LOOKING FOR A PUPPY FOR YOUR CHILD? BEST BREEDS FOR FAMILIES IN UAE

When it comes to choosing the perfect puppy for your family, especially if you have children, the decision is both exciting and important. As a pet professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, founder and former owner of Pets Habitat, I’ve helped countless families in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates find their ideal canine companion.

At Pets Caboodle, we specialize in importing ENCI-registered puppies from ethical breeders in Italy, ensuring you receive a healthy, well-socialized puppy that’s a joy to raise.

In this article, we’ll explore the best breeds for children in UAE, what to consider when choosing, and why starting with a reputable breeder is so essential.

WHAT MAKES A PUPPY SUITABLE FOR KIDS?

When choosing a puppy for children, it's not just about cuteness: it’s crucial to consider temperament, size, energy levels and trainability.  The ideal family dog should be gentle, patient, playful, and adaptable to a busy home environment.

A kid-friendly puppy should be gentle, patient, and sociable, with a natural eagerness to engage in play and companionship. Breeds known for their affectionate nature and calm demeanour often thrive in family settings.

Size can also matter: smaller dogs are easier for young children to handle, but they must be sturdy enough to tolerate a bit of clumsy affection. Smaller size breeds fit into apartment lifestyle and well as into house with smaller gardens.

Equally important is early socialisation and proper training, which helps the puppy grow into a well-mannered, confident companion for a child. Ultimately, a suitable puppy is one whose personality harmonises with the energy and curiosity of kids, offering not only snuggles and fun, but also a nurturing bond that can grow with the child.

Drawing from 28 years of life in the UAE, two decades of professional experience with pets, and the everyday insights gained as a mom of three human kids, I’ve curated a list of dog breeds ideally suited for families with kids in the UAE. This selection considers not only temperament and child-friendliness, but also factors such as climate tolerance, adaptability to indoor living, and energy levels that match family routines in UAE. Living in the Emirates comes with unique challenges: high temperatures, limited outdoor time and multicultural family dynamics, so choosing a breed that thrives in this environment is essential for long-term harmony and happiness.

LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO

The Lagotto Romagnolo is rapidly gaining popularity among families seeking a child-friendly dog that thrives in both indoor and outdoor settings. We were the first to introduce this breed to UAE families, and probably still remain the only ones to bring authentic Lagotto Romagnolo woth ENCI pedigree to UAE.

As a charming medium-sized breed, Lagotto stands out for its affectionate nature and strong emotional bond with children, often becoming a loyal playmate and gentle guardian. Its curly, hypoallergenic coat makes it an ideal choice for households concerned about allergies or shedding, especially in urban environments like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Originally bred in Italy as expert truffle hunters, Lagottos are intelligent, eager to learn and easy to train, making them suitable for families with young kids who benefit from structured interaction and safe companionship. The breed adapts well to warm climates, provided they have access to air-conditioned spaces and daily indoor play. With their loving disposition, manageable energy levels, and minimal grooming demands, Lagotto Romagnolo earns its place as our top recommendation for families with children living in the UAE.

BICHON FRISE

Bichon Frise is a joyful and affectionate companion, well-suited for families in the UAE seeking a gentle yet playful dog for children of all ages. Despite their small size, Bichons are remarkably sturdy, making them resilient enough to keep up with active little ones while maintaining a patient, calm demeanour during cuddles and quiet time. Their naturally cheerful temperament means they integrate smoothly into busy households, often becoming a central part of children's daily routines and emotional wellbeing.

With a hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat, Bichon Frise is ideal for families navigating allergy concerns.. This breed thrives in apartment settings or villas with limited outdoor space, provided they enjoy regular play and enrichment. Their social nature and ease of training also make them a delight for first-time dog owners, particularly parents looking for a safe, low-maintenance pet that complements UAE family life.

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

Miniature Schnauzer is a highly intelligent and affectionate breed that makes an excellent companion for children growing up in the UAE. Known for their playful spirit and unwavering loyalty, Schnauzers thrive on being part of the family dynamic: whether joining in playtime, accompanying errands, or cuddling on the sofa.

Their hypoallergenic coat and minimal shedding make them a popular choice for households with allergy concerns, especially in cities, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where indoor living is prevalent and outdoor canine exercise space is restricted. With moderate exercise needs and an adaptable temperament, Miniature Schnauzers fit easily into busy routines, enjoying brisk walks in shaded parks or short bursts of indoor activity. Their alertness and eagerness to learn also make them well-suited for young families looking for a trainable, child-friendly dog that responds well to structure and affection.

