Truly, nothing fills a home with laughter like a happy pup running around with kids. Dogs bring energy, love, and loyalty, that’s what a family needs and wants. Dogs are playful, patient, and ready for a cuddle or a run in the backyard. But here’s the catch: different dog breeds have different health and family lives.
There are some dog breeds that are naturally healthier and, hence, need fewer vet visits. This isn’t great news for families with kids and other pets. These well-mannered and healthy dogs fit in great with families with children.
Plus, by choosing the right dog, you get a loyal friend who fits in lifestyle, loves outdoor activities, and stays healthy with proper training and daily exercise.
In this blog, we’ll find out some of the healthy dog breeds that are perfect for families with kids.
Healthiest Dog Breeds For Families With Kids
1. Beagle
The beagle is a recognizable medium-sized scent hound that was developed in England. Its primary job was to track small game animals. It has a short but smooth coat that is available in various colors.
The most defining characteristic of the Beagle is their scent-hound nature. They keep their nose close to the ground and constantly sniff around for intriguing smells to follow. Beagles are so good at smelling because they have approximately 220 million scent receptors, and humans have only 5 million.
Beagles are healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Moreover, they are friendly dogs who love to make new friends. They are not only good for humans, but also for other dogs and even cats. So, they are the perfect family dogs to have.
However, this energetic dog does need physical and mental stimulation, or else they may show destructive behavior.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dog is a compact, sturdy, and muscular herding dog breed that was developed in the land of Kangaroos. This dog has a short coat that comes in 2 different colors. It is also known as Blue or Red Heeler, depending on the color of its coat.
But you might be thinking, why are they called heelers? They have a unique way of herding as they nip on the heels of cattle to get them to move in a specific direction. Moreover, the oldest living dog recorded was an Australian Cattle Dog.
Moreover, it is one of the healthiest dog breeds with high resilience. Therefore, they don’t face many health problems. They are extremely alert, fiercely loyal, and faithful friends. Moreover, they are not aggressive, hence they are the best dog breeds for families with kids.
3. Border Collie
Wikipedia states that the Border Collie is a collie-type herding breed that originated from the Anglo-Scottish border. When talking about their physical appearance, they usually have long hair that may be black and white, red and white, or sometimes tri-color. Moreover, some dogs also display a merle or dappled coat pattern.
They are regarded as a highly intelligent breed, and according to Dr. Stanley Coren, they have a 10/10 ability to learn new commands. They quickly learn new tricks with minimal repetitions. Moreover, they are also well-known for their high energy level, alert expression, and strong, agile bodies.
Collies are extremely driven and loyal working dogs. Their happiness level is at its peak when these canines are working and playing. However, once they are finished with work, they will settle down for a cuddle.
So if you are looking for an excellent family dog that gets along well with children, a Collie will be a wonderful addition to your family. But these healthy and loving dogs are suitable for active families.
4. Havanese
Havanese is a cheerful, small dog breed that originated from Cuba. This national dog of Cuba is thought to be descended from the Bichon family of dogs back in 1500. These dog breeds became popular among the upper class of Cuba and were presented as a gift.
Their defining features include a gorgeous silky coat, curled over tail, almond-shaped eyes, and drooping ears. In fact, Pawlicy Advisor states, they are also known as “Havana silk dogs,” and the reason is their coat that feels like silk.
Havanese have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, but they can be prone to health issues. But generally, they are quite healthy and low-maintenance dogs.
Moreover, this is the best dog breed known for its gentle temperament and for being friendly. They love to stay between people and are truly a great match for families and small children. These loyal companions are incredibly smart and easy to train.
Their eagerness to please makes them good learners. However, they have low to moderate exercise needs, so they can adjust well to different living spaces.
5. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are ancient Japanese dogs that were originally bred as hunting dogs. Although it is a small to medium-sized dog, it is the smallest of 6 dogs that are native to Japan. Shiba Inu is a smart and quick dog best for mountain paths and hiking trails.
Moreover, they look like a fox due to their pointed muzzle and upright ears. They have a double coat; the undercoat is soft with a stiff outer coat. Moreover, they have a curled tail with thick hair.
Their Shiba Scream is thought to be their trademark. It is a unique sound they make when they are excited or frustrated. They possess independence, so training them is not an easy job. With proper socialization at an early age, they become good family dogs and can get along well with family members.
They need to burn their high energies, so daily walks and exercise are necessary.
6. Basenji
Basenji is a sweet-faced African hunting breed categorized as a sighthound and a scenthound. They have short and smooth coats in different colors. Moreover, their head is long and narrow, and their muzzle is pointed. Further, they have erect ears, deep chests, with muscular bodies.
Their barkless vocalization makes them different from other animals. They don’t bark as other dogs do; instead, they make a yodeling sound. Hence, they are also known as Barkless Dogs.
They have a friendly and affectionate temperament, making them protective towards families. However, they prefer to stay around older kids. If you want them to be friendly with very young children, you need to socialize them.
These energetic dogs are full of energy, so to stay happy and active, they need exercise. Although they are healthy, they can suffer from genetic diseases.
7. Siberian Husky
A Siberian Husky dog is a medium-sized working dog initially used for pulling sleds. It came to Alaska in 1909 for sled dog racing and soon became a consistent winner, as reported by Britannica.
In 1925, Siberian Huskies became famous for saving Nome, Alaska. During a deadly diphtheria outbreak, brave teams of these dogs ran through freezing blizzards and snowstorms to carry life-saving medicine across 674 miles. Their heroic journey helped rescue the people of the isolated town.
Their beautiful, thick coat, blue or multi-colored eyes, and striking faces add to their appeal. With these physical characteristics, they are easily recognizable.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a joyful lineup of healthy, kid-friendly dog breeds that are ready to wag their way into your home! No doubt, each pup brings something special to the family table. But seriously, choosing a healthy and well-mannered breed means fewer vet visits, more cuddles.
Furthermore, a whole lot of tail-wagging fun. Do remember, a happy dog makes a happy home and maybe a slightly furrier one too!
