Best Dog Breeds For Kids

Isn’t it every child’s dream to have a pet dog? And isn’t it every parent’s nightmare to end up with a dog that causes havoc or isn’t suitable for the kids? A pet dog is a huge commitment, and there are so many beautiful dog breeds to choose from. And it makes your choice all the more complicated and overwhelming. Hence, many parents are wondering, what are the best dog breeds for kids?

Every dog breed has it’s own temperament and needs, as does every family. So choosing the right dog for your family is essential. It takes a bit of planning if you want to make sure you give a dog a secure future, with as little stress on the family as possible.

To make your decision a little easier, we have come up with a list of the best dog breeds for kids. So keep reading to narrow down your options and find out which dogs make great family pets?

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Bulldog

The Bulldog makes such a wonderful family pet. Firstly, they are adorable as puppies with their cute wrinkly bodies, big puppy dog eyes, and stubby noses. Your kids are bound to fall in love with a Bulldog puppy immediately. It will be love at first sight for the whole family.

Secondly, Bulldogs are known for being extremely patient, loyal, and affectionate. It means that they are likely to be gentle with your younger children.

It is an important consideration, of course, because young children may be prone to pulling on ears and falling onto the dog during play sessions.

Bulldogs are perfect for your children to grow up alongside, too. Since the bulldog gets bigger, it becomes even more sturdy and able to tolerate your growing child’s rough play.

What makes Bulldogs so perfect for many families is that it is a calm breed of dogs. Hence, it won’t require a tonne of exercise.

These dogs are perfect if you are the kind of family who likes to spend a lot of time at home, or in the garden having friends and family over for Sunday roasts and barbecues. Your Bulldog will be more than happy to laze around and be petted and admired by everyone.

Bulldogs do best in a busy social environment and are great not only with kids but also with other pets and any guests you want to invite over.

Bulldogs are not very big dogs, and so they can do well in both big houses and smaller apartments.

You don’t necessarily need a garden or have a park nearby. Bulldog will be more than happy to join you for a daily stroll or two, perhaps when you are dropping off and picking up the kids from school.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador is probably one of the best-known family pets. It is also one of the most popular and friendly breeds of dog.

Labradors are used as guide dogs for blind people for a good reason. They are loyal, patient, reliable, and protective.

Labradors are also extremely intelligent, which means they are easy to train. As a result, they can become very well behaved and obedient members of the family.

The labradors’ loving and predictable nature means that you can depend on and trust them in the company of your kids.

Labradors make the most adorable puppies, and they remain playful well into adulthood.

There are all sorts of colours to choose from, including yellow, black, and chocolate. But no matter what colour you decide on, you are sure to take home with you a pup that is going to grow into a beautiful adult dog, with plenty of stamina to help keep your whole family entertained.

Labrador activity requirements

Labradors are bred to retrieve. Hence, it makes them an excellent choice for families that love to spend time playing in the park with balls.

Playing fetch with your dog is a great way to bond and build a special relationship. Encouraging your children to play games like this with the family dog is fun and rewarding for everyone.

You should keep in mind that these dogs do require a lot of exercises to keep them happy and content at home and to avoid any unwanted or destructive behaviour.

However, for active families with playful children, this shouldn’t be a problem. Labs also love to swim. Swimming is indeed an excellent way for them to get the exercise they need, helping them to cool off in the summer too.

Labrador Retriever is also a very affordable and low maintenance breed. It will be happy with one good weekly combing to keep them clean and healthy.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Dachshund

If you live in a smaller house or city apartment, you may be on the lookout for a smaller dog breed for your family to enjoy. They say that a dachshund is a big dog in a little dog’s body.

Dachshund is also known as the sausage dog due to its long tubular body and short stubby legs. Daxies are incredibly cute and lovable as puppies and remain adorable as they grow up into adult dogs.

The temperament of the dachshund is kind, loving, and very tolerant, which makes them excellent companions for children.

The breeders originally created dachshunds as working dogs, so they have plenty of stamina despite their small size. They do very well in busy social households and love to get involved in whatever the family is doing.

If you would like to find out more, feel free to read our article on Dachshund Temperament.

Weiner dogs have lots of energy, but their little legs won’t take them very far. So if you are the kind of family that enjoys taking long-distance cross-country hiking trips, there may be more suitable breeds of dog for you.

Dachshunds do love adventure, though; especially excursions to new areas that will stimulate its keen sense of smell. They also love to play in the garden or the park.

Dachshunds are known for having a surprisingly loud bark, which you may appreciate if you are after a little watchdog for your home and family. They are highly trainable, so your older children can have lots of fun teaching them new tricks.

Watch out if your children have other pets, though, especially small critters like hamsters or rabbits, because your dachshund may not be able to contain his natural instincts.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Boxer

If you have high-energy kids, you may want to consider the Boxer. This breed is not for the faint-hearted, as they are relatively big, and not to mention strong dogs. It can make walkies a challenge if you aren’t on top of their early leash and reactivity training.

