The 11 Best Dogs for Kids

When getting a dog, people usually pay attention to a few characteristics that are the most important to make their final choice on which dog they should get. Most often those characteristics are the physical appearance of a dog (including dog’s grown to upsize, the length of the dog’s coat, etc.), possible health issues of a particular breed, whether the breed is easy to train, their temper, obedience (…).

When there is a child in the family, those important characteristics go on. For families with children, the most important thing about their future pets is the way the dog will behave around their child. Will the dog be patient, will the dog be friendly?

When properly trained, most dogs go along with children, but there are a few breeds that are considered to be the best choice for families with children. There are a few things you should do before searching for a dog.

1. The Golden Retriever

The Retriever is a very popular dog breed and the temperament of the Retriever is the hallmark of the breed. It is described in the standard as kindly, friendly and confident. Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets, particularly as they are patient with children. They are not "one-man dogs" and they love to feel like they are a part of the group. The typical Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, and with an exceptional eagerness to please people. 

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2. The Labrador Retriever

The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of dog and a favorite disability assistance breed in many countries. Labradors are an intelligent breed with a good work ethic and generally a good temperament. They are frequently trained to aid the blind, people with autism, to act as a therapy dog, or to perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. Their temperament is described as kind, pleasant, outgoing, and tractable nature. Labradors have a reputation as a very even-tempered breed and an excellent family dog. This includes a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals.

Labradors as a breed are curious and exploratory and love company, following both people and interesting scents so they can often "vanish" or otherwise become separated from their owners. This is why everyone who has a Labrador should keep an eye on them.

3. The Poodle

Poodles are known as a highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable breed. Poodles are highly trainable dogs that typically excel in obedience training. They have a kindly demeanor and a love of playing games that spark their interest in physical and social stimulation. Also, they do not shed and thus are considered to be the ideal choice for people living in apartments. Standard Poodles are the most highly recommended for families with children, but Miniature Poodles not so much - they tend to be very high-strung and not suitable for families with children.

4. The Beagle

The Beagle is a breed of small hound and very popular pet due to its size, good temper, and lack of inherited health problems. The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. They enjoy the company, and although they may initially be standoffish with strangers, they are easily won over. Beagles are intelligent but also single-minded and determined, which can make them hard to train.

Beagles are excellent with children and this is one of the reasons they have become popular family pets. They also generally get along well with cats and other dogs. They are not too demanding in regard to exercise, but regular exercise helps ward off the weight gain to which the breed is prone. But as beagles are pack animals, they are also prone to separation anxiety, a condition that causes them to destroy things when left unattended.

5. The Pug

The Pug is a breed of a dog with a charming personality. Pugs are strong-willed but rarely aggressive and are very suitable for families with children. Most of the breed is very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. Pugs are playful and thrive on human companionship and tend to be intuitive and sensitive to the moods of their owners and are usually eager to please them. Pugs are often called "shadows" because they follow their owners around and like to stay close to the action, craving attention and affection from their owners.

6. The Irish Setter

Irish Setters get along well with children, other dogs, and will enthusiastically greet visitors. Even though they do well with household pets, small animals may pose a problem for this breed, as they are a hunting breed. Some Irish Setters may have problems with cats in the house and maybe too rambunctious with small children.

The important thing to know is that Irish Setters are an active breed, and require long, daily walks and off-lead running in wide, open spaces. Irish Setters enjoy having a job to do. Lack of activity will lead to a bored, destructive, or even hyperactive dog. This is not a breed that can be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time, nor should they be. Irish Setters thrive on constant human companionship. 

7. The Bulldog

Bulldogs are very patient dogs and they don’t require a lot of exercise. This breed is kind, resolute, courageous, but stubborn. They are not vicious or aggressive. Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets because of their patient temper. 

8. The Border Collie

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent, extremely energetic, acrobatic, and athletic dog, often cited as the most intelligent of all domestic dogs.

Border Collies require considerably more daily physical exercise and mental stimulation than many other breeds. They are a very demanding, energetic, and playful breed, which enjoys being surrounded by people and children. The thing with Border Collies is that they thrive in households that can provide them with plenty of play and exercise, either with humans or other dogs. They are in constant need of mental stimulation and exercise and are prone to chew and scrape holes in walls and furniture, all due to boredom. They will become distressed and frustrated if left in isolation, ignored, or inactive.

9. The Bichon (Frise)

Bichons are a small breed, playful, feisty, affectionate, and generally happy. They love the company, are very social, and love to go everywhere with their owners. Bichons are adaptable companions that get on well with other dogs and children. Alert and curious, Bichons make nice little watchdogs—but they are lovers, not fighters, and operate under the assumption that there are no strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet. Bichons train nicely and enjoy performing for their loved ones.

10. The Vizsla

Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, children, and even strangers. They are sensitive and want to be close to their owner as much as possible. Vizslas will cry or whine when they feel neglected or are otherwise unhappy. They are very good guard dogs when trained to be so. They must be trained gently and without harsh commands or strong physical correction, as they have sensitive temperaments and can be easily damaged if trained too harshly. However, the owner must show quiet authority in training, otherwise, the dog is likely to take over the training session. Vizslas thrive on attention and interaction. Also, like all hunting dogs, they require a great deal of exercise to remain healthy and happy.

11. The Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are known for their giant size, intelligence, tremendous strength, calm dispositions, and loyalty. They are highly loyal and lovable. Therefore this breed is known as "the gentle giant". Because of their natural love of children, Newfoundland has been called “Nature’s Nannies.” While they can drool and shed a lot, and suit a family with large open spaces, they will also tend to wind up wherever the family is. Basically, they are gigantic, loveable furballs who desire nothing more than to keep watch on the members of their pack. 

If you are considering getting a dog, make sure you are dealing with a responsible breeder that is able to show you all certificates about his kennel and his dogs that confirm claims that it indeed is a responsible breeder whose kennel is accepted by relevant authorities.  

Here at World Dog Finder we work exclusively with breeders of the highest standards and require them to send us the necessary documents that show us they are registered with the FCI and their country's cynology association. If you are interested in buying a dog be sure to read all the things you should know before buying.

World Dog Finder team