Dogs are widely known as man’s best friend, but they also get along with toddlers. The emotional bond that is formed between the two is just magical. Choosing the right dog for your family’s lifestyle is a step in the right direction.
If you have small kids or toddlers in the house, you might be a bit apprehensive about introducing a dog. But there’s no need to worry, as some dog breeds are family-friendly. As your little ones are getting familiar with the outside world, a good friend and a patient teacher are just what they need.
This article dives deep into 7 family-friendly dog breeds that are a perfect match for households with toddlers. These dogs are sweet-natured and affectionate with children, acting as perfect companions in their growing phase.
Dog Breeds Perfect For Playing With Toddlers And Active Families
1. Boxer
Boxers are a medium-sized dog breed that are very affectionate and loyal companions. As noted by Britannica, the Boxer is a working breed dog that was widely used in police work and as a watchdog.
Hearing this, some parents might be apprehensive about introducing their toddlers to this dog. But there’s nothing to worry about. Boxers do incredibly well with kids of all ages. They love playing with kids, being chivalrous, and jolly all the time.
Why is it a good family dog?
Boxers are very loyal and protective dogs. They are incredibly energetic and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly trainable but require a bit of patience due to their high energy levels. They do well with positive reinforcement.
Since they have a high jumping tendency, it is important to train them to stay low-key. Otherwise, they are very gentle and affectionate with small children. They make excellent family dogs as they are playful and fun-loving.
2. Golden Retriever
No list of the best dog breeds for families is ever complete without mentioning the Golden Retrievers. This dog’s whole trademark, just like its brother (the Labrador Retriever), is being a great family pet. These dogs love playing with kids, and they are very affectionate with toddlers.
Why is it a good family dog?
A hallmark of being a good family dog is being extremely easy to train. That’s exactly what a Golden Retriever is. It is calm and extremely intelligent. It also has high energy levels and thrives in active family homes where there is lots of time for fun and play.
They are known for their gentleness with younger children and are also extremely patient. Your kids will love having a Golden Retriever around the house. It is highly loving and patient with toddlers. It is also very courteous to strangers.
3. Pug
Pugs a small, generally healthy dogs. They have a flat, wrinkly face and a curly tail. You can always tell that a Pug’s around because of their loud, snort-like breathing.
Keeping this in mind, pugs are great dogs for kids of all ages. They are very quiet and gentle with toddlers. Don’t worry, they won’t scare them at all.
Why is it a good family dog?
They are people pleasers and thrive on attention from their family members. They don’t do too well in extreme climates, so they are better off indoors and are great dogs for families living in an apartment.
They also respond well to gentle training and have a friendly nature. Due to low energy levels, they are better suited for quieter households but are very tolerant of toddlers.
4. French Bulldog
Another small-sized dog, the French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is a happy-go-lucky and loving companion. As the AKC states, they have a wide, flat face and large ears like a bat. They are sensitive to overheating. Therefore, try to play with them indoors.
Frenchies are known for their little barking and extreme love for cuddles. Toddlers will love having their own little snuggle partner!
Why is it a good family dog?
Frenchies are fun-loving and social dogs. They are true attention seekers and are extremely playful. They tend to be calm and are a good fit for children. They are easy to train if you involve fun activities and positive reinforcement.
They are very smart and get along with other pets, explaining why it’s a friendly dog breed. Since they are so small, they are better suited to smaller homes or apartments. It is also important to note that they don’t require too much exercise as they are prone to overheating.
5. Pomeranian
A Pomeranian is a small-sized dog breed that enjoys short play sessions and short walks. Toddlers can just walk around the house with these adorable little pups, and it’ll be enough for them.
Also, parents with extremely young children should consider getting an older puppy. This is because toddlers might mistake them for dolls or toys and play too roughly.
Why is it a good family dog?
These adorable dogs are perfect companions for all kinds of pet parents. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement and socialization. Although they are quite playful, they are not extremely energetic. They only need a short daily walk.
Due to their small size, they need to be handled gently, and therefore, when playing with your children, it is important to supervise them. If Pomeranians are left alone for too long, it can lead to separation anxiety.
6. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are courageous dogs that make excellent family pets. Dalmatians were first used as fire dogs, running alongside carriages and alerting people to get out of the way, as noted by PetMD.
Setting up a toddler with a Dalmatian is like a match made in heaven. They enjoy playdates and beach games just like your toddler.
Why is it a good family dog?
Dalmatians are very energetic and intelligent. They do well in homes with dynamic families. It is important to train them at an early age, as they are a bit rambunctious and can easily find various ways of keeping themselves entertained.
It is one of the best dogs for people who want clingy pets. Their affectionate nature makes them crave social interaction. As a new pet, small kids need to learn how to treat them, and their sessions must always be supervised.
7. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, white, hypoallergenic dog that requires daily brushing or clipping. They were originally bred as lapdogs for the wealthy. They are extremely playful with kids. The Maltese loves playing fetch and gentle tug-of-war with children in the yard.
Why is it a good family dog?
They are purebred dogs who are extremely loyal and highly adaptable. They are one of the best family dogs as they do well with children.
Socialization and training are very important for puppies. Their temperament is tender, and they are loving dogs. This small dog gives unconditional love to their owners. Once they’re done playing, they’ll happily be couch potatoes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog for your family is a very important decision. Dogs that show a gentle and affectionate temperament toward kids are the best family dogs. Other breeds might not be as eager to please, social, and loyal.
Whether it’s a gentle giant or a medium-sized dog, some breeds are just highly affectionate and good with kids! While temperament is important, so is training and socialization. With the right care and love, your little kids will describe your dog in one way: a new family member.
Other dogs that have not been mentioned but make good family pets include Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Irish Setters and Bichon Frises, and Labrador Retrievers. At the end of the day, one word makes all the difference: child-friendly.
