When you bring a new dog home, you are adding another family member. Children tend to love all dogs, but you will want to look at which kid-friendly dog breeds or mix might suit your family’s lifestyle best before bringing home your pup.
Dogs, like people, have their individual personalities. While most dogs are friendly with children and adults, you will want to meet your dog with your family before bringing him home. And children should always be supervised when around dogs, even with the friendliest breeds.
Here are some of the most kid-friendly dog breeds for you to consider.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers tend to get along with anyone, and their silky soft fur is irresistible (as well as their adoring expressions!) These small dogs have bigger dogs’ energy, so they’re ideal for playing with active children.
Bernese Mountain Dog
If you’re after a bigger dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a sweet-tempered pet that is gentle with children. They can reach 100 pounds in weight, but they are kind and caring giants.
Greyhound
If you don’t have a lot of space, you might consider getting a Greyhound. These dogs don’t require large amounts of space to be happy, and they tend to love short bursts of exercise followed by a comfy nap. You may want to put in a doggie ramp for your bed for everyone to snuggle up together (which you can see here).
Many ex-racing Greyhounds need homes, so you’d be saving a life, too!
Boston Terrier
If doggie grooming isn’t your thing, a Boston Terrier could be for you. These dogs have short coats that require minimum brushing and bathing, and they are also good dogs for apartment living. They will have plenty of energy for playing with your children.
Bichon Frise
These dogs are another breed that is easy to keep clean. These small and highly energetic dogs will love running around with your children. They don’t tend to bark much, they love cuddles, and they don’t shed as much as other breeds.
Labrador Retriever
Labs have always been a popular choice for families with their sweet, loving nature. Be aware, though, that these dogs require a lot of exercises, as well as space to run.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are big and gentle dogs. They need to be trained, but they enjoy lazing around, and they don’t bark much.
Golden Retriever
These dogs are brilliant for families. They learn fast, and they love staying active, so they’ll do all kinds of activities with your children. They enjoy swimming, running, fetching, and lots of games.
Pug
Pugs are a low-maintenance breed because of their short coats. Pugs are happy in smaller spaces, and they don’t need as much exercise as bigger dogs. They will be very entertaining for your children because they snore and make lots of funny noises!
Beagle
Beagles are cute, friendly dogs that love companionship, so don’t get a beagle if no-one is home all day. Other than that, they are brilliant friends for children.
Newfoundland
These massive dogs are gentle giants who can reach up to 150 pounds. They are brilliant swimmers, and their watchful and patient nature makes them great companions with sweet dispositions.
Collie
A collie is a brilliant companion for children who is highly intelligent and loyal. And if you’re concerned about grooming your collie, there are ‘rough’ and ‘smooth’ collies. The smooth breed doesn’t require as much grooming.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
If you are after a dog with a hypoallergenic coat as well as a devoted pet with lots of energy for play, Wheatens are perfect for you. They love chasing just about any moving object!
Alaskan Malamute
These dogs are pack animals, and they are loyal and kind – they live for their pack, or in this case, their family. They need regular exercise and training, but the effort is worth it for their loving and selfless natures.
Shih Tzu
This breed is full of personality and makes a great companion. Shih Tzus are the perfect choice if you want a more docile dog that can mix well with other pets as well as with children. They require lots of grooming, but they love snuggling up with their families.
A Mutt
Although a mutt isn’t a breed, many friendly mutts are deserving of a kind home. You can visit your local animal shelter and tell them about your requirements, and they’ll match you up with the best dog for you. Adopting a pup teaches your children about saving lives and being kind to those in need, and your pup will reward you with lots of love.
