All dogs are loyal and affectionate, but some canines take love to an entirely new level. They offer comfort, companionship, and unconditional devotion to their owners. These mellow fellows do exceptionally well with kids.
These furry friends have a heart of gold; they not only become best friends with your kids but can go to any extent to protect them. Their protective nature, intelligence, dominance, and gentleness make them perfect for guarding your kids.
Apart from providing love and protection, dogs also have a huge impact on your kids’ personalities. According to the National Library of Medicine, children growing up with dogs have a decreased risk of developmental delays. Moreover, children interacting with dogs have increased confidence and decreased fear of social rejection.
Have a look at these 7 big-hearted dog breeds that love and protect children.
Big Heart Dog Breeds That Love And Protect Children
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are medium to large dogs that were originally bred to herd and protect sheep. Now, they serve many roles, from being guardians to excellent family pets and even police and military dogs. GSDs are loyal dogs with a strong protective nature.
With good training and socialization, German Shepherds get along well with kids. They make wonderful playmates for your children and enjoy activities like agility, herding, and tracking, according to the AKC. GSDs are agile and muscular dogs full of energy and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
Their intelligence, territorial nature, and ability to detect potential threats make this breed an excellent guard dog. GSDs are not only great companions for your kids, but also protect them against all sorts of danger.
2. Boxer
Boxers were originally bred to hunt large game like bears and boars. Today, their patience and protective nature earn them a reputation. They make fiercely loyal dogs and amazing watchdogs. The American Kennel Club rates them five out of five on the scale of being good with young children.
Boxers make good guard dogs due to their intimidating appearance and standoffishness towards strangers. These high-energy pooches make excellent playmates with your kids. Boxers are gentle with kids and are among the friendliest dogs.
They are a perfect match for individuals looking for a protective yet loyal dog to accompany their kids. Boxers need a lot of daily exercise, physical as well as mental stimulation.
However, a Boxer’s interaction with your kid needs to be strictly supervised. According to PetMD, these bouncy dogs can knock down little kids or fragile adults due to their large size and energetic nature. Boxers are not well-suited for first-time dog owners.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular canine with an extremely protective nature. These tough dogs can be characterized by their stocky build and “rose” ears. Despite their intimidating appearance, these gentle giants are quite affectionate.
AmStaff loves to love; it gets along well with kids and does great in households with other pets if trained properly. You can count on this cuddle companion to watch over your kids while playing. AmStaffs are agile and easy-to-train dogs known for their athleticism and energy.
These people-oriented dogs love being a part of a family, and loyalty runs deep in their blood. One of the smartest dog breeds, American Staffordshire Terriers, require lots of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
AmStaffs enjoy long play sessions with their owners and excel in canine sports like agility, obedience, and dock diving. They can also be trained for search and rescue missions.
4. Great Dane
Hailing from Germany, Great Danes are known for their imposing size and deep bark. This large dog is fiercely loyal towards its humans but is a bit wary of strangers. Strong protective instincts and keen intelligence make the Great Dane an excellent watchdog.
Great Danes are highly affectionate and lovey-dovey canines who behave well around kids and other dogs. These gentle giants are patient with children, love pleasing people, and make friends easily. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit.
Great Danes more than two years of age make good companions for jogs or hikes. Early socialization and consistent training are necessary to teach them not to jump up and knock down kids and the frail elderly. They like participating in agility competitions, weight pulls, and sports like flyball.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Originating from the mountains of Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs used to serve as cattle drovers, guard dogs, and all-around farm dogs. Berners are a great choice for families looking for a protective dog with a calm demeanor.
Berners are the tricolored dogs; their large size and deep bark can easily scare away intruders. They love being around children and are very playful, making them a great family pet. Berners have a sweet nature, and they tend to form strong bonds with their owners.
Berners are patient and gentle around children of all ages, including young kids and older children. They are reserved towards strangers and stand firm to protect their family and property if required. PDSA recommends at least one hour of daily activity for these energetic and social dogs.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is a very large dog that typically does well with kids and families. Their size and loud bark can easily scare away potential threats, making them perfect for protecting your kids. Apart from being fierce protectors, they make wonderful playmates with your children.
With early training and socialization, Saint Bernards grow into calm and polite companions. Despite their large stature, they do not require extensive exercise. Daily walks and brief play sessions in the yard will suffice. However, they need space to roam, which makes them not well-suited for living in smaller spaces.
Saint Bernards tend to be a bit clumsy until they are fully grown, so they may accidentally knock over younger kids. That is why we recommend these pooches to families with older kids. They are a bit harder to train and tend to eat more than other dogs.
7. Great Pyrenees
This big, fluffy dog with a white coat has a loyal and loving nature. These gentle giants are quite adaptable and affectionate towards their owners, but are cautious of new visitors and intruders. This trait makes them a perfect companion and a good guard dog.
These livestock guardians have an independent streak but form strong bonds with their owners. Properly trained and socialized Pyrs behave very well, particularly with older children. Due to their protective instincts and gentle disposition, they are naturally inclined to guard and care for children.
However, they need supervision around younger kids due to their large size. Great Pyrenees have moderate energy levels and do not require vigorous exercise, but they appreciate daily walks and enjoy spending time outdoors.
Conclusion
Kid-friendly dogs are known for their gentle and sweet nature and ability to stay calm around children. They make wonderful playmates for kids and engage in fun activities with them. Apart from offering companionship, they also guard your kids due to their natural protective instincts.
However, while adopting a large protective dog for your kids, you need to make sure it is well-trained and properly socialized. Also, consider the age of your kids, as some dogs make better companions for older kids. Lastly, teach your kids to treat their furry friend nicely!
