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Adopting a dog is a big decision. Dogs can teach kids responsibility and encourage family bonding. They can become loyal guard dogs, or they can just be the goofy, friendly dog everyone loves to spend time with.
However, not all dog breeds are kid friendly. Some dogs will become aggressive towards kids who won’t leave them alone and larger dogs can injure young children on accident because they aren’t aware they need to be careful not to knock them down.
While some dog breeds may not be good around kids, there are plenty of breeds that are excellent around kids. You just have to do some research to find the perfect dog breed for your family. Our list of best breeds for kids is a good place to start your search for the right dog.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. It’s said that their popularity soared due the ‘Airbud’ movies. However, they are a great family dog so it’s no surprise they sought after.
Golden Retrievers are patient, which is a quality that comes in handy when you have toddlers. They won’t freak out if your kid bumps into them. Since these dogs have a lot of energy, they also won’t mind being chased around. Therefore, they are a good match for energetic kids.
Furthermore, the Golden Retriever is loyal and friendly. So not only will they be a good dog for your kids, but they’ll respond well to your kid’s friends. Furthermore, they’re smart. Training them shouldn’t be too difficult if you keep their energy under control.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small to mid-size dog that has a lot of spunk. They don’t make good guard dogs because of their affectionate nature. If they bark when someone comes over, it’s probably because they are excited at seeing someone knew.
Therefore, the Cavalier is a great dog for kids. They love attention and tend to create strong attachments to their family members. You might even find your cavalier sleeping with your kids (although, some dogs have been known to snore pretty loudly).
Cavaliers also adapt well to living in apartments, townhouses, and other small living spaces. They tend to have a lot of energy, but they don’t need a lot of space to burn it off. Often, they’ll take a short run around the apartment to burn off a little bit of energy. You can also take them for a walk or two but they are usually seen as dogs for indoors.
Boxer
Boxers are highly energetic, when cause turn them into trouble makers. For example, they may dig holes in your yard or start barking if they feel ignored. However, their energy makes them great companions for kids. Although, it’s possible your kids may encourage troublemaking!
Besides being energetic, boxers are also affectionate. Their pack mentality causes them to bond quickly with their adopted family. Therefore, don’t be surprised if they stick close to their favorite family member. Furthermore, their loyalty makes them great guard dogs.
However, they are difficult to train and have been known to show aggression to unfamiliar dogs. They should do fine with other pets in the household, but you should try adopting a younger boxer. Young boxers are easier to socialize.
Beagle
Yet another energetic dog, Beagles are great dogs to have around children. They have a strong build, so even the most energetic kids will have a tough either time tiring them out. You won’t have to worry about bothersome kids injuring or annoying a beagle, as they don’t mind the attention.
Despite their high energy levels, beagles have been known to struggle with obesity. Therefore, it’s important to teach your kids not to give a beagle any extra food. They are also difficult to train, but it’s not impossible if you have a lot of patience.
While beagles are great with kids, keep in mind they are a lot to handle. They are rambunctious and get into trouble often. However, they are friendly and affectionate. Therefore, you can have visitors over, or adopt other pets, without having to worry about a beagle becoming aggressive or territorial.
Labrador Retriever
Like the golden retriever, the Labrador retriever is a great family dog. They love to swim and play fetch. They need to be played with and exercised often, otherwise they might decide to chew on furniture or other things you love. However, providing your lab with a box of chew toys can help curb unwanted, destructive chewing.
Labrador retrievers are good dogs to adopt, no matter how old your child is. They are patient and kind, so they’ll pretty much take whatever your kid throws at them. They may not show as much affection as a golden retriever, but they are still loving dogs.
They respond to training better than a golden retriever does. Occasionally you’ll find a lab with a stubborn attitude, but overall, they respond well to obedience training. Labs mature slower than other dogs, so your lab will be lovable and playful for many years.
Mutts
There are many dogs breeds that are excellent with kids. However, mutts come highly recommended. Mutts tend to have friendlier personalities than purebreds. They can also be healthier, depending on the types of breeds it is.
Why are mutts friendly and healthier? Often when breeds mix, the offspring won’t inherit the genes that lead to more serious genes. Harsher personalities are often bred out as well. However, this isn’t always the case.
Therefore, before adopting a mixed-breed dog, talk to your vet or a shelter worker. They can provide insight into the type of diseases and personalities you might end up be dealing with. Shelter volunteers are especially useful as they are familiar with the dog you decide to adopt.
Typically, medium-sized mutts are recommended for families with children. This is because large dogs can overwhelm small children or accidentally knock them over. Smaller dogs might be too small for you kids to play with, and could end up getting hurt if your kids play too rough.
Author Bio:
Anna Smith resides in beautiful Santa Monica, CA, where she works as a Pet Nutrition Expert in a leading retail pet store. She is responsible for nutritional strategies for different breeds and development of new products on the market in compliance with Association of American Feed Control Officials. Anna’s passions are education about proven methods and best practices in the industry and her dog Max, who is always well-fed. She also helps curate contents for DogsAholic.com.