I’ve always been a dog person and I can’t remember any time in my life where I did not have at least one furry friend as a companion. Dogs are great companions but they do need looking after so if your child utters the words “Mom, I want a dog please” you must know that if you agree, you and your child must be responsible and consistent once the new puppy arrives.
If you and your family do decide to get a dog, you are faced with deciding which breed is suited best for your child. Of course you want the child to be able to play with the dog without worrying that the dog may pose a danger or show aggression.
So which breed do you choose to best suit your family, from a huge variety of breeds?
Here’s our list of Top 15 dog breeds best suited for children:
1. Bulldogs
The Bulldog is a gentle and loving breed yet they can still make a great guard dog. They often used as a mascot for college and school sports teams – including Yale. The average weight of a bulldog is 50-55 pounds and has an average height of 12-16 inches.
One minor hitch of this breed is that it can snore pretty loudly.
2.Golden Retriever
This very popular breed is a great companion for your child. Golden Retrievers are kind, intelligent and they really love playing with children.
They are very energetic and respond very well to training.
They do however love to chew so your kids will need to be prepared to lose a few toys along the way.
3.Labrador Retriever
Another very popular family dog breed – Labradors are very friendly and known for their peaceful temperament. Very smart and affectionate to their owners, these dogs are very trainable and can play very well with children.
These dogs do shed a lot of hair.
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise puppies resemble little puffballs. They are a lot of fun and they absolutely love being around children. They have an enormous amount of energy and their average weight is between 10-18 pounds.
These dogs don’t shed a lot of hair, they do however require a lot of grooming.
5. Poodle
Poodles are loyal, playful and very intelligent dogs. They are very easy to train and love spending time with their owners.
They are lots of fun and love to do fun tricks.
If you or your child is allergy sufferers, this breed barely sheds any hair.
6.Daschund/Minature Daschund
Certainly my favourite breed – as I’ve been an owner of one for 12 years. Sometimes known as doxies or weiner dogs – these little ones have a spunky personality. Daschunds are extremely loyal to family members but can sometimes be unfriendly towards strangers – we call it “small-man syndrome”
The wire-breed sheds minimal hair and they don’t need much grooming.
7.Beagle
Beagles are very active, sociable and excellent company for your child. They are very affectionate, calm and they are quite intelligent. They have a good sense of smell so it’s very important to walk them on a leash as they are easily distracted and may get lost.
Beagles are prone to barking very loudly, so do remember this when you decide to welcome one into the family.
8.Newfoundland
Very well known in America, the Newfoundland is a large and loveable breed which has a very sweet nature.
They are great swimmers and have a heavy coat that comes in black, brown, grey or white and black which means they require daily grooming.
Extremely sociable, these dogs eagerly welcome strangers and are especially patient with children.
9.Maltese
Sweet and gentle, Maltese aim to please. They only weigh about 6-10 pounds hence they are very delicate dogs which require regular grooming.
They are extremely easy for your child to walk, however because they are so petite and delicate, caution must be taken so that your child doesn’t end up hurting them by accident.
10.Pug
Pugs are rather small in size but they have very big personalities. They are predominantly indoor dogs who enjoy lounging around with you on the couch – so they will do fine in an apartment.
They shed a lot of hair during winter and make humorous sounds similar to snorting or snoring.
11.Boston Terrier
Often referred to as a miniature version of a boxer, these black and white friends have a playful personality. They are easy to groom and have minimal shedding.
Boston terriers have a short nose, so they are prone to eye problems and breathing problems.
12.Boxer
Boxers are very affectionate and are really good with children. They have high energy and require daily exercise.
They are easily trainable and an excellent dog for your child to play with.
They are however prone to certain health problems such as epilepsy, cancer, knee problems, skin allergies, tumours, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and back issues.
13.Mutts
Growing up, I had the most adorable mixed breed and she brought me just as much happiness and love as my other pedigrees – if not more.
There are always gorgeous mixed-breed puppies and dogs available at local shelters. They come in all shapes and sizes and I believe are generally healthier than pedigrees.
14.Basset Hound
We currently have a basset as a family member and he just fits in perfectly!
Bassets are just the cutest but were actually bred to be hunting dogs. They are not as active as most other hunting dogs – in fact they are somewhat lazy.
They love the attention they get from children and will truly become your child’s best friend.
At times they can be stubborn – so they are not the easiest breed to train.
15. German Shepard
There is no way we can leave this breed off the list. They are amazing family dogs, easy to train and your children will have loads of fun.
Of course they shed a lot of hair so will require grooming.
German Shepard’s love learning new tricks which will keep your kids entertained all the way.