Are you and your family considering adding a furry friend to your household?
Choosing the right breed of dog can make all the difference in ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable experience for everyone, especially when children are involved.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the 10 best dog breeds for kids. From their temperament to their energy levels, we’ll cover all the important factors to consider when selecting the perfect pup for your family.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
10 – Bulldog
Starting off our list at number 10, we’ve got the Bulldog – a loyal, loving and affectionate companion that will steal your heart.
With their gentle and docile nature, these pups are perfect for families with children of all ages.
They have a calm and relaxed temperament and aren’t known to be overly energetic, making them a great option for families who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle.
Bulldogs are also highly patient and tolerant of their loved ones, which is why they’re a great option for families with younger children who may not know how to properly interact with a dog yet. But they do best in houses with older kids who know how to respect and treat a dog well.
Not only are these dogs great with kids, but they’re also low-maintenance pups. Their grooming routine is easy to keep up with and they’re not known for being excessive barkers, making them the perfect companion for families who want a low-key dog.
9 – Beagle
At number 9 we have the Beagle – a playful, energetic, and affectionate companion.
These pups are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them the perfect companion for children who love to play and have fun.
They have a great sense of smell which makes them great at finding things.
They can also be trained to participate in activities like tracking and hunting, making them a great companion for kids who are interested in outdoor activities.
These dogs are also known for being patient, kind and loving, which makes them a great option for families with younger children. They are also known for being great with other pets and visitors, are easy to groom and don’t shed excessively.
But most importantly, Beagles are a bundle of energy and joy, with their happy-go-lucky attitude and playful nature, they will make sure that your kids are never bored. They are great family pets that can be a loving companion for children.
8 – Bull Terrier
Coming in at number 8 is the lovable, protective, and playful Bull Terrier. These pups are known for their sweet and loving nature, making them the perfect companion for older children who are looking for a loyal and protective companion.
The American Kennel Club describes Bull Terriers as mischievous, playful and charming, and that’s exactly what they are. With their silly and comical antics, Bull Terriers will keep your kids entertained for hours on end.
Despite their unfair reputation of being aggressive, Bull Terriers were actually bred to be companion dogs, friendly and loving towards adults and children alike.
They are very protective of their loved ones and will do anything to keep them safe. It’s important to remember that Bull Terriers have a playful and curious nature, which is why they may have mischief on their mind, especially when it comes to other small animals and dogs. To avoid problems, it’s important to keep your pet mentally and physically active every day.
7 – Newfoundland
At number 7 on this list, we’ve got the Newfoundland. Sweet and docile but also patient and watchful the Newfoundland with its large size and even larger personality, makes a great “nanny dog” for children.
But don’t let their chill personality fool you, these big dogs need room to run and play! Nicknamed “Nature’s Babysitter,” the Newfoundland is one of the most intelligent breeds in the world and they just happen to adore children and will fiercely protect them.
Their gentle and kind nature makes them the perfect companion for both young and old family members, and their large size and love for open spaces make them a great fit for families with room to roam.
Grooming and upkeep may be required for their long coats, but the love and companionship they bring is worth it. And with their natural swimming abilities, not only do they make great playmates, but they also have the potential to save lives in emergency situations.
These task-oriented dogs thrive on stimulation, making them not only loving companions but also an intelligent and capable addition to any family.
6 – Pug
In the 6th place, we’ve got the Pug. These cute Instagram-darlings are known for their smiling faces and cozying-up tendencies, making them a popular favorite for children who love gentle play and cuddles.
Pugs were bred to be lap dogs and adore being around people, they are clever, quiet, and make great family pets. Kids will love the hilarious smooshed face of a Pug!
They are even-tempered and mischievous, making them great dogs for families. They do well both indoors and outdoors, so long as the weather is not too hot or humid, they will happily spend most of their day snuggled on the sofa with their family.
Pugs love to play, and that includes playing with children. This brachycephalic breed however shouldn’t get overworked since it’s prone to overheating, so short play sessions and rest snuggling with its humans is perfect for this pup.
This is why these lower-energy dogs are ideal for families looking for a lap dog or cuddle companion.
5 – Irish Setter
Coming in at number 5 is the Irish Setter. Known for their red coat and their energetic and playful nature, Irish Setters are regal and elegant dogs not only beautiful to look at but also full of energy and love for play.
