10 Best Dog Breeds For Kids
Picking the right dog for kids in the family can be a little tricky. Most individuals think that smaller dog breeds make the best pets for small children. This is not always the case. Kids can be rambunctious and have yet to learn how to handle pets the correct way. As such, small dogs and toy dogs may not be the best for them. The dogs that are perfect for kids should be those that are sturdy and have the energy to match the playfulness of children. They should be friendly and intelligent, too. If you don’t have a clue as to the dog that’s best for your kid, worry not. Our list of the 10 best breeds of dogs for children should give you ample choices.
Basset Hound
Fans of Hush Puppies know that this has got to be one of the dog world’s most good-natured hounds. It has a pleading gaze that goes well with its slow movements. But don’t be fooled by its lazy look. The Basset Hound is one of the sturdiest breeds you can give to your kid. It’s also very witty, often using its mournful looks as a means to get its favorite treat.
It’s a hunter, by the way. As such, you should train it while it’s still a puppy. This way it knows how to follow the “rules” when playing with your child. It has a very easy and friendly disposition that makes it a worthy companion for any child. It can howl, but it’s more melodic than it is cacophonous.
Beagle
This is one scenthound that is as relentless as it is playful. They enjoy meandering walks that allow them to sniff their surroundings. Beagles are perfect for young kids who love to spend time in the backyard. They have this uncanny curiosity that is the equivalent of Dora the Explorer type of kids.
People who know the Beagle know that its nosy nature is undeniable. Thus, if you want to give this dog to your kid, make sure to teach your child about the true strength of the Beagle. Everything revolves around whatever its nose can pick up. Your kid can use this to his or her advantage. It loves food, too. And if your child wants to teach the Beagle some tricks, a handful of treats can be a rewarding experience for this scenthound.
You may also like our article on Dog Food for Beagles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It may be a toy breed, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is big. It can grow up to 13 inches at the withers and tip the scale at 18 pounds. Forget what we said about not giving toy dog breeds to your child. The King is an exception, for very obvious reasons. But what makes the Cavalier King Charles so adorable for kids to have is their unquenchable thirst for their master’s attention. They’ll follow their human companions to the ends of the earth.
But don’t ever think that the King is content on lazing in your home. True, it will jump onto your kid’s lap. However, it also enjoys long walks and plenty of play time. They enjoy the company of kids and are always ready with their big and happy smile. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easygoing and trusting. They have this zest for life that all kids can learn from.
Golden Retriever
There are very few “best” dog categories that you cannot find the golden boy of the dog world. With its infectious smile and luxurious coat, there’s no denying that the Golden Retriever is one of the best for kids. It has this playful nature that is perfect for rambunctious kids. But beware, its playfulness may not be good for younger children. This is still a large dog that can weigh up to 75 pounds.
Your child will love the Goldie’s insatiable appetite to please. He can also bring his friends along for a good time in your backyard. This hound is the perfect example of what a friendly dog is all about. This also makes it a poor guard dog. Instead of alerting you to a possible intruder, the Golden will meet the stranger with its wagging tail.
See our round-up of the Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers.
Labrador Retriever
There are many reasons why the Labrador Retriever is America’s sweetheart. One of them is their indomitable spirit when it comes to interacting with children. True enough; the fun-loving, good-looking, and smart Lab is one of the best dogs you can ever give to your child. It has a very calm demeanor and an easygoing nature to match. It loves to play, but not as rough as its long-haired cousin, the Golden Retriever.
What makes the Lab so special in the heart of kids? If your kid wants a furry playmate, the Lab can be that. How about a trusted companion on casual walks? It can do that, too. Need a huggable furbaby? The Lab can be that and a whole lot more. This dog is so versatile that there’s nothing it cannot do for you and your child.
Head over to our review of the Best Dog Food for Labs.
Boxer
Not many people think that the Boxer can be a great pet for kids but this working dog is. It’s silly yet sweet, the perfect combination for kids and kids-at-heart. Despite its muscular appearance, the Boxer has a clownish personality that makes it the furry mascot of its human family. It is very playful yet possesses the much-needed patience around rambunctious little punks.
When in the company of its family, the Boxer is a clown, a jester if you may. But whenever it senses that a stranger is about to enter the picture, you can expect the Boxer to put its wary and deliberate face. You’ll feel safer about your child with the Boxer by his side.
For more options, check out our detailed review of Dog Food for Boxers.
Bulldog
When we speak of Bulldogs, we’re referring to those from the British Isles. Despite its hulking size and a wrinkled face, the English Bulldog is one of the best dogs for any child. It is so tough and patient with kids. It doesn’t mind being on the receiving end of children’s roughhousing. It is this temperament that makes the Bulldog such an adorable mascot for kids.
This dog is gentle and is never territorial. Its friendliness towards children can surpass that of the Golden Retriever. Its origins may be that of a bull fighter, but the Bulldog is now a favorite family companion. Its loyalty and devotion remain strong, nonetheless. Be mindful of its health, however. Its flat face makes it prone to overheating and the development of respiratory problems.
Cocker Spaniel
Like the Cavalier King Charles, the Cocker Spaniel is a good breed to introduce to young children. It has the right size and weight to withstand the rough-playing tendencies of children. It is trainable, too, giving your kid the chance to experience first-hand how to train a dog. Its gentle nature and playfulness are always good things to have in the company of children.
The Cocker Spaniel was the epitome of a great kid-friendly dog. That badge now goes to the Golden and the Lab. However, the Cocker Spaniel still commands the respect of those who know better. It has a very sweet nature that kids love. Its greatest asset, however, is its very expressive eyes. One look at this pair and you’ll have your heart melting for this beautiful chap.
Find out more about Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels.
Collie
One of the best things about Lassie is that it knows how to conduct itself when around people. Inside the home, you can expect the Collie to be well-behaved. Once it sets foot outdoors, however, it flips its switch to become more energetic. Mind you, the Collie is one of the best dog breeds you can get for the entire family, not only for kids.
There’s no questioning the Collie’s devotion to its human master. And while it doesn’t have the IQ of its cousin, the Border Collie, Lassie is still a smart dog. Because of its eagerness to please, you can expect your child to train the Collie with relative ease. Collies bond well with all members of the family. However, they do love playing with children. Training the Collie as a puppy is crucial if you don’t want it nipping at kids’ heels.
Miniature Poodle
There are three Poodle sizes and the best one for children is the middle version – the Miniature Poodle. This dog is well-known for its frou-frou hairdo and clownish behavior. You may laugh at its antics, thinking the Poodle as a very silly and obnoxious dog. The thing is that the Poodle is never silly. It only wants to show you its repertoire of tricks. After all, this is the Number 2 Einstein of the dog world.
There’s another reason why the Poodle may be great for your kid. It is a low-shedding dog, making it ideal for kids and adults who may have asthma and other types of allergies. It loves to play with kids, showing them its bag of tricks. If there’s one dog your kid should have, the Poodle is it.
These dog breeds are well-regarded for their child-friendliness. However, training and socialization are still a must if you want to make the most out of the kid-dog relationship.
