The best family dogs are those that get along well with all family members, including kids and adults. Their gentle temperament and high patience make them suitable for children of all ages. All dog breeds have the potential to get on well with kids.
However, some dogs are better suited for families with kids. You need to consider a variety of factors while bringing a kid-friendly dog breed home, and size is one of them. Big dogs can knock down little children, while small dogs may get hurt as a result of roughhousing.
Kid-friendly dogs are usually highly intelligent and trainable. They are full of playful energy and have a perceptive nature. These canines are usually non-aggressive and have an adaptable temperament that enables them to adjust well in a variety of homes.
Have a look at 9 caring dog breeds to raise alongside growing children.
Caring Dog Breeds to Raise Alongside Growing Children
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate dogs, loved for their social nature and lustrous coat. They are quite adaptable and get along nicely with everyone, including kids, pets, and even strangers.
Their sweet and kind personality makes them good family dogs. Cavaliers are eager to please dogs who learn new tricks and commands quickly. Their moderate energy levels make them well-suited for families living in apartments.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not require too much exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They act as upbeat athletes with active families and shameless couch potatoes with homebodies. These loving dogs make caring companions for your kids.
2. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized sporting dog known for its exuberant and playful personality. They are among the best family-friendly dog breeds and bring a ray of sunshine to your home. Goldens are the friendliest dogs on the planet, who get on well with everyone.
They make caring, athletic, and playful companions for kids of all ages. Golden Retrievers are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Thanks to their perceptive nature, they can form an emotional connection with your growing child.
Goldens’ incredible loyalty, eagerness to please their loved ones, and affectionate nature make them excellent family dogs. These highly intelligent canines can be trained easily and make a good fit for first-time dog owners, mentions PetMD.
They do well with active families who can keep up with their exercise needs and enjoy outdoor activities like long runs and walks.
3. Pug
Pugs are a small dog breed that can be easily recognized by their smooshed face and expressive eyes. These compact yet sturdy dogs are well-suited for homes with growing children. Pugs have an easygoing and laid-back personality.
They love entertaining their family members with their playful antics. Pugs are one of the best dog breeds for families due to their affectionate and loyal personalities. Originally bred as companion dogs, Pugs tend to be calm and quiet.
These cheerful dogs have an adaptable nature and make wonderful companions for people of all ages. Britannica mentions that they can be a bit stubborn, but are usually easy to train. Their moderate exercise needs, combined with their caring personality, make them the best dog breed for kids.
4. Beagle
Beagles are active and energetic dogs that were initially bred as scent hounds. These affectionate and loving dogs are generally good with other pets at home. Beagles are child-friendly dogs, full of energy and warmth. They enjoy company and are quite easygoing.
The American Kennel Club describes them as lovable, happy, and companionable fellows. Thanks to these traits, Beagles make excellent family dogs. They also make wonderful playmates for your children. These energetic dogs need at least an hour of exercise every day.
Beagles were bred to work in packs, so they tend to be the happiest when they have company. They have very strong hunting instincts, so they may not be able to resist the urge to run off in pursuit of a compelling scent.
5. Collie
Collies are swift and athletic dogs who thrive on companionship and need regular exercise for mental and physical stimulation. They are famous for their love for children and make wonderful family dogs. Collies are incredibly loyal to their owners.
They are never aggressive and love playing and jumping with your kids. Their high intelligence, responsive nature, and protective instincts make them a popular dog breed across the globe. Collies are people’s dogs. They can understand your child’s emotions and feelings and respond accordingly.
Collies are very easy to train dogs who excel in a variety of canine sports, including herding, obedience training, and agility. They pick up on new commands easily and respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
6. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are high-spirited gundogs, famous for their grace, swiftness, and flashy red coat. They make good family dogs and are amazing around kids. Their gentle and patient demeanor makes them a perfect breed for homes with children.
However, Irish Setters may not be suitable for toddlers as they are at risk of being knocked down. These high-energy dogs love their people and need an ample amount of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
At least an hour of daily exercise is recommended for these pooches. Irish Setters love to play with growing children, but are not generally protective, explains Orvis. They will welcome every visitor with a wagging tail. Irish Setters also enjoy long walks, hikes, or runs with their loved ones.
7. Newfoundland
Affectionately known as Newfies, Newfoundland dogs are true gentle giants with a sweet disposition. They are one of the biggest dog breeds, but are also the most docile and friendly. These famously good companions have a reputation for being good around kids.
Due to their patient, nurturing, and watchful nature around kids, Newfies are also popular as ‘nanny dogs.’ Their high intelligence, easy trainability, and devotion make them great for families and children. Despite their large size, Newfies get along well with kids of all ages, including toddlers and babies.
It may look cute, but never let your child ride your Newfie. Newfoundland dogs tend to be calm indoors and behave well with other dogs and cats. They are moderately energetic and do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
However, they drool and shed a lot! So we highly recommend having a strong vacuum and a towel in your hand.
8. Poodle
Poodles are highly active and athletic dogs who come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle. They are full of energy and need lots of regular exercise for physical and mental enrichment. All Poodle varieties make wonderful playmates for your children.
Poodles have a sociable nature, so they get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers. They are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, which makes them very adaptable and easy to train.
Poodles can learn new tricks and commands in a few repetitions. Their kind, affectionate, and gentle nature makes them a perfect pet for your kids. They understand human emotions and can offer comforting companionship to your child in times of need.
9. Shih Tzu
Popular for their hypoallergenic coats, Shih Tzus are little dogs with big personalities. They get along nicely with people of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. Shih Tzus tend to be playful yet calm with your kids.
They are quite adaptable and adjust well in variety of new environments. These smart dogs have an eager-to-please nature and learn new commands easily. Also, Shih Tzus need only moderate exercise to stay healthy and content.
Only a few short walks around the block and indoor play sessions would suffice for them. They make a good fit for families who love spending time with their pups and grooming them. Their fluffy coats require consistent grooming to keep looking good.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are better suited than others for homes with growing children due to their caring personalities. They are incredibly loyal and loving canines who make watchful playmates for your children.
These canines are usually very adaptable and get on well with everyone. Their gentle and kind nature makes them loving companions for many households. Regular exercise and proper training can help them turn into well-mannered and well-behaved pets.
