The Perfect Pooch
Leaving a pet with your kids can be beneficial in many ways. If you had a dog when you were a kid, you surely remember how important they were to your development. You’ll also reflect on the special bond you had with your dog friend back in your youth. Thus, if you’ve been on the fence about getting a pet for your kids, you should know that having one has been shown to have positive effects on their mental health and stress levels, especially dogs.
Dogs have been shown to positively influence children’s development by instilling responsibility, a schedule, and habits that will serve them well throughout their life. According to the research, children that are exposed to dogs throughout their first year of life have fewer general diseases. These children also had less respiratory tract illnesses and ear infections than non-pet owners.
It is true that a dog should never be left alone with a very young child. However, this is not because dogs are dangerous wild animals. Dogs can be hyperactive at best and unpredictable at worst if they feel threatened. Therefore, it is clear that some dog breeds shouldn’t be kept in homes with young children. If you have kids at home, it’s best to get some expert advice before choosing a dog breed. Read on to learn from the Sirwiss network of dog experts how to select the best dog for the family.
Top 10 Contenders
Dogs may be wonderful companions for children, providing them with a source of unconditional love as well as lessons in responsibility and teamwork. Your family’s lifestyle and the ages of your children should be taken into account while deciding on a dog. Some dog breeds are indefatigable in their patience, some are boundless in their enthusiasm for play, while yet others are inborn guardians. While it’s true that most dogs do well in a structured training environment, you may also need to spend some time instructing your children on how to properly engage with their new furry family member.
Here are some recommendations:
01. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are known for their devotion to their families. They are one of the calmest breeds of dog and one of the last to show aggression. They are kind, mild-mannered, and exceptionally bright canines. They are wonderful houseguests, getting along well with both children and other pets. They’re fine with being cuddled, patted, and prodded by curious kids. Their relaxed attitude is great for families with little ones. They like having a lot of room to run around in, so a house with a backyard is ideal.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 80 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellow
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
02. Boxer
Boxers are renowned to be friendly and sociable, making them ideal playmates for children. This dog has plenty of pep and can keep up with kids who are just as active and enthusiastic about the great outdoors. It has a silly, innocent charm that’s endearing to kids. Keep a cautious eye on it near young children as it may accidentally bump into them or even knock them over.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working (AKC)
HEIGHT: 20 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 70 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat with fawn and brindle as standard colors, standard markings include a black mask, black mask with white markings, and white markings
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
03. Golden Retriever
A golden retriever might be thought of as a Labrador retriever with longer, fluffier hair. They share a similar demeanor, being placid, easygoing, tolerant, and peaceful. If this breed doesn’t have an outlet for its boundless energy, it might become overstimulated and difficult to handle. It’s a breed that’s perfect for kids since it’s intelligent and active, and it loves playing games like fetch and other outdoor sports with kids.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 75 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length lustrous light to dark gold double coat
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
04. Poodle
Poodles are wonderful pets because of their intelligence and pleasant demeanor. Poodles have as much vitality as children. Poodles are lovable pets because they are tolerant, kind, and calm. You can also pick from three other sizes—miniature, regular, and toy. Because of its larger size and greater resilience to severe treatment, the standard poodle is the best option for families with children.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: Standard: over 15 inches; Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: 10 inches and under
WEIGHT: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds, Miniature: 15 to 18 pounds, Toy: 5 to 9 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense single coat; may be one of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, grey, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
05. Bishon Frise
This small cotton ball of a puppy is playful and not overly hyper most of the time. It has the warmth, wit, and vitality to match a child’s boundless enthusiasm. It’s a tiny dog, so it won’t scare or overwhelm younger siblings. But if a kid is too rough or boisterous, it might snap at them as a warning that they’re pushing it too far.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy and curly white hair (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream), resembles a cotton ball or powder puff
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 15 years
06. Beagle
Beagles are the dog breed made famous by “Snoopy.” These canines are kid-friendly since they are sociable, intelligent, and not too large. While some may be overly anxious, most take to training rather well. They are a friendly breed that thrives in human company, especially that of young ones. They are trustworthy and good at connecting with kids. Its unusual baying cry lets you know when someone is approaching, making it one of the greatest guard dogs for your little one. This dog’s high volume makes it a poor choice for napping babies and toddlers who are quickly roused by noise.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound (AKC)
HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 20 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coats in all hound colors, including but not limited to tricolor (tan, black, and white), red and white, and lemon and white
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
07. German Shepherd
The breed’s loyalty and protective instincts are second to none, but they need to be trained. In their younger years, German shepherds are very lively. When with loved ones, they can be soft and gentle, yet they tend to be distrustful of outsiders. They are highly trainable because of their high intelligence.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Herding (AKC)
HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: 60 to 100 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Double coat, comprised of a thick undercoat and a dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat with tan and black or red and black coloring
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7 to 10 years
08. Pug
Pugs are playful dogs that enjoy spending time with kids. Because of its brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, this dog needs brief bursts of activity interspersed with rest and snuggle time with its owners to avoid overheating. Families looking for a low-energy lap dog or cuddling buddy would love this breed.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy (AKC)
HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or black
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
09. Shetland Sheepdog
The “Lassie” dog, a collie, is very similar to a sheltie. They tend to get along well with kids of all sizes since they are mellow, patient, and tolerant. Shelties thrive when surrounded by people. The breed is kind and obedient with kids, but it will need training to overcome its herding and nipping instincts. Keep a close check on the kids and the dog to make sure they get along. Active kids could easily tire out the dog.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Herding (AKC)
HEIGHT: 13 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Double-coated with long, harsh outer coat and short, dense undercoat; black, sable, and blue merle, with white markings
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
10. Cavelier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavaliers are known for their welcoming nature. These toy-sized pups get along great with everyone, from kids to other canines. They are full of energy and enthusiasm for play, but they can also relax into a warm embrace when cuddling.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy (AKC)
HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: around 13 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail; four color varieties: tricolor, Blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
No matter their breed, all dogs possess personalities and idiosyncrasies. The needs, levels of vitality, and personalities of children also vary. When choosing from the best dogs for children and introducing a new pet into your home, it is necessary to use common sense regardless of the breed you select. Training your canine by a professional will add to the good nature of your dog.