7 Dog Breeds That Let Kids Rest Their Heads on Them

7 Dog Breeds That Let Kids Rest Their Heads on Them

Imagine a child hugging someone with bright eyes, a wagging tail, and a cute smile. These lovable companions never disappoint kids when it comes to entertaining them. The playful nature of these dogs makes them loved by kids.

Cuddling enhances bonding with the family and develops a sense of safety. According to a study, canine companions reduce anxiety levels in kids. Due to their jovial nature, they are considered a part of a family by kids.

Playful furry comrades are deeply affectionate, especially towards the children. However, they shine more together with obedience training. These mates are also cherished by the older children on account of their adventurous spirit.

Dog Breeds That Let Kids Rest Their Heads On Them

1. Pug

Pug

Small in size, but smart in person. This low-maintenance breed was bred as lap dogs for the Chinese monarchy.

Pug, with its royal history, is now enjoying the love of thousands of dog owners. The philosophy of the Pug name is derived from a Latin phrase, ‘multum in parvo,’ which means a lot in little. This mini-sized but big personality dog is one of the most popular toy breeds.

Pug Profile

As incredibly loyal and cuddling partners, Pugs are famed as child-friendly dogs. These lovable pets are known to have the trait of pleasing others, even if someone is new to them. Homes with lots of gatherings, guests, and children enjoy Pug’s presence.

Being a loyal, sociable, and obedient dog breed, the Pug is one of the best dog breeds that loves to be with their favorite ones.

Soft-hearted Pug can easily be hurt by humans. Being too hard on or ignoring this pet dog for long can lead to anxiety. For staying fit, Pugs need exercise; they thrive with daily walks. Additionally, to keep their weight under control, playful activities are mandatory for them.

2. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

This American Gentleman ranks among the most affectionate dog breeds. Owing to their unconditional love and silly streak, they enjoy making new friends. The comical smile of a Boston Terrier is enough to turn your bad day into a good one. This dog is known for its calm and fun-loving nature.

Boston Terrier Profile

This sturdy little pooch tends to enjoy participating in family activities. Their highly adaptable and friendly nature makes them get along with small children, new family members, and even with cats. However, they may show calm behavior with rowdy kids.

These incredibly affectionate dogs are highly energetic and protective. They love spending time with their families and make strong bonds with them.

However, for toddlers, care is needed. With consistent training and regular exercise, Boston may get along with them. PetMD reports that Boston Terriers may get breathing issues in hot, humid areas.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

According to Britannica, the sporting dog breed was originally bred in Scotland as a gun dog and water retriever, and is now one of the friendliest dog breeds.

Also, in the US, the Golden Retriever has been consistently ranked among the most popular breeds. This fiercely loyal breed forms strong bonds with its favorite people, just like the Labrador Retriever.

Golden Retriever Profile

Goldens are known for their love of children and family members. These loving dogs will place their gentle paw in your hand, sealing the moments of love and trust, and you will be over the moon.

They thrive in families with children and other pets and are always ready for a romp with them. These happy-go-lucky dogs are wonderful family pets as they love to be around their people.

As an epitome of love and warmth, it becomes one of the best family dog breeds. Their playful and affectionate nature also gets along with younger kids who love outdoor activities. As an active breed, they love long walks and playing fetch. Yet they are always ready for a good cuddling session too.

4. Irish Setter

These friendly dogs are carefree, bold, and adored by all who meet them. They make good family pets with the adaptability of getting along with children and other dogs. They are considered one of the most beautiful dog breeds due to their silky red coat.

So, being an active and highly energetic canine, the Irish Setter is best suited to active households. A friendly and caring soul makes the Irish Setter a good companion for families with children.

As a sporting breed, it is playful yet a people pleaser. A people-oriented dog makes friends easily and is not wary of strangers. They do not tend to be the clingy ones, but they do suffer if left alone.

Dog Temperament Towards Strangers-01

As lively and hunting dogs (backed by history), they do not like to be couch potatoes. High energy levels of this dog need daily exercise and training.

If their energy overflows, they are prone to unwanted behaviours like chewing or excessive barking. So, physical and mental stimulation is a necessity for the Irish Setter.

5. Newfoundland

Appearances do not tell the whole story. Newfoundland, a gentle giant, is perfect for everyone. Though it might scare off some, its aura of love, patience, and softness makes this breed a friendly one.

According to the AKC, the sweet temperament is a signature of the Newfoundland. These even-tempered dogs possess a protective instinct naturally, since they worked as rescue dogs in the past.

Just as they are called “nanny dogs, they are gentle companions for children. They do not tend to be aggressive or timid, but are always curious and intelligent around their loved ones.

Famous for their patient and easy-going demeanour, they are loyal and lovable for life. They are among the world’s largest dogs, still held as a lovey-dovey breed.

Although Newfies are large dogs, they are not overly energetic. Regular walks and moderate exercise keep them healthy and active.

Training of Newfoundland’s puppies is indispensable so they keep all four paws on the ground. People-oriented Newfoundland is an excellent companion and happiest in the owner’s company.

6. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is the ultimate snuggling partner. A toy breed born to be a furry friend.

These sturdy and small dogs are bred to look like lions. They protect and alert their homes with a sharp bark. These dogs are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. The coat needs grooming, even if they are minimal shedder. Being small in size, they are well-suited for apartment living.

The Shih Tzu appears to be a dog breed for kids. They were also bred specifically for royals. As a lapdog, it shows affection and brings joy to families with children. Moreover, Shih Tzu’s personality also unfolds with an outgoing and sociable nature.

Being sweet family dogs, they love to snuggle and play with kids, especially those who have learnt how to interact with dogs nicely.

These fluffballs excel in love and attention. Their silky coats and adorable faces are particularly made for cuddles. The curious nature of puppies compels them to dig if left unattended. They have an eagerness to please people, which makes them easy to train.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

As one of dogdom’s noblemen, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adorns itself with the ties that bind with British history.

According to the AKC, they are a perfect match of two dog worlds, a toy breed and a sporting Spaniel. With gentle alertness and athleticism, its all-around beauty draws anyone in. So, depending on lifestyle, they can be energetic companions or happy homebodies.

Cavaliers are an excellent choice for families who want to live with more pets. This adorable and loving breed is great with kids, as they are gentle and eager to please. They love people’s attention since they were developed to be loved and embraced by all.

Cheerful, small, and calm Cavaliers live better in a lap and love cuddling. With its easy-to-go nature, it is the right match for first-time pet parents.

It does not rank among the most athletic breeds, but enjoys long walks and fetching. This makes them a suitable choice for lazy families. 20 minutes of exercise a day is enough for them. However, if an active family wants to adopt this beauty, they can also easily get along with them.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, dogs are not only the best playmates but also the best friends to cuddle with when feeling low or upset. They love to cuddle kids as they bring warmth and emotions with their cuddling nature.

Kids showing affection to them also makes the dogs feel at home and safe. They demand less and give more in return, which is indicative of their loyalty. These loving companions are the best when it comes to feeling lonely or upset because their loving demeanor instantly lifts the mood.

Trevor Pine
Trevor is a devoted dog lover and experienced writer with a strong background in hands-on shelter work. Over the years, he has spent countless hours caring for rescue dogs, making sure they receive not just proper attention but the kindness and patience they deserve. Working closely with a dedicated team, Trevor focuses on helping each dog heal and adjust, giving them the best chance at a happy, healthy life. He’s a strong believer in ethical adoption and is passionate about connecting shelter dogs with families who will truly value them.