Top Dog Breeds for Families With Small Kids

Are you a family with kids looking to get a dog or puppy? Dogs are wonderful companions and can teach kids a lot about responsibility. When deciding on which type of dog to get, first and foremost think about your family’s lifestyle. You’ll want to consider a breed’s temperament, energy level and personality traits. Temperament will be the most critical factor to consider as kids can get rowdy and loud. That being said, usually nervous or anxious dogs are not well suited for kids.

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Many breeds can make great family companions, but being selective will give you and your family a much better shot at getting what you need and want in a dog. Be sure to meet many different dogs of a breed you’re considering, as personality varies. Work with a breeder or rescue to help select the right dog for you.

Large Dog Breeds That Are Great With Kids

Retrievers: Smart, Even-Tempered, Loving

Retrievers, such as the golden retriever or labrador retriever, often come to mind when people think of good family dogs. They are known to be friendly, gentle and tolerant. And while they are sweet and affectionate, remember they are still working dogs, and it’s important to give them a lot of exercise and training.

Alaskan Malamutes: Energetic, Intelligent, Patient

The Alaskan malamute is a working dog who needs to be kept active, so they’re best suited for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. But they’re also pack dogs and want to be included as a part of the family. They like to be around people, and don’t do very well when left alone for long periods of time. While they are huge in size, they’re gentle giants and love children. Because of their size and high energy levels, they do best with older children.

Bernese Mountain Dogs: Loyal, Gentle, Good-Natured

By nature, Bernese mountain dogs are outdoor dogs, but they do well indoors too. They do need quite a bit of exercise, but because they can weigh up to 115 pounds, they don’t have a lot of endurance. They’re very affectionate and patient, so they make great family dogs. Kids are welcome to climb on them as they tolerate it well. And though they’re an energetic breed, they are also able to unwind well.

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Medium Dog Breeds That Are Great With Kids

Beagles: Sweet, Curious, Playful

If you have a big, active family, a beagle would be a good option for you. Friendly and fun-loving, beagles love to play. They have a calm disposition and don’t get aggressive, so they make a great playmate for kids of all ages. They get along well with other pets and strangers, so if you’re house has a revolving door of visitors, a beagle would be a great fit.

Collies: Sensitive, Affectionate, Adaptable

Collies are incredibly smart dogs, known for being loyal and sweet. They’re highly affectionate and sensitive, but they don’t do well if left alone for a long time. Give them lots of love and affection, and they’ll return the favor tenfold. They do require quite a bit of grooming, so just be prepared for that.

Goldendoodles: Friendly, Fun-Loving, Eager to Please

Goldendoodles, a mix of golden retriever and poodle, are considered a designer breed. They are a very popular choice for families as they have an ideal temperament and are known for being good with children. They’re smart but also have an eagerness to please, which makes them easy to train. As very social and affectionate dogs, they get along well with kids and dogs alike.

Small Dog Breeds That Are Great With Kids 

Pugs: Good-Tempered, Silly, Calm

Pugs are well suited for children, as they are outgoing yet reliable. Pugs are considered the comedians in the dog world. They love to have fun and entertain their humans, but they’re not hyperactive. They’re silly yet chill, making them awesome dogs for kids.

Boston Terriers: Gentle Affectionate Enthusiastic

Boston terriers are affectionate dogs who get along with people of all ages. They’re small, but playful, so they need a lot of physical activity. They love attention, but are also capable of being independent. They are low maintenance too, which makes them ideal for busy, active households. 

Havanese: Social, Confident, Playful

Toy dog breeds are not usually considered the best dogs for kids because they’re dainty and anxious. However, the Havanese is the exception to that. Havanese are agile and quick, able to hold their own in a rowdy child-filled house. They’re also spirited and playful, making them a great fit for a family.

As springtime approaches, did you know that some dog breeds are more at risk for seasonal allergies than others? Find out if your dog’s breed is on the list, and know the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs and how you can prevent them.

Read the full article >> A Guide To Seasonal Allergies In Dogs

Best of luck in your search for your fur-ever friend!