Choosing the best dog heavily relies on your home and lifestyle. It is a crucial decision, particularly for families with kids or babies. Studies reveal that toddlers growing up with dogs tend to be more active, responsible, and happy.
Dogs make protective companions for toddlers and shower them with unconditional love through the ups and downs of childhood. One of the greatest benefits of having dogs in early childhood is that they make your kids happy.
Studies reveal that babies raised in close contact with nanny dogs get sick less frequently. Exposure to pet dander, allergens, and microbes that dogs carry from outdoors into the home boosts your toddler’s immune system.
Several dog breeds make perfect companions for your kids. Have a look at the top 7 dog breeds that play gently with toddlers.
Dog Breeds That Play Gently With Toddlers
1. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Non-sporting
Energy Level: Calm
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
A French Bulldog, affectionately called a Frenchie, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. due to its playful and adaptable nature. Their cheerful personalities and easygoing nature make them ideal for households with toddlers.
French Bulldog is a smaller type of Bulldog that has distinctive bat-like ears. This breed’s curious and affectionate nature attracts everyone, be it kids or adults.
These compact but heavily built dogs make a perfect companion for your toddler. However, their adorable flat faces make them vulnerable to respiratory issues and overheating. They need moderate daily exercise to stay fit.
2. Pug
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Toy
Energy Level: Active
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
These toy dogs are known for their gentle nature and affinity for children. Pugs are one of the family-friendly dog breeds, having outgoing personalities. The ideal description of this breed is the Latin phrase “multum in parvo,” which means “a lot in little.”
Pugs are small yet sturdy dogs who soak up lots of love from kids. These silly canines get short bursts of energy, but are mostly the couch potatoes who love nothing more than relaxing on the couch and snuggling with their humans.
These smooshed-faced cuties need only walk for daily exercise. But you have to be careful on the warm days, as Pugs cannot tolerate high temperatures due to their pushed-in muzzles. Make sure your family can tolerate the sound of a dog snoring before bringing them home.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Toy
Energy Level: Calm
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the happy-go-lucky canines who thrive on human companionship. These incredibly loyal, affectionate, and sweet-natured dogs enjoy gentle play and warm hugs. They are smart and eager to please dogs who can be trained using positive reinforcement.
Cavaliers are great lap dogs and make excellent companions for your toddlers. But these cuddly pets do not like roughhousing, so you need to teach your kids how to interact appropriately. They can happily adapt to live in small spaces due to their compact size and are easy to travel with.
One of the best family dogs, Cavaliers are spirited and active fellows who need moderate daily exercise every day, including two 20-30 minute walks, explains PetMD. Their silky coats require brushing and regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
4. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Sporting
Energy Level: Active
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Labradors are outgoing dogs with a friendly nature. These highly intelligent dogs love learning new tricks. They form strong bonds with their family and are affectionate towards everybody, even strangers. Labs do exceptionally well with kids and other dogs.
Labrador Retrievers have high levels of tolerance, due to which they handle the unpredictable behavior of young kids quite well. They seem to understand that toddlers are learning and exploring, so they respond to accidental pokes or pulls with patience.
The American Kennel Club warns not to mistake their easygoing nature for low energy. These athletic dogs require lots of exercise, including games of fetch, running, hiking, and scent work. Labs love water and make amazing swimming partners for your kids.
5. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Sporting
Energy Level: Active
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Golden Retrievers were originally bred for retrieving waterfowl during hunting expeditions. They are known for their gentle, affectionate, and loving nature. These kind-hearted dogs are a fantastic choice for families with children.
Goldens are eager to please and friendly dogs with a playful nature. You can find videos of Golden Retrievers bouncing on the trampoline with toddlers. They have boundless energy and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Around 60 to 90 minutes of daily physical activity will suffice. A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Golden Retriever does not bark much. Goldens are well-suited for active families who can keep up with them. Their striking golden coat needs to be brushed at least two times a week, suggests Britannica.
6. Beagle
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Hound
Energy Level: Active
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Beagles are hound dogs that were originally bred to hunt rabbits in packs. A properly trained and well-socialized Beagle is super friendly and adapts well to the loud noise and chaos of family life. Their playful and tolerant nature makes them one of the best dog breeds for active kids.
These curious dogs form strong bonds with their families. Beagles are sturdy and athletic fellows who love playing with children of all ages. They are highly energetic and need lots of exercise every day to stay healthy and content.
Beagles are known for their keen noses and love for food. They are likely to seek out and potentially steal that unattended sandwich, so it’s a good idea to hide snacks from your Beagle.
These loving dogs are prone to separation anxiety. They can try to escape or become destructive if left alone for extended periods.
7. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Toy
Energy Level: Calm
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
The Shih Tzu was originally bred as a companion dog for Chinese royalty. These irresistibly cute pooches are known for their affectionate, alert, and outgoing nature. They thrive on human companionship and love people of all ages, including well-mannered kids.
Shih Tzu puppies are very small, so breeders might be a bit hesitant to place them in families with kids under 5 years of age. However, adult Shih Tzus are sturdy and make wonderful playmates for gentle children.
These kid-friendly dogs have a luxurious coat that requires daily brushing when left long. Some pet parents prefer a “puppy cut” for their Shih Tzu as it is easier to maintain. Shih Tzus need around one hour of daily exercise to stay fit, explains PDSA.
Conclusion
Kids raised with dogs are more likely to be happier, healthier, and social. Choosing the right dog for your family can be a significant decision, especially when you have a toddler. Several dog breeds make a wonderful choice for households with small kids due to their gentle, calm, and playful nature.
If you have a toddler or a young kid at home, one of the breeds in this article may be ideal for your family. Make sure the dog is well-trained and properly socialized. Also, teach your toddler to be nice to their furry friend!
