You may be considering bringing home a puppy as a new addition to your family. But is there a breed that lives better with children than others? Here, our Bedford vets talk about what to look for in a furry friend and what the best dog breeds are for kids.
How to Choose a Dog For Your Famly
If you think it's time to add a companion to your life it can lead you to have many questions such as, what is the best dog breed for kids or should you get a small dog breed for your kids? If you think it's time to get your family a dog it will be important to consider more than just their general appearance. You will need to ensure that they are a good fit for your family.
When it comes to choosing the best dog breed for your kids you will need to keep a number of things in mind including the amount of exercise needed, their size and their temperament.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland make a good fit for those with a great deal of space to fill, and they will fill it well! Nicknamed 'Nature's babysitter', these sweet-natured, intelligent dogs love to be around kids. Water-loving and friendly Newfoundlands can make excellent family pets.
Irish Setter
Weighing around 65 lbs, this breed is more than just strikingly beautiful! These dogs are lively, intelligent, and have a great sense of mischief. Irish Setters are a good choice for those with a big backyard and kids that will love to run, play and play catch with these lovable canines. High-energy kids will love spending time with this breed.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are a great fit for families that enjoy training dogs and giving them loads of playtime. Ranging in weight from 55-75 lbs, Golden Retrievers are confident, friendly, smart, kind, and loyal, making them perfect for family life.
English Bulldog
Less energetic, this breed weighs in at about 50-55 lbs, making it suitable for smaller homes and apartments. English Bulldogs are a great fit for families that will both play and relax. This breed is happy to do both. English bulldogs make sweet, gentle, and dependable family pets.
Beagle
Between 18-30 lbs, this medium-sized breed craves spending time with its people, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles crave stimulation and will benefit from kids and families that are willing to provide them with ongoing mental and physical activities. This is not the best breed for families who are out of the house a lot.
Boston Terrier
Checking in at just under 25 pounds, these people-loving dogs come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. Content to play with the kids and go for short walks, this charming dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children. Boston terriers are full of personalities your kids will love.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At between 10-18 lbs, the portable size of this lively but gentle breed makes it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with kids as well as other dogs, loving to play and snuggle in equal measure. These sweet-natured dogs can be great pets for kids of many energy levels and ages.
Pug
These adorable little characters love to eat and sleep. If your kids are small, or lower energy and would appreciate a dog that will play indoors then curl up with them and watch tv, a pug may be the right breed for your family. At around 15 lbs, this is a breed that doesn't need much space just a couple of short walks each day.
The Mutt
Mutts are mixed-breed dogs that can be fantastic family dogs! These dogs often come equipped with the best traits of many kid-friendly breeds such as a gentle loving nature and loyalty.
These dogs can be as good with children as purebred dogs and tend to be less susceptible to genetic diseases, and are less expensive. The perfect breed for your child may be waiting for you at your local animal shelter.
Speak with your vet if you would like any advice or information prior to beginning the process of adding a new dog to your family.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.