The love and companionship a dog can provide to your child is unmatchable. Dogs encourage your children to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. They also help improve your child’s social skills and boost their immunity.
While some dogs can be trained to behave well around kids, others are born with natural nanny dog instincts. With little or no training, these child-friendly dogs prove to be your kid’s best friend and playmate.
You need to consider various factors when it comes to choosing the right dog. For instance, you cannot adopt a large dog if you have very small kids. They can pose a danger just by jumping up to say hello.
Similarly, dogs with a calm demeanor and fewer exercise needs are a better option for homes with kids. Low-shedding hypoallergenic breeds are suitable if your kids are prone to allergies.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that love kids, even with no training.
Dog Breeds That Love Kids Even With No Training
1. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the courageous little canines known for their bright and loyal personalities. According to PetPlan, these playful dogs get along well with kids and cats. Weighing only 3 to 7 pounds, Poms are easy to carry, walk, and handle for your child.
Unlike large dogs, Poms are less likely to knock down your child even if they bump into them. Poms were originally bred as working dogs. They are very intelligent and easy to train. Due to their caring and devoted demeanor, they make an ideal companion for your kids.
Pomeranians are a long-living breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. So, your kid will get a lot of years to spend with their furry friend. However, Poms are fragile, so you have to teach your children to behave well with these fluff balls.
2. Maltese
Maltese are friendly and affectionate dogs who thrive on human companionship. These family dogs bond closely with their humans and tend to behave well around kids. Maltese are fluffy little dogs that look like a real-life teddy bear.
The American Kennel Club classifies them as toy dogs. Their gentle nature, playful personality, and compact size make them a great fit for families with small children. These adorable lap dogs are quite active for their size and can be a good match for active kids who enjoy outdoor activities.
Maltese are not stuffed toys, although they look like one. So, you need to teach your kids to interact with them properly. Outdoor activities should also be strictly supervised. Maltese are shy and sensitive, so they need socialization from an early age to feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations.
3. Pug
These happy, loveable, and playful pooches make wonderful family dogs. Pugs are the pint-sized dogs characterized by their wrinkly faces, smooshed muzzles, and big eyes. They are fond of children and love to play with them. They get along well with toddlers and teens alike.
They are a bit silly and often make you laugh with their playful antics and funny noises like snorts or barks. Pugs are the cuddly canines who bond firmly with their families. They cannot be left alone for extended periods as they are prone to separation anxiety.
These full-of-personality dogs can be a bit stubborn at times, but that is just a part of their charm. They are sturdy, so there are fewer chances of accidental injuries as compared to many other toy dog breeds.
But their flat faces make them vulnerable to respiratory issues. So they are not well-suited for boisterous play or excessive running.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another child-friendly dog breed known for its gentle and warm-hearted personality. According to PDSA, they love companionship and are keen to please their favorite humans. They were originally bred as lap dogs and tend to be good around children.
Cavaliers have a lot of energy and love playing with your kids in the garden or inside the house. They can engage in interactive games and fun activities with your child. Cavaliers can engage in interactive games with your child and can be trained very easily.
These sensitive dogs are highly responsive to your kids’ emotions and moods. Cavaliers like to cuddle and are extremely adaptable. They can adjust well to a variety of environments. These curious pooches enjoy exploring their environment.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are cute dogs that are often considered high-maintenance due to their beautiful coat, but they are quite adaptable. They can adjust in a variety of environments, including homes with kids.
Their small size, big hearts, gentle nature, and patient demeanor make them the best family dogs, especially when it comes to children. Shih Tzus are calm and tolerant, even with active toddlers, unlike many other small breeds that may be nervous or snappy.
Their patience and love for attention make them ideal playmates and cuddly friends for your kids. Shih Tzus form a protective bond with children. These intelligent canines are eager to please and easy to train.
6. Havanese
The Havanese’s temperament is like sunshine on a cloudy day. These lively, charming, and friendly dogs are extremely good with kids. Havanese are known for their playful and gentle nature. They love socializing with children and make them smile.
Havanese dogs thrive on human companionship and cannot be left alone for extended periods, as they are prone to separation anxiety. These little watchdogs like sitting by the window and watching everybody passing by, be it a cat, dog, new people, or even the postman.
Their calm demeanor does not mean they will spend the entire day lounging. Havanese are the lively fellows who need lots of mental stimulation and human interaction to make them happy. They love being the center of attention and learn and perform new tricks in exchange for tasty treats.
7. Papillon
Papillons are the lively dogs who learn new tricks faster than you can say “sit.” These intelligent dogs love to please their humans and are always up for play sessions. Papillons are quite gentle and get along well with kids and other pets.
Characterized by their distinctive “butterfly-like ears,” Papillons are spunky and alert canines. They are loyal, confident, and energetic, and love spending time with their people. With proper training or socialization, Papillons make excellent companions for kids.
The only problem is that they are delicate, like many other toy breeds, so you might want to keep them away from rowdy and loud kids who could accidentally hurt them during play. They are sociable dogs that rarely get aggressive and demand a lot of attention from their owners.
Conclusion
Are you planning to expand your family by four paws, but want to adopt a child-friendly dog? One of the breeds mentioned in this article might be the right fit for you. From the courageous little Poms to smushy-faced Pugs and sociable Papillons, several breeds make ideal companions for your kids.
Their compact size, lively personalities, calm demeanor, and loving nature make them ideal playmates and cuddly companions for your child. However, proper socialization is important to have a well-mannered pet. Kids should also be taught to treat the pets nicely.
