These are the best dog breeds for families with kids
If you’re a parent looking for the perfect pooch to enjoy playtime with your young children, you may be wondering which breeds will tolerate children the best. But before you start looking at breeds, you should take some time to work out exactly what characteristics you’re looking for in a dog. For example, a large breed with tonnes of energy might have a great reputation with kids, but it’s no good getting a large dog with tonnes of energy if you live in a small apartment and your family prefers indoors activities rather than long walks or hikes.
Spend some time to really work out what size, energy level and temperament will suit your home and lifestyle, whether your dog will be indoors or outdoors, and if you can cater to an animal that requires lots of exercise, or just a little exercise. Furthermore, decide if you have the time for extra grooming and care needs, or not.
Once that’s done, you can start looking for a pup that has a good reputation with children, but will fit into your lifestyle so everyone is happy, including the dog.
Based on traits typical to the breed, here are some of the best canines for families with young kids.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet-tempered, playful, gentle and small, the cavalier adores being cuddled on laps and is dependent on human companionship. They require a couple of long daily walks and a fenced-in backyard to romp in. Without appropriate exercise they can become overweight and lethargic.
Golden retrievers
Friendly, smart, loyal and patient, the humble golden retriever is a classic family dog. Intelligent and easy to train, these dogs require a higher amount of activity, such as two walks a day and some solid playtime in the backyard.
Bulldogs
Known for their friendly demeanour and sense of humour bulldogs are typically a small breed, and a brief walk followed by a nap on the sofa will suit them fine.
Labradors
Loyal, lovable. Smart and friendly to all the Labrador is another popular family dog who is happiest when engaged in play with its family. They have tonnes of energy and can be clumsy, meaning they really aren’t suited to apartment life. These guys need a good run at least once a day and if they don’t get enough exercise, they an be destructive.
Boxers
Loyal and playful, boxers are fairly active and fun-loving, however you can find yourself with the odd couch-potato in this breed. They’re an intelligent breed who don’t like being left home alone, or getting too hot.
Beagles
A small to medium-sized scent hound,, the beagle was originally bred for hunting. They are gentle, even-tempered, easy to groom and make excellent companions for children. However, this animal needs a lot of exercise and a thoroughly fenced-in backyard as they are escape artists with selective hearing.
Pugs
Goofy, gentle, sociable and lazy, the pug requires only light exercise and is a small breed, suitable to urban living. But beware, their cute squashed facial features can be the cause for respiratory issues.
Poodle cross breeds
The rise of the labradoodle, groodle and goldendoodles are all massively popular, and for good reason. Labradors, golden retrievers and the like are affectionate and loyal pets, while poodles are intelligent and social. They require a little more activity and are energetic.
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