Bringing a new dog into your family can be a big decision, especially if you have young children. Kids are known to rough handle and are generally unpredictable when playing. So, choosing a dog based on looks alone is not a good idea.
Breeds with steady temperaments, a friendly nature, and an ability to adapt to an active family lifestyle make excellent family dogs. Some breeds are known for their calm and patient nature, which makes them ideal for young children who are learning how to interact with pets.
Other dogs love active families, eager to join in games and outdoor adventures. A good family dog should be tolerant, sociable, and reliable, a dog that does not react fast to physical triggers.
Let’s look at a list of the 7 best dog breeds that are suited well for a house with kids:
Best Dog Breeds for Kids
1. Labrador Retriever
Size: Medium to large (55-80 lbs)
Energy Level: High energy
Labrador retrievers have stayed America’s favorite and most popular dogs for 30 years in a row. All thanks to their friendly, affectionate, and even-tempered nature. They bond easily with children and are gentle and tolerant towards their shenanigans.
Key Traits
According to the AKC, Labs are
Outgoing and eager to please
Patient and sociable with kids
Playful yet calm
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Labs are high-energy dogs that thrive in active households. They love outdoor adventures and games, making them great family pets.
They enjoy activities like swimming, fetching, and hiking. Being active, they are happiest when provided with daily exercise.
Labrador retrievers are intelligent and easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement. Early training and socialization help shape their personalities the most.
They require moderate grooming due to their year-round shedding. As they are prone to weight gain, portioned meals and controlled treats are best to avoid health issues.
2. Golden Retriever
Size: Medium to larger (55-75 lbs)
Energy Level: High
The Golden Retrievers are well known for their gentle and affectionate nature, and they make exceptional companions for children.
They are patient and generally sweet, and often adjust their play style to suit the child’s age. They can be soft with babies and play rough with older kids and teenagers.
They thrive on human interaction and are friendly with strangers, other dogs, other pets, and puppies, too. Making them great for highly social families.
Key traits
Gentle and patient
Sociable
Eager to please
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Golden Retrievers are active dogs that require regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. They need daily walks, playful activities like fetch and swimming to burn off their energy.
Engaging them in training sessions or puzzle toys can help prevent boredom-related problems.
They are intelligent and respond well to training. Early socialization and obedience training are good ways to utilize their potential.
They have a double coat that needs regular grooming to manage shedding. Regular checkups with vets are important as they can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain cancers.
3. Beagle
Size: Small to medium-sized dog (20-30 lbs)
Energy Level: Moderately energetic
As per the Smart Canine, Beagles are cheerful and affectionate dogs who run on a pack mentality. Which is a good thing because they tend to treat kids as part of the pack, too, and even take care of them.
They have an easy-going and playful temperament, which is great for a bit older kids as they can participate in mischief together.
However, supervision is required around babies and very young toddlers as they may nip. And small children are too fragile for any rough play from the dog. They also have a tendency to bark a lot, which may disturb babies.
Key Traits
Gentle and Friendly dogs
Playful
Sociable
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Beagles were bred to hunt small game, so they love activities like sniffing scent games or puzzle toys to keep their minds sharp. They need outdoor walks and play time daily to stay healthy.
These scent-tracking dogs have a brain of their own and can be a bit independent at times. Especially when they sniff an exciting scent outdoors. Early socialization and positive reinforcement methods work well.
Their short coats are low maintenance, and regular brushing is enough to keep them looking good.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: Small dog (13-18 lbs)
Energy Level: Moderate
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are famously affectionate. They served as lap dogs for the British royalty and now make great family dogs. Their sweet and patient temperament makes them a great fit for houses with kids.
Key Traits
Gentle and patient
Make strong bonds with family members
Sociable with strangers and other animals
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Descending from hunting breeds, the Cavaliers retain that energy. But they adjust their playfulness depending on the needs of the house. They can be sedentary and calm indoors, yet active in the yard.
Interactive toys and games can help with mental engagement, keep their minds sharp, and prevent boredom. Their long, silky coats need maintenance to keep mats and tangles out.
5. Bulldog
Size: Medium (40-50 lbs)
Energy Level: Low to Moderate
Easily recognizable for their large heads and wrinkly skin, the Bulldogs are mellow pups. They are known for their calm and affectionate nature and get along well with kids and people of all ages.
They form strong bonds with children and are tolerant of typical kid behavior. They are social by heart and thrive as family dogs, never leaving the side of their humans.
Key Traits
Patient and gentle
Loves being part of the family
Adaptable to apartment life
Good with kids
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Bulldogs generally have lower energy levels compared to other breeds. But short walks and indoor play sessions are sufficient for them.
Due to their short noses and flat faces, they have a distinct breathing pattern, which also makes it harder for them to cool off in the heat. They should not be taken out on hot days and should always be kept in a cool environment.
They can be a bit strong-willed when it comes to training, but consistent reward-based training can work. Owners shouldn’t go overboard with treats, though, as they are prone to weight gain.
6. Boxer
Size: Medium to Large (50-80 lbs)
Energy Level: High
The Boxers are stocky and muscular dogs with a playful, often clownish nature. They are known to be very possessive and protective of their family members. A well–socialized Boxer does not mind older kids playing with him and even enjoys the little activities.
Due to their alert nature, they make excellent watchdogs. While highly affectionate with family, they are usually wary of strangers, often looking at them with a suspicious eye.
Key Traits
Playful and Patient
Affectionate and active family dog
Protective
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Boxers are active and require regular physical and mental stimulation. Activities like obedience training or interactive toys can help prevent boredom. Regular walks and unleashed time in a fenced yard are a good outlet for energy, too.
Due to their high energy, they love to jump up and down, almost like a puppy. Hence, pet parents should watch them really closely around kids. Their weight can be overwhelming for small children and may cause harm.
7. Bichon Frise
Size: (Small 12-18 lbs)
Energy Level: Moderate
Bichon Frise were bred for one reason only, i.e, companionship. They are cheerful, affectionate, and sociable, and they love being the center of attention. They can do well in households with kids, but due to being small and fragile, they can’t tolerate rough handling.
As per Vetstreet, owning them is a delight as long as you train the kids to be gentle towards them. They are friendly with guests and other animals as well.
Key Traits
Gentle and Playful
Affectionate
Sociable
Energy, Trainability, and Care
Bichons do not have high activity needs. They enjoy walks and play time with family. They can be fast, so leaving them unleashed in open yards may not be a good idea, as recall sometimes does not work with them.
Their cute curly coats require a bit of upkeep. Regular trimming and brushing help, and the good news is that their hair does not shed much, making them a perfect hypoallergenic fit for houses with dog allergies.
What to teach a kid about handling a dog
Even the most gentle dog needs to be treated with care and respect. To foster a safe and positive relationship, here are a few things to teach your kids while interacting with a dog:
Be gentle at all times, no pulling or tugging on ears, tail, or fur
Use soft hands and calm voices
Respect their space when they are eating, sleeping, or hiding
Do not initiate contact with a new family member or an unfamiliar dog
Involve them in basic car-like brushing and filling food trays
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a dog for your family. But certain breeds really possess qualities that make them a perfect fit for families with kids.
Each of these dogs brings unique qualities to the table. Most dogs are loyal, fun-loving, and smart. They love to spend time with the whole family in the form of activities, long walks, and short training sessions.
One must understand that each dog requires proper care and stimulation to make a perfect fit for family life. With the right match and a little guidance, these breeds are sure to fill your lives with love and laughter!
