Are you considering adding a dog to your family pack? It is a huge responsiblity, taking on the care of another creature, and you want to make sure you choose your next family member wisely. Especially with children, choosing a pet that will fit in with your family’s lifestyle is paramount.
Some dogs have quieter, gentle souls, and can be great for younger children who are first learning how to love and care for a pet. Other dog types are better suited for busy, active families with older children who want a dog to play with. A great start is to go through the American Kennel Association’s Dog Breed Selector quiz and answer a few questions that can point you in the right direction. Once you have an idea of the type of dog you are interested in, check out the below list of a few breeds and how they fare with children.
The Retriever
Both the Golden and Labrador Retriever tops the list of best animals for families with children. Energetic and loving, loyal and trainable, the labrador is eager to please, and will work to fit into your family’s lifestyle. However, most retrievers grow to be at least 60 pounds and do need a lot of exercise, so they don’t always best suit families who live in apartments or can’t walk and run their dog regularly.
The Bulldog
According to the American Kennel Club, the bulldog is one of the best choices. Its bulky frame is ideal for children who enjoying frolicking. Their weight and height can adapt to apartment living or large homes. As for their temperament, most bulldogs have a gentle demeanor even as they are known for their guarding skills.
Boxer
A boxer is another solid choice for a dog that is able to keep its calm around kids. They are a larger breed but yet they are a common fixture in families. The perfect pup with loads of energy to keep the young ones busy for hours. It has a smart and fun-loving temperment and is usually a very active dog, ranking 11th most popular dog by the American Kennel Club.
“It wasn’t until I was an adult, and had adopted my own dogs and cat, that I completely understood the person that I am.”
Beagle
It is not a coincidence that Snoopy is a beloved character! These hunting canines have the stamina it takes to play a game. They are small enough to be suitable for apartments, but exercise is needed so take them on daily walks to improve their quality of life. They tend to get wanderlust so a well-fenced yard or lead won’t cause them to dash off. The only drawback reported to owning these clever animals -frequent brushing and bathing.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are a hyper bunch and utter delights for playtime. If you have a big family, they love all the affection and desire to protect your offspring. Their tolerance for pain is high in case you have children who are not yet schooled on how to properly handle dogs.
Collie
Collies are also a welcome addition to families unfamiliar with dogs. Their typical demeanor is mild mannered, but some owners report that their background as herders cause them to attempt to herd your children. Proper training can help nip this in the bud by correcting this instinct. It can seem adorable, but can amount to a stressful environment for both your collie and your kid!
Don’t limit yourself to this list! These lovely pets have demonstrated their reliability and are guaranteed to bring excitement to your life, but only you understand your family’s needs. When looking for the best breed for your pack, do your research! If properly socialized and trained, all breeds – including mixed-breed pups – can make fine friends for your children.
Image by Alain Audet from Pixabay
If you enjoyed this post, you should read Things to Consider before Adding a Second Dog here.
What did you consider when bringing a dog into your family’s pack?
