Bringing home a newborn can be life-changing, and if you already have a dog or are thinking of adopting one, by choosing the right breed, you can turn your home into one full of unlimited laughter and joy. Dogs and babies are known to form the most heartwarming bond, and deciding to make a dog and your baby grow together can be a wise choice.
While choosing a dog breed as a soon-to-be newborn family, it is important to consider traits such as temperament, behavior, and trainability of the dog. It is also important to choose a dog with a sweet disposition because dog breeds known for their gentle nature generally have better compatibility with children. These dogs will bring peace, warmth, and lots of joy to your baby’s early years.
Continue reading our article to help you decide which of the following 7 dog breeds will be the best choice to not only welcome your newborn with love but also to grow alongside your family.
Dog Breeds Perfect for Families With Newborns
1. Golden Retriever
Characterized by their golden fur, Golden Retrievers are known for bonding well with every person they meet, whether it is the elderly, adults, or newborn babies. Golden Retrievers are generally considered great with kids and so it is a good decision to adopt one as a soon-to-be newborn family.
Emotional Intelligence
These rays of sunshine wrapped in fur are surprisingly emotionally sensitive. They bond deeply with their owners and are always in tune to the feelings of the people around them. This way, they can become good furry siblings to your baby.
Big Build
Golden Retrievers are able to endure the rough tugging and petting that occur during interactions with children more compared to smaller dogs.
Being bigger in size also makes them have a sense of responsibility and protective instincts. So by choosing these furry canines, you can be assured that your baby will be safe in their company.
2. Beagle
Beagles are known for being portrayed as the famous cartoon character, Snoopy.’ According to the AKC, they are a typical and classic family dog.
Characterized by their squarish muzzles, broad noses, and domed skulls, Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds. They get along well with children and have a joyful temperament.
Adaptable to Small Spaces
Beagles are great for small spaces or apartments and do not need large spaces or yards to thrive. They have moderate energy and require minimal exercise. This matches the energy and routines of most families, particularly those with newborn babies.
Impressive Sense of Smell
According to PetMD, Beagles have an excellent sense of smell, and this will keep their nose to the ground at all times. As a result, they prefer to stay busy exploring scents and smells instead of running after butterflies and squirrels.
3. Bulldog
The appearance of Bulldogs makes them seem like cold and unfeeling creatures. In reality, they are very loving and affectionate. According to WebMD, Bulldogs were bred down from dogs used for bull-baiting until the activity became illegal.
High Energy Level
Bulldogs have moderately high energy levels and a happy-go-lucky nature. They are energetic but not too hyper. So their energy level and their craving for human attention are enough to keep your baby entertained.
So if you decide to get one, you do not have to worry about your dog getting tired because your toddler plays with it without taking a break. This quality leads them to be ranked among the most popular family dogs.
Protective by Nature
Bulldogs are also protective by nature and are gentle with children. So you get a playmate and a protector for your baby, all packed in the form of one cheerful Bulldog.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their exceptionally gentle and patient nature, making them safe for children. Their large size also makes these gentle giants a good choice for newborn families because they can endure rough tugging and pulling from children. So, bringing a Newfoundland home before the baby arrives is a wise choice for such families.
Calm Temperament
Newfoundlands are often called ‘Nanny dogs’ due to their loving behavior and affectionate nature towards children. They are rarely startled or reactive, which makes them the right dog for households with unpredictable baby noises.
Natural Swimmers
Newfoundlands are natural swimmers, which makes them popular among dog breeds for babies. Due to their ability to swim, they can be fun companions during water activities for young children.
5. Poodle
Poodles were originally bred as water retrieval dogs and are known for being one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. This makes them an ideal choice of pet for people who are also going to be first-time parents.
Highly Intelligent
Poodles are more than just stylish show dogs. They are highly intelligent and love to impress their people, making them good around children. They thrive on attention and positive reinforcement, which makes them quick learners.
As a result, Poodles can be taught baby-safe behaviors early, and they can also distinguish between adult and baby interactions.
Hypoallergenic
Poodles have a low shedding rate, and so they can be a good family pet for families with babies who are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin. Moreover, this also makes cleaning the house easier. This also reduces the long list of worries that parents of newborns have to deal with.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have a calm demeanor that suits a household with a baby. Labs are known for being one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Always Ready to Play
These canines were originally bred for sporting purposes. Due to this, they are always reading to have some work to do or play. They can become excellent playmates and a good way to encourage physical activity as your baby goes into toddlerhood.
Consistently Gentle with All Ages
Another reason why Labs make great companions is that they are equally kind and gentle with all sorts of people. As a result, they are a good choice for households with joint families where people from different age groups are living under the same roof.
7. Pug
Pugs are affectionate and tolerant around babies and are one of the few small dogs that work well with babies. They may be small in size, but they have big hearts and equally big personalities.
Great for Indoor Living Situations
Pugs are perfect for families who do not have big yards or lawns. This is because they do not need long walks or outdoor activities to thrive or stay happy.
Playful Nature
With their silly yet soothing personality, Pugs lighten the stress of parenting, especially for couples who are first-time parents. They are like the class clown who entertains everyone with their antics. Moreover, Pugs can quickly calm down and snuggle next to a sleeping baby.
Conclusion
Welcoming a loving and caring dog into your life can be the best decision you can make for your growing family and to have a harmonious household. As your baby grows, so will the bond between your baby and your chosen loyal companion.
Although not all dogs are instinctively baby-ready, the dog breeds mentioned above carry traits that make it easier to create a space where both your baby and pet can thrive.
Some other breeds that are known to be gentle with newborns but have not been mentioned in the list above include Collies, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and mixed-breed dogs.