But these dogs are fiercely loyal and will protect you and your family – or at least make you feel protected. It can be reassuring to know that your kids have a big, tough-looking nanny watchdog looking out for them.

Boxers actually have quite a calm disposition and are very patient with children. On the other side, they also love to play, so your high-energy kids can go for it with this dog. They need plenty of exercises too, so make sure that this suits your family.

If you have a member of the family who likes to go for a jog, then your Boxer will make the ideal running partner.

They can have a stubborn streak, though. So if your dog isn’t in the mood or has his mindset on doing something else, you may have to accept it or learn to compromise.

If you have other pets, Boxers are usually well mannered when introduced correctly and taught how to behave around them.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Poodle

When people think of the Poodle, one of two images may come to mind. It is a posh lady with a posh pooch, or a circus performer.

These dogs certainly have a bit of class about them, and a funny look when they have been clipped in the traditional manner.

However, they are also super intelligent and make fun, loving, and entertaining pets for the family.

Very talented animals, Poodles are easy to train. Consequently, your children can learn all about animal behaviour by helping to teach the family dog good behaviour and an array of fun tricks.

Poodles have a dignified demeanour, and they are obedient and well behaved. However, you have to train the poodle correctly and give it the mental stimulation it needs in order to thrive.

The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!

Poodles are hypoallergenic

Poodles are also hypoallergenic, which means that they are ideal if someone in your family has an allergy.

It can be very frustrating for a family who wants desperately to have a dog if one family member makes it impossible because they are have sneezing fits every time the dog goes near them.

It is important to remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, of course. Still, it’s good to know that if someone in your family does suffer from allergies, a Poodle is less likely to affect them.

If you want to find out which dogs are considered non-shedding and therefore hypoallergenic, read our article on Non-shedding dog breeds.

Poodles have such wonderful natures, are very intelligent, and have a hypoallergenic coat.

Therefore, there are many trendy crossbreeds available now that have Poodle in them. For example, there is the Cockapoo, the Cavapoo, and the Jackapoo, to mention just a few.

It means that not only do you have the choice of the three sizes of Poodle available (toy, miniature, and standard). Now you also have the option of seeking out a dog that has the perfect blend of Poodle and whichever another dog breed you love.

Crossbreeds can be more expensive, though, especially if you are after a “trendy” one. They do all make wonderful family pets.

We would like to make a note about grooming routine. Poodles require regular grooming at home to prevent the thick, dense coat from matting. A matted fur can end up being very uncomfortable for the dog and may lead to other hygiene-related problems.

So keep in mind that someone in your family should be responsible for ensuring that your Poodle’s coat is kept tangle-free.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Spaniels

The Cocker Spaniel is a lovely medium-size family dog. They are beautiful to look at, playful, and very entertaining. They will bond strongly with your children if you teach them to be gentle and kind to the dog.

Unlike other types of Spaniels, which originated as working dogs, the Cocker Spaniel is happy with just a reasonable amount of daily exercise. In other words, they are an excellent match for domestic settings and lifestyles.

If you are looking for a slightly larger and livelier dog, you could go for a Springer Spaniel instead. The Springer Spaniel loves an active lifestyle and spending plenty of time outdoors. They also share many of the same traits as the Cocker Spaniel, making them perfect for families with children.

A smaller option that may suit older children or calmer families is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is a very gentle and quiet little dog that enjoys being groomed.

So if you have girls (or boys) who enjoy brushing dolls hair, then you will definitely be able to get them involved in you pet’s grooming. The kids will enjoy the process of keeping the family dog’s coat silky, clean, and healthy.

Cavaliers are not that interested in more boisterous styles of play, such as tug of war. However, due to its size and temperament, they do make a better option for urban family life.

They are especially suitable for children who are more sensitive and need a companion rather than a rough and tumble partner in crime.

Border Terrier

Border Terriers were bred to be small working dogs and people often describe them as “hard as nails” when hunting.

However, when you bring them in the family home, they are affectionate, good-tempered, and highly trainable pets.

They originated as country dogs, but they also do very well as city dogs, as long as they get plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. In other words, they need regular walks, lots of playtimes, training sessions, structure, and boundaries.

Border Terriers love to explore the outdoors. Consequently, keeping them busy and happy is as easy as letting them out in the garden to play with the kids. You can also take them to the park or woods for lots of sniffing and exploring in the bushes and grass.

However, be vigilant about cats and small animals like squirrels and your child’s pet rats. Border Terriers do have a strong instinct to hunt small furry animals that run away from them, and they may not be able to resist.

The great thing about Border Terriers is that although they have mountains of energy and zest for life, they do start to slow down as they get older.

You may recall seeing elderly folk strolling up and down the street on their morning walk with an older scruffy-looking Border Terrier.

So if you are raising a family a little later on in life, you can look forward to relaxing walks once your children have grown up and flown the nest, and you are a little older yourself.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Bull Terrier

By far one of the most comical dog breeds, the Bull Terrier, is a popular choice and a good one for families. They are mischievous and playful and will keep you on your toes (much like your kids probably do), so they are well-matched in temperament.

