6 Best Dog Breeds for Children
When adding a new dog to your family, deciding which dog breed is the right one for your family can be a tough one. This is particularly true if you have the well-being of your children to consider. For this reason, the AKC has complied a list of the best dog breeds for children. Here are a few of them.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labradors make perfect companions for children. Kind and gentle by nature, labs have friendly dispositions and are loyal to their owners.
They add a bit of fun to whatever environment they are in. Labs are made for playing outdoor games since they are easy to train and require lots of exercise.
Labradors are also commonly used as therapy dogs. This may be due to their calming and cheerful disposition.
Though Labs are not aggressive, they are very protective of their family, particularly of the children.
2. Bulldog
The same protective nature around your children is displayed by the Bulldog. Loyal to their family, the Bulldog will alert the family of danger.
They are known to have a compassionate, even maternal nature with the young children in their care.
Though Bulldogs lean more toward being a couch potato, they still require regular walks, which your children can join in on.
The Bulldog’s gentle demeanor and sometimes funny personalities keep the Bulldog in the top 5 most popular dogs list.
3. Golden Retriever
Loving and affectionate, the Golden Retriever has a similar personality as the Labrador Retriever. Children and other animals should feel safe around them.
Loyal to his family, Golden Retrievers are very eager to please. Because of this, they are easier to train.
Golden Retrievers are very active in nature, so they love playing for long periods of time. Their laid-back personality makes them ideal companions for even young children.
4. Beagle
Beagles are good with kids because they are very playful creatures. Curious and sweet, Beagles need to have lots of exercise and attention. If you have a house full of people to constantly play with your Beagle, this will keep him or her happy indeed!
Loving and friendly, Beagles are also very loyal to their families. Their unusually loud barks are heard when a suspicious person comes near your home.
Keep in mind that Beagles love to sniff with their noses so they will need time outdoors each day to investigate their surroundings. Daily walks with the family will help keep your Beagle healthy and happy.
5. Pug
Playful and affectionate with children, Pugs are a small breed that will bond easily with your family. Expressive, vibrant, and sometimes funny, Pugs are entertaining to their owners.
Relatively quiet when it comes to barking, Pugs usually don’t scare babies. As they have a rather even temperament, Pugs won’t likely snap at children or behave unpredictably.
In fact, Pugs are known for the way they will stick to your child’s side like glue. They will offer warmth and fun for your child all day long.
6. Collie
Very active in nature, Collies need lots of exercise to keep them happy and thriving. Good with older children, Collies should be supervised around small children and other dogs.
Collies may not be the best choice to be around babies because Collies are very vocal and enjoy barking. However, older children may enjoy the energetic jumping and barking of Collies.
Since Collies are herding dogs, they have a tendency to nip at your children’s heels and feet. This may be worrisome for a small child, so again, a Collie might be a better companion for an older child.