Acquiring a pet for your child benefits your child’s social-emotional and cognitive development. Endenburg and Baarda stated in their research that pets can have a positive influence on your child.
However, a careful selection of the dog’s breed should be done. Bear in mind that each dog breed has a diverse temperament. Ensure that the chosen dog breed is compatible with your lifestyle and is child-friendly.
We have narrowed down a list of ten breeds that make good family dogs for households with kids. The list is according to the dog’s size from small to large ones.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #1: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the only breed belonging to the toy group that made it to this list. This breed is one of the royalty’s favoured canine companions as evidenced by his name. This small dog was named after King Charles II, who was devoted to the breed.
The compact size of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes him a good match for small children. It also allows him to adjust quickly to apartment living.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #2: French Bulldog
Considering their charming looks and easy-going personality, French Bulldogs being favoured by prominent celebrities is unsurprising. They are on their way to claiming the throne as the UK’s most popular dog breed.
The Frenchie has a low energy level and often loves to be a couch potato. He is a wonderful dog for your family if your children prefer to stay at home and chill most of the time.
Despite his sedentary lifestyle, the French Bulldog will need daily physical and mental stimulation. Do not worry though since he does not need lots of exercise compared to active dog breeds.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #3: Beagle
Having been featured in several movies and cartoons, the Beagle has gained popularity in the world. He is renowned for his sweet personality, making him one of the best dog breeds for families with young children.
The Beagle is a friendly dog filled with energy that could keep your family entertained. However, as he can be rambunctious, always supervise him when he is around children.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #4: Boxer
One look at the Boxer, one may assume that he has a menacing personality. However, behind his intimidating appearance is a clown of the dog world.
He is playful and a fun-loving companion with excellent patience towards kids. He is not necessarily aggressive, but he will stand guard to defend his family.
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Best Dog Breed for Kids #5: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was once solely owned by Irish peasants as they were not allowed to own hounds or any breed by law. This breed may be considered as a “poor man’s dog,” but he made his presence known in Victorian art.
His placid temperament makes him the ideal dog for your family if you have no prior experience of owning a pooch.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #6: Weimaraner
This is a graceful and energetic dog with an honourable past. The Weimaraner is known to be an adept tracker and is therefore used to trail scents of missing persons and other search-and-rescue missions back in the Cold War.
Obedient, amiable, and affectionate, he is a good family pet that gets along well with children. However, because of his high energy level, he might not be the best choice for city living as he requires ample amounts of exercise as an active breed.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #7: Labrador Retriever
According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed for twenty-seven years straight. Considering his sweet nature and eagerness to please, he deserves the title.
The Labrador Retriever is a favourite breed amongst children. Moreover, he is the most commonly used breed as a guide dog. Versatile and easy to train, he is acknowledged as the best breed for the job.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #8: Golden Retriever
True to his name, the Golden Retriever is originally bred to retrieve. Lord Tweedmouth from Scotland was looking for a dog with an aptitude for water work and is inclined to retrieve objects from his hunting. He found this breed desirable and took them to his state.
The Golden Retriever is a friendly pooch and is ranked as the third most popular dog breed in the US. With his alluring beauty and well-behaved personality, he makes a good actor and is often starred in movies.
Golden Retrievers love human companionship and have a great relationship with children including the young ones. Nevertheless, he still needs parental supervision during interaction with toddlers.
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Best Dog Breed for Kids #9: Mastiff
Zorba, a Mastiff dog, owned the title of the world’s largest dog in November 1989. He was 37 inches tall at the shoulder and weighed 343 pounds.
From that detail alone, you can tell that the breed has a remarkable size, therefore boasting an intimidating look. As such, the Mastiff has exceptional guarding instincts and is gentle and loyal to his owners.
With proper training and socialisation, this is an ideal watchdog companion for your family and children.
Best Dog Breed for Kids #10: Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are dogs with intimidating size but possess a gentle and loving personality. He is regarded as a “nanny dog” for his sweetness, loyalty, and strong urge to protect the ones he loves.
Generally, Newfoundland dogs are friendly to everybody, including strangers, unless their family members are in danger. Furthermore, these large dogs exhibit a polite and placid temperament as well as remarkable patience.
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FAQs About Best Dog Breeds for Kids
Which Dog Is the Most Protective of Children?
Some of the dog breeds in our list that are most protective of children are the Boxer, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. They are ready to fend off any person who attempts to harm their little human companions.
Whilst these canines are naturally protective, training is essential in ensuring that they develop a good sense of identifying which individual is a threat to their family.
Are French Bulldogs Good With Kids?
The French Bulldog is good with kids. A small dog with a laid-back and calm disposition, he balances out the high energy of young children. His size also reduces the danger of accidentally toppling down his mini-human companions during playtime.
What Is a Good Dog to Get If I Have Children Under the Age of 10?
Most breeds in our list are good dogs to get if you have children under the age of 10. If you opt for a large-breed canine as your family pet, his interactions with kids require close supervision.
Dogs are not aware of their size and your pooch might unintentionally knock down smaller kids.
Are Male or Female Dogs Better With Kids?
There is no definitive evidence that dogs’ specific gender makes them better with kids. Whether your pooch is a male or female, proper socialisation and training are the key to making your pet amenable towards children.
Of course, breed is an important factor to take into account as well. Some dog breeds are more gentle and caring towards kids than others.
However, each dog has a different personality, thus it is not impossible for some pooches to be affectionate with kids even if their breed is not known to be one.
Conclusion
The dog breeds we have listed above are some of the most popular picks for families for kids. However, do not forget that you play a big role in moulding them into children-loving canines.
Even if your choice of dog breed is known to possess a natural affinity for kids, you need to put in effort in training and socialising your pet since it shapes him into a sweet and loving furry pal.