Columbia, MO

Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Columbia, MO: 15 Dogs Good with Children

Kid-Friendly Dogs up for adoption near Columbia, MO

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.

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
Adopt Buddy aka DW2 Butterball fromNo Time to Spare Animal Rescue and SanctuaryWarrenton, MO · listed Oct 26

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
Adopt Lucky fromAll Paws Rescue, Inc.O Fallon, MO · listed Oct 3

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
Adopt Teddy fromAll Paws Rescue, Inc.O Fallon, MO · listed Sep 20Courtesy listing: Teddy's family is rehoming them through this rescue.

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
Adopt Baby Huey fromAll Paws Rescue, Inc.O Fallon, MO · listed Sep 19

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
Adopt Rook AKA D pup fromNo Time to Spare Animal Rescue and SanctuaryWarrenton, MO · listed Sep 1

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
Adopt Bean fromAll Paws Rescue, Inc.O Fallon, MO · listed Aug 17Courtesy listing: Bean's family is rehoming them through this rescue.

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
Adopt Gavin aka Mora fromNo Time to Spare Animal Rescue and SanctuaryWarrenton, MO · listed Aug 9

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

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.