Choosing a Pet: What Is the Best Dog for Kids?

From Lassie to Beethoven, child-friendly dogs warm our hearts. They provide company, protection, and compassion for our kids.

Dogs in schools even boosted the learning environment for students and teachers.

You need to choose the best dog for kids. Good family dogs are like furry child-minders. Others, not so much. 

We can help you choose the best dog breed for a pet. Read on to learn more about our canine companions.

How to Choose the Best Dog for Kids

You should think about the size of the breed, temperament, and energy levels. As you know, some breeds like to howl across Tampa all night. This is in their nature, but dog training can help.

Some breeds have separation anxiety. Possessiveness over toys, food, and space is also a factor. Supervise all dogs with kids, pets, and other dogs to be safe.

So what breed is the best pet dog for children?

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are intelligent, easy to train, and love kids. If you’ve ever seen Homeward Bound, this movie depicts golden retriever loyalty to a tee.

They are energetic, large, and need to exercise every day. They love fetch-style games. Their ‘soft-mouths’ make retrievers popular with small game hunters.

You need to brush them twice a week. They do bark, but goldens are not loud dogs. Golden retrievers are a perfect choice for good family dogs.

Labrador Retriever

Like golden retrievers, Labradors were bred to retrieve small game during a hunt. This gives them gentle mouths. They love to fetch, exercise and play with kids.

Labs have water-resistant coats and rudder tails. They are powerful swimmers. In 2021, 3 Labradors saved 14 people from drowning in Sperlonga, Italy.

Labradors take well to training. They shed with the seasons, but their short fur is easy to handle. Labs are one of the best dog breeds for pet owners.

Poodle

The quirky poodle strives for the best pet dog for children award. They are caring, intelligent, and like to play. They can be shy with strangers, but love those they know.

Mini poodles are ideal for smaller homes. Both mini and standard poodles are minimal shedders. But they can bark without training. 

Newfoundland

A Newfoundland is a gentle giant and an ideal dog for a family pet. They are patient, and their strength means they handle rough and tumble. Like Labradors, they are water rescue dogs and save people worldwide.

Newfoundlands need exercise and weekly brushing, but they are placid dogs. Their size means they need larger homes to be happy.

Rough Collie

Rough collies are the most famous farm breed in the World. Their intelligence and gentle nature make them good family dogs.

Rough collies need exercise every day. Their long coats need regular brushing.

They are loyal, child-friendly dogs and quick learners. Collies love playing games. The rough collie stars of 6 Lassie movies are proud examples!

Found Your New Family Friend? 

We hope our guide to the best dog for kids got your tails wagging. Other breeds for kids include bulldogs, bull terriers, beagles, Irish setters, and pugs. 

Think about cross-bred dogs too. Cross-breeds can have the best traits from two breeds. Whatever breed you choose, give them the training, care, and attention they deserve.

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