9 Best Dogs For Kids [We Picked 1 Out Of 9]
Let’s discuss the best dogs for kids…
Are you thinking about adding a furry friend to your household? If you have kids, choosing the right dog breed is crucial to ensure a happy and safe home.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best dog breeds for kids and why they make great companions.
Whether you’re looking for a large or small dog or an active or laid-back pup, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect pup for your family!
Things to keep in mind before choosing a dog for kids
Choosing the right breed of dog for your children is an important decision that should be made carefully.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- Temperament: The breed should have a calm and friendly temperament.
- Energy level: Consider your family’s lifestyle and choose a breed with an energy level that suits it.
- Trainability: Look for a breed that is easy to train or that requires minimal training.
- Size: Choose a breed with a size that is appropriate for your home and family.
- Coat type: Consider the amount of shedding and grooming required for a particular breed.
- Health: Research breeds that are susceptible to health issues and minimize those risks as much as possible.
- Compatibility: Determine if the breed will get along well with other pets or family members.
- Children’s ages: Take into account the age of your children and choose a breed that is suitable.
- Lifestyle: Consider your family’s activities and hobbies and choose a dog breed that will fit in with them.
Learn more about the best breed of dog for a single person.
The Best Dogs For Kids
We formatted the list to give the top 3 which is 1 to 3. Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Here are the best breed of dogs for kids:
1. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are a great breed for raising children because they are friendly, easy-going, and have a happy temperament.
Children that have spent time with Golden Retrievers are said to be good with other children and animals.
Golden Retrievers are also active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming.
An adult golden retriever will be around 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms) while a puppy is around 11 pounds (5.3 kilograms).
This breed is also known for its long life expectancy, so a puppy can live for 10 years and 4 months, and an adult dog for 14 years and 6 months.
2. Poodles
Many people love poodles, so it is no surprise that they are one of the most popular breeds for raising children.
Poodles are gentle, well-behaved, and intelligent, and they are prone to becoming attached to children in a very affectionate way.
A poodle that gets along well with children will respond positively to their children when they are sad or in need of comfort.
Poodles are also very affectionate with their owners and are rarely aggressive towards them.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Combine the portable size of the toy type with sports wool and you’ve got this charming and lively companion.
Cavaliers get along with almost everyone they meet, including children and other dogs. (The expression of silky fur and melting heart is just a bonus.)
Because they are active and playful, the benefits of raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel include the opportunity to bond with a dog at a young age.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also likely to become great walkers as they enjoy interacting with their human family members.
4. Boxers
Boxers are gentle, loyal, and playful dogs, and they have a lot of energy and energy to play with children.
Children that grow up with boxers tend to be curious and inquisitive about how the dogs behave, and they often want to get close and play.
Children tend to enjoy interacting with their dog friends when they are young.
5. Bulldog
Bulldogs are friendly, patient dogs that range in size from medium to large.
They are wonderful family pets and are amazing with kids.
Bulldogs are ideal for families with busy schedules because they require little maintenance and little exercise.
6. Labrador Retriever
One of the most well-liked family dog breeds, they are renowned for their warm and amiable personalities.
They come in a variety of colors and range in size from medium to giant dogs.
Due to their calm and gentle disposition, Labradors get along well with kids.
Additionally, they are full of activity and enjoy playing, which makes them excellent playmates for children.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
This breed is renowned for being kind and amiable.
They make an excellent choice for families with young children because they are excellent with youngsters and have a lot of patience.
In addition to being very clever and trainable, they are also simple to handle.
Read more about the Best Small Dogs For Adults: Our Top 4 Picks.
8. Bichon Frise
This diminutive breed is renowned for its upbeat and amiable personality.
They enjoy playing and get along well with children.
They are an excellent option for families that are new to dog ownership because they are also very versatile and simple to train.
Learn more about Bichon Frisé Pros And Cons.
9. Beagles
This small- to medium-sized breed is renowned for being outgoing and sociable. They enjoy playing and get along well with children.
They are an excellent option for families that are new to dog ownership because they are also very versatile and simple to train.
Learn more about Beagle’s pros and cons.
How to help kids interact with dogs
Here are some common ways to help your kids to interact safely with dogs:
- Teach your kids how to properly greet a dog – Approach dogs slowly, offer a closed hand for them to sniff, and let them approach you first.
- Teach your kids to respect a dog’s space – Dogs need their personal space just like people do, especially when they’re sleeping, eating, or caring for their puppies.
- Teach your kids to recognize a dog’s body language – For example, if a dog is growling, barking, or showing its teeth, it may be indicating that it is scared or uncomfortable.
- Supervise interactions with dogs – Always keep an eye on your kids when they are around dogs, and don’t allow them to do things like pull a dog’s tail or ears.
- Teach your kids to ask for permission before petting a dog – Not all dogs want to be petted, so it’s important to teach your kids to respect the dog and its owner by asking for permission first.
- Teach your kids to avoid direct eye contact with dogs – Some dogs may see direct eye contact as aggressive behavior, especially when they don’t know the person.
- Teach your kids to be gentle with dogs – Dogs appreciate gentleness, so teach your kids to be soft and gentle when petting dogs.
- Teach your kids to never approach a strange dog – It’s important for kids to know that if they see a dog they don’t know or recognize, they should never approach it, no matter how friendly it may appear.
- Teach your kids what to do if they feel threatened by a dog – Teach your kids to stay calm, stand still, and avoid making any sudden movements that may provoke the dog. They should also avoid running away from the dog as this may potentially trigger the dog’s prey-drive.
Questions
What are the best dog breeds for kids?
There are many dog breeds that are great choices for families with children.
Some popular options include Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Boxer, and Bulldog.
What traits should you look for in a dog when choosing one for your kids?
When choosing a dog for your kids, it’s important to look for one that is friendly, patient, and adaptable.
You want a dog that can handle the energy and noise that often come with children.
Are smaller dogs better for kids than larger dogs?
Not necessarily. The size of the dog doesn’t always determine its suitability for children.
However, it’s important to remember that small dogs can be more fragile and may not be able to handle rough play or accidents as larger dogs can.
How can you teach your kids to interact safely with dogs?
Teach your kids to approach dogs calmly and ask permission to pet them.
Show them how to be gentle and respectful when interacting with dogs, and remind them never to pull on a dog’s tail or ears.
Also, always supervise your children when they’re around dogs.
Do some dog breeds have a higher tolerance for children than others?
Yes, some dog breeds are known for being particularly patient and tolerant of children.
However, it’s important to remember that to some extent, it’s also about the individual dog’s temperament and training.
Socialization with children is an important part of your dog’s training.
It helps them learn how to interact with kids safely and appropriately and can help prevent them from becoming anxious or fearful around children.
Puppy classes and supervised playdates can be great ways to socialize your dog with children.
Learn more about the benefits of owning a pet.
Conclusion
Now you have gone through our list of the best dogs for kids it’s time to make a decision, and we will help you since that is why you have read through.
If you want a small breed of dog for your kids then we advise you get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Poodle depending on the one available in your city.
Then if you are looking for a more caring and affectionate breed of dog not minding the size, then we strongly advise you get a Golden Retriever.
We advise you to get a Golden Retriever Puppy at a very young age, then allow the dog to grow together with your kid and become the best of friends.
