Experts agree that having a dog offers numerous benefits to young children. Not only does it teach them compassion, responsibility, and improve their activity levels, but there’s also evidence that having a dog can improve self-esteem and cognitive abilities. As if that wasn’t enough, the unconditional love of a dog will make a child feel accepted, and it’s not unusual for them to take their problems to a cherished pet.
But before anyone adopts a dog, it’s important to discuss their needs with a reputable breeder or shelter. They may be able to point out a dog that has the right temperament for a family, and one whose activity levels are a good match. And if a person has young children, it’s usually best to adopt an older dog, as they have more patience for the antics of toddlers.
In This Article
Meet the Dog
While the dogs on this list are usually great additions to any family, it’s still a good idea to have a child meet a dog before adoption. This will allow a parent to gauge the dog’s temperament and how it interacts with all members of the family.
If the dog doesn’t approach a child with a cheerful demeanor, and instead cowers or acts defensively, then there might be a problem. And if the dog is unwilling to play or share, this could also be a warning sign that the dog isn’t a great fit for a household with children in it.
The List
Listed below are the top twelve dogs for young children.
Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a diminutive dog that is perfectly happy to live in an apartment—as long as it’s still given regular exercise. Which makes it a perfect choice for a household with young children, as its size makes it easy to walk and it loves nothing more than a good game of fetch.
Bernese Mountain Dog
While large dogs may not be for everyone, these fluffy warm-hearted giants are known to adore children. They can grow to over 100 pounds, so before adopting one, make sure they’ll have enough space. And they also require a lot of exercise, so they do best with an active family.
Alaskan Malamute
A true pack dog, Alaskan Malamutes, only cares about making their companions (dog or human) happy. They were originally bred for use as sled dogs, so they require regular exercise and constant training. But when properly cared for, they are a loving dog that will form a powerful bond with children.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever has reigned as one of the most popular dogs for decades and it’s easy to see why—they love just about everyone they meet. And if you give these dogs a bit of attention, they’ll probably end up as your friend for life. However, it’s important to realize that these dogs need a lot of exercise, so be prepared for long walks every day.
Golden Retriever
Another extremely popular dog, golden retrievers, are probably the best-known family dog on this entire list. They’re incredibly smart and loyal companions, perfect for any household with kids. And while they’re happy to goof off or laze around the house for most of the day, they still love getting out for a walk, swim, or run. They’re pretty much up for any activity with their family.
Bulldog
If someone is looking for a dog that’s great with children and happy to snooze the day away, then the bulldog might be the perfect choice. Not only are they a loveable and gentle dog, but they don’t require nearly as much exercise as most of the other dogs on this list. And few children can resist their cute, wrinkled faces. Just remember that these dogs are prone to overheating with their short snout, so they need to be kept cool on hot days.
Pugs
Another wrinkled face favorite, the pug, is happiest when eating, sleeping, and cuddling with their family. While they’re a fair bit smaller than a bulldog, with most only weighing around 15 pounds, they require more exercise. But that doesn’t mean all of their activity has to be walks, as they love nothing more than playing outdoors with kids.
Beagle
Beagles love companionship more than anything, and they’ll often become a child’s shadow. They love being included in activities and are one of the friendliest dogs a family can find. Of course, they’re also known escape artists, so they need a well fenced backyard in case they see a squirrel or catch the scent of a neighbour’s barbecue.
Irish Setter
Few dogs can compare with the looks of an Irish setter, and they’re also noted for their athleticism and intelligence. While they are great around children, they do best only with very active families that will take them out for long walks and spend hours playing with them.
French Bulldog
A favorite among apartment dwellers and those with tiny backyards, French bulldogs are a quiet and low-maintenance dog perfect for almost any family. Though their small size does make them more prone to injury around toddlers who haven’t learned to be gentle yet. But they’re a perfect addition to any household with older children.
Newfoundland
A fluffy monster, the Newfoundland often weighs more than 150 pounds. And while their enormous size may, at first glance, make them seem a strange choice for this list, they have hearts of gold and are true gentle giants. In fact, most will watch over kids dutifully and keep them safe from any harm. Few people who have met these dogs can resist their charm.
Collie
Another classic family dog, collies, are incredibly smart and loving animals. And there is no stronger bond than between a collie and a child. They are fiercely loyal to their family, and like the Newfoundland dogs, they will often watch children like a hawk. And as an added bonus, they’re the perfect pet to have around in case anyone falls down a well.
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