Looking for the best dog for kids? Here are 10 great breeds that our Springfield vets recommend that you consider for your family.
Picking the Best Family Dog For Kids
If you are looking for a canine companion for your kids, choosing a breed with qualities that match your child's personality is important. Does your child want a pet they can run around the yard with, or a companion to cuddle up on the sofa with?
Be sure to take available space at home into consideration also. Do you have loads of space or is your home on the tiny side?
Our team at Greenbrier-Springfield Animal Hospital wants you to find the best family dog for your kids, so here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds.
1 - The Mutt
The perfect canine companion for your children could be waiting for you at the local animal shelter. Mixed-breed Mutts can make wonderful family dogs! These dogs can be just as good with children as purebred dogs, are less prone to genetic diseases, and are less expensive to maintain. If you're thinking about getting a mutt for your family, take your time visiting local animal shelters and be patient in your search for the right dog to fit in with your lifestyle. Shelter workers can often provide you with a doggie report card that details all of the known personality quirks of the dog you're interested in.2 - Boston Terrier
Weighing in at about 25 pounds or less, these people-loving bundles of fun come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. Happy to play and go for short walks, this charming small dog breed is one of the best for kids and adapts well to apartment living, making it a great companion for children of all ages.3 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At about 10-18 lbs, the compact size of this lively but gentle breed makes it a great dog for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers tend to get along well with kids and other dogs. They can be both playful and cuddly making this sweet-natured pooch a great pet for kids of many ages and energy levels.4 - Labrador Retriever
With good reason, they remain one of the most popular family pets. The Labrador Retriever is a wonderful dog for children because it is gentle, loyal, and entertaining. Labs adore spending time with people - all people - and will quickly become your child's best friend. However, it is critical to ensure that labs get plenty of exercise or they may become mischievous. These dogs vary in size but typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.5 - Beagle
The Beagle is one of the best medium-sized dogs for family life. This mid-sized pooch typically weighs in at between 18-30 lbs and adores spending time with its people, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles are smart and loving dogs that can make terrific family pets provided that they get plenty of family interaction and exercise. Beagles are not appropriate for families who are out of the house a lot.6 - Pug
Your family will love these adorable little characters! Pugs are pretty happy to just eat and sleep. If your kids are small, or lower energy and would appreciate a dog that will play with them indoors then curl up beside them to watch tv, a Pug may be just the right breed for your family. Weighing around 15 lbs, this is a breed that doesn't need much space, and only requires a couple of short walks each day to be content.7 - Newfoundland
This fluffy giant is described as sweet, loyal, and patient, to name a few words. This endearing breed has a genuine fondness for children and is often referred to as a 'nanny dog' due to its gentle patience with them. Weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, a Newfoundland will require space in your home. It's also important to note that, like many giant breeds, Newfs have a relatively short life expectancy of only 8 to 10 years, whereas many small to medium dogs can live 15 to 20 years or even longer.
8 - Golden Retriever
The loyal Golden Retriever, which is affectionate, good with children, and playful with other dogs, can make an excellent dog for families with children of any age. This breed, with its dense, lustrous gold coat, is as much fun to cuddle as it is to play with. Golden retrievers are typically eager-to-please family dogs who are relatively simple to train. They approach life with a joyful and playful attitude and maintain their youthful spirit well into adulthood. This breed weighs between 60 and 80 pounds and sheds moderately.
9 - The Standard Poodle
Active, proud, and very smart the standard poodle can make a great family pet. While known for their distinctive hairstyles, standard poodles shed little and, with some regular grooming, can look handsome whether they are clipped to breed standard or left natural. Poodles are typically easy-to-train, lively, and fun-loving family dogs with a silly sense of humor. These dogs weigh around 45 - 60 lbs and live 10 - 14 years on average.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
If your family is looking for a big dog, your kids will love this sweet-natured fluffy breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70-100lbs, and in spite of their size, have a reputation for being gentle with kids. One word of warning - these big beautiful dogs are major shedders.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.