It is an entertaining family pet for sure, but Bull Terriers can also be stubborn and a little full-on. When you have a big family, this can take the pressure off, though. This way, you can sit back and enjoy the laughs with everyone else.

Bull Terriers are robust animals that can withstand all sorts of rough and tumble play. To end up with a wonderful family pet, you must offer your pup plenty of early socialisation with both other dogs and other humans.

You must also be firm and fair when training. Additionally, you should provide the dog with all the exercise it needs to burn energy so that it can relax in the home.

Bull Terriers are devoted creatures that will love you and your family wholeheartedly. They are faithful members of the family.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Collie

The Collie is famous for being very fond of children. You will probably think of Lassie when you think of a Collie, the fictional canine character on TV. Lassie is well known and well-loved for coming to the rescue in carefully crafted danger-plots.

Collie dogs are, of course, great with children and make wonderful family pets. They are very friendly, loyal, and sensitive.

They are also likely to bark in order to alert you when they get alarm signals. This trait can give you peace of mind knowing that your children have an extra layer of security.

The Collie is an athletic breed that will need plenty of exercise. On the other side, they love companionship too.

This dog will be more than happy to join you on longs walks after dinner and then settle down in the afternoon to spend time at home with the family.

Certain types of Collie do have a natural instinct to herd, and so you may find them trying to herd up your children!

It may look like them nipping at kiddies ankles in an attempt to direct them to when they need to be. It is what they were doing with sheep and other livestock when working as herd dogs.

Watch out for this if you want to get a Border collie, as the behaviour can be intimidating to young children who don’t understand what the dog is trying to do and might frighten them.

You should always make sure that your children are a part of your puppy’s training process.

Collies have a thick coat, which makes them great for cuddling, but a bit of a nightmare when it comes to shedding. However, they do keep themselves incredibly clean, so just invest in a robust hoover, and you’re good to go.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids: Pug

Pugs are an incredibly popular choice when it comes to pet dogs. They make marvellous family pets because they absolutely love human attention. They are incredibly affectionate and have the ability to keep the whole family happy and entertained with their love and clowning around.

Pugs are also fairly low-key, which makes them perfect for young kids, as some dog breeds can be overwhelming. It is a breed that will play like crazy and then is just as happy to snuggle up and sleep for hours.

Pugs are outgoing and very sociable dogs. As a result, you can take them anywhere and they will be sure to make friends – both doggie and human friends.

Pugs are also very easy to maintain. They only require a brushing each day to help remove loose shedding hairs and keep them looking good and healthy.

One thing to watch out for is their diet, as pugs tend to become obese. It may be a challenge in a busy family household where everyone wants to give the dog a treat.

You need to keep an eye on what your pug is eating throughout the day and also ensure that he gets enough exercise.

Vizsla

Vizslas are not only extremely handsome looking dogs they also possess all of the desirable traits suitable for being a family pet.

If you have an active family and you are looking for a dog that can keep up, then the Vizsla may be for you.

Adventure is in vizsla’s blood and it will love joining you on family camping trips or long hikes.

Because they are working dogs you will need to keep them busy if you want a happy and content well behaved family pet.

It isn’t difficult if you are like any other average family, though, as there is always something going on that the dog can get involved in.

For instance, it can be joining you on day trips to the seaside, picnics in the woods, or walking around town.

If you have older children who want to play an active part in this dog’s training and daily life, then go for it and get a Vizsla. Your dog will provide joy and stimulation for the whole family. It will also give your growing kids a real sense of responsibility.

Mutts & Rescues

Last but certainly not least, why not consider getting a mixed breed mutt, or even better, adopting a rescue dog from your local shelter?

Mutts and Rescues are usually a lot less money to purchase. However, you still get all the value, because mixed breeds are generally very well balanced dogs. Besides, they are intelligent, and have fewer health issues than pedigree breeds.

Rescue dogs offer you that added feel-good vibe because you and your family will know that you’ve given the dog a second chance at happiness.

When adopting a rescue dog you can be sure that the staff will only match you with a dog that is suitable for your family.

They are especially careful when it comes to placing rescue dogs with families with children.

You may not have the luxury of bringing home a puppy. Still, there are many benefits of starting with an older dog. They include not having to toilet train it, or not have to go through the challenging puberty stage. You will also enjoy the fact that the dog probably knows a fair few basic commands and behaviours like sit and recall.

It is because many rescue centres have professional trainers that come in to work on the rehabilitation of dogs.

Conclusion

Now that you have decided on the best dog breed for your family, the next step is finding a reputable breeder or rescue centre.

Don’t forget to look into puppy socialisation and basic training courses to give your new pup the best start in life, and set them up for success!

Did you have a dog breed in mind for your family before you started reading this article? Did you find yourself drawn to a different breed after considering your family’s lifestyle and the dog’s needs?

Tell us what dog you have decided to go for and why in the comments below…

Getting a dog is a very exciting experience, and you might want to learn about other types of dogs to choose from. In this case, you might be interested in reading our detailed articles “Best Guard Dog Breeds”, “Best Hunting Dogs”.