Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Columbia, MO: 15 Dogs Good with Children
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Columbia have 15 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. Here are all 15, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every dog on this page has been marked by their rescue as good with children, usually because they've lived with kids in a foster home.
Not in Columbia? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Cruz
Adult · Male · Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




Meet Cruz Cruz is a professional snuggle bug fueled by happy zoomies. He loves the outdoors, plays great with big dogs, and will do anything for a treat. Working on sit, fascinated by vacuums, crate trained with no accidents, and nearly fully potty trained. Big heart, bigger personality ever.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Chopper
Adult · Male · Rottweiler · 62 mi from Columbia




Chopper a blind Rottweiler with a HUGE heart! He’s smart, playful, treat motivated, and convinced he’s a lap dog! This sweet boy needs a patient, confident family to help guide him. He prefers female dogs and needs slow introductions. BONUS! Chopper comes with LIFETIME TRAINING through Modern K9 Solutions
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
3. Buddy aka DW2 Butterball
Adult · Male · Dachshund / Chihuahua / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




Hi Im Buddy, if i'm a great little dog that loves attention. I was returned to the rescue due to no fault of my own as my owner recently passed away. I love to snuggle and would love to sleep in the bed with me. I will need a little time to adjust to my new home and owner but will be your best Buddy, once we get to know each other.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
4. Lucky
Adult · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 86 mi from Columbia




Meet Lucky, a 2 year old lab mix weighing about 55 pounds. He was rescued from an abandoned house then adopted out from the shelter just to be sold online. He is such a sweet boy that loves to cuddle and loves kids. He is crate trained and potty trained. He loves to go on walks and playing with his toys. He is dog to dog friendly and is good with cats. He really is the perfect dog. The best home for Luckynwould be a home with an active family that can include him in their daily activities.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Ozzie
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia


This handsome pittie mix traded his wandering days for couch life and couldn’t be happier. Gentle, well-mannered, and super friendly with people and dogs, Ozzie loves a good zoomie session followed by belly rubs. Sweet, social, and ready to be someone’s best friend.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
6. Teddy
Adult · Australian Shepherd · 86 mi from Columbia




Meet Teddy, a very sweet and loving, 2 year old Australian Shepherd who has never met a stranger. Unfortunately his owner can no longer keep him because he works too many hours and Teddy is crated more than the breed should be. He is great with other dogs and loves going to the dog park. He is potty trained, neutered, and up to date on shots.
Because Teddy is an Australian Shepherd, he would do best with an active family and a fenced yard.
NOTE: This is a courtesy post only. Teddy is not affiliated with All Paws rescue.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Baby Huey
Senior · Female · Beagle / Cattle Dog / Mixed (short coat) · 86 mi from Columbia




Huey, formally known as Houston is a nine year old Beagle/Heeler mix. Her owner recently passed away and she is looking for a new home. She has been very sad but is starting to come around. She seems to do better with larger dogs. She is spayed, curtsying shot and microchipped. She is currently being treated for allergy issues with her skin and ears. For more information, contactadopt@allpawsrescue.info
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Peaky
Adult · Female · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




Meet Peaky! This 40-pound Shepherd mix has beauty, brains, and a little sass! Peaky is smart, playful, treat-motivated, and great on a leash. She loves kids, gets along with dogs, and has a sweet, gentle side. She’s ready to steal hearts and find her forever family!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
9. Boo
Adult · Male · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




Boo is an active, fun-loving pup who enjoys staying busy, playing, and having a good time. Even better? Boo gets along with other dogs If you’re looking for an energetic sidekick who’s ready for adventures, playtime, and a fresh start, Boo might be your perfect match!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
10. Rook AKA D pup
Adult · Male · Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




This 60-pound sweetheart is a professional cuddler and belly rub enthusiast! Rook loves people, knows basic commands, and has great recall. He’s gaining confidence every day and dreams of a forever home where he can snuggle close, steal your heart, and be your loyal companion!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
11. Truffles
Adult · Female · Akita / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




I'm looking for a foster home until I find my forever home. Truffles is a beautiful Akita with an even more beautiful personality. She’s sweet, affectionate, and loves being close to her people. Truffles is the kind of girl who will happily soak up your attention and give plenty of love right back.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
12. Bean
Young · Catahoula Leopard Dog / Mixed · 86 mi from Columbia



Meet Bean, a sweet 6 month old petite girl weighing about 25 pounds. Her parents were part of an animal cruelty case so she spent her first few weeks at the shelter. She is oh spoiled, sassy, sweet, and wants loving from everyone she meets. She is constantly around kids who take turns holding her. She is in a home with 3 other dogs and gets along with them just fine though is learning when to stop harassing them. Being a typical puppy, she is working on going potty outside but doing better.
if you are aware of what it takes to raise a puppy and looking for an absolute love bug who is eager to please and learn, she won’t disappoint.
Read more about Bean
She would do best in a home with an active family as she wants to be right there in the action. She is used to having another dog for companionship and to play with so a home with another dog is a us she is also used to someone being home quite a bit so not do well being left alone for a full day
Bean is adorable and would make a great addition to a family but please understand the cost and time commitment a puppy requires. Serious inquiries only.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
13. Gavin aka Mora
Adult · Male · Boxer / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




Gavin is a sweet Boxer mix with 40 pounds of love to give. He was adopted from us as a puppy, but sadly returned due to personal circumstances through no fault of his own.He’s house trained, crate trained,(may need a refresher) dog friendly, and submissive. Gavin has the sweetest personality, makes the cutest little noises, and absolutely loves to snuggle. He’s known the love of a home before… now he’s just waiting for someone to give him forever.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
14. Garth
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




My adoption fee is paid in full by sponsors I'm looking for a foster home until my forfever home is found. This sweet boy loves car rides, pup cups, and being part of the action. He is friendly with people, rides great in a vehicle, and enjoys any adventure that comes his way. Garth is treat motivated and learning his leash manners. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a fun personality, Garth may be your guy! Food motivated and eager to learn. Loves to play, but sometimes his excitement turns into big zoomies! When he gets worked up, he benefits from a confident owner who can help him settle and refocus.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
15. Shania
Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 62 mi from Columbia




My adoption fee has been sponsored I'm looking for a foster home until my forever home is found. Shania is as sweet and gentle as they come. This loving girl simply wants to be close to her people and soak up all the affection she can get. She has a calm, friendly personality and makes everyone she meets feel special. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a heart full of love, Shania may be your perfect match.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
Adopting a dog with children in Columbia
Bring the whole family to meet the dog before you adopt, and ask the rescue how the dog behaves around children your kids' ages.
Teach children to let the dog come to them, to stroke gently, and to leave the dog alone while it's eating or sleeping. Give the dog a bed or crate of their own to retreat to, and always supervise young children with a new dog.
Relaxed adult dogs are often a better match for young children than puppies, which jump up, nip and chew while they learn.
Rescues with kid-friendly dogs near Columbia
- No Time to Spare Animal Rescue and SanctuaryWarrenton, MO · 11 kid-friendly dogs above
- All Paws Rescue, Inc.O Fallon, MO · 4 kid-friendly dogs above
Questions about adopting kid-friendly dogs in Columbia
How many kid-friendly dogs are up for adoption in Columbia?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Columbia, Missouri, have 15 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly dog in Columbia?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly dogs near Columbia right now are No Time to Spare Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (Warrenton, MO) and All Paws Rescue, Inc. (O Fallon, MO). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
What kind of dog is best with kids?
A calm, patient dog that the rescue has seen around children. Adult dogs are often easier than puppies with young kids, since their personalities are known and they play less roughly.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.