15 Best Dog Breeds for Kids and Families
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Many breeds are suitable if you're looking for a dog that gets along with kids. Theoretically, any dog has a good chance of getting along well with kids. Your chances of choosing a nice family dog can be influenced by a variety of elements, including obedience training, age, size, and breed. Consider your children's ages and levels of exercise. An clumsy, gangly puppy that is unsure of its stature can topple toddlers. A little dog could be crushed by larger children if they are not constantly careful.
Tip
While it's possible to make educated guesses about which dog breeds are ideal for children, you can never predict how each individual dog will behave. Find a local dog rescue organization and enquire about fostering pets. Foster "parents" usually be open and forthcoming about the personalities and temperaments of the dogs because they want them to go to the right homes. Spend time discussing the temperament and socialization history of the puppies with the breeder you choose. A knowledgeable, ethical breeder will be familiar with the puppies and their parents and should gladly divulge information. Whatever breed you choose, make sure to teach your kids how to behave around dogs.
Breed Characteristics
Numerous dog breeds are known for getting along well with kids. An clever, trainable dog with a decent, even temperament and moderate energy level is suitable for a home with children. It's also crucial to have a dog with a soft mouth or bite inhibition. Since they were educated to refrain from biting down on their quarry when retrieving it, canines like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers have a "soft mouth" embedded in their DNA. Ideal child-safe dogs must also be non-aggressive, tolerant of a little hair-grabbery, and loving to receive lots of cuddles.
These 15 dog breeds have a track record of being friendly with kids.
Boxer
.jpg "Best dog breeds for Kids and Families") |
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Boxers are noted for being playful dogs who enjoy playing with children. It can compete head-to-head with kids who likewise seem to possess boundless energy and a passion for the great outdoors. It has an amusing, innocent nature that kids can enjoy. Watch it carefully among toddlers since it can occasionally be clumsy and bump or knock over one or two children.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working (AKC)
HEIGHT: 20 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 70 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat with fawn and brindle as standard colors, standard markings include a black mask, black mask with white markings, and white markings
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
Golden Retriever
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Similar to a longer-haired, furrier Labrador retriever, a golden retriever. They share a kind, relaxed, tolerant, and non-aggressive attitude. If given no constructive outlet for its excess energy, this breed can become hyperactive and a little unruly. It is a cheerful and intelligent breed that can be a fantastic playmate for kids in school who enjoy yard games like fetch.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 75 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length lustrous light to dark gold double coat
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
Poodle
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Poodles are exceptionally intelligent and have a wonderful temperament. The intense activity of a poodle frequently resembles that of a young toddler. Poodles are affectionate, cuddly, kind, and understanding. Additionally, you can choose between toy, tiny, or normal sizes. For families with young children, the larger standard poodle is probably the best option because it is the toughest and can endure more roughhousing than the smaller types.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: Standard: over 15 inches; Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: 10 inches and under
WEIGHT: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds, Miniature: 15 to 18 pounds, Toy: 5 to 9 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense single coat; may be one of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, grey, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
Bichon Frise
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This tiny cotton ball of a dog enjoys playing and is typically not overly excitable. It is warm, endearing, and brimming with the vitality of a child's boundless enthusiasm. Additionally, because of its size, it doesn't terrify or engulf young children. Although it might provide a warning snap to let them know there is only so much it can tolerate if a child is being extremely boisterous or rough.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy and curly white hair (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream), resembles a cotton ball or powder puff
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 15 years
Beagle
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The dog breed made popular by "Snoopy" is the beagle. These canines are good for kids since they are sociable, perceptive, and not overly large. Although some can be a little high-strung, they normally take to training very well. They are a sociable breed and like being around people, especially kids. They are devoted and make good friends with kids. It might also serve as one of the best security dogs for your child, alerting you to intruders with its characteristic baying sound. Being a loud breed, it might not be the greatest dog for young infants and toddlers who readily wake up from barking or sounds when they are asleep.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound (AKC)
HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 20 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coats in all hound colors, including but not limited to tri-color (tan, black, and white), red and white, and lemon and white
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
Cairn Terrier
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These energetic tiny canines seem to have an innate affection for children. They are able to keep up with children and can tolerate just about anything. Think of Toto from "The Wizard of Oz," another popular big-screen character. Particularly with kids, they are a kind and sensitive breed. The Cairn terrier appears to adore children, in contrast to many smaller dogs who typically can't take roughhousing kids.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier (AKC)
