The Best Dog Breeds For Families With Children
Dogs provide young children with so many beneficial things: responsibility, cooperative play, boundary-setting, and of course, unconditional love. If you've got younger kids—say, between the ages of 5 and 10—then here are 15 of the best dog breeds for your growing family.
Golden Retriever
The lovable Golden Retriever is a fantastic playmate for kids—loyal, gentle, and protective, your kids can safely play with a Golden Retriever for many hours, thanks to the breed's energetic streak. If you plan on having a dog that will help your kids be more active, a Golden Retriever fits the bill.
Weimaraner
This German breed that began life as a hunting dog is now an excellent family companion. If you're able to properly exercise your Weimaraner with at least one walk per day, it will be a loyal companion for your kids. Its high levels of patience and tolerance make it perfect for your kids to learn about boundaries and proper behavior around dogs.
Alaskan Malamute
The gorgeous Alaskan Malamute is a gentle giant. Beware that they can sometimes reach a weight of above 80 pounds and are generally ~25 inches tall, so they may accidentally bowl over a little one. They're a very protective breed, but not otherwise aggressive and are perfect for kids that love to play outside as they have endless energy.
Beagle
Beagles were bred to be hunting dogs and while some of them still perform this role, they are also beloved family pets. Gentle and small in size, they make excellent kid companions. They have a happy-go-lucky demeanor and are curious and cheerful pups. They're not overly-attaching, so won't be following your kids around everywhere, but are happy to play when the time comes.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The lovable loaf that is a Bernese Mountain Dog does fantastically with young children. While they're larger in size (bear that in mind if you have small children), they're protective and make wonderful guard dogs—they were originally bred to perform guard duties in the Swiss mountains. However, remember that they are a working dog, so they'll need plenty of exercise.
American Bulldog
Don't let the American Bulldog's reputation put you off. The American Bully is a short-statured pup with lots of love to give. They're protective and loyal without a serious mean streak, as is often associated with dogs that look like Pitbull Terriers. However, the American Bully is a gentle pup that will provide great companionship for your kids.
Collie
Lassie, is that you? The decades spent as a cultural icon give the gorgeous Collie credence among American families. Loving and loyal with an energetic streak, Collies are wonderful dogs for those with kids. Be aware that they were bred as a herding dog, so will need to be trained to not 'nip' as that is their nature.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, or "Frenchie" for short, is an adorable loaf-shaped pup with a friendly, affable nature. Though they can be a little bark-y to start with, they're very good companion pups as they become very attached to their human family. If you're looking for the perfect companion for a smaller child, a Frenchie may fit the bill.
Pug
Another low-energy breed that's easily adaptable to a family unit is the Pug. Originally bred in China, the Pug became a symbol of the Dutch royal family for a period of time and is now firmly a family pet. A relatively low-maintenance breed, the Pug is a perfect companion for families that like to spend their time indoors, as Pugs don't quite have the energy or stamina to do much running around. If you have more active kids, consider a different breed like the Alaskan Malamute.
Löwchen
This small German breed is a loyal companion-style pup that doesn't shed—perfect for families with allergies. Löwchens are an affectionate and outgoing breed of dog, making them a joy to bring along on family outings. They tend to travel well, and only grow to be around 12-14 inches tall, which is perfect for families with smaller children.
Labrador Retriever
Like it's Golden Retriever cousin, the Labrador Retriever is frequently ranked among America's most popular dog breeds in the American Kennel Club's annual rankings. Despite being a medium size (perhaps not suitable for super-small kids), they're affectionate, loyal, and protective. They're also great with other dogs, in case you're looking for a companion for your existing family pup.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is an energetic and playful breed that's perfect for matching the energy of kids. If you're looking for a loving companion that's not aggressive, but will provide hours of playtime, then the Cocker Spaniel fits the bill.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is an easygoing, lovable pup with big ears (that your kids should never pull on). They're moderately energetic, but don't expect them to be bouncing from pillar-to-post for 18 hours a day. Basset Hounds do have a tendency to bark or howl from time to time, as they were bred to hunt and track a scent—bear this in mind if you have very young children that are still in their napping phase.
Boxer
The playful Boxer is perfect for kids between the ages of 5 and 10! They tend to be very energetic and hyperactive, so ensure that your family likes to spend time outside playing with the dog if you get a Boxer. They're also very loyal and affectionate, making them ideal companions for growing kids.
Airedale Terrier
The hyper-intelligent Airedale Terrier is fantastic for families who love a balance of work and play. Despite being a terrier-style breed, the Airedale isn't likely to be chasing rabbits down holes, but will let you know if there's a potential threat to your family—it's protective without being aggressive. A very tolerant and patient breed, Airedale Terriers are perfect for those with young kids who will grow alongside the dog.
If you've been looking for a perfect family companion for your kids, consider the above dog breeds. Do you have one of these breeds? How are they with your kids? Let us know if you think there's an 'ultimate' family dog.
