

The Vizsla is a high-energy dog. His favorite activity is running around in the park or the yard, playing Frisbee with his human family, or jogging around the block. This is why he makes for a great pet around kids.

Your children will love spending time with the dog outdoors, stretching and getting their own dose of daily exercise.

The Vizsla is a hunter and always seeks to work closely with his human companions.

He is also easy to train, which means you will have an easy time teaching him to be well-behaved around your family.

10. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a quiet, dignified, and calm breed. As long as he gets a good swim every once in a while, he will be pretty happy.

He is notoriously patient and calm around kids.

Granted, he weighs 150 pounds but his sweet and gentle disposition makes him a great nanny dog.

He is very sociable and craves human companionship than many other breeds.

11. Collie

Sweet, gentle, friendly, the Collie is a good nanny dog for families with kids.

He loves playing with kids of all ages. Trust him to play a game of fetch with your child while protecting him.

This breed is especially said to be intelligent. He can perceive what your kid needs and will try to give them if it is in his power to do so.

A Border collie has a strong herding drive and may be too much for your child.

To be safe, get a standard collie instead. Not only is he kid-friendly but he also has a hypoallergenic coat which is a major advantage if your child has allergies.

12. Dachshund

Looking for a perfect pet that will not harass your kids or be harassed by them? The Dachshund fits the bill.

With a playful character, he will be a constant source of entertainment for your entire family.

This breed loves to show affection and get some from his owners as well.

He will snuggle with your child and be there for them.

Just train your kid on how to handle the sausage dog and they will be both happy and content around each other.

13. French bulldog

The Frenchie is a wonderful family dog. He was bred to work hand in hand with his owners and blend in with their families.

Over time, they became very family-oriented. Whether you have a toddler, a pre-teen, or anything in between, count on your Frenchie to be great around them.

He has a playful and gentle temperament and loves playing in the yard with human kids.

They rarely show aggression towards kids unless they are teething.

After playing fetch in the yard, the bulldog will happily lie next to your kid as he watches his favorite movie. 

14. Alaskan Malamute

This powerful Nordic breed-type canine is another kid-friendly pet.

He may have a wolf-like expression in his eyes, but he is one of the softest and affectionate dogs out there.

He is especially patient around kids. The breed has a strong pack instinct and will do anything to protect his human pack.

Although he loves all kids equally, he is more ideal for slightly older children. This is because he grows so fast.

During intense play, he can knock your toddler over by accident.

Also, firm and consistent training by a firm leader is necessary to bring out the best in the Alaskan Malamute.

15. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog can weigh upwards of 100 pounds. Because of this, many pet parents are afraid of owning one if they have kids.

If he chooses to throw his weight around, your fragile kid will be hurt badly.

However, for those that have owned this delightful breed, they can agree that he is a gentle giant that is super sweet around kids.

He is very patient and affectionate around kids allowing them to climb on his back.

His energy is also high but he doesn’t mind a calm evening curled beside your kid in the evening.

Final Thoughts

When you have kids, you cannot just adopt or buy any dog.

You have to be very picky for their safety and that of your pooch.

The breeds listed here are generally good with kids but as usual, the character of the individual dog is superior to the breed.