Choosing a breed of dog is a difficult choice. After all, there is so much to keep in mind, especially when there are children within the family! With so many possible breeds out there, it’s difficult to ascertain what the best dog breeds for families are.
Luckily, we’re here to help!
To save you some time analysing countless dog breeds to find what may work for your family, we’re going to take you through three dog breeds that have proven themselves to be great with kids. Let’s take a look!
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds – and for good reason!
These dogs have a reputation for being devoted family members. Intelligent and eager to please, this breed can be easily trained, making them a good choice for first-time owners too.
Labradors tend to be very patient with kids, happy to play or cuddle as the situation dictates.
However, keep in mind that this breed does require a lot of physical and mental stimulation! They need a lot of activity to be happy and a lack of it can cause problem behaviours.
Take proper care of them and they’ll be a fantastic family member that can get along with anyone, your kids included.
French Bulldog
Another hugely popular breed, the French Bulldog has taken the world by storm as of recent years, stealing the hearts of all who lay eyes upon them.
Not only are they astoundingly cute, but they also fit well into many families with kids. Their huge characters and capacity as natural entertainers make them to be a fun-filled companion!
The Frenchie especially needs good training though, as they do have quite the stubborn streak!
Keep in mind that the Frenchie has a significantly lower heat and exercise tolerance than most dogs, so be sure to make sure any play sessions with your kids don’t go on for too long or aren’t taking place in the hot outdoors.
Newfoundland
The most common word used to describe a Newfoundland would be “sweet”. The next most common would be “giant”!
Standing at up to 28 inches tall and weighing up to 150lb, the Newfoundland looks to be more bear than dog. But when you get to know them, you’ll find out they are much more akin to a teddy bear than a grizzly!
These breeds have a long history of being a nanny to children; they are incredibly affectionate, gentle, and devoted companions. Some say they have a natural affinity with kids.
However, you’ll have to be sure you have space for such a large dog before you go with this lovely breed!
Additionally, this is a breed that we’d only recommend for families with older kids; their size makes it easy for them to accidentally knock a toddler over.
Best Dog Breeds for Families – Where to Look Next
So, we’ve gone through three breeds that make up some of the best dog breeds for families. But everyone’s family situation is different.
If you are unsure if the breeds above would work in your family, we’d recommend you continue the search. After all, we’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg!
The UK Kennel Club has a fantastic directory on dog breeds, helping you to find breeds that may be right for you based on a few simple questions. You can check it out here!
Finally, remember that regardless of how good your breed is supposed to be with kids, always supervise your young children when they are interacting with the dog. It’s also a good idea to teach your children to be gentle when it comes to playing with your pooch.
We hope this article has helped you find the perfect breed for your family! If you ever need your new dog to be well-looked after during your next family holiday, remember we are always happy to help!