They grow to be large, around 50 to 70 pounds, and have a long lifespan, so they can grow up with your kids. Irish Setters are known to be one of the best family dogs, they make great companions, are wonderful with children, have lively dispositions, and are great for first-time owners. They love to play with toys and balls, and are the perfect running companion for active families.
The breed, however, does require regular grooming and brushing because of their long coat, but it’s worth it for their loyalty and companionship. Plus, they’d enjoy having a yard to play around in.
Irish Setters are also great at greeting new people and will be a beloved companion for your family.
This breed is perfect for active families with lots of space and a love for outdoor activities, they are great companions for older children and will accompany them on hikes and fetch with them, and will make sure that no one ever gets bored.
4 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Coming in at number 4 is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
These affectionate dogs were bred to be lap dogs for British royalty, so they do best with a family who is happy to give them lots of attention.
They are sweet and loyal dogs that can easily have daily bouts of energetic play, but are always up for a snuggle.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are considered to be great family dogs because they are friendly, affectionate, and good with children.
They’re also small in size, making them easy to handle for kids.
Additionally, Cavaliers have a gentle and playful nature, which makes them a great companion for children. They are also known to be good with other pets and are very easy to train.
3 – Poodle
In the 3rd place, we’ve got the highly intelligent and versatile Poodle. Look past their glamorous coats and their reputation as a prissy dog, now what have you got? The answer is a dog of high intelligence, athleticism, and love for play. Yup! That is the poodle.
With toy, miniature, and standard sizes to choose from, poodles can be the perfect fit for families with children. They are known for their sturdy build and can withstand all the rough-and-tumble playtime with kids.
But it’s not just their physical build that makes Poodles a great choice for families. These pooches are known for their high energy and loving, cuddly, gentle, and patient temperament which often matches a child’s energy.
Plus, they are hypoallergenic, making them a great option for families with allergy-prone children. But don’t let their fluffy appearance fool you, Poodles are not just lapdogs, they are also incredibly smart and athletic.
They excel in learning new tricks, playing games and going on outdoor adventures with the family. And Poodles are known for their obedience and loyalty, making them great companions for children of all ages.
These dogs however require a lot of time and effort when it comes to grooming and brushing their coat. But for families looking for a smart, loving, and hypoallergenic companion, the Poodle’s coat care is well worth it.
2 – Labrador Retriever
At number 2 on our list, we have the versatile, active, and loyal Labrador Retriever. Known as the most popular dog breed in America for 31 years, according to AKC registrations, it’s no surprise that these dogs are a great choice for active kids.
They love to hike, run, play and do all the things that kids like to do, making them the perfect companion for any adventure.
Not only are they great for outdoor activities, but they’re also incredibly easy to train which is a huge plus for busy parents. They are smart, eager and adaptable, making them a breeze to teach tricks and commands.
Their loyalty and friendly nature also make them great family dogs. They are outgoing, kind, gentle, and very smart dogs. They get along great with kids and other animals in the house, and their relaxed demeanor is a big plus for families with young children.
Labs are known for their love of swimming and need plenty of daily exercise, so a backyard is ideal for them. They come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow and all of them share the same sense of stamina, strength, and obedience. They require a lot of exercise, so be sure your family is up for the challenge. Labs do shed a little, so be prepared for regular cleaning and grooming.
1 – Golden Retriever
At the top of our list of the best dog breeds for kids, we have the Golden Retriever – a beloved, gentle giant known for its affectionate and obedient nature. These versatile dogs are perfect for kids of all ages, as they are extremely patient and love to play games such as fetch.
Golden Retrievers have a beautiful golden coat that requires twice-weekly brushing, but the effort is worth it when you see how much your kids will love having them around.
Not only are they great companions for children, but they are also known to be wonderful therapy dogs, especially for children with autism or special needs, due to their calming demeanor and ability to not be easily startled.
They are great for active families who love to go on hikes and enjoy swimming, and will always be ready to join in on the fun. Additionally, they’ll happily lounge and snuggle up with you and your kids on the sofa after a long day of play.
Goldens are also some of the smartest and most obedient dog breeds in the world capable of soaking up new tricks and techniques like a sponge! With their friendly and welcoming nature, Golden Retrievers are the ultimate family dog, making them a top choice for many families.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite breed and why?
If you have any other suggestions for dog breeds that are great for kids, please share them in the comments section below.
Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments and keep exploring our dog articles to uncover more about these breeds and how to be a pawsome dog owner!