Dogs have been a constant companion in a lot of households across the world. They have been by man’s side for thousands of years, with some reports claiming that the domestication of dogs dates back to as far as 40,000 years ago.
With all the puppy training in obedience school, dog whispering, and all kinds of lavish dog care we have today, we’ve come a long way since man first tamed and domesticated canines. Dogs are considered family in millions of homes worldwide, and children love them.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Dog
Since many smaller kids love animals — dogs in particular — how should parents choose which type of dog to get that will keep their children safe and protected?
Size
When you think about the size of the dog, you need to consider the size of your home that can accommodate the dog you’re getting.
Care
Animals come with different needs. So do dog breeds. While all of them will need proper grooming, some breeds require more attention than others.
Temperament
Similar to people, different dog breeds have unique personalities and traits that set them apart from others.
Energy Level
Do you want an easy-going dog to spend lazy afternoons with, or do you prefer one that you can take to the park and run and play with your kids?
Once you’ve determined your preferences for a family dog, it’s time to start looking for one.
Note: While there’s nothing wrong with buying purebred dogs, we highly recommend adopting a dog from a shelter or animal rescue.
10 Dog Breeds That Are Great for Families with Small Kids
- Labrador Retriever
One of the top family favorite breeds of dogs, labradors are terrific with humans, children, and other animals. They’re easy to train and quite intelligent that they make for good service and assistive dogs.
- Golden Retriever
A Golden Retriever is one of the most adaptable dogs you’ll find. They do well in a home of any size, even small apartments. They work great with kids, are easy to train, loving, fun, and sweet. They adapt well to all types of lifestyles, which is what makes them so popular.
- Bichon Frise
Bichons are cute and cuddly and make wonderful additions to any small family. They have the energy to keep up with a busy household and are friendly, loving companions to have tons of fun with.
- Dachshund
For a breed known for hunting badgers in the past centuries, Dachshunds — or wiener dogs — enjoy cuddling and giving lots of kisses. They may be small, but they pack a lot of spunky personalities that make them one of the best dogs for any family.
- Collie
Anybody who grew up watching Lassie and her adventures knows that Collies are great family dogs. Extremely loyal and highly intelligent, they can be very protective of the members of the family, especially children. That quality alone makes it an excellent addition to any household.
- Beagle
Beagles are some of the most adorable creatures on the planet. Their small size and gentle temperament make them ideal for any family. They enjoy being around humans and can live well with other pets under one roof. They’re curious nature sometimes gets them in trouble, so be prepared to chase after them once in a while. It’s okay. We could use the exercise anyway.
- Maltese
Fun-loving yet gentle. Playful yet sweet. If they were people, they would have the right balance of being introverts and extroverts. They love playing with kids but also enjoy some downtime inside the house. One of Maltese’s selling points is its ability to thrive in smaller spaces, so if you live in an apartment, a Maltese is a good choice for the family.
- Pug
Pugs may be game for some goofing around, but they also know how to be gentle around little children. They love being in the center of attention and are very friendly and affectionate, which doesn’t make them good guard dogs. But regardless, a pug is a great companion for kids, one that will steal your and your family’s hearts.
- Boxer
While boxers may have the appearance of a tough and mean dog, they are gentle giants. They adapt well to any living condition as long as you give it enough exercise. The thing is, even though they like to walk and exercise, they’re generally introverts, unlike other breeds of the same size.
- Mutts!
Lastly, while having purebred dogs is excellent, don’t count out dogs with mixed breeds. Think of it this way; you’re getting the adorable qualities of two breeds in just one dog. Plus, if you adopt a mutt from a shelter, you’re not only giving it another chance at life, you’re also saving the dog that will occupy its space at the rescue.
Now that we’ve covered what you need to know about choosing a dog and some of the ideal dog breeds for families, picking a pet for your kids to grow up with is a lot simpler and easier to do.
Meta title: 10 Ideal Dog Breeds for Families with Small Children
Meta description: Almost all children love animals, especially dogs. But not all dogs are safe for kids. Here are some breeds that are ideal for a family with little ones.
