Looking for a great dog companion for your kids? Here are 10 great big and small dog breeds for kids that our Norristown vets recommend that you consider for your family.
Picking the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
If you are looking for a canine companion for your children, it is critical to select a breed with characteristics that match your child's personality. Is your child looking for a pet to run around the yard with or a companion to cuddle up with on the couch?
Be sure to take available space at home into consideration also. Do you have loads of space or is your home on the tiny side?
Our team at Trooper Veterinary Hospital wants you to find the best family dog for your kids, so here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds.
1 - The Mutt
The perfect canine companion for your children could be waiting for you at the local animal shelter. Mixed-breed Mutts can make wonderful family dogs! These dogs can be just as good with children as purebred dogs, and they are less prone to genetic diseases and cost less to care for. If you're thinking about getting a mutt for your family, take your time visiting local animal shelters and be patient in your search for the right dog to fit in with your lifestyle. Often, shelter workers will be able to provide you with a doggie report card that details all of the known personality quirks of the dog you're interested in.2 - Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of fun weigh about 25 pounds or less and come with their own easy-care "tuxedo" coats. This charming small dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children of all ages, as it enjoys playing with children and going for short walks.3 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This lively but gentle breed's compact size of about 10-18 lbs makes it a great dog for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with children and other dogs. They can be both playful and cuddly, making them an ideal pet for children of all ages and energy levels.4 - Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a wonderful dog for children because it is gentle, loyal, and entertaining. Labs adore spending time with people - all people - and will quickly become your child's best friend. However, it is critical to ensure that labs get plenty of exercises or they may become mischievous. These dogs vary in size but typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.5 - Beagle
One of the best medium-sized dogs for family life is the Beagle. This medium-sized dog weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and enjoys spending time with its owners, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles are intelligent and loving dogs who can make excellent family pets if they receive adequate family interaction and exercise. Beagles are not suitable for families who spend a lot of time away from home.6 - Pug
These adorable little characters will delight your entire family! Pugs are content to simply eat and sleep. If your children are small or have low energy and would benefit from a dog that will play with them indoors before curling up beside them to watch TV, a Pug may be the perfect breed for your family. Weighing around 15 pounds, this is a breed that doesn't require much space and only needs a couple of short walks per day to be happy.7 - Newfoundland
Sweet, loyal, and patient are just a few words to describe this fluffy giant. This endearing breed has a genuine fondness for children and is often referred to as a 'nanny dog' due to its gentle patience with them. Weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, you'll need plenty of room if you want to get a Newfoundland for your family. It's also important to note that, like many giant breeds, Newfs have a relatively short life expectancy of only 8 to 10 years, whereas many small to medium dogs can live 15 to 20 years or even longer.
8 - Golden Retriever
The loyal Golden Retriever, which is affectionate, good with children, and playful with other dogs, can make an excellent dog for families with children of any age. This breed, with its dense, lustrous gold coat, is as much fun to cuddle as it is to play with. Golden retrievers are typically eager-to-please family dogs who are relatively simple to train. They approach life with a joyful and playful attitude, and they retain their youthful spirit well into adulthood. This breed typically weighs between 60 and 80 pounds and sheds moderately.
9 - The Standard Poodle
The standard poodle is an active, proud, and intelligent breed that can make an excellent family pet. Standard poodles, while known for their distinctive hairstyles, shed little and, with regular grooming, can look handsome whether clipped to breed standard or left natural. Poodles are generally easy to train, energetic, and fun-loving family dogs with a silly sense of humor. These dogs typically weigh 45-60 lbs and live 10-14 years.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
If you're looking for a large dog, your children will adore this sweet-natured fluffy breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh 70-100 pounds and, despite their size, have a reputation for being gentle with children. One word of caution: these big, beautiful dogs shed a lot.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.