7 great dog breeds for homes with children

Dogs are ideal playmates for your kids. They not only provide comfort and entertainment but also teach your children a sense of accountability, the value of teamwork, and many other lessons that will serve their development well. Dogs can also help in the reduction of stress levels, encourage them to engage in physical activities, and even contribute to kids' cognitive abilities.

But not all dog breeds are appropriate as pets in family situations. Some breeds find it stressful to live in a family with children, and others have a nature that is not safe for children at all. Children get rowdy and aloof dog breeds don't always have a tolerance for their antics.

So let's get right into our top dog picks for your home with kids. Of course a list about dogs for children without the beloved retrievers listed prominently would be sacrilege, so we'll start there.

Labrador Retriever

Life expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Height: 57 to 62 cm / 22.5 to 24.5 in

This is one of the best dogs a family of any configuration could ever have. As the saying goes, “A house is never lonely where a loving Labrador waits.”

They are not only good when dealing with young children, but they can also live well with other pets in your home. Whether you have a pet cat, fish, or bird, it doesn't matter -- the labrador retriever will see them as family members as well.

Labs love hugs (and even kisses) and will definitely return the favor when your child offers one, no matter how awkwardly. They are also smart and loyal which makes training easy.

Golden Retriever

Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Height: 72 to 80 cm / 28.5 to 31.5 in

Golden retrievers have very similar characteristics and temperament to that of labs. They are gentle and non-aggressive.

Golden retrievers have a tendency to get too active, but if trained properly they will be manageable balls of sunshine that your kids will adore. Being with a golden retriever always feels like home.

Beagle

Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Height: 46 to 56 cm / 18 to 22 in

The retriever breeds quickly and grows bigger than your kids, so if you're looking for breeds that are not too big, then beagles are one of your best bets. Their sizes make it fitting for children. Beagles can somehow get easily nervous and upset, but with the right training, they can be both a guard dog and a loyal friend to your kids. Time to get your kids their own Snoopy!

French Bulldog

Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Height: 28 to 30 cm / 11 to 12 in

French bulldogs may look uncanny at first glance. With its big ears and wrinkly facial features, who knows the popularity of this breed would get hyped up? Once you get a French bulldog of your own, you will soon find it hard to resist them and your kids will surely love this breed, too! French bulldogs come in small, manageable sizes and keep this size until they grow. Your children will surely love it if they will have pet dogs whom they can grow and get old together.

Pug

Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Height: 25 to 36 cm / 10 to 14 in

Another wrinkly but cute dog makes it to this list―a pug. Similar to French bulldogs, pugs also have uncanny facial features such as their short-muzzled faces, but you can’t deny that these very features are the ones that you will truly adore. Like the retriever breeds, pugs are also even-tempered, gentle, and can be balls of sunshine themselves. Also, they do not only get along with children but can also get along with other pets in your home. They can be quite the attention-seekers themselves, you won’t be able to resist having cuddles and snuggle sessions with them.

Bichon Frise

Life expectancy: 15 to 16 years
height: 23 to 28 cm / 9 to 11 in

What kind of child (or adult) wouldn’t adore this lovable fluff ball? This breed is perfect for families who have homes with limited spaces since it comes in really small sizes―almost like a stuffed toy that came to life. In fact, bichons are classified as exactly that; the toy dog type.

Like pugs, the Bichon Frise can be quite an attention-seeker -- and snuggle and cuddle hunters, too. They are also known to be cheerful dogs which makes them super fun to be with. If you are looking for a dog that can be with you and your kids primarily indoors, this breed is perfect for you as they are people-oriented and require constant company.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Height: 36 to 43 cm / 14 to 17 in

If you are in need of a highly sociable dog breed that you and your kids can easily get comfortable with, then consider the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Before this breed became a household pet, they were bred as guard dogs for herds which could probably be the reason why they are intent on keeping their owners company at all times.

But despite being bred as guard dogs, they can be rays of sunshine themselves and can be very active and spontaneous when it comes to playtime.

***

Choosing the best playmate for your home with kids is definitely not easy. What if you end up getting naturally aloof breeds such as the Huskies and the Chow-Chows? What if you get breeds who easily get illnesses such as diarrhea? What if you pick breeds that come in small sizes but with big attitudes such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians?

Stick with the tried and true, we say.

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  1. 4 years ago
    Wauf!

    Thank you for the post, Charles!

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