Thanks to their minimal shedding and allergy-friendly coat, Miniature Schnauzers are a delightful choice for families in the UAE, especially those with children and busy routines

DACHSHUND (INCLUDING MINIATURE DACHSHUNDS)

Dachshund, including its popular Miniature variety, is a bold and endearing breed that makes a loyal companion for families with slightly older children in the UAE. Known for their lively character and courageous spirit, Dachshunds form strong bonds with their family and enjoy being involved in everyday activities, from indoor play to relaxed downtime. Their compact size makes them suitable for apartment living in cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, while their adaptable nature ensures they thrive in both cosy villas and high-rise homes.

Dachshunds are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement and structured interaction, especially with children who’ve learned gentle handling. Although not hypoallergenic, their short coat sheds minimally and requires little grooming, making them a practical choice for dynamic households. With their compact size, loyal nature, and playful spirit, Dachshunds make a delightful addition to UAE families, especially for those with children who appreciate a dog full of character and charm.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Labrador Retriever is one of the most beloved family dog breeds worldwide, and for good reasons. For families living in the UAE who are open to non-hypoallergenic options and larger dogs, Labs offer a winning combination of friendliness, patience and playful energy that makes them an exceptional companion for children.

Known for their gentle temperament and high tolerance levels, Labradors are fantastic with kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and quickly become integral to daily family life. Though they shed moderately and require regular washing, their affectionate personality and eagerness to please more than make up for the extra care. Labs thrive in villas with outdoor space and adapt well to early morning walks or shaded garden play, helping them stay active and cool in the UAE climate.

Whether in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah or other Emirates, families searching “best family dog breeds for kids in UAE” or “child-friendly large dogs for warm climates” will find that the Labrador Retriever consistently comes out on top.

COCKER SPANIEL

Ah, those adorably irresistible Spaniel ears! Cocker Spaniels are as sweet-natured as they are instantly lovable, making them a heartwarming addition to families across the UAE. Gentle, affectionate, brimming with playful energy - these dogs love being involved in daily life, whether it’s chasing toys with the kids, curling up for story time, or greeting every guest with a wagging tail (all our puppies come with full tails!).

Cocker's soft, expressive eyes, curious minds and intuitive nature help them bond easily with young children, especially those who appreciate a cuddly, responsive pet. While their silky coat does call for regular grooming, the love and emotional warmth they bring far outweigh the maintenance. Living in Abu Dhabi’s bustling apartment life or in a garden villa in Dubai, Cocker Spaniels adapt beautifully and become an integral part of the family rhythm.

HOW WE CAN HELP

When considering a puppy, choosing the right breeder is just as important as choosing the right breed.

At Pets Caboodle, we exclusively import from ENCI registered breeders in Italy. This is because, at present, there are no reliable and tustworthy breeders in Dubai or Abu Dhabi who meet the strict standards of health, temperament, and proper socialisation (read the reasons why).

By working with carefully selected Italian breeders, we ensure each puppy is raised in a loving environment, with thorough health checks and early socialisation that set the foundation for a happy life and lifelong health with your family.

I decided not to list the breeds that are less suited for children in the UAE, as I’ve spoken enough about that in previous articles. More importantly, I genuinely believe that most dog breeds can do well with kids, provided the puppy comes from responsible and ethical breeder, the children's energy levels are considered, and the parents have realistic expectations and some canine experience. Proper training - for both, humans and dogs, - is also essential. The breeds mentioned above are ideal examples, all of which have consistently received positive feedback from families who have brought them into their homes here in the UAE with our help.

In Conclusion

Whether you choose a hypoallergenic breed like a Bichon Frise or Lagotto Romagnolo, or a classic family favourite like a Labrador, Cocker Spaniel, or Dachshund, remember that the most important factor is selecting a well-bred, healthy, and properly socialised puppy from a credible breeder. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of buying from ENCI (or equivalent) registered breeder to guarantee a peace of mind when it comes to health and ethical breeding practices.

By starting with a reputable source and understanding each breed’s personality, you can find the perfect furry friend to grow up alongside your children.

- Written by Natalia Dolidze, founder and former owner of Pets Habitat LLC, now assisting UAE residents in ethically sourcing their ideal canine companion from responsible breeders in Italy.