If you have kids and are thinking about adding a puppy to the mix, think carefully about the most suitable dog breed for the household. Dogs and kids can work great together; dogs can help children learn responsibility,respect for all creatures, and even exhaust some of your child’s endless energy.
As you search for the perfect family dog, focus on breeds with gentle personalities. As you know, aggressive dogs and children don’t mix. For example, a Blue Heeler, although incredibly smart, is bred to control livestock by nipping at their heels. So if you have a kids, a Blue Heeler may attempt to herd your kids by nipping at their feet–not good (even though your dog is simply dog what’s programmed into her DNA).
Size and energy level should also be considered. Make sure the dog is large enough so that he won’t be injured by your child and visa versa. On a related note, a more active dog can tire your child out and your child can tire the dog…two birds with one stone!
Lastly, make sure the dog will be easy to train. You want to ensure the dog doesn’t jump on your child. You can even involve the whole family and allow your kids can to help train the dog; this ensures everyone is an active participant in the dog’s life.
Boys feeding a Doodle pup
1. Doodles
Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are new dogs specifically bred to be great with the family. Goldendoodles are a mix of golden retriever and poodle, while the Labradoodle is a Labrador mixed with poodle. Doodles are fluffy and cuddly, often resembling teddy bears or sweet little lambs. Additionally, with these hypoallergenic cuties, your kids will certainly get plenty of love. Doodles are smart, easy to train, energetic, and will likely get along with the entire household. They’re also great at playing ball, fetch, and water games.
Kids playing with a Poodle
2. Standard Poodle
Poodles make excellent dogs for children. Not only are they the basis for the Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, but they are also among the most intelligent breeds. Also hypoallergenic, poodles are so friendly and eager to please that they easily bond with every member of the family. They are easy to train, quick to please, and love to display their keen intellect with IQ games, trick training and regular exercise. In fact, as long as your poodle gets regular exercise, she will stay calm and content within your home.
A girl and her Collie
3. Collie
Collies are sweet, loyal and easy to train. In fact, one of the most famous dogs, Lassie, was a collie! This breed is also wonderful with children. But remember, this is a herding breed, and as puppies, Collies may display a herding instinct. With proper training, they should outgrow it. If you’re interested in a slightly smaller dog, consider the Collie’s miniature relative, the Shetland Sheep Dog. The Shetland is also loving, smart, and great for agility & obedience training. Both Collies and Shetlands will need to be trained, and vigorous daily exercise is a must.
Girls with their Basset friend
4. Basset Hound
Basset hounds are sweet, gentle peace-loving family dogs. Although not as easily trained as the other breeds, Bassets love to learn new tricks if food is involved. With a world-class nose, the Basset Hound’s rally cry might be, “Food!” or “Smell!” They love to sniff and may even ignore you when trailing a scent. Bassets have low energy and fit well within a low energy family. They are short but big boned…and sometimes big bellied.
A huggable Newfoundland
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are well known for their gentle dispositions. They are huge dogs (130-150 pounds) but are careful around kids. In fact, they are nicknamed “Gentle Giants”. Newfoundlands were originally working dogs, so they may see themselves as guardians over little children. This breed has also served as rescue dogs, so if your child falls into a lake, the Newfie might be the first one to jump in after them! (Please don’t test this though.) Be forewarned, they shed quite a bit, and their coat takes a lot of grooming!
For more information on other kid-friendly breeds, as well as some of our favorite training tips and family games, take a look at Colleen Pelar’s Living with Kids and Dogs.
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