Ever wondered the best dog breeds for families with kids? Bringing a dog into your family is a big commitment, but it’s also a rewarding experience. The problem is with so many dog breeds how do you know which one is suitable for your family and for your children to be safe around. In this article, we’ll give you the best dog breeds which are great for families who may have young kids at home.
1. Golden Retriever
Considered as a great family dog and a great support dog, the golden retriever is loyal, friendly and patient with children. Some reasons why they make a great family pet include:
- Golden retrievers are calm and gentle in nature. They’re very tolerant of young children, which makes them a great fit for families.
- These dogs enjoy outdoor activities and are very energetic. This means they can keep up with your family. They enjoy playing fetch, running, or swimming and they love to be part of family adventures.
- Golden retrievers are easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. This can make it easier to teach them how to behave around children.
It’s important to note that regular exercise is necessary to keep them healthy and to prevent boredom. They also have longer coats which may need grooming on a regular basis.
2. Bernedoodle
A cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, the Bernedoodle is gaining popularity with families across the world. You can find bernedoodle puppies for sale in a few locations across the USA. Some of the reasons why they make great family pets include:
- They have a good temperament and are gentle, patient, and very good with kids. They inherit the loyal, calm demeanor of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
- While they enjoy playtime and need regular exercise, Bernedoodles tend to be more laid-back than some other breeds, making them adaptable to a variety of family lifestyles.
- These dogs are intelligent and easy to train. Socialization from an early age helps them develop into well-mannered adults who are great with children.
Depending on the poodle’s parent traits, Bernedoodles come with different coat types. They require regular grooming to prevent matting even though they don’t shed much. Daily walks and occasional playtime is required to keep them happy and healthy.
3. Labrador Retriever
Known for their loving, energetic, and tolerant personalities, Labradors are another top choice for families. Other reasons why they’re good for families with kids include:
- Labradors are gentle and patient with children, making them a fantastic option for families. They’re incredibly social and thrive in family environments.
- Labs are energetic and need regular physical activity, making them a great companion for active families. Swimming, hiking, and playing fetch are some of their favorite activities.
- Labradors are smart and eager to please, which makes training relatively easy. Their intelligence also makes them great for teaching fun tricks and commands that engage children in their care and exercise.
Labradors shed year-round and require consistent grooming. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are key to keeping them in optimal shape.
4. Beagle
A small-to-medium-sized breed, the Beagle brings a lot of fun and energy to family life. Their friendly nature makes them ideal for households with children. Other reasons why they make good family pets include:
- Beagles are sociable and get along well with both children and other dogs. They’re known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
- Beagles are energetic and enjoy playtime with kids. Their hunting instincts mean they love exploring outdoors, so they’ll need a fenced yard or regular walks.
- Beagles can be a little stubborn, but with patience and consistency, they can be well-trained. Using positive reinforcement methods works best with them.
Please note their short coat is low-maintenance, but they do shed. Regular exercise is important to prevent weight gain and boredom.
5. Collie
Collies are an intelligent dog breed which is gentle. They’re known for their loyalty to families, especially children. Some of the reasons why it’s good to have a Collie are:
- Collies are known for their gentle, friendly nature. They are protective of children and form deep bonds with their families.
- These dogs are active but not hyper. They enjoy playing outside and need regular physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.
- Collies are incredibly smart and excel in training, particularly when positive reinforcement techniques are used. They are quick learners, especially with basic commands and obedience.
Please note Collies, especially the long-haired variety, need regular grooming to maintain their coats. They also need room to run and exercise. Mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom.
Endnote
Finding a dog that fits into your family is important as it’s a lifelong commitment. Not only do you need to consider the size of the dog, but also its temperament and whether you have the ability to look after any additional needs it has, and what it’s going to need for food. If you have young kids consider getting a puppy so it grows up with the children.