HEIGHT: 9 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 14 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Scruffy-looking double coat with a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat; coat comes in many colors, including red, brindle, black, sand, and gray
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
German Shepherd
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Although very protective and loyal, this breed has to be properly taught. German shepherds can be playful, especially when they are young. With their family, they can be kind and gentle, yet they are cautious with strangers. They are an intelligent breed that can be trained to perform practically any task.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Herding (AKC)
HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: 60 to 100 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Double coat, comprised of a thick undercoat and a dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat with tan and black or red and black coloring
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7 to 10 years
Shetland sheepdog
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Shelties resemble collies, the "Lassie" dog, in many ways. They are breeds that get along well with kids of all ages and sizes because they are gentle, calm, and patient. Shelties adore being around people. The breed is energetic and well-mannered among kids, but it requires some training to overcome its innate propensity to herd or pinch. Children that are overly busy risk overwhelming the dog, so keep a close check on their interactions to ensure they get along.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Herding (AKC)
HEIGHT: 13 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Double-coated with long, harsh outer coat and short, dense undercoat; ; black, sable, and blue merle, with white markings
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
Pug
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Pugs enjoy playing, and they also enjoy playing with kids. Because of its propensity for overheating, this brachycephalic breed (flat-faced) should not be overworked; instead, short play sessions and resting cuddled up with its owners are ideal for this youngster. Families looking for a lap dog or snuggle partner will find this reduced energy dog to be perfect.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy (AKC)
HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or black
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
Irish Setter
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Irish setters are the ideal playmate for older kids because they are full of bounding energy and may be a touch rowdy for the youngest kids. This dog enjoys hiking with people and playing catch. It would thrive in a home with lots of activities planned for the family dog because it is a highly active breed.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 25 to 27 inches
WEIGHT: 60 to 70 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium length with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail; red coat
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
Boston Terrier
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These little to medium-sized dogs weigh around 25 pounds when fully grown, and they are used to life in cities where they blend in quite fine in apartments. Non-aggressive Boston terriers enjoy playing games and spending time with kids. They don't try to hurt anyone, but they occasionally become overexcited or accidently knock down a toddler.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 15 to 17 years
WEIGHT: 15 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, short coat. All Boston terriers have a white muzzle and chest. The rest of their body will be either black, seal, or brindle
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
Cavalier king Charles Spaniel
Cavalier king Charles Spaniel are a sociable group. The majority of people, including kids and other pets, get along well with these little, toy-sized dogs. They are spirited and like playing, yet they can also curl up for a warm, comforting hug.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy (AKC)
HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: around 13 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail; four color varieties: tricolor, Blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
Bulldog
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Similar to pugs and boxers, bulldogs are brachycephalic breeds that should avoid excessive exercise, especially on warm days. This breed will enjoy a quick game or romp, but will probably settle down for a nap after that. These dogs are affectionate and will put up with some minor roughhousing from kids.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 14 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 50 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Straight, short, fine-textured, smooth, and glossy; red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colors, with or without such patterns and markings as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tipping
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8 to 10 years
Mixed Breed Dogs
Dogs that are mutts can be intelligent and well-balanced. Overall, a mixed breed dog can be an incredible find. They are available in a broad range of sizes and coat designs. Mixed-breed dogs might be less tense and are frequently physically healthier than purebred canines. Additionally, you can prevent a dog from ending up on death row or living in a shelter.
Breeds to Avoid
Some canines struggle to get in with families with small children. Some of the kids may stare, move swiftly, or like to shout or screech in a high-pitched voice; others may not respect limits. Generally speaking, spitz breeds like Akitas, Chows, Huskies, or Malamutes—these intellectual species tend to be more aloof—might not be the most accommodating to a child living in the home. Additionally, some smaller attention-seeking breeds with strong personalities—like Chihuahuas, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus—might not be the ideal fit.
Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/the-best-dogs-for-kids-1118132
Read next: https://www.dogxo.me/2022/11/17-best-dog-breeds-for-senior-citizens.html?m=1