Dogs are a man’s or woman’s best friend, but which breeds are best with kids? Here are a few dogs the whole family is sure to love!
Continue reading today’s blog to learn what dog breeds are best with kids.
Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
Many types of breeds work well with children, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Poodle, Irish Setter, Vizsla, Newfoundland, Collie, Bull Terrier, Beagle, and the Bulldog. Many factors come into play when choosing a dog for children, like the ages and lifestyles of your children, as well as the dog’s temperament, size, and energy level.
Let’s talk about these top ten dog breeds.
Top Ten Dog Breeds for Kids
Keep in mind that every family has unique situations that even the best dog breeds may not fit. It’s good to think about whether the dog is safe for all ages, their energy level, what care the dog needs, the age of dog you’re looking for, and if the dog gets along with other pets (if there are any). So without further ado, here are the top ten dog breeds for kids and families.
#10 Bulldog
These dog breeds have the affection and devotion needed for kids. With a sturdy build, the Bulldog is an excellent breed for kids who like to roughhouse. But, they’re not the best energetic dog and like to lay around the house. So if you want a dog that can run around with the kids, consider a different breed. However, the Bulldog is very loyal and friendly, and pleasant with outside visitors and other pets.
Note that Bulldogs need extra oral care, and snoring, wheezing, and drooling may be a problem. Conversely, their coat requires minimal attention, and their small stature is ideal for families in apartments or small homes. Their average lifespan is around 8 to 10 years.
#9 Beagle
Another small breed, the Beagle, has a calm temperament, making it an excellent choice for families. A dog that loves the great outdoors, the Beagle will pair perfectly with kids. They were initially bred for hunting, so they love to be in the mountains frolicking about and taking to the trails.
You won’t need to worry about boredom if you give them plenty of space to roam. These dogs are also quite intelligent, happy, and friendly and get along with other pets (mostly). One thing to look out for is shedding and needing frequent brushing and bathing. The average lifespan of a Beagle is about 12 to 15 years.
#8 Bull Terrier
Bred to be a companion dog that is friendly and loving towards kids, the Bull Terrier is a well-framed dog that takes pain quite well. If you have smaller children that like to be rough, this is a good breed for training kids to treat pets properly. Now, the Bull Terrier can be mischievous, particularly around other small animals and dogs.
Their short, flat coat is easy to care for, and they do best when given plenty of room to run around. Keep this dog mentally and physically active daily, which will stave off boredom. A Bull Terrier’s average lifespan is 11 to 14 years.
#7 Collie
Various breeds are classified as collies, including the Bearded and Border Collie, so you’re not just relegated to the classic Collie, such as the “Lassie.” Because of their gentle and predictable nature, Collies are the perfect companion for kids. They are also easily trainable and rarely misbehave.
Originally bred to be herding dogs, don’t be surprised if they try herding your children! It may be amusing to see this at first, but don’t let it become a habit. The Collie’s long hair requires regular grooming to keep its coat healthy. These dogs tend to be more sensitive and stubborn, so grooming may prove to be a challenge. Collies live to be between 8 to 12 years.
#6 Newfoundland
Considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds globally, Newfoundlands are “Nature’s Babysitter.” They love children and are quite protective and gentle, kind, and patient—the Mother Teresa of dog breeds. They are pretty large, so they need plenty of space to move around and drool and shed excessively, so they require frequent brushing and cleaning.
The breed likes to be with family inside, so consider that when thinking about choosing Newfoundlands as a family dog. Another great thing about this dog is that it’s a great swimmer and, in emergencies, is known to save lives. This breed’s average lifespan is about 8 to 10 years.
#5 Vizsla
Considered one of the best dog breeds for active and energetic families with older kids, you may not be familiar with this name. The Vizsla is both gentle and affectionate and obedient and intelligent; they form close bonds with the family and learn tricks quickly.
This breed also loves to be outdoors and can become quite restless if left alone all day. Vizla’s temperament varies between being quite stubborn and timid, along with being over-active. They can live between 10 to 14 years.
#4 Irish Setter
The long, red coat of the Irish Setter sets it apart from other breeds, although it needs frequent brushing to keep it in good shape. This dog is playful, energetic and makes a great companion for families so much that it hates being left alone. They do best when surrounded by people and are on their best behavior when paired with families.
This fun breed needs lots of exercise due to its high energy levels and does well with training, ensuring they have a good-sized yard to learn and play. The Setter does well with other people and greets new people with vim and vigor. This breed lives longer than most, with an average lifespan from 12 to 14 years with minor health problems.
#3 Poodle
Big or small alike, the Poodle is an intelligent and gentle family dog; it’s also one of the most popular breeds for kids. There are various Poodles to fit different types of families, especially for kids with allergies since they shed very little. Because of their versatility, they can be playful and adventurous, obedient and smart, but may act shy around strangers.
Their coats do need regular grooming and can mat quite easily. A loyal and caring dog, the Poodle is proud and elegant, which is why they make excellent show dogs. Miniature Poodles can live up to 15 years, with the standard Poodle around 13 years.
#2 Labrador Retriever
The number two breed for kids is also the number one—the Golden Retriever. Let’s talk about the Lab first since it’s the most popular breed, according to the American Kennel Club—in fact, for the 29th year running. Labs are patient, loving, reliable, and protective of their packs. They have a lot of energy and require exercise, with swimming being one of their favorites.
They have great stamina and strength and get along with other animals and other people they meet. Because of their short coat, they only need weekly combing and bathing to keep them healthy and clean. The Lab lives 10 to 12 years.
#1 Golden Retriever
And, the #1 breed for kids is the Golden Retriever—a bright, confident, kind, and loyal dog that is perfect as a family pet. They were bred as hunting dogs in the mid 19th century, along with other retrievers, but the difference is that Goldens could combat the adverse conditions of the area.
While the Golden needs a lot of exercising, it’s delighted playing fetch but does love to be indoors more than outdoors. The fun-loving breed makes your kids fall in love the instant they see them, and they remain very protective of their pack.
It’s vital to brush Goldens coat twice a week and bathe at least once a week to keep your Golden’s coat healthy. You will learn quickly; Goldens love to learn tricks and are fiercely obedient, meaning they train efficiently. Their lifespan is between 10 and 13 years.
Special Mentions: Mutts
We couldn’t leave out all those lovable mutts when creating a list of which dog breeds are best with kids! There are many mixed breeds, or as they’re loving called “Mutts,” which are also good with kids. You may need to observe how they respond to your family before adopting them, so keep that in mind. Some mixed breeds possess various personalities that may work great with your family, while others may not. It’s essential to consider many things when choosing a family pet.
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