Dogs are the best playmates anyone could wish for and can teach children patience, compassion, and responsibility. But it’s always a good idea to do your homework on the breed of dog that would be best for your household and way of life before you adopt any puppy. While some dogs have calm, patient spirits better suited for tiny ones who might get startled by more lively creatures, others enjoy to wrestle with boisterous older children. Instead of getting a puppy, think about getting an older dog if you have young children at home. Older dogs tend to be more patient and relaxed than younger dogs, which is important for children who could yank on the tail or the ears. The American Kennel Club suggests these 20 family-friendly breeds as a wonderful place to start your pet adoption search because temperaments might vary depending on the specific animal.
Your living situation, schedule, degree of exercise, and financial situation can all influence how you choose your new furry friend. The workers of a shelter or rescue organization can assist you find creatures that will be a good fit if you’re adopting from them. When you bring a new pet into the family, make a strategy to teach your dog consistently and with a positive attitude. Bonus: Your youngster will gain from learning how to treat animals with respect and safety. To ensure that everyone can participate in the enjoyment, make sure to establish a family routine for walking, playing, feeding, and grooming. These kind, loving dog breeds will make it impossible for your team to envisage life without their canine companion.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
These cute and vivacious companions are created when you combine the portability of a toy breed with the vigor of a sporting one. These friendly, silky-furred companions get along with almost everyone they meet, including people with children and other canines. The heart-melting face and flowing hair are just a bonus.
2. Bernese Mountain Dogs
Consider a gentle giant like the Bernese Mountain Dog for households that like to dream large. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, yet beneath all that fluffy exterior lies a loving companion renowned for its patience with children.
3. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes, whether they are canine or human, will do anything to satisfy their pack. These strong puppies require a leader to establish a regular training and activity schedule because they were created to work as sled dogs. (This is the time to learn skijoring.) A devoted, amiable face and wagging feather duster tail will be your reward.
4. Boston Terrier
These friendly puppies weigh less than 25 pounds and have low-maintenance “tuxedo” coats. Like their name would imply, Boston Terriers are extremely tolerant of apartment life, however they do enjoy neighborhood walks and energetic games of fetch with the youngsters.
5. Labrador retrievers
There’s a good reason why they’ve remained the most well-liked dog breed for so long. Kids, adults, other pets, and pretty much everyone else are loved by labs. Don’t underestimate their high levels of energy, though; their lovely personality instantly makes them BFFs with anybody they encounter. This boisterous breed, which can weigh up to 80 pounds, requires rigorous activity every day.
6. Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers, another all-American favorite, truly live up to their reputation as the ideal family pet. They are quick learners and enjoy playing, running, swimming, and other physical activities. In exchange, they’ll provide you with a happy companionship and lots of humor. Better health and better feeling for your dog choose the opt for chewable dog food.
7. Bulldog
A devoted bulldog can be a better option for people who lead a more relaxed lifestyle. In addition to their frequent walks, these respectable dogs enjoy a good nap. However, if you reside in a warm climate, be careful because their short snouts render them susceptible to overheating despite their wrinkled mugs’ ability to charm you.
8. Pug
Pugs enjoy both eating and sleeping, just like people do. You must ensure they follow a regular diet (no table scraps allowed!) and get plenty of exercise, but if you’re looking for a sofa buddy to cuddle up with and watch movies with, look no further. This breed, which weighs around 15 pounds, doesn’t require a large backyard but does enjoy playing with children.
9. Beagle
Cute? Check. Friendly? Check? utterly endearing? Do a double check. Beagles undoubtedly thrive on company; these pack animals cannot survive long periods of time alone. Those beseeching looks could be concealing another difficulty: If the tiny dogs detect an alluring scent, they may develop into daring escape artists.
10. Irish Setter
Just picture strolling around the neighborhood in one of these stunning animals. Irish Setters are absolute show stoppers in addition to being talented athletes in their own right. It’s essential to lead an active lifestyle (and have access to countless tennis balls). This is a family exercise buddy that will inspire everyone to get moving.
11. French Bulldog
City dwellers appreciate these quiet, low-maintenance dogs; no backyard? No problem. Their diminutive stature and distinctive “bat ears” separate them physically from their larger bulldog cousins. The ideal Frenchie is attentive and fun while yet being adaptable and laid-back.
12. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon, one of the AKC’s tiniest dog breeds, can’t take as much roughhousing as some of the breeds on our list that are more robust. However, if your children are willing to engage in gentle play, they will be rewarded with a devoted, perceptive pet that has a lot of personality relative to its size.
13. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland can weigh a mind-blowing 100–150 pounds, which is at the other end of the size spectrum. Due to their patience and vigilant disposition, these gentle giants have developed quite a reputation as “nanny dogs” in addition to being excellent swimmers. If you have the space, their pleasant disposition will undoubtedly win you over.
14. Soft-Coated Wheat Terrier
Try one of these adorable puppies if shedding is really a worry. Even though no dog produces zero allergens, these silky-haired terriers develop what is known as a hypoallergenic coat, making them an excellent choice for anyone with mild fur allergies. What’s more, Wheatens make joyful, faithful pets who like vigorous play, especially chasing anything that move.
16. Poodle
The ultimate bespoke dog is the poodle. They are available in three colors and three sizes (normal, tiny, and toy) (black, white and apricot). While some people mistakenly believe them to be snobby dogs, they are actually real brainiacs who were developed for activity behind their fluffy hypoallergenic coat. Neither is the flashy display hairdo that originated from their original use as hunting dogs. Most owners choose the straightforward “sporting clip,” which requires much less upkeep.
17. Bichon Frise
Be aware that Bichons “work on the assumption that there are no strangers, simply friends they haven’t met yet,” according to the AKC, before you group them in with other little white dog breeds. In addition to their friendly disposition, they also have a low-shedding coat, which makes them the ideal pet for a family that enjoys having fun.
18. Vizsla
Consider getting a Vizla if you enjoy sporting dogs but want something a little different from the typical Lab or Golden Retriever. It is a native pointer that benefits greatly from rigorous workout but has a tender, loving temperament when not “working.” This dog will develop a tight attachment with its family; “alone time” is not in Vizla’s lexicon.
19. Cocker Spaniels
The Cocker Spaniel, the smallest dog in the athletic breeds, has some of the softest ears and the prettiest countenance. Cockers are little but energetic dogs that thrive with frequent walks and lots of playing, whether they are running around with children or other dogs.
20. A Mutt
Mutts may not be a recognized breed in and of themselves, but that doesn’t make them any less endearing or lovable. For assistance in locating a cute mixed-breed dog that would match with your family and lifestyle, contact your local animal shelter. By adopting a dog, you not only provide that dog a lifelong home, but you also give a shelter dog in need a place to stay.
