Are you looking for a new best friend that your entire family can enjoy? Or maybe you don’t have kids now, but want a dog that will adapt when a baby comes along. Perhaps you are hoping to do therapy work at children’s hospitals. Whatever your reasoning for wanting a kid-friendly dog, here is a list of 12 dog breeds to look for when selecting your new buddy. Remember, however, all dogs are individuals and personalities vary. In addition, training and experiences will affect how a dog is around children, regardless of his breed or temperament. It’s always a good idea to work with a dog trainer to make sure any dog you choose ends up being kid-friendly.
#1 – Labrador retriever
We all know this breed is good with kids. Just make sure they don’t knock them over or accidentally injure them with that always-in-motion tail.
#2 – Golden retriever
Another no brainer, the golden retriever is just sweet as can be. Like any big dog, you just have to watch they don’t knock your kids over, otherwise they are a great choice.
#3 – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This adorable retriever is not as well-known as it should be considering what sweet, happy dogs they are! They are smaller than a lab or a golden, making them a great size for kids.
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#4 – Beagle
The beagle can be tough to train (he follows that nose!), but they are good-natured and great with kids. I knew a 13-year-old who had trained her’s to do agility – it was hard work but the bond between those two was amazing.
#5 –French Bulldog
Everybody loves a Frenchie and they love everybody! I like to think of them as the “celebrities of the dog world” – they garner attention wherever they go and they LOVE it! Even from kids.
#6 – Standard Poodle
Poodles have a rep for being eager to please, intelligent and easy to train – all good qualities in a kid-friendly dog. The standard poodle tends to better with kids than the miniature, who can be shy around people.
#7 – Chesapeake Bay Retriever
If you go look at the AKC profile of the “Chessie” it says that 100% of Chesapeake Bay Retriever owners would say they are kid-friendly. The Chessie, like many other retrievers, is happy and loyal. They can be a bit harder to train, however, and they are protective of their family so proper socialization to strangers is necessary. (akc.org)
#8 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This adorable dog breed has a face that will make your heart melt and is definitely one a kid is going to love. They love a lap, are playful, and happy to have a kid give them attention as long as they don’t pull on those long, delicate ears!
#9 – Boxer
If you have high-energy kids, than the boxer is great kid-friendly dog. Your boxer will make sure your kids are well-worn out. Since a boxer is quite bouncy as a puppy, watch to make sure he doesn’t accidently knock your kids over or hit them in the face with those front paws. Adopting an older boxer might be a better choice.
#10 – Irish Setter
A sweet-natured dog, this breed also gets an 100% kid-friendly rating from owners. They are high-energy, so active kids will enjoy this breed very much. They are just a nice, all-round family dog (not to mention gorgeous!).
#11 – Greyhound
Don’t believe me? Go check out the Greyhound rescue. These retired racers are wonderful couch potatoes who just LOVE to cuddle! They are easy going and forgiving – perfect for kids.
#12 – Great Dane
Have you ever met a Dane that wasn’t just a complete love?? They are one of the sweetest breeds and love everybody they meet. These gently giants are definitely kid-friendly dogs – just make sure they don’t run over your kids when they are little.
Toledo, United States.
