If you have kids and are thinking of bringing home a new dog, you might be wondering which dog breeds get along best with children. While individual temperaments will vary, here are a few dog breeds the vets at our Lisle animal hospital recommend for families with kids.
Choosing The Right Dog for Your Family
When it's time to select a dog breed for your family, it's important to look beyond the puppy dog eyes and wagging tail to consider essential factors including how much space and exercise the breed will need, and the breed's overall temperament.
Take time to find a dog that's appropriate for the space you live in, along with your family's energy level and how much time each family member is willing to dedicate to training your new furry companion. At Green Trails Animal Clinic, our vets often see dogs brought in by their loving families. To help you pick the best dog breed for kids, here is a list of a few of our favorites:
Pug
These adorable little pups savor their eating and sleeping time. If you've got small kids at home or children with lower energy levels, they may appreciate a pooch that will want to play indoors, then curl up to watch a movie.
Pugs weigh in at about 15 pounds and may be the right dog for your family if you don't have much space. They will also need only a couple of short walks per day.
Golden Retriever
Are your kids the kind that love to take a ball to the park for the afternoon?
They might like a pup that can learn new tricks. Golden Retrievers weigh anywhere from 55-75 pounds and are smart, friendly, loyal, confident and king, making them the perfect pooches for family life.
Newfoundland
Do you have a large home and would like a dog to help you fill it? If so, a huge Newfoundland might fit the bill for you and your family.
These sweet-natured, intelligent dogs are nicknamed 'Nature's babysitter' as they love to be around kids. Friendly, water-loving Newfoundlands can make fantastic family pets.
Irish Setter
Weighing around 65 lbs, this breed is more than just strikingly beautiful! These dogs are lively, intelligent and have a great sense of mischief.
Irish Setters love to chase balls, go for long runs, but also enjoy playing in the back yard with kids. High-energy kids will love spending time with this breed.
English Bulldog
Less energetic, this breed weighs in at about 50-55 lbs, making it suitable for smaller homes and apartments.
These dogs seek out social interactions with their people and will love cuddling up with the family to watch a movie and relax. English bulldogs make sweet, gentle and dependable family pets.
Boston Terrier
Checking in at just under 25 pounds, these people-loving dogs come with their own easy to care for "tuxedo" coats.
Content to play with the kids and go for short walks this charming dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children. Boston terriers are full of personality your kids will love.
Beagle
At between 18-30 lbs this medium sized breed craves spending time with its people, playing games, and going for walks.
These smart dogs can make very loving family pets when provided with plenty of family interaction and exercise. This is not the best breed for families who are out of the house a lot.
The Mutt
Mutts are mixed-breed dogs that can be fantastic family dogs! These dogs often come equipped with the best traits of many kid-friendly breeds such as a gentle loving nature and loyalty.
These dogs can be as good with children as purebred dogs, and tend to be less susceptible to genetic diseases, and less expensive visits to your animal clinic. The perfect breed for your child may be waiting for you at your local animal shelter.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At between 10-18 lbs, the portable size of this lively but gentle breed makes it ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
Cavaliers get along well with kids as well as other dogs, loving to play and snuggle in equal measure. These sweet-natured dogs can be great pets for kids of many energy levels and ages.
