When bringing a new baby or dog home, one must consider if both of them are going to get along. Some owners worry about their kids being alone with big dogs, as they might think of them as little toys to play with. Others might feel that their child may harm their dog by playing too roughly.
In these situations, it is often best to adopt family-friendly dog breeds that are safe for kids to play games with. Such dogs must be gentle and calm, especially with young kids.
In this article, we’ll go over the most popular dog breeds that are great family pets. These 10 gentle dogs are great for the whole family. Therefore, choose one of these child-friendly dogs and ensure fun and safe playtime between your kids and dogs.
Best Dog Breeds That Allow Kids to Play with Their Tails
1. Bichon Frise
Physical Traits
The Bichon Frise (pronunciation: Bee-Shon Free-Zay) is a tiny-sized non-sporting dog breed. These small dogs weigh 12-18 pounds and stand at just 9.5-11.5 inches. They are expected to live around 14-15 years.
It is the best dog breed for families with dog allergies as it is hypoallergenic (low shedding). They are well-suited for apartment living and do great with first-time pet parents.
Best Dog for Families
The Bichon Frise is an extremely friendly dog that makes the best family pet. It gets along with other dogs, adults, young kids, and even strangers.
It is a happy-go-lucky dog that is extremely eager to please and highly trainable.
It is a high-energy dog that loves to go for walks, fetch toys, or play tug-of-war outdoors.
2. Pomeranian
Physical Traits
According to the American Pomeranian Club, Pomeranians were larger historically and used for herding. With the passage of time, they were bred to reduce their size. Now they are one of the smallest pooches you’ll ever encounter.
They are no more than 6-7 inches and weigh about 3-7 pounds. They have a foxlike face, fluffy double coat, a squarish build, and thick scruff around the neck. They can live up to 12-16 years.
Best Dog for Families
They are extremely playful and highly energetic. They are content with playing games indoors, and once they’re tired, they’re ideal lapdogs.
Pomeranians or “Poms” are very friendly dogs. They make fast friends with other pooches and animals.
They are highly intelligent dogs. With positive reinforcement training sessions and socialization as a puppy, they become well-adjusted dogs.
3. Maltese
Physical Traits
Royalty in the form of a dog is the one and only Maltese. Distinguished by its long, silky white coat, this dog belongs to the toy breed. According to the AKC, it is 7-9 inches tall and weighs under 7 pounds. Its average life is 12-15 years.
Best Dog for Families
The Maltese is a family dog that loves following its owners around once it forms strong bonds.
It is important not to leave them alone for too long, as they can develop separation anxiety. They make excellent companions and great lap dogs.
Since they are super tiny, they are better suited for homes with older children, as small children might unintentionally hurt them.
They have playful energy but like to rest once their needs are met. So, they are a perfect match for an average family’s lifestyle.
4. Pug
Physical Traits
The Pug is a little dog that weighs about 15-18 pounds and stands at 10-13 inches. They are easily distinguished from other dog breeds due to their short snouts, wrinkled faces, and big eyes.
Due to their short hair, they don’t require extensive grooming or long periods of exercise. A short walk and a few playtime sessions indoors are enough for this family dog.
Best Dog for Families
As stated on WebMD, Pugs have been companion dogs since 400 BC. These small dogs have big personalities.
They are cheerful and loyal. Their loving nature makes them a hit with families who have children.
Their affectionate nature extends to everyone, including strangers. They are more willing to become best friends with others rather than being a watchdog and start barking.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Physical Traits
A favorite among the 19th-century aristocracy, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel hasn’t lost its popularity (especially in the UK) today. Its average life expectancy is 12-15 years. It weighs about 13-18 pounds and stands at 12-13 inches.
Best Dog for Families
It is a child-friendly dog because it is both playful and gentle. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect breed for a family that wants a dog of gentle temperament. They are perfect playmates for attentive children.
It is eager to please its owners, and training requires consistency and treats for rewards.
They are great for active kids and families who love hiking, long walks, and playing a game of fetch.
6. Shih Tzu
Physical Traits
Another toy breed, the Shih Tzu, is thought to be a cross between a Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. It weighs about 9-16 pounds and stands about 9-10.5 inches. They have long, silky hair and short legs. Their average life span is 10-18 years, as it is a generally healthy breed.
Best Dogs for Families
Kids adore the Shih Tzu because it is cute and charming. How can anyone resist those big, dark eyes and sweet face? Their natural instincts make them adore anyone they meet: children, other pets, and adults.
As they are intelligent dogs, they are highly adaptable and respond well to training.
They need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Be sure not to overheat them; just a bit of exercise inside the house is enough for one day.
7. Havanese
Physical Traits
The Havanese is considered to be closely related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese. It is native to Cuba. It has a curled-over tail and a double, long, silky coat that needs moderate grooming.
It has an average life span of 14-16 years. Havanese dogs usually weigh 7-13 pounds and stand at 8.5-11.5 inches.
Best Dogs for Families
The Havanese is an incredibly loyal dog that thrives on human companionship. Because they are such great companions, they are attached easily to their families and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
The Havanese loves active play. Although they adapt well to apartment living, they occasionally play outdoors and explore their surroundings.
8. Papillon
Physical Traits
Papillon is French for butterfly. Taking a look at the dog itself, it makes sense why it got that name. As stated in PetMD, this small-sized dog has big ears with long, wispy hair that look like a butterfly. They are one of the best dog breeds for kids as they are incredibly patient and fiercely loyal.
It weighs about 5-10 pounds and stands at 8-11 inches tall. It has a medium, silky coat that allows it to survive all kinds of climates. They are used as service or therapy dogs.
Best Dogs for Families
After burning off their boundless energy, they become relaxed companions who enjoy sitting on your lap.
They are very intelligent and active. Due to this, they do well with active families. They are better suited for indoor games, but enjoy backyard games as well.
They get along with older kids, younger kids, and strangers. They are filled with unconditional love and enjoy being with families that can match their energy levels.
9. Poodle
Physical Traits
A high-energy level and kid-friendly breed, the poodle comes in three sizes: miniature, toy, and standard. They are intelligent water dogs that were originally bred for hunting waterfowl. They have a soft curly coat that comes in shades of black, white, red, silver, brown, or multicolor.
Best Dogs for Families
The poodle is a good-natured breed that is kid-friendly and likes to play outdoors.
They like having something to do and respond well to positive reinforcement and exercise.
As one of the smartest dog breeds, the poodle enjoys puzzle toys and long walks.
10. Beagle
Traits
Beagles are happy dogs that have an average life expectancy of 10-15 years. They possess a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
They are moderate shedders and drool minimally. They are highly adaptable and very vocal. They bark whenever they are hungry or want attention.
Best Dogs for Families
A Beagle is a kid-friendly dog with a goofy personality. They are working dogs with endless enthusiasm and a knack for getting into funny situations, especially if food is a main factor.
They are fun-loving, low-maintenance dogs because of their moderate grooming needs and adaptable nature.
Although they don’t have endless energy, they will happily join in on outdoor adventures such as walks or hikes.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog that is kid-friendly is a top priority for many pet parents. Families who have small kids are always cautious when it comes to introducing a dog into their homes.
But, as we have seen from the above list, there are many dogs that make great companions for families with kids. Make sure playtime is supervised and you get the best of both worlds: happy kids and happy dogs.
