When choosing a pet dog for the entire family to enjoy it’s helpful to know the best dog breeds for children.
Some dogs are considered to be safe for families with children, especially smaller children. Other dogs are not recommended for children because their breed is known for being too aggressive towards humans and other dogs.
An ideal family dog you can count on to be friendly to children should be smart with a medium energy level. Very large dogs and breeds who are always active and boisterous are not recommended for families with toddlers.
Large, active dogs can easily overrun a small toddler or play rough without realizing their behavior is wrong. If possible, look for an adult dog that has been trained to play with children. Puppies are cute and small but require a lot of training before being allowed to play with small children.
Some of the best breeds for children include:
Golden Retriever
If ever a breed was affectionate to a fault, it’s the Golden Retriever. They are people dogs, pure and simple. If you’ve owned one like I have, there’s never any doubt that you’re the center of its universe. Golden owners and their dogs perfected the mutual admiration society.
They can sometimes be intimidating to small children because they greet everyone with lots of enthusiasm. Smaller children may not be too pleased about getting their faces licked all the time by this friendly breed of dog.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are also larger dogs, similar in size to a Golden Retriever. The breed is known to be intelligent and friendly making them very suitable for families with children in spite of their larger size.
Labradors have a high energy level that is ideal for families with older children, but they are quite adaptable to a family with toddlers also. The Labrador breed is very affectionate and protective of the entire family.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a medium sized dog that is ideal for families with children. These Bulldogs are very easy to train and are docile and playful around children. They are intelligent and affectionate pets.
Boxers
Boxers are a friendly dog breed that’s always happy to be around children. They aren’t aggressive with children of any age. Boxers require a good amount of exercise so it’s more suitable for families with older children or teenagers.
Collie
Collies are attentive and friendly dogs for children of any age. They are easy dogs to train and are able to adapt to a household with many children. The Collie has a medium energy level and doesn’t require too much exercise.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small sized dog that makes a great companion for children and the whole family. Bichons don’t require a lot of exercise and behave well around babies and toddlers.
Weimaraners
Weimaraners are smaller in size with great personalities and get along well with children. This breed is friendly and usually not aggressive when playing with children.
Beagle
Beagles are gentle and affectionate dogs and a very safe breed for families with children. Beagles can be stubborn little rascals but when trained properly they are faithful companions.
English Settler
Like a Labrador, English Settlers are affectionate pets and ideal for children of any age, despite their larger size. Settlers easily adapt to indoor life and don’t require as much exercise as other large dogs.
The English settler has a cheerful personality and makes a great play companion for children of any age.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large dogs but can be easily trained and they make great companions for children. This breed is known for its loyalty and playfulness.
No matter which dog breed you choose for your children, your kids must also be trained to play with their new pet appropriately. Any breed of dog can become aggressive if mistreated or if it feels threatened.
