Dog Breeds That Are Great With Kids

Dogs can teach kids a lot of things–love, compassion, responsibility, commitment, and even letting go– all while having the best playmates and buddies around. If you are planning to bring home a new addition to your household, it is always a good idea to do your assignment first–read up about the dog breed that you are interested in and whether it’s the ideal pet for a household with kids of all ages. Some dogs make excellent playmates for older kids, while the gentler breeds are more suited for younger ones.

A dog’s temperament is one of the major considerations when choosing a family-friendly breed. Other factors that are to be taken into consideration include your lifestyle, activity levels, living arrangements, and budget. Whatever breed you choose, be sure that you are ready and willing to commit to your pet’s care for their entire lifetime. The responsibilities of pet parents aren’t always easy, but your efforts will be worthwhile because you enjoy the unconditional love, friendship, and dedication of your canine pal.

Here is a list of the top dog breeds that are great with kids:

1. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are well-loved for being extremely patient and gentle, which makes them a perfect pet for kids. But they do require a lot of exercise and hair brushing at least twice a week. These smart dogs are highly trainable and are affectionate and obedient as they come. This dog breed is the most loyal among the bunch.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labs are among the most popular canine breeds for families with kids. They are smart, loving, and patient. They take well to training and are protective and reliable. Like golden retrievers, they need a lot of physical stimulation– leash walks, a game of fetch, swimming! They will also thrive in homes where there is a lot of room to play in. Their short hair coats only need a weekly brush to get rid of loose hairs and keep their coats clean, shiny, and healthy. But they do shed, so you should be prepared to clean up loose hair in your home regularly.

3. Poodle

Poodles are highly trainable and gentle. They are caring and patient even with rambunctious kids. These proud and elegant dogs come in both miniature and standard sizes. This gives you a choice as to what size could best fit in your living environment. Poodles belong to the top list of dog breeds good for allergies since they only shed a little. This means they are great for kids who are prone to allergies. Standard poodles are playful and adventurous, while miniature ones easily get more attached to one member of the family.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies are well-known for being family-friendly pups for a long time because of the all-time favorite movie hit “Lassie”. These dogs are very gentle and can easily be trained. Obedience training is particularly important as they can be stubborn at times. They make great first-time pets for a family with kids. In fact, collies belong to the list of dog breeds good with babies. They get along well with kids and are dedicated to the pack. A collie is a good choice when you are looking for the best dog for a scared child. Since they originally worked as herding dogs, their instinct to herd remains strong, a behavior that you should try to discourage. A collie’s long hair coat does need some regular grooming.

5. Beagle

Many families love beagles for their calm temperament. If your family loves spending time outdoors, a beagle would easily fit right into your lifestyle. They never seem to get tired romping and playing around. They were originally bred to be hunting dogs, and even as pets, they still love exploring the great outdoors and walking the trails. Beagles do shed, so they will benefit from frequent brushing. Their friendliness extends to other pets, so they will do well in multi-pet households.

6. Bulldog

If you are looking for a pooch that is affectionate, devoted, and patient towards kids, look no further. You should bring home a bulldog. These dogs with sturdy builds are docile and friendly. They do get along well with kids, visitors, and other pets. Bulldogs are one of the best companion dogs around. They are great for large living spaces as well as small apartments. Because of the structure of their face, they will need extra help with their dental needs and regular cleaning of the folds on their face and around the tail. You should also be prepared to deal with your bulldog’s snoring, wheezing, and some drooling.

7. Newfoundland

These gentle giants are often affectionately called “Nature’s Babysitter”. They are among the most intelligent canine breeds around. They are very gentle, patient, and very protective of children. The Newfoundland will thrive in living spaces with large, open spaces. Their long coats require regular brushing and upkeep. They are also droolers and are known for excessive shedding.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The CKC Spaniel is very friendly; in fact, they do get along well with people and other dogs. These toy dogs possess the verve of sporting breeds. They will benefit from a lot of playing and romping around to let off steam.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

These gentle giants can reach 100-pounds but they are among the best dogs to have around kids because of their sweet temperament.

10. Boston Terrier

These pups with “tuxedos” love to be around people. They thrive well in apartment living but they will be happier with regular leash walks around the neighborhood and playing games with your kids.

While these 10 dog breeds are generally great with kids, each individual dog has his own personality and character. If you’re looking to adopt, speak to the shelter volunteers who will be able to guide you to a dog of that is most suited for you! Find out more about your options about adopting a dog from our local shelters. Also, find out more about Singapore’s very own Singapore Special!

Also read: Dog Breeds Suitable for Home

Japanese article: 【犬の種類】子供に優しい性格の犬種¨®