What are your fondest memories of growing up with a dog as a family pet? Maybe it’s sipping lemonade after summertime play sessions while your mutt lounges on the floor next to you. Or maybe, you can’t forget the time it ran itself tired chasing your neighbor’s cat.
Having a dog around while growing up became an experience full of adventure, smiles, and coziness. Dogs will fill your childhood with many memories to cherish; for many, the first sight of their dog wagging its tail at them at the school gate is a core happy memory.
Not all pups are sociable enough to put up with a hyper-engaged lifestyle with children, but some are famously fine babysitters and companions for the little ones.
If you have kids at home, bringing an affectionate doggo home will 10x the merriness in their daily lives. Here are the dog breeds that are super fond of kids and always excited to see them.
Dog Breeds That Wait At School Gates For Kids
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Even if you don’t live in a country home with a big yard, you can add some magic to your kids’ lives by bringing home a Cav. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are adaptable dogs with a balanced and calm nature; apartment life suits them well, as well as an urban lifestyle.
Cav Roundup
Size: 12-13 inches and 13-18 pounds.
Cavs have silky, long coat that charms both adults and children; grooming them regularly itself is going to bring you and them joy.
These pups were originally bred as lap dogs and love to snuggle up on the bed or an armchair with their older dog owners. But if you’re thinking about this breed as your child’s bestie, they’re going to be the dream team full of cuddles and little home adventures.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are determined, police, therapy, and search and rescue dogs, but do they adjust well to a home with kids? Intelligence and trainability are the Lab’s strong suits, but a gentle nature and sweetness are in their bones.
Lab Roundup
Size: 22.5-24.5 inches and 65-180 pounds (males). 21.5-23.5 inches and 55-70 pounds (females).
Labs have silky smooth coats with moderate shedding levels.
Labs are anything but grumpy; these pups are all fun, games, and loyalty when it comes to being companions. As per Purina, they’re eager to please and easygoing, but also very energetic.
As family dogs for households with kids, Labs are both protective and playful; they’re ready to join your kids in a play session and will wait for them at school gates.
3. Beagle
These small to medium-sized dogs can match your kids’ youthful demeanor with their forever puppy temperament. Beagles were originally bred to hunt rabbits and help hunters as gun dogs; now they’re one of the sweetest family dogs.
Beagle Roundup
Size: Less than 15 inches at the shoulder and 20-25 pounds.
Beagles come in a short coat with tan markings and colors like black, white, and tricolor etc.
Their energy level is impressive for their size; these pooches cherish playtime above anything. Beagles will welcome their little humans at the school gates with their smiley faces, wagging tails, and adoring eyes.
Caution, though: these escape artists need to be on leash while playing and should stay within a fenced yard.
4. Golden Retriever
They’re beauty, they’re grace, and they make you feel safe with their super sharp herding and guarding gaze. Golden Retrievers are every dog lover’s dream with their gorgeous, shiny golden coat and loyalty that lasts lifelong.
Golden Retriever Roundup
Size: 21.5.24 inches and 55-75 pounds.
These pups have a thick double coat that repels water, making them excellent water dogs.
Golden Retrievers are great dogs for active families who enjoy outdoor fun and water-based activities. Want to introduce your kids to a little swimming life? These mutts will boost their confidence by splashing around in the pool.
5. Bulldog
Bulldogs want their world to be filled with moments of sweet interactions with their pet parents and even kids. Calm in nature but eager to reconnect with their human BFFS after hours of separation, these pooches will eagerly wait at school gates for children.
Bulldog Roundup
Size: 14-15 inches and up to 50 pounds for males, 40 pounds for females, as per AKC.
Bulldogs have muscular bodies covered with a short, smooth coat that needs a quick daily brushing session.
A little clownish, a little serious; Bulldogs love easing up in your laps but are also decent walking dogs. They’re healthy pups but need to stay indoors when it’s too hot and humid; their flat faces can make it hard for them to breathe.
6. Newfoundland
This “nanny dog” is going to turn heads while on school premises due to its majestic size and long, thick coat. Newfoundlands have worked as water rescue dogs with fishermen; nowadays, they’re all about family life.
Newfie Roundup
Size: 26-28 inches and 100-150 pounds, as per PetMD.
Newfies can be working dogs nowadays, too, but they have moderate daily exercise needs.
Newfie would love to wag its tail and get a warm hug from its children’s besties after a long day of school. They need to be watched around very young children due to their size, but Newfies love nothing more than watching over the little humans.
7. Poodle
Most dog lovers adore Poodles due to their vibrant nature and curly, thick coat, but these pooches are also great pets for children.
Poodle Roundup
Size: Miniature (10-15 inches and 10-15 pounds). Standard (18-24 inches and 40-70 pounds). Toy (Under 10 inches and 4-6 pounds).
Poodles are water-friendly dogs and make amazing swimming companions.
Poodles aren’t just a great fit for a diverse family with their hypoallergenic coats; they’re full of ideas when it comes to playing around with the kids. They will immensely enjoy a school run and will bounce about to welcome the children at the school gate.
8. Boxer
Your Boxer might look like all strength and muscle, but emotionally, it doesn’t go past the puppy stage. As a puppy at heart, this dog can easily connect with the younger humans and watch them grow older with fondness.
Boxer Roundup
Size: 21.5-25 inches and 50-80 pounds.
They’re one of the capable hunters of the dog world with a history of taking down wild boars, etc.
If you have kids who can’t stay put, adopting a Boxer will keep both parties satisfied. Boxers thrive in active homes where there are kids to play with them all day long. They’re not for the lazy kids and adults, and need to be watched around really small children.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs bring their farmhand and guardian temperament from the Swiss Alps and channel it into being a loving pup for both adults and kids.
Bernese Roundup
Size: 23-27.5 inches and 70-115 pounds.
As per Britannica, this dog is recognizable with its deep chest, V-shaped ears, and silky, long coat with beautiful rust markings.
Berners are dogs for cold climates; they’re active compared to other large dog breeds, but still have moderate energy levels compared to more active canines. They are quick learners and even-tempered dogs you can train easily with some positive reinforcement.
As gentle dogs, they’re naturally inclined to be sweet towards kids; once they have befriended them, Berners love following them like a calm and caring shadow.
10. Irish Setter
This “silk on four trotters” is not only a gorgeous dog but an energetic and friendly partner in crime for families who like adventures. Despite their prey drive, which poses a need for watching them around small animals, Irish Setters adapt perfectly to life with children.
Irish Setter Roundup
Size: 25-27 inches and 60-70 pounds.
They were originally bred as bird dogs used to help hunters.
One of the things that makes them bond with children is their intelligence level and the ability to be trained easily. They know what’s what and accept kids as their human family members (and do not see them as predators or prey).
As affectionate and playful friends, these doggos will wag their silky tails with excitement when welcoming kids back from their classes.
Conclusion
These dogs aren’t just beautiful companions that make you want to show them off to your friends. Kid-friendly dogs have all the makings of becoming the central focus of their family members due to their lovable temperaments.
It’s also important to teach kids how to behave around dogs according to the canine’s temperament and needs. If you want a wonderful playing companion for your kids, the above list is for you. Any of the dogs from this article may serve the purpose.
