Are you a family with young children and are looking for a new pet? A dog may be the perfect addition! Not only do dogs provide companionship, but they can also help keep your home safe.
In this blog post, we will discuss five dog breeds that are great for families with young children. These breeds are known for being friendly, gentle, and good with kids. So if you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family, read on!
How Owning Pets Can Benefit Kids
Pets provide many benefits to children. Children benefit physically by engaging in activities that require them to be active. Dogs need to exercise. Pet owners get outside more often.
Dogs are great companions for kids who need someone to talk to. They can teach kids about responsibility and how to follow through on things.
Owning a dog while having a family is a positive experience, but know there will always be friction with young children and dogs – plus lots of extra work and mess potential.
How to choose the right breed for a family
Dogs are great pets because they’re loyal, loving, and friendly.
Considerations before you even think of the breed include.
- Do you have enough room for a dog?
- Is there money for a dog’s ongoing expenses.
- With a busy family – how much time is free for training and playing with the dog?
- Is shedding a concern?
When adopting or rescuing ask as many questions as you want about the dog’s background, breed, observed behavior, health status, and vaccination status. Don’t forget to ask about the dog’s adoption history.
Ten Great Dog Breeds for Families
1. Labrador Retrievers
Labradors are friendly dogs that love people. They’re very loyal and obedient. They’re typically great with children and other pets. But some Labradors aren’t as friendly as others.
Some Labradors are shy – but some are aggressive towards strangers. You should never rely on breed standards when choosing a puppy.
2. Boxers
Boxer puppies are playful, energetic watch dogs who love kids and social activities. They love to play and need lots of exercise. Training commands early and using them frequently is ideal. These dogs DO like to jump or paw – which can scare very young children. These dogs love being involved in the action, which could overwhelm very young children.
Despite this – children and boxer dogs can be great friends. They are both playful and energetic.
3. Border Collies
Border Collies are energetic dogs who love learning new things. They’re smart and trainable. They’re also great family pets. Their energy level is HIGH which can suit an active family to a treat.
4. Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniel is a dog breed that is very friendly and playful. They are also very smart and easy to train. Their coat is very soft and smooth. Cocker Spaniels shed less than other breeds. They are active and energetic. They love children.
5. Bernese Mountain Dogs
A Bernese Mountain dog is a friendly, loving pet that makes an excellent companion for families. They love to be around people and other dogs. They also get along well with cats, but he needs to be kept away from them when they’re kittens.
They don’t shed much hair, and do shed some particularly in winter. They live up to 10 years but they are a giant breed – so expect 6-7 years average.
You could adopt or rescue a Bernedoodle instead – which is a Poodle X Bernese Mountain Dog mix. They live longer (because they are smaller and have Poodle genes) and can even be non-shedding.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgies
A playful, affectionate dog that loves to play and cuddle. They makes an excellent watchdog because he is always watching out for you. He sheds a lot, but it doesn’t bother him too much. He lives up to 13 years old.
7. Cockapoos
Cockapoos are a mix between two very docile breeds, the Cocker spaniel and a Poodle. They are great pets for families because of their friendly nature and medium size.
They love attention and socialization, and they will thrive in a family environment with children, plenty of attention, socialization, and positive reinforcement training.
8. Poodles [3 Sizes]
Poodles are smart and loving dogs who are rarely annoyed or bored. They’re proud and elegant, and they love children. Their hair is usually distinctive, but they come in both miniature and standard versions. Poodles are great for kids with allergies because they shed very little.
Standard poodles are obedient, smart, playful and fun. They get along well with children and other dogs. They are also known as lapdogs.
Miniature poodles are more independent than standard poodles. They are friendly and love attention. Their coats are long and fluffy. They are also called toy poodles.
Poodles DO however need regular grooming to maintain their healthy coats.
9. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are very friendly dogs that love to play. They are very patient and intelligent. They need lots of exercise but also enjoy playing.
Golden retrievers are very loyal dogs who are easy to train. You should brush them twice a week. Their coat needs to be brushed every two weeks.
10. Labrador Retriever
Labs are very smart dogs who need lots of exercises. They’re also great with children.
Labrador Retrievers are loyal, friendly, and energetic dogs that make great companions. They’re also very smart and trainable. Their short coats require regular grooming, but they don’t shed as often as some breeds.
Breeds to Avoid
Dogs of all breeds can be trained to accept children. Children should also learn to respect dogs. Dogs that have a breed history of being attack dogs are trickier and riskier. Akitas and Cane Corso’s are not recommended for most families.