10 Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Many families considering adding a furry friend to their home wonder which dog breeds are best for children.

Many families considering adding a furry friend to their home wonder which dog breeds are best for children. While all dogs have the potential to be great with kids, some breeds are more likely to enjoy spending time with little ones than others.

Bringing a new furry friend into the family is a huge decision. Not only do you have to consider how you’re going to take care of it, but also how well you’re going to get along. This is particularly true if you already have another little tyke in your care.

Fortunately, plenty of puppies would make great pals for your kids! Getting a dog that can grow up with your child can help develop a child’s sense of responsibility, sociability, and compassion.

Here are 10 dog breeds that best fit to be a baby’s best friend and best dog breeds for children, based on size, energy level, and playfulness.

Cavoodle

The Cavoodle is Australia’s favorite dog and for good reason! They’re best known for being people-lovers. A Cavoodle will love spending quality time with your kid just as much as you do.

Maltese Shih Tzu

After a long day of playing and running around, your kids are going to want some cuddles with their pet and the Maltese Shih Tzu has a coat you’ll want to snuggle into all day. The puppy won’t mind though. They love being shown affection! And they’ll show it right back and then some.

Golden Retriever

One of the most popular dogs in the world, the Golden Retriever might as well be the golden standard for family dogs. Kind, energetic, and very loyal, they will form a bond with your kids from day one and will be their constant companion. Just make sure your kids are up for a lot of exercise!

Labrador Retriever

Protective and reliable, Labs are guard dogs with the biggest hearts. They may look intimidating to some, but that only helps with their protective nature. In the household, these dogs love to play and run around until you get tired! They’ll keep you on your feet but they’re so loveable, you’re going to like it that way.

Beagle

Cute and affectionate, the Beagle is what most people think of when they think “family dog,” which is why it’s not hard to find beagle puppies for sale. Relatively small, easy to care for, playful and curious, and a goofy personality that charms everyone, you really can’t go wrong with a popular choice like the Beagle. They love companionship, so don’t leave them alone for too long!

Irish Setter

If you thought Retriever dogs were active, the Irish Setter will set a new fitness standard for your kids and your entire family! Big and majestic, nothing quite matches the energy level of this sporty pup. If you think your kids have too much energy, an Irish Setter can more than fulfill their daily exercise needs. Just be ready to do some running of your own!

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle giants that have also earned a reputation for being “nanny dogs.” If you’ve seen Peter Pan, Nana the Newfoundland isn’t far off from her real-life counterparts! Caring, loyal, and highly intelligent, they will serve as both a playmate and a secondary protective figure in your kids’ lives.

Pug

Sometimes, you just want a pet that you can chill with while you sit on the couch and watch TV with the kids. Luckily, the Pug will happily oblige! Not quite as active or athletic as some of the other breeds on this list, the Pug is content with indoor playtime with the kids as its main form of exercise. But that’s no reason to keep it inside its whole life. A nice walk every weekend would do them and the kids a load of good!

Bichon Frise

What more can we say other than this dog is literally an adorable ball of white fluffy cuteness that you just can’t help but want to hug. Friendly, playful, and endlessly loveable, this little fluffer will be an instant hit with the kids! Whether they’re babies or toddlers, nobody can resist the charm of a Bichon Frise.

Collie

The Collie is more than just a looker. Beautiful, yes. But also graceful, gentle, and intelligent, these magnificent canines make great partners for your kiddie litter. They absolutely adore children and will indulge them in playtime and snuggle up to them after a long day. Collies gained some fame after the breed starred in the short story Lassie, and while it may be a work of fiction, a Collie’s loyalty is as true as they come.

Summary:

The dog breeds on this list all have some important things in common. They’re all friendly, loyal, and playful. Kids will love any of these dogs and you can hardly go wrong with any of them! We care for dogs much like we care for our own children, but the beautiful thing about them is they can show the same love and care to our kids as well.

If you’re ready to start looking for a puppy for your family, don’t forget to do your due diligence and get them from reputable and responsible breeders!