Looking for a great dog companion for your kids? Here are 10 great big and small dog breeds for kids that our Seattle vets recommend that you consider for your family.
Picking the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
If you are looking for a canine companion for your children, it is critical to select a breed with characteristics that match your child's personality. Is your child looking for a pet to run around the yard with or a companion to cuddle up with on the couch?
Be sure to take available space at home into consideration also. Do you have loads of space or is your home on the tiny side?
Our team at Aurora Veterinary Hospital wants you to find the best family dog for your kids, so here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds.
1 - The Mutt
The ideal canine companion for your children may be waiting for you at your local animal shelter. Mutts of mixed breeds can make excellent family dogs! These dogs can be just as good with children as purebred dogs, and they are less susceptible to genetic diseases and require less care. If you're thinking about getting a mutt for your family, visit local animal shelters and be patient in your search for the right dog for your lifestyle. Often, shelter workers will be able to provide you with a doggie report card that details all of the dog's known personality quirks.2 - Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of fun weigh about 25 pounds or less and come with their own easy-care "tuxedo" coats. This charming small dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children of all ages, as it enjoys playing with children and going for short walks.3 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This lively but gentle breed's compact size of about 10-18 lbs makes it a great dog for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with children and other dogs. They can be both playful and cuddly, making them an ideal pet for children of all ages and energy levels.4 - Labrador Retriever
Because it is gentle, loyal, and entertaining, the Labrador Retriever is an excellent dog for children. Labrador retrievers enjoy spending time with people of all ages and will quickly become your child's best friend. It is critical, however, to ensure that labs get plenty of exercise or they may become mischievous. The size of these dogs varies, but they typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.5 - Beagle
The Beagle is one of the best medium-sized dogs for family life. This medium-sized dog weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and enjoys playing games and going for walks with its owners. Beagles are intelligent and loving dogs who can make great family pets if they get enough interaction and exercise. Beagles are not appropriate for families who spend a significant amount of time away from home.6 - Pug
Your entire family will enjoy these adorable little characters! Pugs are content with just eating and sleeping. A Pug may be the ideal breed for your family if your children are small or have low energy and would benefit from a dog that will play with them indoors before curling up beside them to watch TV. Weighing around 15 pounds, this breed does not require much space and is content with a couple of short walks per day.7 - Newfoundland
Sweet, loyal, and patient are just a few words to describe this fluffy giant. This endearing breed has a genuine fondness for children and is frequently referred to as a 'nanny dog' because of its gentle patience with them. If you want to get a Newfoundland for your family, you'll need plenty of space because they weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. It's also worth noting that, like many other giant breeds, Newfs have a relatively short life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, whereas many small to medium dogs can live for 15 to 20 years or even longer.
8 - Golden Retriever
The devoted Golden Retriever, who is affectionate, good with children, and playful with other dogs, can be an excellent dog for families with children of any age. With its dense, lustrous gold coat, this breed is as much fun to cuddle as it is to play with. Golden retrievers are typically eager-to-please family dogs that are easy to train. They approach life with a joyful and playful attitude, and their youthful spirit lasts well into adulthood. This breed weighs between 60 and 80 pounds on average and sheds moderately.
9 - The Standard Poodle
The standard poodle is a lively, self-assured, and intelligent breed that can make an excellent family pet. Standard poodles, while known for their distinctive hairstyles, shed little and can look handsome with regular grooming whether clipped to breed standard or left natural. Poodles are energetic, fun-loving family dogs with a silly sense of humor. These dogs usually weigh 45-60 pounds and live for 10-14 years.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
If you're looking for a large dog, your kids will adore this fluffy, sweet-natured breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh 70-100 pounds and have a reputation for being gentle with children, despite their size. One word of caution: these large, gorgeous dogs shed a lot.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.